Friday, June 29, 2018

Book Review - Dear Substitute by by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

When their teacher Mrs. Giordano is sick and a new substitute teacher, Miss Pelly takes over, things are bound to go wrong.  A student writes in an epistolary poems format, explaining why Miss Pelly is doing things wrong and how she misses her teacher. 

I read this cute picture book to the tots I volunteered with. They thought the book was funny. However, I am not sure they grasped the entire message of the book until we discussed the book. The book had an interesting way to encourage children to try new experiences because they might enjoy it. A good book especially for children who are nervous in trying new things.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**



Title: DEAR SUBSTITUTE
Author: Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, &Chris Raschka (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: June 19, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 40
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksTBD

When a substitute teacher named Miss Pelly comes to class, one student bristles at the change in routine-Miss Pelly doesn't follow the rules like Mrs. Giordano. But in time, our student learns that even though the substitute may do things a little differently, and she may be a bit silly, mixing things up might not be so bad.

Told in a series of epistolary poems, this funny, relatable picturebook is a great fit for classrooms and for any child nervous about new experiences.

About Audrey:
Audrey grew up in Whitestone, New York, where she lived with her parents and two sisters and a not very bright small white dog. She has a freaky memory about the names of the kids in her class at P.S. 184Q, and even remembers where most of them stood in size order. 

She always loved to read and still rereads Harriet the Spy on a regular basis.  She was not one of those children who always knew she wanted to be a writer; she didn't love to write until college. She's been writing ever since. 

In addition to writing for children, Audrey has published more than a dozen short stories for adults in magazines and literary journals. She received an mfa from Sarah Lawrence College and has been honored with two fiction fellowships from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts. 

Audrey divides her time between writing (which is mostly spent revising) and visiting elementary schools to talk about writing and publishing. (For school visit info, click here.) She also speaks at conferences around the country. 

She lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family and a semi-smart medium-sized dog.



About Liz:
Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of numerous beloved books for young people, including the highly-acclaimed, Caldecott-honored picture book All the World, illustrated by Marla Frazee, and her debut novel for middle grade readers, The Great Good Summer, as well as The Good-Pie Party; Happy Birthday, Bunny!; Noodle & Lou, and several others. Ms. Scanlon is also a poet, a teacher and a frequent & popular presenter at schools, libraries and conferences. She grew up in Colorado and Wisconsin, and now lives with her husband and two daughters in Austin, Texas.


Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of DEAR SUBSTITUTE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week Two:
6/25/2018- BookHounds YAExcerpt
6/26/2018- RhythmicBooktrovertReview
6/27/2018- Book Dragon LairReview
6/28/2018- Beagles & BooksReview
6/29/2018- Two Points of InterestReview

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Book Review - The Selkie of San Francisco by Todd Calgi Gallicano + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

 When Sam London discovered that mythical creatures are real, he was recruited to be a part of the Department of Mythical Wildlife. The middle schooler is anxiously awaiting his next case. However, when a selkie arrives and makes a brazen appearance, Sam and his team will have to help figure out why the selkie is breaking protocol. As Sam dwells deeper into the case, he realizes the selkie has a peculiar interest in fashion's newest ingenue, Pearl Eklund. What is the selkie's interest in Pearl? Will Sam and his team be able to get to the bottom of this?

The book was a fun and exciting read. I love the bits of humor but also when they explained interesting facts about the mythical creatures. The novel is fast-paced and keeps delivering action. Overall, the perfect book for anyone who has a special interest in mythical creatures.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**


Title: THE SELKIE OF SAN FRANCISCO
Author: Todd Calgi Gallicano
Pub. Date: June 19, 2018
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 400
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksTBD

In the thrilling sequel to Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, an epic adventure novel that "is sure to keep lovers of Rick Riordan running to the shelves," Sam London dives headlong into his second case involving a selkie, a mysterious girl, and an ominous new threat to the mythical and human worlds ( School Library Journal )! 

Sam London didn't mean to uncover an ancient secret, but when he found out that mythical creatures are real and living in our national parks, he became the newest recruit to the Department of Mythical Wildlife. Ever since, the middle schooler has been anxiously awaiting the call for his next case . . . and it finally arrives with the brazen appearance of a selkie in San Francisco Bay.

Along with Dr. Vance Vantana and the guardian Tashi, Sam pursues the selkie, who has taken a peculiar interest in fashion's newest "it" girl and social media star, Pearl Eklund. But the closer he gets, the more questions emerge about Pearl's mysterious connection to the mythical world. Is she the long-lost hope for an entire civilization or the harbinger of its doom? It's up to Sam to find out the truth, and fast. . . . The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Praise for Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, Book One: 

"A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth." --Publishers Weekly

"So original and exciting. This is the best fantasy-adventure novel I have read in some time." --Martin Olson, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia


About Todd:
Todd Calgi Gallicano is the author of “Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw,” the first case in the Sam London Adventure series from the Files of the Department of Mythical Wildlife. A graduate of New York University’s School of Film and Television, Todd began his career in the film industry, before venturing into the world of books when he was provided secret files from the Department of Mythical Wildlife's archives.
Despite pressure from the news media and government, Mr. Gallicano remains tightlipped when it comes to questions about the DMW and his sources within the secret organization. He encourages fans of Sam London to learn more about mythical creatures and to visit and support our nation's majestic National Parks.
When he's not hammering out the next Sam London novel on his 1938 Royal Deluxe typewriter, Mr. Gallicano enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He resides with his family in North Carolina, where he is constantly on the lookout for gargoyles, chupacabras and other nefarious creatures.

