The Water and the Wild by K. E. Ormsbee

K. E. Ormsbee

ISBN: 9781452128818

Publisher's Synopsis:

For as long as Lottie can remember, the only people who seem to care about her have been her best friend, Eliot, and the mysterious letter-writer who sends her birthday gifts. But now strange things and people are arriving on the island Lottie calls home, and Eliot's getting sicker, with a disease the doctors have given up trying to cure. Lottie doesn't know what she can possibly do—until a door opens in the apple tree. Down through the roots is another world—a world of treacherous, beautiful, impossible magic that just might lead to a cure for Eliot.

MrsK's Review:

"A green apple tree grew in the heat of Thirsby Square..."

No one knew why Mr. Yates III would have planted this tree in their neighborhood. But it fell upon Mr. Yates IV to keep it alive. Of course his wife could have chosen to put the apples to good use but she was not kindly at all. Unlike Mrs. Yates, Mr. Yates had a "knack" when it came to being nice. Including taking in an "orphaned, lemony-haired baby."

When Mr. Yates died, Mrs. Yates turned their home into a boarding house in which "no pets, no football, no noisy behavior" would be allowed. I'm sorry to report that things would not be pleasant for the little orphan girl since Mrs. Yates felt she was a bother and quite "maddening."

By the time Lottie Fiske was twelve, she discovered three treasures that would bring her joy each day. The first was her "apple tree," it grew right outside her bedroom window and greeted her every morning. It brought her a friendship that was strong and true. Her second treasure was in fact a school friend. Eliot was every bit as "odd" as Lottie but he was also a very sick young soul. The third treasure is in fact a small copper box. What's so special about this copper box? It all began when Lottie began receiving treasures and letters inside her copper box. 

"If you should ever need anything, write back."

And so Lottie's adventure begins... Lottie not only receives treasures from the apple tree, she will soon discover an opening into an amazing world. Lottie discovers friendships, the truth about her parents, her talents, and her mission. As Eliot's health begins to deteriorate, Lottie fears that they are running out of time for his healing. If she can locate Mr. Wilfer, the healer, she knows he could help Eliot. The quest will be challenged by so many, the serum will be elusive, and Lottie will need to trust in her own gifts.  

Book 2 link

Since Lottie's return from New Albion, Eliot has had the best prognosis. Eliot's father has sold his business and moved. Their previous adventures lead Lottie into the discovery about her talent. Yet, now was the time for Lottie to return to New Albion in a quest to "sharpen" her "keen." With the understanding and approval of Eliot's father, they both re-enter the world beyond the apple tree and are created by their friends in Wisp Territory. Knowing what your "keen" is and being trained in its use leads Lottie to discouragement and impatient decisions. Just when Lottie thinks nothing will change... she discovers a key in her pocket.  

 With delightful characters, inviting settings, and various... seriously life-threatening quests, Lottie will become a heroine that you will always want to re-visit!

Fantastical adventures are awaiting you, enter within these covers and discover your newest friendships,
MrsK 

Enjoyable series!
A must have for every classroom and library!

Meet the Author:

  K.E. Ormsbee's Middle Grade debut, THE WATER AND THE WILD, is a fantasy published by Chronicle Books. Its sequel, THE DOORWAY AND THE DEEP, comes out October 4, 2016. Standalone fantasy THE HOUSE IN POPLAR WOOD publishes Fall 2018.

She also writes Young Adult novels as Kathryn Ormsbee. Her YA debut, LUCKY FEW, published with Simon & Schuster in Jun 2016, and her next YA, TASH HEARTS TOLSTOY, comes out Summer 2017.

K.E. Ormsbee likes clothes from the 60s, music from the 70s, and movies from the 80s. She is from the 90s.

"I received this book for free for this review."

The Candidate by Lis Wiehl

Lis Wiehl

ISBN: 9780718037680

Publisher's Synopsis:

In covering the presidential election campaign, star newsmaker Erica Sparks notices that favored candidate Senator Mike Ortiz seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who—along with her best friend and confidant Lily Lau—has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach. But the more Erica investigates the Ortizes’ strange relationship, the more intrigued she becomes.

Erica begins an investigation. But everyone material to her probe ends up dead. With each death, her foreboding grows. Is she next? And can she find out in time if the country’s beloved candidate is what he seems . . . or a threat to national security?

"No one gets to the White House without having

the media in their corner."

MrsK's Review:

At GNN, Erica is searching for new challenges or prospective stories. Now that her life has gained a calming order, she feels that her focus with her daughter Jenny will improve. Until she is informed that her viewers are dropping off. She needs a "big story" as soon as possible.

At the scene, Erica begins her coverage of the final Democratic presidential debate. As Senator Mike Ortiz and Governor Fred Buchanan exit their vehicles, there's a "flash of light" and life for Erica gets tossed into chaos. Who is to blame?

Celeste Pierce Ortiz is determined to get her husband to the White House. She is a woman who calculates the odds, outlines the necessary steps for success, and relies on Lily Lau to help them win the election. What keeps her adrenaline pumping is the power that comes from controlling the outcome of any/all situations.

