Month: April 2020

Book Review, Books

It’s MY Tree

Openly Bookish

If you need an adorable little picture book for your child on the topic of greed and selfishness then It’s MY Tree is just the right book. This cute picture book follows a little squirrel and his determination to not let any other squirrels get an opportunity at taking away his precious tree and the pinecones that come with it. He thinks building a fence, or even a tall wall will protect his tree from others. The problem with isolating his tree is that then he wondered, “What if there is a better tree over the wall with bigger pinecones?”

I received my complimentary copy of It’s MY Tree by Olivier Tallec from Kids Can Press, care of NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own choice. The illustrations in this book are sweet and quite expressive. I think this story shows how being greedy ultimately equals loneliness because you refuse to let anyone else in.

Book Review, Books

The Degenerates

Openly Bookish

London gets knocked up by a boy she believes loves her. She gets taken away from the lady who is watching over her and taken to the Fernald School where at first she is treated kind, but then put in a cell where she is made to clean up filth by the other inhabitants.

London meets Maxine and Rose. She wonders why they are stuck in this awful place. Rose has her stick she likes to hold, which gives her comfort and is childlike. London heard Rose termed as a Mongoloid. Maxine is Rose’s older sister and very protective of Rose. Then there is Alice who has a club foot. Slowly they form a potential friendship.

Enter the world of the Fernald School where London, Alice, Maxine and Rose are stuck. Maxine keeps hoping her mother will come rescue her and Rose, but she never even comes to visit on family day. Their lives at the school is regimented by breakfast, walks and helping in different areas, like laundry, etc. Those in charge are mean.

I received my complimentary copy of The Degenerates by J. Albert Mann from NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own choice. This historical novel gives you a glimpse into the world of an institution for the feeble minded, disabled, etc. I wondered if this was a real place and Googled it. Here is a short video about it. Watching videos on this place is beyond disturbing and so sad. This novel brings this place to life. It’s not an easy read, but important to educate.

Book Review, Books

A Flame Through Eternity

Openly Bookish

Helle and Jason are trying to get back to normal life now that Sam Woolf is dead. Helle is thrilled to finally officially be Jason’s wife. For this time ever they are husband and wife. No more Sam Woolf to tear apart her and Jason’s love.

On one of their trips to Jason’s family castle of sorts his colleague Nigel brings his infamous girlfriend Miranda. Helle is turned off by Miranda’s New Age stance. When Miranda attempts to read Helle’s palm what she sees disturbs Helle, making her wonder how legit Miranda might be.

When things start hearting up with attempts on Jason and Helle’s lives they both wonder if Sam Woolf is truly dead. No body was ever uncovered. They thought for sure his fall off the cliff did him in.

When the one police contact John Stapleton steps in to befriend Helle due to her headaches and nightmares about the evil Sam Woolf, his solution is his Aunt Katherine. Why would his old Aunt Katherine be helpful? When Jason and Helle go to meet John’s Aunt Katherine, a surprise neither of them was expecting is waiting for them. What could make old Aunt Katherine someone who might be able to help Helle?

If you love steamy erotic scenes then the passion between Jason and Helle will have you begging for more. These scenes are tasteful depicted. I’m not huge into romance novels, but this past lives love story is heavy on the passion and the storyline is hard to put down.

I received my complimentary copy of A Flame Through Eternity by Anna Belfrage from Matador, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own choice. To grab a copy for your own click here and to read more about the lovely author here. The great thing about this series is there is enough background provided that you don’t necessarily have to read the first two titles in this series. If you love romance, past lives, and an intense villain then you’ll gobble up this passionate love story.

Book Review, Books

The Moonglow Sisters

Openly Bookish

Some books are life changers. Some stories take you down a long dark tunnel that is scary as Hell, but the story stays with you, to comfort and guide you to the end where your life becomes that much brighter. This story is one of those gems.

Gia, Shelley and Maddie were as close as three sisters could be until the night their bond was destroyed and they each went their own, separate ways. Five years pass and Gia gets a strange letter from their grandmother. Her request of Gia is to reunite the sisters. Gia is not quite sure if their grandmother’s request will be heeded, but she can try. Who knows if Maddie, or Shelley will come back to home base?

The C word is scary, ugly and something none of the sisters want to face, but all three show up. Wether or not their bond is able to be mended is still out for debate, but Gia hopes Maddie and Shelley will try. In order to help spur the truce along, Gia has a nuts idea to help get them to finish the quilt. The dang quilt tied to the day that reunited their sisterhood, but will Gia’s plan work?

Follow Gia, Shelley and Maddie as they embark on a journey of self discovery, challenges, hopes, dreams and the occasional road block. Hear from each sister, from their view of what transpired to ruin their sisterhood and what might be their saving grace. Can these sisters redeem their sisterhood?

