Review of The Yellow Packard

What a suspense filled story!  There is so much going on in the story that you will not want to put it down till you read the ending!  I gave this book 4/5 stars.  I liked the plot and thought it was very well written.  It flowed from one scene to the next flawlessly.  There were some issues with some of the characters.  I just could not relate to all of them.  Usually you can get a feel for characters and empathize with them but a few of the characters in this story did nothing for me.  I think the plot could have done without a few of the extra characters and that would have made this a five star book!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Colonial Courtships

Colonial Courtships is written by various authors.

This book has four stories that take place in the 1700’s.  It is not a time period I often read about but I was pleasantly surprised at how well the authors described their settings.  I found each story to be thoughtful and the characters likeable.  I really enjoyed the male characters in these stories.  They were all written to be smart and likeable.

I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I liked the time period and the stories were each so different in plot!  The main characters conversations were all well written.  There was one story that dragged a bit; this was due to not enough conversation and too much introspection!  That said I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes reading short yet detailed love stories. 

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Cedar Creek Seasons

Cedar Creek Seasons is written by various authors.

I love these books published by Barbour!  The four stories in this book take place in Wisconsin.  Each story can be enjoyed alone but because the take place in the same town there is some cross over information.  I enjoyed each story but liked the last story the best.  In that story a woman comes back to town to help her Grandfather with his store and a man comes back and opens a shop a few doors down.  How they interact is written very well and their relationship is believable.  The authors’ descriptions are so well done.  I can’t wait to read more by her books and more by the other authors as well!

I gave this book 5/5 stars.  There is nothing negative to say about any of these stories.  The characters are all likable.  The story lines are interesting and kept me reading.  The setting was great and will make you want to get in your car and go find this friendly town.

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Home For Good

 Home For Good is written by Jessica Keller.

Ali has been raising her son alone until her husband walks back into her life.  Will she accept Jericho’s explanation and apology?  Will he be too late to regain her trust and help raise his son?  Will they reconnect?

I gave this book4/5 stars. I had a hard time connecting with the two main characters in this book.  I did not feel like they could be real people.  The main character Ali just did not seem strong; she is portrayed as a weak woman.  It did not feel like the author had the character down to perfection.  The other main character Jericho was better written but still had no appeal.  There was a small mystery but it did not add much to the story.  I did like how some of the relationships changed over the course of the book.  I thought the author did well at writing how those relationships progressed.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

ROCB: The Christmas Tugboat

Review of Children's Book The Christmas Tugboat

The subtitle to this book is How The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came To New York City.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  The illustrations are perfect and really help tell the story.  The story itself is exciting and will keep any child entertained.  At the end of the book there is a page with notes from the author and illustrator, make sure you read this page as well!  I will add that the text in this book is longer than most picture books.  It is a great story though and worth taking the time to read!

ROCB: Amelia Bedelia Sleeps Over

Review of Children's Book Amelia Bedelia Sleeps Over

This is another great book about Amelia Bedelia.  It is part of the I Can Read book set and is Step 1.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I think it is perfect for any little girl who is about to go on her first sleepover or for any child who is curious about what might happen.  I liked how the book was illustrated and how Amelia Bedelia was as silly as ever!  A great book for any girl to read!

ROCB: The Chicken Problem

Review of Children's Book The Chicken Problem

This is such a funny book!  I enjoyed the illustrations as well as the story itself.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  It not only is funny but also educational.  In the story she is counting 100 little chicks.  As she searches for them she counts how many she has found or how many she still needs.  It is not complicated but actually very easy to follow.  Kids will enjoy the story so much they will not even realize they are reading a book with a math problem in it!

ROCB: The Moogees Move House

Review of Children's Book The Moogees Move House

This is a great book about finding just the right house for a family.  I gave this book 5/5 stars for multiple reasons.  The illustrations are perfect with bright colors and fun characters.  The text of the story is funny and easy to follow.  I think this book would be great for any family about to move or even one that has recently moved. 

ROCB: My Snake Blake

Review of Children's Book My Snake Blake

The pictures in this book about a boy and his green snake are all red and green with the main pictures being mostly stick figures in style.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  It is an inventive story.  I found the text to be funny.  I think any little boy will enjoy the story as well as any child who interested in snakes. 