Since that moment of devastation at the debate, Erica finds that her time will be spent following leads instead of with her daughter. Becky Sullivan, is an intern and seems competent to be her personal assistant. Becky would be a good "match" for Jenny when she had to be away from home.

Lily Lau is a woman destined for greatness. She is brilliant, powerful, and is steeped with a commanding presence. She met Celeste when they were freshmen at Stanford. When Mike Ortiz came on the scene, both of the women sensed that he would be the perfect candidate for their plan.

While Erica interviews Mike Ortiz, she notices a void... a type of vacancy about his actions. What could cause such a void in someone who is running for President? It's almost as if he wasn't completely engaged, unable to think on his own. Where is all of this leading?

Woven between troubles at home with Jenny and Becky, the break up with Greg, and her investigations, Erica will need to trust her instincts and look deeper into the ancient Chinese canonical. It is becoming a life and death scenario especially for Erica and Jenny.

Suspense will keep you turning the pages. The deception, the greed of power, the depth of control will keep you on the edge as good vs. evil plunders into a tunnel of fear,
MrsK

"...there are some things money can't protect you from.

And there are some people who aren't what they seem."

Meet the Author:  

  

Lis Wiehl is the author "Face of Betrayal," a New York Times Best Seller.

She has also written "Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life" and "The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It."

In addition to her written work, Wiehl is currently a legal analyst for Fox News. She has been with the network since 2001.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Wiehl is an adjunct professor at New York Law School.

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson

ISBN: 9780718026318

Publisher's Synopsis:

Evangeline is the ward and cousin of King Richard II, and yet she dreams of a life outside of Berkhamsted Castle, where she might be free to marry for love and not politics. But the young king betroths her to his closest advisor, Lord Shiveley, a man twice as old as Evangeline. Desperate to escape a life married to a man she finds revolting, Evangeline runs away from the king and joins a small band of servants on their way back to their home village.

To keep her identity a secret, Evangeline pretends to be mute. Evangeline soon regrets the charade as she gets to know Wesley, the handsome young leader of the servants, whom she later discovers is the son of a wealthy lord. But she cannot reveal her true identity for fear she will be forced to return to King Richard and her arranged marriage.

Wesley le Wyse is intrigued by the beautiful new servant girl. When he learns that she lost her voice from a beating by a cruel former master, he is outraged. But his anger is soon redirected when he learns she has been lying to him. Not only is she not mute, but she isn't even a servant.

Weighed down by remorse for deceiving Wesley, Evangeline fears no one will ever love her. But her future is not the only thing at stake, as she finds herself embroiled in a tangled web that threatens England's monarchy. Should she give herself up to save the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?

"She would never be free to go wherever she wanted,

to work and play and live in the sunshine."

MrsK's Review:
In the summer of 1384, Evangeline could sing of the morning but not choose whomever she wanted to marry. Since the king has accepted Lord Shiveley's offer of marriage, Muriel tries to encourage Evangeline that she must follow through with the king's order and not risk his anger. Given the kings refusal to reject the marriage proposal, Evangeline, knew she had no choice. She must run away!

Once Westley had insured that the little girl was safe, he once again glances towards the window in which he had only a momentary glance of the lovely young lady who had been singing with "an ethereally beautiful voice." Never did it occur to Westley that before he reached Glynval there would be an old servant or a mute joining his group as he journeyed home.

At Glynval, Westley asks his mother, Lady le Wyse, to help Eva and the old servant get settled and begin working. Trying to find some type of work for Eva would not be easy. Cooking, sewing, or churning butter would not prove fruitful. What skills did Eva have? What type of disaster might a runaway charge of the king bring upon a small unsuspecting village?

As the days passed, the only thing that Evangeline had learned well was that Westley's parents, Lord and Lady le Wyse, had married for love. If only Muriel would accept her decision to run away. Maybe they both could be happy in Glynval. What Evangeline had not noticed was the depth of Muriel's unhappiness. If Muriel does return to Berkhamsted Castle what sort of danger might follow? Would the king, or even Lord Shiveley search for her? Would Muriel be allowed to live? Would Westley understand her deception? Where should she go?

If you enjoy fairy-tale re-tellings or medieval romance novels, this story is delightfully entertaining. Both Evangeline and Westley are flawed and yet, they are both enchanting characters. The story is as old as any fairy tale, although, the fun is found in their exploits as romance begins weaving a match made for ever after.
MrsK

"God, keep Evangeline safe, and make us victorious."  

Once love finds a way...

Your path becomes your destiny.

Meet the Author:

  Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times bestselling author, a two-time Christy Award finalist, two-time Maggie Award winner, Carol Award winner, two-time winner of the Christian Retailing's Best award, and her book, The Healer's Apprentice, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best First Book. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Melanie earned a bachelors degree in special education of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama and has worked as a teacher in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ukraine. She lives with her husband and two children in Huntsville, Alabama.