I received my complimentary copy of The Moonglow Sisters by Lori Wilde from William Morris, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own choice. To grab a copy for your own click here and to read more about the lovely author here.

This novel was EPIC. I didn’t want to finish this lovely, deep, challenging family drama. Each character was unique and I could see myself in each one. Gia, the youngest who is the ever peace keeper. Shelley, the free spirit and Maddie, the eldest who took her big sister role seriously. You will step into their lives and not want the last page to arrive.

Personal

42 Reflections On My Life

Openly Bookish

1. Being a preemie survivor is a lot to mentally digest.

2. I have no shame in eating pizza with a fork and knife.

3. Were braces worth the four years of headgear torture?

4. Being a bookworm has always been a comfort to me.

5. I always seem to be drawn to the underdogs because I, myself am one.

6. Fashion is overrated compared to wearing comfy clothes.

7. Being babysat by a lady who rakes inside her house? Priceless.

8. First kisses sometimes don’t count.

9. Friendships come and go like the seasons.

10. I never allowed myself to be a classic girlie girl after my brief stint liking the color pink in 1st grade.

11. I don’t like odd numbers.

12. I can be very chatty or quiet depending on my mood.

13. I love writing poetry.

14. My first celebrity crush at 8 was Fergie.

15. I got to be in the audience of “Kids Inc.” as a preteen. That experience opened my eyes to the cruelties of Hollywood.

16. As a little kid I would dutifully look in the newspaper for any local movie auditions. I wanted to be an actress.

17. I still recall how much I loved my cheesy Punky Brewster high tops that had her hologram face on the side.

18. I loved being a tomboy with enjoying He-Man and Transformers.

19. As kid I had a big imagination (still do) and enjoyed exploring a ditch behind my house. Loved to make up stories to go along with random items found.

20. I was a dare devil as a little kid. I’d ride on my plastic imitation big wheel and fly down the street. It was a very steep street. I’m shocked I was allowed to.

21. I always wonder what my life would be like with a different name.

22. When I was 8 I wanted to be a pastor.

23. I was quite the legalist as a child. No drinking soda in the car.

24. I lived through the Loma Prieta earthquake. Once you’ve experienced one you never forget.

25. Reaching 100 books read in one year is a great feat, but a lonely one.

26. I will always love Six Feet Under, This Is Us, The Fosters and Gilmore Girls.

27. Trees energize me as does rainy/cloudy weather.

28. I can’t stand dresses, but a part of me longs to wear 40’s/50’s vintage style dresses.

29. Worst haircut of my life was a buzz cut.

30. Coming out to oneself is the hardest thing EVER.

31. I’ve always felt ‘different’ from others since I was a little kid.

32. As a small child I was always nervous hearing planes flying overhead, afraid of b**bs. I didn’t watch war movies growing up, but then fell in love with WWII in 4th grade. A few years ago watching a documentary on that topic I had a flashback of living in that time period. That freaked me out. Maybe there is something to past lives.

33. I believe God is BIGGER than any Holy book.

34. I was bullied for being so small and short.

35. I have a Booktube addiction.

36. I studied with a JW for four months. Fascinating to be challenged to explain my faith and why I believe what I do. Sadly that friendship’ was not legit.

37. I don’t know why cults are fascinating to research (JW, Mormonism, etc). I think it’s the desire to belong and have your life scripted for you. I think there’s a comfort in that and a feeling of safety.

38. I am learning in life it’s not about how many friends you have, but the quality of friends, those you can truly trust with your life.

39. I can’t believe I’ve been a book blogger for over 3 years.

40. I never expected to love reading fiction from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

41. I’ve always felt awkward about receiving gifts, like I’m not worthy to.

42. LOVE is not cookie cutter.

Book Review, Books

The DNA Of You And Me

Openly Bookish

Emily started working in a genetics lab, hoping one day to have her own. Her boss, Justin is arrogant and seems to pit her against her colleague Aeden. Both Aeden and Emily are doing separate research on the theme of smell in rats and how to restore the sense of smell if that ability has been removed, or damaged.

Emily is a nerdy loner who due to a grass allergy never got to play outside as a child, so her friendship skills are in need of exercise. Her colleagues do try to befriend her as does Justin, but she’s not about to be distracted away from her intense research.

At first Aeden seems aloof, but over time warms up to Emily. Just when Emily thinks she might have found something to resemble love she over hear’s Aeden’s mom make a snotty comment about Emily. This makes her wonder’s if he truly wants to be with her.

Emily already lost her dad, a fellow scientist who raised her singlehandedly, but doesn’t want to loose Aeden, but then doesn’t want to be his pity choice. Will Emily be able to resolve her relationship with Aeden? Is her research more important than finding love? When career and romance collide, who will win?

