Swan Point by Sherryl Woods

 

Sherryl Woods

ISBN: 9780778316428

"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."

Publisher's Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods draws readers back into the world of strong friendships and heartfelt emotions in Serenity, South Carolina.

Determined to build a new life for her family after her divorce, Adelia Hernandez has bought a home in the historic Swan Point neighborhood of Serenity. Promoted to manager of Main Street's most fashionable boutique, she feels revitalized and ready for a fresh start as a single mom. But barely into this new independent phase, she crosses paths with the sexiest man to hit Serenity in years.

Gabe Franklin, back in town to make amends for past mistakes, has no intention of settling down, but Adelia's proving irresistible. Cheered on by their friends, "the Sweet Magnolias," Gabe is bringing long-absent passion and laughter into Adelia's life. To his surprise—and hers—sometimes a rolling stone is just what it takes to build the rock-solid foundation of a family.

"Woods' readers will eagerly anticipate her trademark small-town setting, loyal friendships, and honorable mentors as they meet new characters and reconnect with familiar ones in this heartwarming tale." —Booklist on Home in Carolina

MrsK's Review:
I was first introduced to Sherryl Woods' talent as a romance author when I opened the covers of Angel Mine.  All of these years later, I depend on her characters to provide me with great entertainment, especially if I'm beginning my summer break.  Of course Christmas break has very tempting and satisfying titles as well.

The Sweet Magnolias are exceptionally fun women.  They gather together for support, laughter, problem solving, sharing strength, and comfort.  Once they make a stand... well everyone takes a step back and watches their plans blossom.

As a mother, you probably know or know of someone who has been in a relationship/marriage that is not only abusive, degrading, and oppressive... but is pushing the wife beyond the healthy limits of acceptable treatment.  It is so difficult to fight off such controlling behaviors from a spouse.  You must have the support of everyone in order to make the choice to leave and begin again.  When we meet Adelia, she has just finalized her divorce.  She is moving into her new home and into her new season of life.  Her focus is on helping her children make this life changing adjustment.  Living in the small town of Serenity, comes with perks (friends, a quaint clothing store, a yummy bakery, and those you have grown up with), there are also the draw-backs (an ex-husband and his new girlfriend, ex-marriage friendships, non-supportive family, and judgements).

On the day that Adelia pops into the bakery, a stranger catches her eye.  Gabe is back in town.  He grew up in Serenity.  He made some wrong decisions, once upon a time.  Now he has returned to rectify what has bothered him all of these years.  The connection is a few much-needed upgrades at Adelia's new home.  What becomes renovated... is a friendship and love that is built upon mutual respect and true desire in placing each other first.

With characters that are witty, settings which are crafted with Sherryl's trademark of serenity, these two lives begin...  This is a perfect read for any summer day or as a traveling companion.

 
Enjoyable read

"I received this ebook for free from Net Galley for this review."

 

 

Spoken For

Robin Jones Gunn

Alyssa Joy Bethke

Good Reads Synopsis:

Say Yes to the Love Story of Your Life A great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?
In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story. 

You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.

MrsK's Review:

I was so thrilled when I saw a book by Robin ready to be reviewed, I knew that every book of Robin's that I open will be calming, inspiring, comfortable and so well written that I will be swept into the story that she weaves.  I first met Robin right after Christy Miller was published, I was able to meet up with her every year during our Author book sales in October.  I watched as her characters (Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen grew up and met those Sister Chicks as a preview copy).  Her books were featured in my classrooms and now in our school library.  It's always been a delight to meet another reader of Robin's, there is an instant smile that shines from their eyes... a bond that says we are instant friends... an acknowledging smile that confirms we are traveling on the same faith pathway... a connection that we have been touched by the talents, gifts, and wisdom of a woman after God's own heart. 

So I was ready to start my summer vacation with anticipation of enjoying moments with an author that is a special friend.  Little did I know the power of her touch until I opened the cover of Spoken For.  This is not a quick read.  This is a beautiful journey.  A journey within your self, a journey with friends, and a journey with our Creator.  Pondering the nuggets of wisdom can not do justice for the renewal and confirming nature of this book.  Robin's voice encourages and supports His love for you.  Alyssa's bright and crisp enthusiasm is contagious.  Spiritual joy bubbles forth through out your days as you journey through acceptance, healing, and a blessed assurance that is shared directly from His love.  

With personal witness connections, scripture passages, questions to contemplate... every chapter is a fresh beginning.  If you have read the Bible you will find a depth to passages you already know.  If you have not begun your scripture journey, this will be a beautiful introduction to a personal quest that will last you a life time.  Either way, take this journey with Robin, Alyssa, and all of us who are realizing the depth of being Spoken For.

Thank you ladies for including me in your journey's with His word, I will always be along this path with you....

 Read Chapter One

About Robin Jones Gunn

Robin’s first grade teacher wrote on her report card, “Robin keeps the entire class entertained at rug time with her stories.”

Even with such an early affirmation, Robin didn’t think much about becoming a writer during high school or college. She was more intrigued by the idea of traveling to foreign lands and telling people about God’s love.

