Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past by Sharyn McCrumb

Nora Boneteel's Christmas Past

by Sharyn McCrumb

ISBN: 9781426754210

Net Galley Synopsis: 

When someone buys the old Honeycutt house, Nora Bonesteel is glad to see some life brought back to the old mansion, even if it is by summer people. But when they decide to stay through Christmas, they find more than old memories in the walls.
On Christmas Eve, Sheriff Spencer Arrowwood and Deputy Joe LeDonne find themselves on an unwelcome call to arrest an elderly man for a minor offense. As they attempt to do their duty, while doing the right thing for a neighbor, it begins to look like they may all spend Christmas away from home.
In a story of spirits, memories, and angels unaware, Sharyn McCrumb revisits her most loved characters who know there is more to this world than the eye can see, especially at Christmastime.

MrsK's Review:
With the dawning of Christmas Eve, Sheriff Arrowwood and Deputy LeDonne get a warrant for a JD Shull. The last thing either of them want to do is make an arrest on Christmas Eve. With the snows arrival they arrive at the Shull's home in the mountains, only to discover that there are just a few things that need "tending" to before JD can come peacefully down the mountain and to jail. As old as his wife is, it would be criminal to leave her with no wood for a fire... a busted out window in their bathroom... and the cows on the loose in the woods. By the time the Sheriff and Deputy have everything "readied" for JD's departure... well let's just say that JD just considers them "angels" sent as a Christmas miracle.

Nora on the other hand will be called out to help her neighboring "snow birds." The Haverty's have decided to spend this Christmas in the old Honeycutt mansion on Ashe Mountain. The one challenge for her neighbors is a bit odd. Since they are from Florida, their "pink" foiled tree continues to fall over, their delightful holiday ornaments (pink flamingos, Santa alligators, decorated palm trees, etc.) are found scattered all over the room... and to their dismay... there is never any sign of an intruder or a draft. Nora agrees to revisit the Honeycutt mansion and while she is there she remembers the last Christmas gathering for all of the families on Ashe Mountain.

With two differing vignettes, you will enjoy the quick-witted humor surrounding an arrest that becomes a blessing and the heart-warming message behind the Christmas shelf in a manor that has Christmas restored within it's walls.

Enjoy these two tales, quick reads seasoned with a nice sweetness,
MrsK

 
Enjoyable Holiday read...

 
Sharyn McCrumb is the New York Times best-selling author of The Rosewood Casket, The Ballad of Tom Dooley, and many other acclaimed novels. She lives and writes in the Virginia Blue Ridge, less than 100 miles from where her family settled in 1790 in the Smoky Mountains that divide North Carolina and Tennessee.

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

Mutation by Roland Smith

It's Here....Are You Ready?

 

Roland Smith

ISBN:  978-0545081801

 Publisher's Synopsis:

Monsters of legend come to life! The final thrilling title in Roland Smith's popular series

Marty and his best friend, Luther, have managed to rescue Marty's cousin Grace from the clutches of the nefarious pseudo-naturalist Noah Blackwood, but their most dangerous mission lies ahead of them. Marty's parents have been missing in Brazil for months and their trail has all but run cold. With time running out, Marty and the Cryptos Island crew race off for Brazil -- where they discover that Noah Blackwood has twisted the natural order of things beyond their wildest, most terrifying dreams.

MrsK's Review:

Have you ever been excited about the newest book in a series? Have you known that as soon as you got the book in your hands all other aspects of life would be put on hold until the final punctuation ended your journey? Well that is exactly what so many of Roland Smith's fans are anticipating...

So what is all the "buzz" about Mutation? Well it might have something to do with a Gizmo and a dragonspy, but that would only be about the type of "tech" gadgets that is causing a fuss with in the jungles of Brazil. It could be the sounds of the characters on the zip lines up in the canopy, but then again there probably wouldn't be much noise down below... even if one of the characters gets a bit "carried" away and slams into a tree. Then again, it could be the high-tech motor of the "Rivlan," but with its ability to move up the Amazon with out any detection... it probably isn't that either.