I received my complimentary copy of The DNA Of You And Me by Andrea Rothman from William Morrow, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own will. To get a copy check visit HarperCollins and find out more about the author.

Book Review, Books

Gods And Goddesses Of Ancient Egypt

Openly Bookish

I’ll confess I don’t know much about Egyptian myths, gods or goddesses, so when I saw this book available to check out for my blog, I figured why not? If you are like me and are looking for a book on the basics and easy to understand then you’ll want to get a copy of Gods And Goddesses Of Ancient Egypt.

This short book for kids has colorful artwork to depict the different gods and goddesses. Important words are in bold, so that you can locate them in the glossary provided at the back of the book. This book is categorized under juvenile, but I think a lot of the stories in it are for more mature kids instead of elementary age.

I received my complimentary copy of Gods And Goddesses Of Ancient Egypt by Morgan E. Moroney from Rockridge Press, care of Callisto Publisher’s Club. The views are mine and of my own choice. After finishing this book I’ve determined this topic isn’t for me personally, but may interest someone researching Egypt, their religions or someone a fan of a country’s myth history.

Book Review, Books

The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant

Openly Bookish

Three generations searching for love. Rachel who seems to have fleeting romances, Eve who has swapped her travels to Africa with her boyfriend in favor of taking care of her grandmother. Esther stuck on a island against her will by her husband, in an attempt to heal her from her grief.

Rachel lands on the Isles of Scilly to research clams. While going out to do her research a storm brews up fast and she doesn’t want to lose her boat. Attempting to swim it to shore behind her she ends up getting her arm caught between rocks. An older woman whose a recluse rescues Rachael. She has landed on an island called Little Embers. Her rescuer finds her some clothes to borrow. They are clothes from a different era with a secret.

Eve is stuck taking care of her grandmother and wonders if she’ll ever rekindle the boyfriend she left behind. Helping her grandmother write her memoirs Eve senses there’s more to her life then her grandmother is letting on.

Esther is stuck on an island to try and heal her grief. With her husband and little boy so far away can Esther heal?

Join Esther, Eve and Rachel on their journeys to discover love and the how the paths we choose shape our future. This gripping novel is set on the isles off the Cornish coast. If you enjoy small town stories then you might just fall in love with this story. This novel touches on so many different themes from loss, independence, grief, romance, adventure and most of all hope.

I received my complimentary copy of The Lost Letters Of Esther Durrant by Kayte Nunn from William Morrow, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own choice. To go grab a gorgeous copy of this novel support HarperCollins and to find out more about the author.

Book Review, Books

Meditation For Kids

Openly Bookish

I mean to start meditating, but of course it’s the starting that’s a tad challenge. This little book of different meditations geared for little kids between ages 4-8 is the perfect starter for kids and adults. The 40 different exercises are unique, fun, silly and yet serious at times. Each meditation comes with cute artwork to help you visualize that particular meditation.

If you need to break out your creative, little kid side then I recommend this book. As adults we are focusing on being serious so much of the time we forget to know how to play and let go of our adult stresses. I think my favorite meditation in this book is the one on the topic of anger where you pretend to throw down potatoes that are too, hot (think of the game hot potato as a kid) then stomp on them to turn them into mashed potatoes.

I received my complimentary copy of Meditation For Kids by Tejal Patel from Rockridge Press, care of Callisto Publisher’s Club. The views are mine and of my own choice. Even though I’m an adult with no children I find these books on meditation for kids is perfect for those of us late to the meditation lifestyle. Simple doesn’t mean dumbed down. Go grab a copy to begin your meditation journey.

Book Review, Books

The Story Of Harriet Tubman

Openly Bookish

I know some basics about Harriet Tubman, but if you are looking for little intro biography on her, then I recommend picking up a copy of, The Story Of Harriet Tubman. This short biography gives a nice overview of Harriet’s life from birth to death. I had no idea her family nickname for her was Minty, but once she escaped to freedom she changed her name to Harriet. I never knew she was married prior to helping with the Underground Railroad, but then down the line her husband remarried since he didn’t leave with her, so she ended up remarrying. In Harriet’s later years she opened up a home for the elderly and poor. This book brought her to life in a fascinating way.

This book features Jump In The Think Tank, a side blurb that gives you a topic within the story to think about regarding your own life and how you may be able to relate to Harriet. Also, has the When feature which provides a timeline of events to see where you are at in the story. There is also, a Myth & Fact section to help you determine what is true. I like that bigger vocabulary words are bolded and of course there’s a nice glossary at the back to help know what those words mean.

I received my complimentary copy of The Story Of Harriet Tubman by Christine Platt from Rockridge Press, care of Callisto Publisher’s Club. The views are mine and of my own choice. This Biography for young readers inspires me to go read an in-depth biography of Harriet Tubman.