But Robin’s husband also noticed her gift for storytelling and urged her to attend a writers’ conference. That first conference, in 1979, opened the door for publication of devotions, articles, interviews and 14 children’s books.

When her two children were young, Robin would rise at 3 a.m. and brew a pot of tea. Then she would go to work, creating stories for teens that later became the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and College Years books.

Amazing read
Added to my shelf

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review." 

 

Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling author of the much-loved Christy Miller Series and co-author of Praying for Your Future Husband, has had more than 4.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her frequent speaking engagements have taken her around the globe. Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have a grown son and daughter.
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963#sthash.dCZdcHtL.dpuf

Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling author of the much-loved Christy Miller Series and co-author of Praying for Your Future Husband, has had more than 4.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her frequent speaking engagements have taken her around the globe. Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have a grown son and daughter.
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963#sthash.dCZdcHtL.dpuf

28 Tricks for a Fearless Grade 6

 

Catherine Austen

ISBN: 9781459406193

Net Galley Synopsis:

Dave Davidson's heart is in the right place. He believes it's his mission to cure his friends of their fears. But his solutions are hare-brained at best and often come with unintended and hilarious consequences. Afraid of dancing at the school dance? Dave's got ways to fix that: sprain an ankle, eat expired food to get sick, or even get yourself suspended for a few days. Have a public speaking phobia? Dave can fix that for you too: get laryngitis, forge a note from a therapist, or get your friends to hold up cue cards. This hilarious new novel will appeal to reluctant tween readers, especially boys.

MrsK's Review:

Are you ready for some fun... this book will not disappoint you!  Right from the beginning, you will delight in Dave.  His many ways to overcome fears is the topic of everyone's conversations.  Not only does Dave have an odd punk-rocking teacher (Mr. Papadakis), he is just handed a flyer about the back-to-school dance.  Now, I don't know about you, but school dances can be a bit intimidating and for Dave and Eric it becomes a fear that begins rolling out of control. First Dave decides to practice a few dance moves with his dog, Maisy.... "She flattened her ears and tucked her tail, deeply embarrassed to be dancing with a human. She jumped away at the first loud drum roll."  Next up is to practice with his friends. He tries to help Eric but "...It's painful to watch!"  So Eric must find a way to conquer his fear of dancing that won't involve a long healing process.  When all else fails, the guys decide to learn a few steps as a group effort.  How the dance goes will be for you to discover.

For Andrew's fear of public speaking (without throwing up) is not only genius... it's hysterical.  I can't even give details with out fits of hilarity bursting forth.  Seriously, as an educator... this would be one of those life-long memories that you share over and over.  Let's just say that with the visual, with the intensity of the moment, and the innocent desire to help a friend... everyone in the classroom is treated to the best speech presentation about our digestion system.

Next up is Vanessa's fear of dogs.  I get this one.  If you have ever had a doberman licking your neck, well let me say it was not on the top of my list as the best moment of my life.  Dave decides there must be certain stages for this fear to be faced and forced away.  It doesn't look good when he helps Vanessa to the final stage, his wonderful dog Maisy gets the fear "screamed" out of her and Vanessa has decided to walk away with her fear.  That is until Dave discovers the truth about Robbie's dog.

Finally, Dave is ready to help Claire's fear of the future.  This is such a well organized, soundly developed, and completely entertaining (did I forget to tell you that Dave and his friends have a band...) closure to this book.

This book is a perfect read-aloud for any 3rd-5th classroom.  Every Librarian must share these hysterical moments of inquiry and cause/effect.  If you are reading this by yourself, beware you will be laughing out loud and trying to share with anyone you can!

Amazing read 

Added to our GMT Library shelves  

I grew up in Kingston, Ontario, the youngest of five children. I studied political science at Queen's University and environmental studies at York University before moving to the Ottawa area to work in the conservation movement.
I wrote short stories in my student days and published about a dozen in small literary journals. I didn't write much fiction for several years, while working full-time and starting a family. Eventually, I quit office life to raise children and write freelance - both of which I still do. I sometimes miss my old work and feel like I should be doing more with my life. Sigh.
I wrote my first story for children in 2003, and I am now starting to get the hang of it. My first book, Walking Backward, was published with Orca in 2009. I've since published several books and won several book awards. I write for all ages.

I live in Aylmer (Gatineau), Quebec with my husband and two sons and too many pets. We live in a little house with a big yard full of rodents, rabbits, and the occasional fox and falcon. It is inspiring.

"I received this ebook for free from Net Galley for this review."

 

 

Disney Fairies #15: The Secret of the Wings

 

DISNEY FAIRIES #15: "The Secret of the Wings"

ISBN: 978-1-59707-729-3 

Papercutz Synopsis:

In Pixie Hollow, all the seasons flourish side by side, and past the Summer Meadow, just beyond the Autumn Wood lies an icy land of secrets! When Tinker Bell ventures into the Winter Woods, she discovers Periwinkle, her long-lost sister, but the happy reunion is short-lived when a mysterious freezing storm suddenly threatens the Pixie Dust Tree. Tink and her sister must find a way to work together and restore balance to the seasons if they hope to save Pixie Hollow.

