A Father's Love by Pam Garlick

      Trying to forget was difficult at best for Di.  Being Director of Emergency Medicine at  Hope General Hospital didn't give her much time to grieve.   The last straw was a father and son brought in from an accident. They lost both of them.  Di knew she needed to get away.  Her friend Juanita offered their cabin out in the woods.  Di jumped at the chance and with very little fanfare, she was gone.
     Lucas had enough to deal with.  His ex-wife was going to be tried for murder and now his son was missing.  His faith was strong though and he knew God's will would be done.  When he and DiAnna Wayne meet it will be under less than ideal circumstances.  It's just what they each need at a time when they need it most.

      Ms. Garlick takes us on a journey through which love and faith guide all those involved.   I felt as if it were I who was in need of reminding what faith can do. I was deeply touched by this book.  Well written and terrific characters, this is a book to read and keep.  You'll never tire of the message it conveys.  I recommend it to everyone.

     I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it lightened my heart in many ways.

Throwaway by Heather Huffman

     Jessica's been a working girl since she was eighteen. It wasn't by choice either.  After being discharged from the foster care system and given very little money, she had to do something.  She met Spence about this time.  The man who would become her pimp for the next several years.  At thirty-two, Jessie just wanted to be happy and live normally.  She never thought it possible until she met Gabe.
     Gabe is a good cop. He's worked hard to get where he is.  However, when he meets his new assignment, he falls hard.  He couldn't wait to be close to her and talk to her.  Gabe knew she was the woman he wanted to spend life with.  The only problem was how to get her away from her pimp.  Just as he's trying to figure this all out, the military calls and he is shipped to Afghanistan.  He says he'll find Jessie wherever she is. Can she believe in him?

    Ms. Huffman wrote a solid book in this one.  Characters with life and issues make it even more believable.  I was swept along as I read this book.  I felt like I'd known these people for years instead of a few moments. They felt three dimensional.  I love a book that can bring me to tears and make me laugh.  I feel as though it's a credit to the author's abilities. You will do both with this one.  A subject matter many would shy away from, Ms. Huffman embraced and gave us a look at the other side.  Well done Ms. Huffman.! I can't wait to read more of your work.

     I found no issues with this one, other than wanting it to go on and on. *smile*

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I've read it 3 more times since. 
   
   
   

Oliver and Jumpy by Werner Stejskel

     Oliver the cat and Jumpy the kangaroo are very good friends. They love having adventures and spending time together.  Each adventure, they meet and help a new friend.  In this series, they meet Molly the Mole, Ducky the duckling, and Jumpy has a secret. Let's go with them and learn how they help others.

     Fun, sweet and helpful, this book will teach littles to be kind to everyone.  It's illustrations are simply terrific.  The writing is solid and easy to follow. I enjoyed reading these to the littles I know and they enjoyed hearing them.  Each adventure is new and fun but most of all quick.

     I found only one issue. Bigger words are used and may be difficult for littles to understand.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because of the beautiful stories it tells.

   

Oliver and Jumpy: Introduction to the Stories by Werner Stejskal

     Oliver is a very elegant cat. He's a very different cat.  He can't eat mice or anything like that. He's allergic to them.  His best friend is Jumpy, a kangaroo.  They have lots of adventures and meet many other animals. Let's join them.

     A wonderful series of books about helping others.  They are perfect bedtime stories because they are short and sweet.  Your young ones will love the characters. They are bigger than life and nothing to be scared of. I love the fact they end on a positive note. It's nice to bring children books they will learn from and enjoy too. I recommend you get these for the young ones in your  life.

     I did find a couple issues for American children at least. There are lots of big words used that many won't understand.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because the littles will love these books. 

The Tree In The Front Yard by Kimberly J Biller

     Sissy's life was a tough one.  She came from a poor family who moved around a lot.  She just wanted to be happy and have what other kids had.  Sissy did everything she could to keep herself busy during the day.  If it was summer, she spent her time outside. Her parents fought everyday. The tree in the front yard became her peaceful place. She was happiest there. She could survey the entire street.