It just might be that every character arrives at Dr. Lanza's Jaguar Preserve, including the hatch-lings (there is nothing better than having your favorite character back in action with the Cryptid crew). Maybe the buzz is connected to the fact that Marty and Grace are safe (for the moment) and you are anxiously waiting for Noah Blackwood to reach the end of his tyranny. There could even be a need for closure... the truth about what happened to Marty's parents.

Or it might just... be... that you are so involved in this series... that your adrenaline is pumping and you are ready to "survive" this final destination regardless of who is detained, captured, killed, or left forever missing. After all, there are those amazing "cryptid" creatures that every reader hopes will one day be seen "alive." Maybe it's just because you are a reader who is addicted to "on the edge" adventures, with characters in "survival" modes, and page-turning hooks. What ever the reason for opening this book, be ready for an all night journey. Once read, you will be the one sharing the "buzz" about this book.

Oh, and teachers be forewarned that your students will not be able to sustain their focus until they have turned the last page of this book. If you want your students to be "engaged" readers, then be ready to lengthen their "free choice" reading time. Or better yet, why not  introduce the series... pass out the first three books... take a seat yourself and begin reading Mutation. The "buzz" will be in all of their discussions, predictions, and desire to be the first one ready to read your copy of Mutation.

Way to "put your pen" to the paper Roland, you never leave your readers wanting less... but always wanting more!
MrsK

 Read MrsK's Cryptid Series Review

 It all began with:

        

And for me, it all began with:

 

Amazing read
Added all these titles to my shelf

  Today the adventure continues..... Are you ready?

  I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. When I was five years old my parents gave me an old manual typewriter that weighed more than I did! It was my favorite possession. I spent hours in my room clacking away on that old typewriter. Of course, when I was five I didn’t know how to spell and I barely knew how to read, but I loved the sound and the look of the letters on the crisp white paper.

Things haven’t changed much since then. I still spend several hours a day in my room clacking away and I still love the sound of the keyboard and the look of the letters and words that eventually turn into stories. The only difference is that I can read now and I spell a lot better.
If I’m not writing I’m traveling — doing research and taking photos for upcoming books. Or, I’m out visiting schools — something I love to do! My writing led me to animals and my work with animals led me back to writing. It’s funny how things work out. I spent over twenty years working with animals. Now I’m going to spend the next twenty years writing about animals…as well as a few other things.

"Writing is like any skill in life — the more you practice, the luckier you get. If you want to become a writer, you need to write every day, even if it's in a journal or diary, and you need to read everything you can get your hands on all the time. I know hundreds of authors and all of them are fanatic readers. You learn to write by reading other people's words. "

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

 

 

Goodnight Ark by Laura Sassi

Laura Sassi

ISBN: 9780310737841

Publisher's Synopsis:

Beds are ready.
Food is stored.
Noah hollers,
'All aboard!'

It's bedtime on Noah's ark, but the animals can't sleep because of the storm. Two by two, they crowd into Noah's bed, creating a sticky situation. Will Noah ever get them back to their own beds? Climb aboard the ark for this rollicking, yet ultimately restful bedtime story as Noah finds a way to make things calm and cozy, even in the midst of a storm.

MrsK's Review:

If the best place for children to learn to read is on your lap, then this is one to share again and again. With the "Zip! Zing!" lightning, the "Crash! Boom! Rumble!" of thunder, and the "Tip, slip, slide!" of the Ark... well, you and those precious little ones on your lap will spend many delightful giggles from this enjoyable voyage.

Laura's word play invites you to read along, to exaggerate the sound effects, to have fun with animal voices and noises. Your young reader will enjoy their success as beginning readers because they can feel the rhyme, they can connect their prior knowledge about the animals, and they understand the "stormy" fears and the need for safety in your bed. This tale invites so many opportunities for discussing Noah's story, for helping them know that "noises" in the night... can bring them safely to you, and that they are loved.

The minute we opened this book, my little Miss began counting and sorting the animals. Jane's illustrations are just delightful. During many moments re-reading, we mimicked their expressions... we giggled about their surprise "attack" onto Noah's bed, and we "seeked" out those extra creatures that didn't have top billing in the story.