MrsK's Review:

"Oh, my! This is beautiful," Lena exclaimed with such joy.  You just can't imagine the thrill in your heart when a grandchild has such awe about a book.  Tink was a friend of mine when I was so very young and continues to be a friend three generations later.  Miss Lena knows Tink, she has seen all of the Disney movies beyond numerous times.  And yet, at the moment I clicked this graphic novel, her eyes were wide and she could not wait to read those character bubbles.  As I began reading, her young whispering chimed in.  This wasn't a Granny storytime adventure, oh no, this was a Lena and Tink reading moment.  With joy, I scrolled and Lena read.

Moving beyond the joy of sharing a GN with my grandchild, I pondered what was the attraction to a GN that created such a "new" experience in spite of all the prior experiences.  When Lena began scrolling on her own, I ventured into Lena's experience.  You know this story, you've seen the movie so many times... what makes this so exciting?  "It's just so beautiful... so real..,"  When I asked if she missed any of the parts of the movie that weren't in the GN, she fiercely flashed me a look and said, "This couldn't be any better, the movie is wonderful, this is amazing!"

So Tink's GN is a winner.  Presenting the joy of discovery, beautiful art work, Tink's amazing personality.... and yes, what a reader loves the most.... a journey not to be forgotten but experienced again and again.  The only way to make this better is to give the graphic in book format to be cherished anywhere, at any moment.

http://www.papercutz.com/blog-2/ 

 
Enjoyable reading for everyone, a must own for your shelves!

 

http://www.papercutz.com/comics/disney-fairies/

The Last Wild by Piers Torday

By Piers Torday

ISBN: 9780670015542 

eBook review

Goodreads Synopsis:
In a world where animals no longer exist, twelve-year-old Kester Jaynes sometimes feels like he hardly exists either. Locked away in a home for troubled children, he's told there's something wrong with him. So when he meets a flock of talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach, Kester thinks he's finally gone crazy. But the animals have something to say. And they need him. The pigeons fly Kester to a wild place where the last creatures in the land have survived. A wise stag needs Kester's help, and together they must embark on a great journey, joined along the way by an overenthusiastic wolf cub, a military-trained cockroach, a mouse with a ritual for everything, and a stubborn girl named Polly. The animals saved Kester Jaynes. But can Kester save the animals?

MrsK's Review:
As I was browsing what to read next, I came upon a review that said this book was a must read for any students in grades 4-8.  As a Librarian, I am always on the prowl for books that will inspire my students to discover new adventures.  The cover did not appear to be engaging me, and yet, I considered that the plot might be worth my investigation.  Even though I am learning to engage with an eBook, I knew that there was a character awaiting my discovery.

"My story begins with me sitting on a bed, looking out the window.  I know that doesn't sound like much.  But let me tell you where the bed is..."  A great hook, right!  The world has been changed and Kester has been put into Spectrum Hall Academy for Challenging Children.  At this point in his life, Kester knows, "...what the words mean. I know how to write them. I just can't say them. Not since Mum died."  You will discover why Kester was taken from his home in the middle of the night.  You will learn that being secluded in a lock-up and given only a horrifying "formula" for food causes Kester to make friends with cockroach, moths, pigeons and finally the Stag (my favorite character by the way, although I have a fondness for the wolf pup too).

So life is miserable for Kester, probably like you could imagine.  Yet, Kester's story leads you on a journey where the "forks" along the way leads back to his home.  The journey is not an easy one.  To begin with, no one argues with Facto the maker of the "formula" and the school that Kester is locked in.  One day the animals began to die, then the bees, fish, and birds.  Facto decided that all the crops needed to be destroyed and people began dying.  The disease became known as the "Red Eye," since by the time your eyes turned red you were a goner.  That's why Kester, "...became a genuine freak, mute, with only varmints for friends."

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to think-talk to animals?  Kester discovers this ability just about the time that a rescue has been issued to help save the animals.  The twist is that humans aren't the ones that realize Kester's worth.  Well maybe one girl knows that there is hope in Kester and his father.

Every turn of the page leads you into danger, into a gathering of animals who will protect Kester along his journey home.  You know sometimes friends are only in our lives just long enough to take our journey past a challenge... these characters will plant the seeds of hope.  Each one is uniquely gifted for Kester's journey.  Be prepared to feel this journey!  It is one to read, to ponder, to share.

Enjoy this amazing story, it won't be the last of the wild or honor,
MrsK
(Gr. 4-8)

Piers Torday was born in Northumberland, which is possibly the one part of England where more animals live than people. After working as a producer and writer in theatre, live comedy and TV, he now lives in London – where there are more animals that you might think. The Last Wild is followed by the sequel (and concluding volume) The Dark Wild. You can find out more about Piers and follow his blog at www.pierstorday.co.uk.

Enjoyable reading for everyone... Will be adding to our Library shelves!

 

"I received this ebook for free from Net Galley for this review."

We Are What You Read.