ROCB: A Few Bites

Review of Children's Book A Few Bites

I enjoyed the text of the story but did not especially enjoy the pictures.  It starts out as black and white pictures and then as the children begin to imagine that part of the page changes colors to all green tones or even all pink tones.  I gave this book 4/5 stars.  It was imaginative to have their thoughts pictured above them in the pictures however the drawings were confusing.  It is not one of my favorite books due to the illustrations.

ROCB: The Big Adventure of The Smalls

Review of Children's Book The Big Adventure of the Smalls

This story is about two small children who live in a big house.  There is about to be a big party at the house and they are sad they will miss the fun.  They decide to go over to the steps to take a peek at the action; instead they become part of the action!  I gave this book 4/5 stars.  I thought the story was cute and any child will enjoy reading about these two small children and their adventure the night of the party.  The pictures had great color but the pictures looked messy to me.  It was almost like you could not see the scene very clearly.  I still enjoyed the book just wish the pictures had been better.

ROCB: Me and Momma and Big John

Review of Children's Book Me and Momma and Big John

The Momma in this story is helping with a stone that will be placed on the Cathedral of Saint John in New York City.  The story is told from the viewpoint of her son.  There is a page at the end of the book that describes the history of the event being written about here.  I would recommend reading those two pages first; you will enjoy the story even more when you understand the history.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  The story was well written with just enough information to make it interesting and not boring to children.  The illustrations were very well for what was being presented.  I think this book would be great for a teacher to read to her students and for any child who enjoys history or even architecture. 

ROCB: The Herd Boy

Review of Children's Book The Herd Boy

Malusi is in charge of protecting the sheep and goats during the day.  He does the job with integrity.  He has dreams of a big future for himself and when anyone asks what he wants to do when he is older he tells them, President!  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I liked that this boy did well at the job he was given.  I enjoyed the illustrations.  I was very thankful for a list of words on a one page glossary in the back of the book.  Throughout the book there are words that are italicized; these words are listed in the glossary with their English meaning.  I think this book is great for showing that as long as you work hard you have a great chance at achieving your goals in life.

ROCB: Heroes of the Surf

Review of Children's Book Heroes of the Surf

This book is a great way to learn about the beginnings of the Coast Guard.  Told from the viewpoint of a little boy on a ship you can’t help but be drawn into the story.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I thought the illustrations, although a bit muted in color, were well drawn and really helped you see the story being told.  I think any young boy would enjoy reading this and any child who likes boats, rescues or the Coast Guard.

ROCB: Homer

Revieiw of Children's Book Homer

This book is about a dog who decides he is just going to sit on the porch all day.  As each member of the family goes past him to do something that day they ask if he wants to come along.  I gave this book 4/5 stars.  I thought the muted pictures were OK but did not add to the story.  I liked that the dog is content because of the family that he has.  I think all kids will enjoy reading about this lovable dog.

ROCB: Each Kindness

Review of Children's Book Each Kindness

This is a powerful book.  I would not recommend reading it to a younger child but maybe age 7 or older.  The story follows a girl who is not very nice to a new girl in school.  She makes some mistakes but is too late to apologize to the new girl who has to move away.  It is a sad yet meaningful story.  It will give your child something to think about the next time they are unpleasant towards another child their age.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I thought the lesson of being kind was well presented.

ROCB: Santa From Cincinnati

Review of Children's Book Santa From Cincinnati 

This story is the authors’ view of how a boy named Santa became The Santa.  It is a real entertaining story.  I enjoyed the pictures and thought they really helped make the story more exciting.  The story itself has some great moments.  When you read about all the toys he makes as a young boy and how they fill up his house you can just imagine how much fun that would be!  I gave this book 5/5 stars!  A must read for any child (or parent) who is a fan of Santa!

ROCB: The Insomniacs

Review of Children's Book The Insomniacs    

What a fun book!  The idea behind the book is a family that moves to a different time zone and is having a hard time adjusting to it.  The adjustment period causes them to be up all night and want to sleep during the day.  The bulk of the book is about what they see and encounter while awake at night.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  The illustrations are excellent.  They were done by two brothers known as the Brothers Hilts.  The book would not have had the same impact had there been different illustrations.  The story itself is great also.  I liked the whole book and would highly recommend this book for any child and it is fun to read with the family!

Review of The Reunion

The Reunion is written by Dan Walsh.