Just an over-all good time for everyone,

MrsK

 
Enjoyable read aloud! A must read, re-read, and read again voyage.

Meet the Author:

Laura Sassi has a passion for telling humorous stories in rhyme. She writes daily from her century-old home in New Jersey where she lives with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. Her poems, stories, articles, and crafts have appeared in Highlights for Children, Cricket, Ladybug, Spider and Focus on the Family's Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. GOODNIGHT, ARK is her first picture book.

Meet the Illustrator: 

Jane Chapman is a multi award-winning artist who has illustrated over one hundred books, including Bear's New Friend and Very Special Friends. She lives in Southern England with her husband, two children, and five chickens.

"I received this book for free from Book Look Bloggers for this review."

Nest by Esther Ehrlich

 

Esther Ehrlich

ISBN: 9780385386074

Publisher's Synopsis:
For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.

Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery. 

Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.

MrsK's Review: 

Once in awhile you open a book that feels so "good" that everything around you suddenly fades away. Just look at the cover, does it not invite you to come along on this girl's journey?  Naomi "Chirp" is a delightful "free spirit" whose endearing qualities will remain etched within your heart.  With the setting of Cape Cod in 1972 comes a fluttering of joy-filled memories for me. Between the historical details there is a "vividness" to the moments between Naomi, her sister Rachel, and her mother as they sing through songs on the radio or from their stereo. Songs bring any reader back into personal memories, thus creating a joyful connection between the characters and the reader. Perfectly chosen... perfectly placed... perfect unison with the threads of the story.

As Naomi's journey begins: I should have taken the shortcut home from my bird-watching spot at the salt marsh, because then I wouldn't have to walk past Joey Morell, whipping rocks against the telephone pole in front of his house as the sun goes down.  You are given the "foreshadowing" that  these two characters will be important to each other as the story progresses.  Do you remember these end of summer activities, class mates who knew of each other but never made connections beyond the classroom. Some of my dearest friends were found in those end of summer days:

"So where were you?" Joey asks, like it's his right to know.

"Nowhere."

"How was nowhere?"

"Just like somewhere," I say.

He looks at me, real serious, and then he smiles and drops the rock. 

Naomi shares her passion for bird watching whether it is looking out a window, strolling through pines and oaks, hiking back into her favorite spot in the marshes, or browsing through nature books. Her birds are her pass-time, her joy is found in the moments spent with her mother as they experienced life in nature.  Can you remember that care-free spirit as a 6th grader? Do you remember the anxiety surrounding school, the teachers, the school work, and the fitting in? Can you imagine what it would be like if you had to watch your mom grow weaker day after day? It's not easy having your mother dancing with you one day and then having an ambulance taking her to the hospital the next day. Naomi's mother... a dancer, a nature enthusiast, an "imagination" guide, a "swan boat" adventurer, and the one who used playful nick names for her youngest daughter... Chirp, Snap Pea, Sweet Chicken, My Girl, and Chirpie. Each of these names represents a treasured moment, eternally "seared" deep within Naomi's heart.

Naomi's father values family bonding which means "talking" through daily chores, at the dinner table, while traveling, and when life gets rough. Naomi would rather go on expeditions, for her that means being in the nature around her or reading about it:

...schlepped the duffel bags with the fold-up kayak, my backpack with my binocs,

and a canvas bag that Mom packed with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, Wheat Thins,

and watermelon... 

Her father has taught Naomi that it is important to "feel connected" with their past in order to "make sense" about their present. He must balance his daughter's needs, his patients, his feelings and fear, and phone calls to the hospital about his wife. Sometimes there just isn't a clear path to follow, but there is determination and hope:

"Even though this is a tough time, there's still a lot to be thankful for."

Naomi's sister Rachel, well she is a few years older, in High School, and knows to "run" to her friends when mom is at her worst.  It's hard to be in communication with each other when your mother's MS diagnosis "suffocates" the joy from life. It is Rachel who will clean, cook, and try to provide the "same" household that each of the family is missing.