     Sissy goes straight to your heart.  I just wanted to scoop her up and bring her home.  It broke my heart to hear her talk of simple things. I did enjoy this book.  It's well written and takes you on a journey few ever experience. It will do your heart good to read this book and then count your blessings.

     I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it touches you deep in your soul. 

One Street Over by Kimberly J Biller

     Ten year old Sissy was tired of her family moving around a lot.  She knew the reasons behind it but still, it wasn't fun.  She knew most of the people in the area and had a couple friends she spent time with.  It was difficult to find ways to occupy herself so she wasn't around when her parents fought.  A child of the south, Sissy was expected to help around the house and she did.  Sissy just wants a warm loving home with parents who don't fight. Can she get it?

     This story is so very sad.  The young girl would do anything to have a peaceful home.   So sweet and kind, I just wanted to hug this little one.  You'll enjoy the story told from Sissy's point of view.  It's well written and flows well.  Enjoy this one. It will open your eyes.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it hit on many things I've dealt with and took courage to write.

I Couldn't Lay In The Bed They Made: A Memoir of A Child Bride by Kimberly J. Biller

     John and Jane married young. They were both escaping abusive homes.  They lived in Tennessee and set up a house of horrors for their children.  Little money, little to no food and no warm loving environment.  These two emotionally crippled people become parents to  several children.  The children don't even have the basic tools to get through life.  They will go on to make some horrible decisions that will affect them the rest of their lives.

     This book really broke my heart. I felt the humiliation and violence in my bones.  It takes us through the entire life of one of the daughters.  You will learn what true horror can be.  Ms. Biller doesn't hold back. She explains it all.  Such courage doesn't come easily. 

    I found no issues in this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's very honest and straightforward.

     

Bourbon & Blood: A Crime Fiction Thriller by Garrard Hayes

     Bill Conlin has just left the military after a tour in Afghanistan.  He spends time with his cousin Jimmy and trying to figure out what to do with his life next.  Jimmy keeps encouraging Bill to talk to his boss. Bill isn't sure that's what he wants.               Eventually, he does meet with Mr. Sullivan and begins to work for him.  About this time, Bill also met Dana. She was sassy and beautiful.  He knew he wanted her in his life forever.  It seemed however, working for Mr. Sullivan took more of Bill's time than he imagined it would.  
      Before long, Bill finds out nothing is as it seems. He needs to be on his guard at all times.  This is a war of a different kind.  

     When you begin this book, it has the feel of an  old black and white movie.  Each page pulls you in deeper and deeper. You'll feel as though you are there witnessing it in person.  My breath was taken away by the writing of this book.  Everything just flows so well. The characters are terrific.   I found it impossible to put this book down.  I was rooting for Bill and Dana throughout.  This is one book you will read again and again.  

      I found no issues with this one.

      I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it is wonderful.  It's graphic but wonderful.

Maya and Filippo: Look For Whales by Alinka Rutkowska

     Maya and Filippo are brother and sister. They travel the world with their parents in the Fun Princess.  When they dock in Alaska's first city, the only thing they want to do is look for whales. Their parents find many educational and fun things for them to do, but none include looking for whales.  Just as they feel they are to be disappointed, something wonderful happens.

     This book will remind you of the littles in your life. It's cute, educational and a fun read for the kids.  I like these kinds of books. Using fun characters to teach lessons to our own children. It makes it easier to get the point across. You'll want to check out all of their books.

     I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a wonderful tool to teach littles with.

New Sight by JO Schneider

     Lysandra Blake is sixteen and has a desire to pluck people's eyes out of their head.  No one knows why she has this compulsion.  Doctors have no answers.  The best guess is she'd been exposed to a drug called Pop.  Lysandra just wants the desire to stop.  She injured her own mother and can't look at anyone without the overwhelming desire taking over.  Then a doctor approaches her father and tells him he can help her.  He does some brief tests and decides to take Lysandra to his facility.  Once there she meets others who have different desires that can be as destructive as hers.  The difference is, one of them understands why they have these desires.  It's going to take a very long time to get this all under control.