This is a powerful book!  It will linger with you even after you have put it down!  The characters develop and change over the course of the narrative.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  There is so much to this story that I can’t begin to explain it all as I would give away some of the best parts of the plot.  All I can say is if you are looking for a book that flows well, is an easy read and an impressive story, this is it!  I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great book to read!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of The Gifted

The Gifted is written by Ann Gabhart.

This is a typical story of will she leave the home and the beliefs she was raised with?  Will she stay with no regrets?  The main characters are not that likeable but the story is entertaining.  I gave this book 4/5 stars.  I just found it boring.  There were too many details.  Sometimes less is better and that really applies to this story.  That said I did enjoy the setting and time period it was set in.  I also thought the author’s research was well done. Her other books are just so much better.  If you do like her other books though you may enjoy this book more then I did!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of The Rancher's Secret Wife

 

The Rancher’s Secret Wife is written by Brenda Minton.

This is a charming love story!  You will really feel for and enjoy these characters.  Reese and Cheyenne only meet for a few hours before getting married.  When Reese comes back from war with some scars will he be willing to step up and take care of Cheyenne?  Will Cheyenne be willing to live with the Reese who has come back so different?

I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I enjoyed the two main characters.  I thought they were very well written.  It is a story that could actually take place and that made it even more enjoyable.  I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a romance that has depth but is also an easy read!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

ROCB: Blankie

Review of Children's Book Blankie



"A comically expressive tot pays tribute to the all-important Blankie in a bright, playful board book sure to have instant toddler appeal."

My Review:

This is a board book.  The background colors on each page are great and really help the pictures stand out.  The pictures are cartoonish but cute.  The story is simple; it is all about a child and his blanket.  If you have a child that takes his/her blanket with them or even if they have a certain toy that goes everywhere with them then this book is for you!  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I liked how the story was told from the child’s point of view.  I loved the minimal words and description of all the places the child takes his blanket.  A great board book!

ROCB: Baby's Best Friends

Review of Children's Book Baby's Best Friends


"Babies and best cuddly animal friends make an irresistible combination in this new board book from beloved photographer Rachael Hale!"

My Review:

This board book has adorable pictures of babies cuddling with different animals.  There are dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.  You will even see a bird and bunny!  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I loved the delightful babies and it is a perfect book for small children to hold and look through.   

ROCB: Huggy Kissy

Review of Children's Book:  Huggy Kissy by Leslie Patricelli

"When you’re an adorable bald baby, your family finds lots of ways to show you how much they love you: Mommy lifts you uppy, Daddy kisses you on the tummy, and everyone wants to snuggle. What’s not to love? With comedy and warmth, Leslie Patricelli offers a universal tribute to love and affection in a board book full of instant appeal for little valentines everywhere."

MY REVIEW:

This is a board book.  There are many other books by this author and you will enjoy all of them.  This particular one is about getting hugs and kisses.  I loved this cute book about showing love to those around you.  My favorite page is the last one where it shows eight different ways to give a hug or kiss.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  It is a perfect book to read with your child who loves hugs and kisses!

 

ROCB: Who Built the Stable?

Review of Children's Book Who Built The Stable?


"Who built the stable where Jesus lay? The answer is conveyed in this beautifully crafted picture book that envisions a young boy, a shepherd and carpenter both who, out of love and kindness, cleared the way for another shepherd and carpenter to be born on Christmas day."

My Review:

This book is actually a poem with pictures.  I would describe the pictures as looking like stain glass windows with rich blended colors.  All the characters are dark skinned, even Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.  The best part of the book is the pictures that go along with the poem.  The poem itself is well written.  You will need to remember the author has taken liberties with the Bible story.  The basis of the poem is describing how a little shepherd is the person who built the stable and showed the family where it was.    It is an interesting take on the Christmas story and I love the including of dark skinned characters.  I gave this book 5/5 stars as the pictures alone make this book worth reading!

ROCB: Happy Hanukkah, Curious George

Review of Children's Book Happy Hanukkah, Curious George


"It is the eighth night of Hanukkah, and George and his friends have gathered for a celebration. They light the menorah, spin the dreidel, make latkes, and learn the importance of mitzvah! In this tabbed board book, youngsters will even find a tasty latke recipe and instructions for constructing a dreidel, with rules for play. A festive foil-stamped cover makes this a fine holiday gift for fans of Curious George."