And then there's Joey.  That "unexpected" summer friend.  Nothing is safe around Joey's home, so when Naomi's mother gets worse... it's Joey's experiences which provides support for Naomi. Their friendship won't be about solving the chaos around them, but it will be about having that friend that will help you "adventure" beyond the pain.

Naomi's journey is about family, loving memories, friendship, and finding the strength to move beyond tragedy.  With characters so richly described... beautifully described east coast settings marking the passage of time... and a sensitive/emotional story about how illness, depression, and suicide leaves a family grasping at hope and learning "how" to begin a new season in living.  An excellent choice for reader circles, so many areas for reflective conversations.

Read for understanding,
MrsK

 

Amazing journey for raising today's readers! 

  Esther Ehrlich's debut novel, Nest, is forthcoming from Wendy Lamb Books/Random House in September 2014. Ehrlich was born and raised in Boston, graduated from Vassar College, and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.  Learn about Chirp's Birds.

Read the opening of Nest.

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

Random House Publishers

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Sarah Loudin Thomas
ISBN: 9780764212253

Publisher Synopsis:

In a Drought, It's the Darkest Cloud That Brings Hope

It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor . . . until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.

MrsK's Review:

This book promises a beautiful journey. It's a journey that will bring a smile to your day. A journey that will inspire you to walk away from all of those who are judgmental, condemning, and seeking to shred you with their gossip. When the "stuff" of life threatens your hope, our Lord always opens a door for us to walk through with faith. What is awaiting is a new beginning, a life fully loaded with individuals "hand-picked" to be welcomed into your life. This new beginning will bring you to a recognized cross road, yet this time you aren't alone.

The beautifully described setting is a small town in West Virginia. It is during a turning point for all Americans as the Korean War was coming to an end (1954). A time when the media was changing the "role" of women, television was changing life within households, and the government was tracking down Communists. Within the nation, there remained certain remote towns in which communities attended church, grew up and rarely left home. This was the "opened door" that gave Perla such hope.

In a town where the spring planting is done, there is time for barn dances. When was the last time you attended a barn dance? When was the last time the ladies from church were so a "buzzed" with planning that men hurried to get their cars? Have you ever "flat-footed" across the floor? At any family get-together, have you enjoyed a delicious Hummingbird cake or ham biscuits?  When was the last time you watched a gentle man give a gift to a little girl who had no father, a gift so lovingly crafted... a gift every little girl would delight in... close your eyes and envision the scene:

"Well, you'd better come see what's in this basket, then."

Sadie scurried over and pushed aside the dish towel... She gasped and then crouched down,

using both hands to hold Amy as if letting the doll look into the basket.

Sadie reached in and removed the chair, then the table, and finally the little bed.

She placed them in a semicircle in front of her and then just gazed at them. 

Perla is a single mother, raising a delightful daughter (Sadie). Perla is "gifted" with the ability to make meals from anything:

"Seems like I've always been able to cook. I just wish my food didn't... didn't go on like it does."

Casewell is man after God's own heart. He is a carpenter who values his talent, his gift, and his desire to "do" for others:

Casewell walked across the backyard to a stout little outbuilding that he had designed and built...

The far side held his woodworking tools---his treasures.

With a story line of a drought that threatens their town, Perla and Casewell will be led in a discovery of inner strength, God's will for their lives, and a love that will mend the past.

This journey is woven with vivid scenes that touches a reader's spirit. Whether its the scene when Casewell tastes the water from a forgotten stream during the worst of the drought, or the moment his father "sees" the rain before it splatters upon the window. There are moments of beautiful prayer that will sing within your heart. There are moments of loneliness that will bring a swift "sting" unto your eyes. Yet, just as in our moments of life... there are those moments of joy that truly make life worth living.

Blessings are found within these pages,

MrsK 

  A beautiful and enjoyable read.
Added to my shelf and shared with the Booked to Dine Book Club

Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children's ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor's in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina.

Excerpt Download PDF

"I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for this review."