     WOW is all I can say.  Ms Schneider writes a solid plot and introduces characters who appeal to everyone.  I was a little creeped out by  the plucking eyes thing, but once you get past it, you will settle into a book that sweeps you away.  I felt the fear and the anxiety these teens felt. I could imagine what it would be like to constantly be in fear.  I can't wait to read more about these industrious teens.

     I found no issues here.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5.

Pawned Queen by S.K. Thomas

     After graduation, nineteen year old Melissa decides to leave Tupolo.  She moves to Barrington, California.  Her first few days were not quite what she expected.  She knew she needed a job and a place to live.  One afternoon, she decides to go to the local  park. There she runs into a really creepy and scary guy. She had no idea her life would be tied to this man. 
     Melissa does find a job and a new friend. Alice helps her meet her future husband John.  Before long, Melissa and John marry and so does Alice and the creepy guy, Max.  Nothing seems to go right after that.  Melissa will learn a lot about her husband and herself.

     This book tells a rather twisted and confused tale.  It's take on domestic violence is spot on. The book is a fast read and will keep you involved. 

     I did find issues. The prologue was unnecessary.   It's copied word for word later in the body of the book.  Second, I felt the story was so confused it was difficult to follow.  It's mixed up in so many spots you can't  keep track of who did what. 

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because the confusion takes away from a wonderful base story. 

The Abduction of Joshua Bloom by Michael Thal

    Sixteen year old Joshua Bloom was getting ready for his usual run through Central Park. He looked up and saw his twin brother Moshe working on yet another speech.  In many ways they were so very different.  He shrugged then Joshua began to jog down the stairs and headed toward Central Park. He had no idea this would be an extremely different day.  Nothing would be normal again.  
     Since that fateful day, Joshua was learning and growing in many ways.  The people around him were friendly and nice but it wasn't home.  It would take years before Joshua understood the full magnitude of his last day in Central Park.

     Mr. Thal takes us on a voyage that will open your heart and mind. A wonderfully tight plot and characters you'll feel close to.  I felt as though I was right there every step of the way. I could visualize the details very easily.  This trip is one that will make you consider the earth and it's environment in a new way. I enjoyed this book very much and would love to read more.

      I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I felt it had viable points.

Lost In Starlight by Sherry Soule

     Sloane Masterson is a senior at Haven High. She's looking for a terrific year before graduation. Sloane writes for the Have Gazette, the high school paper.  She knows she needs that one really big story to puff up her college applications.  Her editor wants her to find out about the person who hacked the schools computers.  
     Hayden Lancaster is new to Haven High.  He and his family just moved to town.  Hayden just wants to get through this year without any incidents that might cause them to move again.  He and his brother Zach must also keep the family secret.
     When Sloane and Hayden meet, the chemistry is off the charts.  

     You will dive into this book and not come up for air until you are finished!  In this book you'll find loving and romantic characters you'll take into your heart.  A story you won't expect and more.  This is one you need to read. I wanted to email, phone or fly to Ms Soule's house and beg for Volume 2.  The twist at the end broke my heart and made me crave more.  I need Volume two  immediately!! *smile*

     I didn't find issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5+ cheers out of 5 because it's been awhile since I found a book this good.

10 Busy Brownies by Talia Haven

     Ten busy brownies are cleaning up the little boys and girls messes.  They count and work hard. A wonderful group of little people who can make things a lot easier for all.

     An adorable book with easy counting and beautiful illustrations.  This book is one the littles in your life will love.  I enjoyed the story which is simple and easy to follow.  I also loved the beautiful illustrations. They make this entire book more fun. 

     I didn't find any issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's another tool to help littles learn.

MH370 - By Accident or Design written by Peter Lee

    A Malaysian jet takes off and heads for Beijing  Capital International Airport.  People on vacation or business settle in for the routine flight. Suddenly, the flight is anything but routine. One moment the plane is on radar and the next it's gone.  Lets examine the facts as we have them. Look over all the information we've been given and see exactly where it takes us.  Our guide is an experienced pilot who knows what is and is not possible.