My Review:

This is a very informative yet fun book.  I liked the tabs as it divided the sections up into easy to understand sections.  I liked the rhyming of the words as it made it an entertaining read too.  The explanations of the different parts of a Hanukkah celebration were well illustrated.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I would recommend this book to anyone who has a child interested in what goes on at a Hanukkah celebration as well as any fan of Curious George.

ROCB: The Quiet Place

Review of Children's Book The Quiet Place


"When Isabel and her family move to the United States, Isabel misses all the things she left behind in Mexico, especially her aunt Lupita and hearing people speak Spanish. But she also experiences some wonderful new things--her first snow storm and a teacher who does not speak Spanish but has a big smile. Even better, Papa and her brother Chavo help her turn a big box into her own quiet place, where she keeps her books and toys and writes letters to Aunt Lupita. As she decorates and adds more and more on to her quiet place, it is here that Isabel feels the most at home in her new country while she learns to adjust to the changes in her life."

My Review:

Although this book is set in the 1950’s it will still resonate with children today.  The story follows a Spanish child moving to America.  She is lonely and trying to learn English so write letters back to her Aunt in Mexico.  Writing the letters in English is hard for her but it is helping her learn faster.  Throughout the story she talks about boxes and how she enjoys hiding in them and decorating them.  In the end they play a part in her feeling more welcome in the United States.  I liked the soft muted pictures and enjoyed the letters being from the viewpoint of the child.  I gave this book 5/5 stars because I enjoyed the book and think any child moving or going to a new location will enjoy this story!

ROCB: If I Built A House

Review of Children's Book If I Built A House

 

"Jack is ready to build the house of his dreams, complete with a racetrack, flying room, and gigantic slide. Jack's limitless creativity and infectious enthusiasm will inspire budding young inventors to imagine their own fantastical designs."

My Review:

I loved, loved, loved this book!  The illustrations are what make it a perfect book for all children to read.  The words exactly describe the pictures and they even rhyme!  It teaches kids to use their imaginations and it shows creative ways to do things (like having a jet dryer to dry you off after your shower).  It is creative, funny and entertaining and that is why I gave it a 5/5 stars!

ROCB: Here Comes Doctor Hippo

Review of Children's Book Here Comes Doctor Hippo



"Little Hippo loves to pretend, and today he is playing a doctor. He tries to examine Big Hippo, Very Tall Giraffe, Giant Crocodile, Elephant, and other patients. But not everyone plays the way Doctor Hippo expected. Especially not Lion. Lion does not want to play Doctor Hippo's game. When he lets out a huge roar, the little doctor races home to find that Mama Hippo's medicine is the best of all. Jonathan London's reassuring story is perfectly matched by Gilles Eduar's warm and whimsical illustrations."

My Review:

I enjoyed the character of Little Hippo.  He wakes up one day and decides he will play doctor.  He visits his friends and wants to check them out.  In the end his mom checks him out just like he checked his friends out.  It was very cute that in the last picture of the book you see that all the friends he checked on while playing doctor where actually his stuffed animal friends.  A delightful  book about using your imagination to play and shows a loving and caring relationship between a mom and child.  I also enjoyed the illustrations; they were well done and fit the story and that is why I gave this book 5/5 stars. 

ROCB: A Team Stays Together

Review of Children's Book A Team Stays Together



"When the Dungy family heads out to a football game, Mom and Dall tell all the kids, "Don't wander off!" but Jordan can't resist getting a closer look at the souvenir stand. But when he turns around to talk to his dad, he can't find his family! This book teachers an important lesson to children about paying attention and never wandering off on your own."


My Review:

This book shows a family at a football game.  One of the children wonders off but is later found.  The book is good for teaching about staying with your family when you go to a strange place.  I liked that the characters were African American; you don’t see many children’s books with characters of different ethnic groups.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I liked the illustrations; I thought the story was easy to follow and the book teaches a great principle.

Review of Diamond Secret

The Diamond Secret is written by Lenora Worth.

I enjoy all the Love Inspired Suspense books.  This author has written many books and any story by her is worth your reading time.  This particular book is not one of my favorites of hers but I would still recommend it!

I gave this book 4/5 stars.  It was suspenseful and had a bit of romance.  I did not like the characters as much as I thought I would though.  The story line was good with the intrigue of a search for a special diamond.  The romance was pretty typical for a Love Inspired novel.  Even though I did not enjoy the characters the suspense of the story made it worth reading. 

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Lakeside Family

Lakeside Family is written by Lisa Jordan.