More Fairy Tale Retellings

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

31 Verses to Write on Your Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs

ISBN: 9781601428912

Publisher's Synopsis:

Here are the words of hope you re looking for when your faith needs a boost or a friend needs encouragement. Chosen by more than a thousand women as their favorite verses in the Bible, each one is worth learning, worth sharing, worth remembering,
You ll find verses you already know and love: I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Others may be less familiar but are no less powerful: Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Proverbs 29:25). All of them capture the truth of God s goodness, mercy, and love for His own.
Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs invites you to experience
A deeper, richer understanding of thirty-one treasured verses.
A fresh look at how these timeless truths can impact your life.
A new passion for memorizing Scripture, verse by verse.
Thirty-one creative ways to keep them in your heart forever.
With a Study Guide included, 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart is a daily devotional and a small group Bible study, wrapped in a lovely gift book overflowing with joy!"

MrsK's Review:
Learning a scripture passage a day is inspiring and do-able! Not like other devotionals, this book is formatted specifically for memorization and personal reflection. What I adore about this book is the resourcing into each aspect of the chosen passages. Liz breaks apart God's word in such a way that truly adds a depth within your spirit. For some of us, memorizing scripture can seem daunting. With this book, I've discovered personalized connections with in God's beautiful words. Those significant connections has enabled God's word to germinate and produce a strong "root" system. That "rooting," in turn, creates a quicker access of recall.

Each evening, I will re-read the previous passage and ponder the moments during my day that I was able to act on God's word. Then I read the next passage. I journal my discoveries. I discuss the passage with our Lord. It is a wonderful time of discovery.

Discover the blessings and treasures of these passages,
MrsK 

"Be still, and know that I am God..."

PS 46:10

Meet the Author:

Former Bad Girl, grateful for the grace God offers. Happy wife of Bill, one of the Good Guys. Proud mom of two grown-up kids with tender hearts. Lame housekeeper. Marginal cook. Pitiful gardener. Stuff I love? Encouraging my sisters in Christ—across the page, from the platform, online, in person. Unpacking Scripture. Traveling wherever God leads. Listening to his heart. Leaning into his embrace.

Learn More about Liz

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

Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur

Suzanne LaFleur

ISBN: 9780385740302

Publisher's Synopsis:

Elise and Franklin have always been best friends. Elise has always lived in the big house with her loving Uncle and Aunt, because Elise's parents died when she was too young to remember them. There's always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors on the second floor.
When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. Bullying. Not fitting in. Franklin suddenly seems babyish. Then, soon after her 12th birthday, Elise receives a mysterious key left for her by her father. A key that unlocks one of the eight doors upstairs in the barn.

"Question.

Believe.

Choose to..."

MrsK's Review:
Elise is starting middle school. During one of her hardest years, she will need to discover her truest sense of self. Thankfully, she is given many opportunities to unravel the mystery of the keys. Each key presents an opportunity to unlock eight rooms. Each room not only leads to an amazing discovery, but provides an insight into her inner perception about life. Can Elise discover the truth about her parents? Will she discover what a "true" friendship really means? How do these keys unlock a "treasure" for a life time?

Franklin is the one friend that knows Elise the best. Yet, now that middle school has begun he finds himself in the dilemma of protecting Elise or letting their friendship go. Thankfully, he has some great science opportunities to keep him going. Yet, when friendship begins to change not everything can be forgiven.

Caroline is the best friend of Elise's locker partner. A locker partner who is a bully, who is mean and nasty to Franklin, and a locker partner who is determined to make Caroline miserable. In reality, Caroline doesn't agree with how Amanda is acting. So when Elise asks her how she feels about a room filled with books, it was a great opportunity to discover a new friendship.

Every key unlocks a new discovery. Each discovery offers a better insight into what the mysterious messages are really about. Every character has a delightful depth of perception about Elise. Every room offers a challenge to embrace a strength.

This novel is worth sharing, discussing, and cherishing the changes that every one can aspire to.
Unlock a great read and then enjoy the journey,
MrsK

Delightfully crafted! 
A must for every classroom and school library.

Meet the Author:

  

I grew up outside Boston in Newton, and later Natick, MA. During the school year I went to Catholic school, did a lot of homework, and read a couple books a week. During the summer I read a couple books a day and spent hours swimming and playing outside at our local pool or beach. I was very much a planner, dreamer, and writer, creating plays and shows for my siblings and the neighborhood kids to be in and filling up entire notebooks with novels. I always read late into the night and slept with a book under my pillow.

I went to college in Lexington, VA at Washington and Lee, where I studied English and European History; I went to grad school in New York City at The New School, where I studied Writing for Children.

Now I divide my time between Natick, MA and New York. Due to my frequent travels, I don't really have a "typical" day, but most days I spend some time writing, reading, exercising (swimming, lifting, or walking), and visiting with friends. I like to warm up for writing by playing computer games. I do my best writing at home in my pajamas, though a lot of days I will venture out to a library to work (in jeans and a sweatshirt, rather than PJ's!). Most days I take a nap, which I tend to do with a book on my chest, whether or not I was actually reading it before I fell asleep. I still read before bed, and, now that I'm older and have a big bed to myself, I slide the book I'm reading under the pillow next to me (rather than the one I'm planning to sleep on!).

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