Time Traveling to 1973: Celebrating a Special Year by Robert E. Miller

Publisher’s Summary

Let’s travel back in time to celebrate the very special year of 1973!

Were you born in 1973? Was this the year you were married?

With over 220 iconic images – over 25 vintage ads – it’s the perfect birthday or wedding anniversary gift.

Immerse yourself into the Culture, the People, the Leading Events, and the Arts that made 1973 so unique and shaped the World as we know it today.

This perfect balance between serious and popular events will rekindle your emotions of such a remarkable time and place in history!

Beautifully presented with photos on every page, this book goes over:

  • Crimes and their Punishments
  • The Iconic Movies, the TV Shows and Awards
  • Music: Top Songs, Albums and Awards
  • Sports Review: American, British and International Events
  • Pop Culture, Fashion and Popular Leisure Activities
  • Technological Advancements and Popular Cars
  • Stats and the Cost of Things
  • Iconic Advertisements of 1973
  • Politics and Leading Events around the World

A lot of work went into this process to give you the most comprehensive, yet digestible, unforgettable time travel.

Are you readyBon voyage!

Robert E. Miller’s Time Traveling to 1973: Celebrating a Special Year opens with the Watergate scandal and ends with iconic advertisements from that year. The book is filled with amazing and unforgettable tidbits that occurred in 1973.

The entries in the book flow seamlessly, transitioning from one chapter to the next in a well-thought-out and extremely germane and interesting fashion.

I was reading along and got caught up in the year, thinking to myself that this would make a wonderful birthday gift for someone born in 1973, who graduated from school (be it high school or college) in 1973 or who got married that year. They would undoubtedly be overcome by poignant, sentimental and nostalgic memories after reading it, I’m sure.

The pictures were an interesting mix of black and white and color, which decidedly enhanced the narrative.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that certain things I had assumed to be more modern inventions had actually been developed in the 1970s and were extremely pricey.

An interesting chronology of a significant year in history, both in the US and abroad, may be found in Time Traveling to 1973: Celebrating a Special Year. The turmoil and upheaval of the year will pique readers’ interest. You can’t miss this book if you want a quick historical read!

I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing. I voluntarily chose to give it my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher’s Summary

Wesley is so busy running his family’s Amish market at the holidays, he barely has time for Liesl, the young woman he’s been courting for years. When she suggests her aunt Jenny could help Wesley out, he agrees to the plan. But Liesl neglected to mention her aunt is only twenty-six years old—and as charming as she is hard-working.

Jenny, still healing after a painful breakup, welcomes the distraction of working at the market. She soon realizes Wesley is everything she ever dreamed a man could be. But how can Jenny even think about romance with the man Liesl expects to marry?

But Liesl’s own feelings are more complicated than she’s willing to admit. With humor, faith, and a little help from their friends in the community, everyone might just find what their hearts are looking for this Christmas at the Amish market.

Like all of Shelley Shepard Gray’s works, Christmas at the Amish Market is genuine, relatable and true to life. She has a talent for tugging you into the narrative and enticing you to delight in the protagonists, as you follow their journey.

The Christmas subject makes the book an excellent, grand one to read since it captures all the fun and excitement of the holiday season without any of the commercialism and “keeping up with the Jones” difficulties.

As the protagonists attempt to navigate and balance expectations and romance, there are both happy and sorrowful moments, as well as sweet and tense ones.

Family, faith and forgiveness are all themes included in the novel, which I really enjoy, appreciate and value. The simple, frugal way of Amish life also appeals to me. But I don’t think I could handle living it!

Gray also includes a recipe for Cincinnati Chili at the end of the book that looks delicious. I plan to make it soon!

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Waffles and Pancakes: A Lesson in Friendship by Cindy Springsteen

PUBLISHERS SUMMARY:

BOOK ONE IN A MOST DELIGHTFUL SERIES

Waffles and Pancakes are two hamsters who were bought from the pet store on the very same day. But their owners—Danny &Griffin, don’t treat them the same way. Pancakes has a lovely new home to play around in with wheels and tunnels. Waffles only has a small box. But when Waffles and Pancakes meet up again, they realize that there are more important things than material possessions.

BIO:

Cindy Springsteen, author of Waffles and Pancakes books and Forever & Always Series lives on Long Island with her husband, two children and two granddaughters. She has had a passion for writing since she was in her teens, starting with poetry, which won her numerous awards and were published in various publications. She also spent many years researching and writing about parenting teenagers for various publications. She presently is a virtual assistant for a well-known author. She is currently working on book five in her Waffles & Pancakes series.

METADATA

Title: Waffles And Pancakes: A Lesson in Friendship

Author: Cindy Springsteen

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform  

Pub date: January 26, 2017

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Paperback ISBN: 97815423886401

Reading Age:  2 – 8  Years Old

Grade Level: 1 – 2

Outstanding for toddlers and young, beginning readers, Cindy Springsteen’s Waffles & Pancakes is a wonderful book. The lesson taught is a timeless one.