      Peter Lee does a fantastic job of sorting through all the information available.  He helps us understand how the plane works and what is possible.  This book is analytical and comprehensive.  Mr. Lee helps us make sense of what we do know.  I found the book fascinating.  So many statements made and then changed, it was hard to keep track of it all. Now in this book, we can logically work through it all.  You'll really dig into this book.

     I found no issues with this book.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it really helps sort out the true from the untrue.

Taken By Tuesday By Catherine Bybee

      Judy Gardner is graduating from college with a double major. It's been hard work, but she wanted architecture as her major.  Her father, however wanted her to have a business degree.  Her dad wanted her to come back and work in the family store.  Judy wanted to go live in California. She a brother already living  there and an internship lined up. Judy's life really takes off.  
     While Judy was adjusting to life in California, her brother's body guard, Rick Evans was adjusting to having another Gardner to watch.  This Gardner was a little pixie. At least that's what Rick thought. Time will tell if the two of them will ever see eye to eye.

      Ms. Bybee treats us to a wonderfully written story of young love being tested.  Characters  are three dimensional  and such fun to follow.  No one expects the first year after college to be anything like this.  The pace is perfect for everyone.  I found this story to be engaging and sweet. You'll be rooting for the couple in this one since so much is against them. Well done Ms. Bybee! I am your fan for life.

     I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's one everyone needs to read. 

If You Were Me And Lived In Australia by Carole P. Roman

     In this country, we'll learn about sea life, native cultures and again taste some of the local favorites.  We'll be heading south for this trip. Really far south.. to Australia.  They have a very old history and until the 1700's it was isolated from the rest of the world.
There is so much more to learn, so come on!

     I love these books as a teaching tool. It is a wonderful way to teach children about other cultures  and countries.   It gets them excited about learning.  Your littles will love these books.

     I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a fun way of teaching and learning.

The Emerald Tablet: Legends of Amun Ra #1 by Joshua Silverman

     Seven thousand years ago they lived on Earth.  Egyptians were sent to Potara.  The legend  of the Emerald Tablet was told far and wide.  Two boys marked with the symbol would fight to determine Toth's future. 

     Modern day and Leoros is stuck in Egypt.  His mother is an NYU archaeologist. His father is a scientist.  Leoros is bored with travelling and in Egypt, he wants to go home to New York.  His mom, Camilla is looking for the Emerald Tablet. When she finds it, she gives it to Leoros.  Later that evening, the tablet begins to glow and lead Leoros to the digging site.  What happens next no one expected. Life for the three of them would change drastically.  Will they survive the changes though?

     Extremely well written and highly entertaining, this book is sure to capture your attention from  page one.  I am one who is fascinated by Egypt and all it's legends and myths. This book filled in some things I didn't know.  You'll  be thrilled with the imagination and color in this book. I do recommend it to all. This isn't one that's specifically designed for young adults. Everyone will love something about this one.

     I did find this one drags on in places.  It gets a bit long winded in spots but hang in there. The over all book is terrific.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the dragging and long winded parts.

Over iT: How to Live Above Your Circumstances and Beyond Yourself by Mary Buchan

     In this book, Ms. Buchan shows us how to work through the issues in our life that are causing problems.  Simple steps we can take to reduce our own stress, lose weight or just get over traumatic situations.  You may not realize it, but you carry baggage from your childhood forward.  Issues we were certain we dealt with years ago.  Parts of our own personalities can even hinder our happiness. 
   Ms. Buchan teaches us coping skills and journaling.  We need to get rid of the negative stuff we bury deep inside. 

     I found this book very enlightening. I did have to admit to myself I still carry some demons from my childhood.  I need to deal with them, but no one ever gave me the skills to do that. I now have a better understanding for getting rid of these demons. I thank Ms. Buchan for the help she gave me. You'll find this book useful and engaging. I recommend this one to everyone. Not just those who know they have demons, but to others who just want to find a  better way to work through daily stress.  This book should be required reading for everyone over age 13.  

     I didn't find any issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it helped me in a wonderful way.