Josie never told Nickolas she had a baby so when he hears from her that she needs her help with their child it comes as a shock.  This is how their relationship begins again, not that they really had one to begin with!  There is quite a bit of drama in this story with the existence of a sick child.

I gave this book 4/5 stars.  I have read many Love Inspired books and have enjoyed most of them.  This particular book did not have a great story line for me.  The main character of Josie was not that likable.  To me she did not come across as someone who I should cheer for or wanted to cheer for.  That is just my opinion though and may not be someone else’s who reads this same story. 

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Charity House Courtship

Charity House Courtship is written by Renee Ryan.

This author is a very good writer.  The story flows quickly and the characters are believable.  I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I liked how the relationship between Laney and Marc was written.  Their conversations were great; you could feel the tension in their words to each other.  I liked the setting too as it added to the story with it being an orphanage.  Laney needing the money and Marc being a way for her to get it added to the conflict in their growing relationship.  If you have not read any of these Love Inspired Historical novels this one is a great book to start with.  I enjoyed every page and read it in one sitting!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of The Big Book of Bible Answers

The Big Book Of Bible Answers is written by Ron Rhodes.

This book is a great resource for any Christian to have on their bookshelf.  The book contains questions that pertain to the inspiration of the Bible, is their truth to the miracles and even if there are any mistakes in the Bible.  The book is divided into orderly sections and each question is answered in easy to understand language.

I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who has questions about anything in the Bible.  The author takes on some pretty challenging questions and answers them very well and makes the issues discussed easier to understand. 

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Graceful

Graceful is written by Emily Freeman.

Oh how I wish this book had been around years ago!  This is an excellent book for any teen girl to read.  I would say any parent or teen leader should read it too.  It is written in a loving and easy to understand language.  Learning to love who you are just like the Lord loves you is a valuable lesson that all teenagers need to learn.

I gave this book 5/5 stars.  If you know a teenage girl please buy her this book, especially if you don’t think she needs it!  You never know what is going on in the life of your teenager and this book may have just the advice she needs for whatever is on her mind right now.  I highly recommend this book!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Debt-Proof Your Christmas

Debt Proof Your Christmas by Mary Hunt.

The author, Mary Hunt, is a well known financial adviser.  Her tips can really help you as you try to conserve your money while still making those around you happy with just the right gifts.

I gave this book 4/5 stars.  Part of this book is about ways to conserve money and part is about handmade and personal items you can make at Christmas time to save money.  I have read other books by Mary Hunt and this one is not my favorite.  It could have been shorter if she had just stuck with actual debt free tips and not all the gift ideas.  That said it is a helpful book and you cannot help but learn something from her many tips.

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Firefly Island

Firefly Island is written by Lisa Wingate.

This is another great book by Lisa Wingate.  I really enjoy that her characters are not always perfect or at least don’t always make just the right decisions.  If you have not read any of her books this one would be a good place to start. 

I gave this book 5/5 stars. I enjoyed this unique story.  I thought the author did an excellent job of creating characters that have depth and you enjoy reading about and cheering for!  The main character in the book is Mallory.  She is full of life and such a joy to read about.  Her interactions with people are what made this story so entertaining!  I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a book about real characters in real life situations. 

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Tracking Justice

Tracking Justice is written by Shirlee McCoy.

This book starts out with action and will keep you reading till you find out how everything comes together.  From a missing boy, to gunfire in the woods, to a tracking dog there is nothing in this story that will disappoint!

I gave this book 5/5 stars.  I liked the action and suspense.  I thought the interaction of Austin and Eva, the two main characters, was very well written and the conversations were believable.  Sometimes you can read a book and not get a feel for the characters personalities but this author did an excellent job of character development.  If you like suspense mixed in with romance you will enjoy this book!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Cowboy's Surprise Bride

The Cowboy’s Surprise Bride is by Linda Ford.

This book is one of the Love Inspired Historical books from the Love Inspired book collection.  There are so many great books and these written with historical romances have all been pretty good.  This particular book is about a couple who have never met and how they end up together is the whole of the story.  There are sub stories that are just as good as the main story!  You will definitely enjoy the interaction of the two main characters as they get to know each other. 

I gave this book 4/5 stars.  I thought the storyline was just typical, nothing unique about it so it just did not thrill me.  I did think it was fast moving and had parts that were entertaining.  If you are looking for a quick romance to read this would work fine. 

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading.  I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.