The parents of Griffin and Danny, two lads in the same class at school, purchase Waffles and Pancakes for their boys on the same day. The boys didn’t know they had each received a pet hamster on the same day, though.

The hamsters reconnect as the plot develops. Griffin and Danny’s play date brings the hamsters back together. Pancakes has a lavish hamster home, which astonishes Waffles since he just has a little box. Waffles soon finds out that while Danny plays with him almost constantly after school, Griffin seldom ever plays with Pancakes.

Both adults and children can benefit from the story’s lesson. The message of unconditional love will resonate, too.


My two-year-old granddaughter found the tale to be quite interesting. She felt sorry for Waffles at first, but she soon came to the conclusion that Danny’s affection was far superior to many of Griffin’s offerings.


The story’s appeal is enhanced and made more enjoyable by the vivid and winsome visuals.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily chose to give it my honest review.

Rachael’s Decision by Molly Jebber

Publisher’s Summary

In 1915 Ohio, anyone entering the Amish Charm Bakery is greeted by the sweet warmth and delicious fragrance of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from freshly baked cookies and pies. And newcomers to this Amish community will find friendship on the menu, too—and perhaps for a lucky few, even lasting love . . .
 
Rachael Schlabach’s first chance for a husband ended in a tragic accident that left her with a limp. Though happy to work in the beloved Amish Charm Bakery, she hasn’t abandoned her romantic dreams, but she has focused on a widower with two adorable kinner she would love to raise as her own. Then handsome, single Caleb Yutzy arrives on the scene . . .
 
Caleb is eager to court pretty, warm-hearted Rachael, and tells her so. But their frank conversations reveal a truth that dashes her hopes—Caleb very much wants kinner, the one thing Rachael can’t give him. Even when Caleb assures her it’s no matter, she can’t bring herself to be so selfish. Yet love is beyond all planning, and with faith Rachael and Caleb may discover the lifetime of love they were meant to share . . .

Molly Jebber wraps up the “Amish Charm Bakery” series and returns us to Charm, Ohio, in book six, Rachael’s Decision. The narrative functions nicely on its own, but reading the entire series results in a richer experience.

Given that it is set in the early 1900s, this story works well as historical fiction. However, many people in today’s society deal with similar heartbreaking and sad issues. Rachael Schlabach, the protagonist, has a strong, unwavering sense of faith and confidence in God throughout her quest for love. I truly admired that.

In addition, Jebber offers recipes at the conclusion of the book, which made me drool and want to cook them all!

Rachael’s Decision will appeal to readers who like Molly Jebber and Amish fiction, and I heartily suggest it to others as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Twice Sold Tales by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: Twice Sold Tales

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian / Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release date: November 2, 2022

If only owning a bookstore didn’t mean dealing with people.

No one was more surprised than Harper Brevig when Great Aunt Lorene (not “Lori,” thank-you-very-much) died and left her least favorite niece her bookstore–including a prime piece of real estate in downtown Red Wing, Minnesota.

Making a go of the place shouldn’t be too hard. With her library science degree, she should be set. Then again, the website describing library degrees had said it would teach her excellent communication skills. It had not. Could she get a partial refund?

Still, owning the building should mean crazy-low overhead to offset her less than optimal “book-side” manner.  Ahem. So when yet another huge bill arrives, and she starts getting twitchy about the low bank balance, Harper does the only thing she can think of.

Enter Milton Coleridge. He’d been excited about the possibilities of the store last year, but Harper had sent him packing before he could talk to her about them.  Now he has a chance to make a difference. But she’s right. She’s bleeding money, and it doesn’t make sense!

Milton’s job is to figure out what’s going on, plug the financial leak, and maybe… do a little matchmaking. That dad with the adorable little boy would be good for her… and she’d be good for him. Probably.

Twice Sold Tales: the first full-length novel in the Bookstrings series releasing with The Mosaic Collection

Click here to get your copy!

I love this story, and truthfully, what’s not to love? If you love books, this story will have you searching out books you haven’t thought of in a long time or, alternately, looking for ones you have never heard of before. The t-shirts and their pithy, semi-sarcastic and witty quotes will have you laughing while nodding your head in agreement with the sayings. Then, of course, there is the author—Chautona Havig; there’s so much I love about her stories.

The characters’ personalities are remarkably true to life. Harper Brevig is a bookworm who dislikes people yet inherits a bookstore. She sports a lot of sardonic t-shirts, one of which reads, “Fictional characters: because people are overrated.” Not to be forgotten is Milton Coleridge, who is supposed to help Harper with her financial losses but instead decides to play matchmaker. Not to mention Benny, a child who mistrusts everyone and seems a little lost and adrift. There are so many fascinating people; I could go on and on.

