Book Review: The Secret of the Shamrock

This book helps kids learn about the life of Saints. In this book Patrick gets in trouble so he and his family become a part of the Saturday cleaning team. Before he really gets started though he goes back in time where he meet St. Patrick
This is an engaging book for children to read. I know that I enjoyed it also.

Book Review: The Book of What If...?

I was given this book by NetGalley and Beyond Words Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
As a Grandmother and a former teacher, I enjoy books that encourage children to explore their world. This book is filled with questions that will get them wondering, then exploring. These children are the ones that will learn to think on their own.
The questions are open ended and fun. The children learn how to use critical thinking skills. They can then turn to a notebook to put their ideas down. They could also begin a discussion within their circle of friends or family members.
The different sections include history, people, stuff and nature. This would be a fun book for children, teachers, parents and grandparents to be introduced to. I cannot help but to give this book the highest rating. Check it out.

Book Review: Trespassing Across America

This is a beautiful book. I had not read anything by this author before so I was tentative about reading it. However, Ilgunas was able to write about each of our states and why many people have hope for the pipeline. He writes about the splendor of the Great Plains and more. He talks about the wide open spaces and how it feels to touch the grass. He raises questions as to what will happen if we become so dependent on oil and don't learn to be more sustainable.
The author was anti-pipeline but he did not raise a stink about it with others, which I was able to relate to very much. I may argue with my husband but with others I tend to stay quiet and let them talk and then I vent later.
I loved this book and I recommend it to all who like this country's beauty.

Book Review: The One You Really Want Jill Mansell

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book was a fun book to read.
Nancy received a red, riding lawnmower from her husband for Christmas. This was not the present she thought she was gong to get. She had seen some very nice jewelry however, she realizes, that must be for someone else. When she tells her best friend Carmen, Carmen isn't surprised at all, but then again Jonathan was not one of her favorite people. She talks Nancy into leaving Edinburgh and coming to London where she could live in her flat. While there Nancy meets Connor O'Shea, Carmen's neighbor, along with his daughter Mia, who is trying to bring these two together. Nancy is not sure this would be the best move.
As I said I had fun reading it from the first page. All about finding a companion, Jill Mansell was able to create lovable characters who show their humanity throughout the book. I felt like I was a part of this book and was a fly on the wall. Jill Mansell is a wonderful writer. 

Book Review: Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Different versions of fairy tales intrigue me. This one has Red being fearless, unless there is magic involved. Now she has to turn to it to try to help her granny, who is ill.
She asks Goldie to help her. Goldie is blond and likes trying porridge. Together they go through the dwarves' caverns to come to a haunted well and a castle that belongs to a beast. Unbeknownst to them a wolf and a  huntsman are on their heels.
I love this take on the story. I know my grandchildren would take to it right away. There are enough surprises to keep them reading to the end.


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Book review: Cupcakes for Christmas

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I always enjoy a fun Christmas book and when it is mixed with cupcakes, who can say no?
This is a part of a series but I was able to read, understand and enjoy it even though I had not read the other books in the series.
Olivia James owns a tea and sweet shop which had previously been her mother. Olivia has been enjoying the adventure of running this little shop by herself and experimenting with different flavors. When Simon Blacklock comes across this shop she finds she enjoys his personality. At the end of the visit, after he promised he would be back, she found herself looking forward to his next time.
I enjoyed both of the main characters of this book and the way Hewitt has them meet made my heart swell. This does not mean that all went smoothly for the two. The author was able to create realistic issues that they both have to deal with, which make them stronger in the end. I will try to read more books by this author in the future.





Cupcakes for Christmas is the type of book that is just as much heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. The couple within this story were both immediately likable and their meeting and getting to know one another quite sweet. Both however have issues in their lives that are quite heartbreaking and bringing that into each other’s lives only made them seem stronger so overall I found this quite the touching read with a bit heavier subject matter.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Book Review: Camp Rolling Hills 2

I was given this book by Abram kids in exchange for my honest review:
The first Camp Rolling Hills book was a huge success with me and this one, Crossing Over. is just as good.
Each of the characters in this book are well-rounded and Davidowitz does a great job writing each one. I could relate to the issues that each character faced. Once again I highly recommend this book whether a child has been to camp or not. It is a great book.

Book Review: Camp Rolling Hills 1

I was given this book by NetGalley and Abrams kids in exchange for my honest review. This was such a fun book. It made me wish for my summer camp days again. This book is filled with all the things you find at camp, fun, friends, songs and more. The author, Stacy Davidowitz has the talent to share the emotions and relationships which occur at camp. This would be a great book for any child to read, whether they have ever been to a summer camp or not. This book is rated my highest rating: 5 stars

Book Review: What She Knew

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Liz Nabor has vast success in the finance world, a world that used to be ruled by men. When the Madoff scandal erupted her career crumbles.
Then she discovers not all of her relationships were what she thought.
Through this book, I was pleased that Liz hung to her beliefs, even when she came to terms with things from her past. The way she grew throughout the book made me have a heart for her. Plus the author help me to see the different people who were touched by the upset of the financial world.
I felt the author was able to open my eyes a little more to this world. Even though I went into this book with trepidation, as this world is one I wanted to close my eyes to, the author helped me see what all was happening. This was a very good book.

Book Review: White Christmas by Tanya Stowe

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Tanya Stowe always write romance stories that reflect her values. They are clean and they are good. I always have so many Christmas books that I continue reading them after the holidays and when they are written like this one I don't mind at all. This is a well-written story that many will enjoy to read time and again.

Book Review: You Are

I was given this book by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a great way to share love with your child, grandchild or other. It begins with a letter to the parents about the mission of this book and how to use it. Then each page speaks words of love to the child. Some examples: "Precious child you are the start of something new" followed by the verse from Isaiah 43:18-19. I do not believe there is a more powerful book on the market to share with a child.
I most highly recommend it.