Learn more at www.mythicalwildlife.com.



Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE SELKIE OF SAN FRANCISCO, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week Two:
6/25/2018- Books a Plenty Book ReviewsReview
6/26/2018- Christen KrummExcerpt
6/27/2018- Little Red ReadsReview
6/28/2018- Two points of interestReview
6/29/2018- A Dream Within A DreamExcerpt

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Book Review - Life According to Og the Frog by Betty G. Birney

Photo Credit - Amazon
 When Og the Frog comes to Room 26 because of an unruly neighbor, he is skeptical of his new "home". Og misses his friends back at the swamp but, he also remembers the many dangers of the swamp. He isn't used to noise and his new environment. However, he likes that he has a lot of time and ideas for his favorite pastimes. Og realizes that he has an impact on his fellow classmates. But, when he realizes that they are thinking of sending him back to the pond, he can't help to feel betrayed. Will Og be sent back to his pond? 

The book was a fun and endearing read. Og gave young readers an idea what it is like being a frog, especially, in new situations and environments. I like that it included facts about hamsters, frogs, and information about nature. It teaches readers about compassion, sympathy, and the value of friendship. I think it is the perfect book for any frog lover!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Book Review - To Claim Her Heart by by Jodie Wolfe + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
On the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays that God will lead him to his "Promised Land".  He wants to use his property to preach and as a way of honoring his deceased fiancée. However,  he didn't count on Elsie Elmer Smith on claiming the same plot. The plot is also Elsie's only hope for survival and it is a plot her pa marked for her. When they both refuse to move and bitterness between them sink in, will one of them give up their land?

I like the characters are both strong individuals who are searching for love. However, they are not willing to compromise on their character or goals. I like the historical details especially about the landrace and furnishings of their homes. I found this to be an enjoyable read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

Title: To Claim Her Heart
Author: Jodie Wolfe
Release Date: May 14, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays for God to guide him to his ‘Promised Land’. Finding property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring his deceased fiancee, but he didn’t count on Elmer (Elsie) Smith claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he sadly lacks.
Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith’s only hope for survival, but not just any plot will do. She has a specific one in mind. The plot’s not only a way to honor her pa and his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. Elsie’s willing to do whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and she determined to keep it, but she wasn’t planning on a kind, handsome preacher standing in her way.
Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has not intentions of allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land … or her heart.

About the Author

Jodie 
Jodie Wolfe got bitten by the writing bug as a young girl after reading and watching Little House on the Prairie. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. The power of story to influence lives and change hearts is what motivates her to weave tales that tell of the Savior’s faithfulness and forgiveness. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Fire!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cf88/to-claim-her-heart-celebration-tour

Monday, June 25, 2018

Book Review - Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio

Photo Credit - Amazon
When Maria Tontta receives news that her mother is dying, she travels back to her homeland with her beloved son, Nico. She finds herself missing her home and wanting to return back home. She is devastated when she learns her childhood home might be sold because the family is bankrupt. Maria finds herself torn between the love of her family back home and her new life with her family in America.  When Nico's biological father reappears in Nico's life, Maria is afraid that she will lose him too. Will Maria be able to let go past wrongs?

The book was an interesting read about a woman who conflicted with two separate desires. Maria tries to follow her heart but while abiding to God's will. Each of the characters are flawed and are in situations that they hope can be better. I enjoyed reading this book especially with the dynamic between Maria and Nico. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I just might!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Crystal Waters Winter Pear Scented Soap Petals


I got this as a set for the holidays. One of the junkiest thing I can get (while I do love the person who gave it to me, it just meh..should have given me the $5 instead). Excuse me, while I have a snob moment -- just because I like beauty products and I like sales, I don’t feel like I should get generic beauty products where everything is just off… Why? Because then you end up with shitty little things like these that take up the prime real estate. The glycerine soap petals are infused with soap that you would need one petal at a time to provide a generous lather. However, this is far from the case. The petals were impossible to remove and then they provided no lather and just turned into mush. I thought if I used the whole “flower” maybe I can get a decent lather going. Oh, how was I wrong! Instead the whole thing turned into “play-doh” consistency and fell apart into pieces, while sticking to my tub. It was probably one of the most useless products I ever used -- a complete waste of time and money. I am fearful of even trying the other products that came in this crappy kit.