I finished the book in a single evening, relishing and thoroughly enjoying every moment.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

“What kind of research does a contemporary book need? I mean, she’s a bookstore owner in a town you’ve been to several times. What’s there to research?”

I can’t be the only author to get questions like this. And I certainly can’t be the only one who has to fight the urge to laugh. Folks, authors research everything. In Twice Sold Tales, I think I looked up almost as much as I did in my Meddlin’ Madeline Mysteries!

Because here’s the deal. What I didn’t know about Red Wing, Minnesota wouldn’t have hurt the story most of the time. Who cares that Bev’s Café has amazing creamy cucumbers? It doesn’t technically matter. Well, except to my character who hates veggies but will eat those. They make her feel virtuous. And you get to know about it.

But… what you discover about a place or a time or an occupation or whatever can totally change the course of your story. Case in point? I went to a website about River City Days because my niece suggested it might be a good thing for Noah to do with his son. That led me to the Farmer’s Markets and to other things. How I got to the first Ghost Walk in Red Wing taking place this year? I don’t even know. What I do know is that the moment I read about it, I knew Harper had to go. And if she did, and if Milton were the instigator, Noah had to go. #BecauseMatchmaker.

And this is where it got really cool. To make the walk as authentic as I could, I read everything I could find about it. And I discovered something super cool. Like… blow you out of the water cool.

Red Wing, Minnesota sits near the shore of Lake Pepin. Little House on the Prairie lovers will remember this as the lake that Laura Ingalls crossed in the wagon as they left the Big Woods of Wisconsin (you know, right across the river/lake from Red Wing???) Well… Lake Pepin has a monster—the Nessie of the Mississippi. Yes, you read that right… a monster! I went looking and guess what? The “monster” has a name. Pepie! Needless to say, Pepie became a an important part of my story. Because how could he not?

And… I happened to find a stuffed Pepie at Treats & Treasures in Lake City, just south of Red Wing, so I ordered a couple for giveaways—including the one with this blog tour. Happy reading, and what do you think? Shouldn’t someone write Pepie’s story?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 21

Vicky Sluiter, January 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

Mary Hake, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, January 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 25

Lots of Helpers, January 25

Cover Lover Book Review, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Splashes of Joy, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 27

She Lives To Read, January 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 30

Divine Perspective, January 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Aryn the Libraryan, February 1

Books I’ve Read, February 1

Blogging With Carol, February 2

Back Porch Reads, February 2

Pause for Tales, February 3

Spoken from the Heart, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback of the book, a stuffed “Pepie” and a few other bookish goodies!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23bc5/twice-sold-tales-celebration-tour-giveaway

https://www.celebratelit.com

Something Old, Something New by Amy Clipston

Publisher’s Summary

Sometimes treasure can be found where you least expect it.

In the decade since high school graduation, Christine Sawyer has realized her dream of opening Treasure Hunting Antique Mall, the place where shoppers find gems that are new to them. Between her store, her house, and her role as a doting aunt, she’s happy with her life—if a bit lonely. But she’s used to being less lucky in love than her fraternal twin sister. Britney was always the popular one, the head cheerleader who dated the homecoming king and quarterback, while Christine stayed in the shadows.

Brent Nicholson is still trying to come to grips with the shambles his life has become. After leading his football team to a state championship, he suffered a career-ending injury. Now he’s lost his construction business thanks to his so-called best friend. So when his great-aunt Midge asks for his help readying her home to put it on the market, the opportunity to spend time with his biggest fan is a balm to his bruised soul.

But the antiques Brent finds in his aunt’s house lead him to an unexpected partnership with Christine. After being blind to her for so many years, is it too late for the former high school jock to win the heart of the self-proclaimed “nerdy twin”?

As they sift through items of the past, Christine and Brent learn to let go of the pieces they don’t want to bring into the future—and realize the value of what’s in front of them today.

Amy Clipston’s newest novel, Something Old, Something New, is an endearingly heartwarming contemporary romance. Christine Sawyer and Brent Nicholson are the main protagonists in the storyline.

Christine lives her life in the shadow of her twin sister, Britney, while Brent continues to live in the shadow of his glory days as a teenage football hero. Neither feel they are truly worthy of love or second chances.

This story was enjoyable to read. Everyone, I believe, has had the feeling that they were not “good enough” at some point. While these feelings may not have been as severe as Christine or Brent’s, they are relatable.

Brent’s Aunt Midge was my favorite character. I love when authors create someone with moxie and gumption. Both real and imagined worlds are made more lively by them.