**Apologies, I lost a few photos for some of my reviews when my memory card and then computer got damaged...**

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Book Review - The Painted Art Journal by Jeanne Oliver


Photo Credit - Amazon

I like to believe I am the creative type. Honestly, though, I am not very good at creating beautiful artwork or even "understanding" art. However, I am interested in journaling and creating scrapbooks. I thought this book would be a good starting point for creating a visual journal. The book was easy to follow and informative, even for beginners like me. The guide had 24 step-by-step projects with full cover photos along with art prompts to add my own special touches. I like that the book was comprehensive and detailed. I am not sure if I would be creating a journal (because I am not very creative!) but, this book provided a lot of inspiration.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Book Review - Tremors of Doubt by Lael Harrelson + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon
Callie Zimmerman wants more from the world that she is offered. She works in the mission field in Haiti but, she feels like she has a higher purpose. Callie is raised by her aunt and overprotective uncle, who believes that only the men can sere the community while, the women take care of the housework. Callie receives a letter from someone in the US, who knows about Callie and her parents who were excommunicated from the church. Then, her childhood friend, Noah expressed interest in marrying Callie. Callie struggles with staying home and starting a future with Noah or finding out more about her parents. Will Callie's past risk her future? Will Callie be able to find her happy ending?

I found the book to an interesting and encouraging read. I have been in situations where I don't know what the next steps would be and if following my heart would be leading me down the wrong path. It was interesting to read that Callie was contemplating so many different paths. However, it showed that if we have faith, the path we are meant to take will appear. I thought the book was well written and talk about very important topics such as domestic abuse and obedience.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Title: Tremors of Doubt
Author: Lael Harrelson
Genre: Contemporary Amish Alternative
Release Date: March 19, 2018
Would the will of God ever lead a young woman against the counsel of family and church? For a young Mennonite woman who wants to make a difference in the world, growing up on the mission field in Haiti should be the perfect fit. But not for Callie Zimmerman. Raised by her aunt and uncle after the death of her parents, Callie works beside her aunt cooking, cleaning and sewing each day as the men head off to serve the community. She longs to do more to alleviate the poverty and sickness that surrounds her, but tradition and her uncle forbid it. On the eve of her twenty-third birthday, struggling with hopelessness as another year passes, Callie pleads with God to open a door for her. The prayer has barely left her mouth when she finds a stack of letters with secrets about her parent’s deaths and their excommunication from the Mennonite church. Devastated, Callie cries herself to sleep, only to be awakened a few hours later by her uncle with the startling news the Noah Koehn has asked permission to court her. Is one of these the answer to her prayer? Would exploring her parents past mean losing a future with Noah? Is it worth the risk?



Raised by a fun loving, atheist single mom who struggled with depression and mental illness I spent my childhood backpacking around Europe, visiting yoga communes, eating vegan, living on a houseboat, then an old pony express outpost in the backwoods of Montana. My teen years took a drastic turn when my mom got saved, got married, and joined an ultra-conservative Mennonite church. Faith, step parents and unquestioning obedience is a dangerous combination when mixed with mental illness, legalism, and heavy handed physical correction.

I became a confused believer with a heart for Jesus but drowning under a sea of rules, regulations, and legalism. I became a missionary teacher and then a nurse and escaped to the mission field, the one avenue open to single women. I taught VBS on Indian reservations, led school for missionary children in Haiti and Africa. All around me was heartache and disease and glaring need. I longed to make a difference but was limited to working on the mission compound – teaching, cooking, cleaning. Work outside the walls of the compound was reserved for the men.

On a furlough, I met my future husband – a new believer who wasn’t looking for a door mat in a wife but a partner. As he grew in his faith, I reexamined mine and what Biblical womanhood looked like. Timidly at first, but then eagerly, as I discovered a new relationship with Jesus Christ based on grace and not performance. I left the Mennonite church and married the love of my life twenty years ago. We have five beautiful teenagers, two by birth and three through adoption from Haiti. My husband is adopted and God used my time in Haiti to prepare me to understand my children’s culture and language and ease their transitions home.

Two people in my family have mild Asperger’s and one has Reactive Attachment disorder, PTSD, and ODD. Our house is not a quiet, well greased machine but a chaotic, happy, crazy, nerve racking, love filled oasis where we all try to help each other grow and thrive. I am so thankful for my life – the good and the bad. I feel blessed to have experienced so many unique situations and to love and be loved by so many wonderful and eccentric people. It is from these experiences I draw the fiction stories I write. I like to think of them as fiction with grit – fast paced and entertaining stories that make you want to read till the very last page while at the same time tackling real life issues – legalism, abuse, divorce, adoption, Asperger syndrome, mental illness, etc.


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Lael is giving away a grand prize of an autographed copy of Tremors of Doubt, an adorable set of Amish dolls, a set of handwritten recipe cards with mouthwatering Amish recipes, a handmade Haitian bracelet made by Haitian students, a pound of nationally acclaimed Haitian coffee, a bar of rich Haitian chocolate, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/d06c/tremors-of-doubt-celebration-tour-giveaway