The message of optimism, second chances, forgiveness and love in Clipston’s novel makes it the ideal book to read at any time.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Refining Josie by Carolyn Miller

About the Book

Book: Refining Josie

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: December 6, 2022

What’ll it take for the prodigal daughter to share her deepest secrets… and her heart?

Josephine Green returns to the islands in an attempt to reconcile with her family, but with a cloud over the family business, and little in the way of gardening skills, Josie’s painful past and flaky ways prove less than endearing for Greener Gardens’ hardworking crew.

Stuck without any other options, Josie is forced to accept her sister’s offer of a job that takes her to Breakers Head where she encounters Aussie teacher, Lachlan Jones.

A long-lost relative might’ve brought Lachie to a tiny music recording studio on the Independence Islands, but it’s also brought questions about how to care for someone he barely knows, especially considering he’s the last family she has. Questions regarding his future soon pale when he encounters the vibrant-haired Josie, whose sass and attitude takes some getting used to.

Neither imagined more until they began to bond over music and environmental causes. Both discover that first impressions need not be lasting ones.

But with the future of Greener Gardens looking shaky, and Josie’s faith and self-worth just as tenuous, can deepening a friendship into something more ever work? And what happens when Lachlan’s work means he has to return to Australia after Christmas? What’ll it take for two hearts to heal and make a future possible?

This Breakers Head novel is Carolyn Miller’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

Carolyn Miller creates a sensitive, sympathetic tale about a somewhat bruised and semi-bitter woman named Josie in Refining Josie.

As you come to know Josephine “Josie” Green, you understand that she must have a reason for her attitude and manner, which you eventually learn. As you come to know Josie well, your heart starts to ache for her.

Fortunately, she connects with Australian-born Lachlan “Lachie” Jones, who has moved to Breakers Island. Both Lachlan and Josie are a little bit like fish out of water because of unforeseen events.

Miller tells a true-to-life tale about a woman who struggles with her faith, other people, and life in general. The story is wonderful in how it deals with all the circumstances of Josie’s life and how she embraces love, forgiveness and faith.

Breakers Island was an offshoot series of books from the Independence Island series, of which Refining Josie is the last. The series will be much missed.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher. She loves reading, music, films, gardens, art, travel and international food, and really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love.
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

Her novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, and Underestimating Miss Cecilia, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc

More from Carolyn

Wow! Well, here we are celebrating the release of Refining Josie, my final book and THE final book in the Independence Islands series. It’s been a journey, hasn’t it? Six authors, five islands, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

As a long-time lover of gardens, plants, flowers and trees, it’s been so fun showcasing various parts of what life could be like as someone working in the gardening industry on these islands. I’m married to a horticulturalist, who once upon a time worked at Lyme Park, which was showcased in the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice. He has also worked at Kew Gardens in England, and it was fun to use some of his experience in these books. (You can see some of my pics on Instagram and on my website)

For Refining Josie I was glad to finally round out some of the family challenges Samantha Green and her family’s ‘Greener Gardens’ business have had to deal with along the way, and to give Josie Green her own voice. This is a story about a prodigal daughter, and some of the ‘why’ behind the behavior, factors I think readers will relate and respond to well.

As an Aussie, I was also happy to include an Aussie hero, someone with some challenges of his own, so I hope you enjoy getting a tiny taste of a Hugh Jackman-esque hero.

Come visit the Independence Islands once more, and enjoy Refining Josie, a story of heart, hope, humor and a dash of Christmas romance.

Happy reading!

Carolyn

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, January 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14

Blossoms and Blessings, January 14

Texas Book-aholic, January 15

deb’s Book Review, January 16

Sylvan Musings, January 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 17

Aryn the Libraryan, January 18

Daysong Reflections, January 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 19

Blogging With Carol, January 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 20

She Lives To Read, January 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 22

For Him and My Family, January 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24

Lis Loves Reading, January 25

Simple Harvest Reads, January 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Holly’s Book Corner, January 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23a10/refining-josie-celebration-tour-giveaway

https://www.celebratelit.com

On My Honor by Patty Smith Hall

Publisher’s Summary

A Girl Scout Troop Joins the Battle of the Atlantic


Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Ginny Mathis was finished with nursing school and had no intention of staying rooted in the Outer Banks—then war broke out. With her father away, she feels duty-bound to stay and help her mother and younger sister. While working as a clerk for the Oregon Inlet ferry, naval officers ask Ginny and others to be watchful for German U-boats reportedly spotted in the area. So to help occupy her teenage sister, Ginny enlists the Girl Scout troop she leads to help watch for suspicious activity along the coast. 
 
Timothy Elliott is no stranger to death. As a British reporter working with the M-6, he’s numb to the losses of war after two years of fighting the Germans. Maybe that’s why he volunteered for this mission—to connect with an ex-German naval officer who stole the Furor’s battle plan for the Atlantic war. When the boat giving him passage to New York is bombed near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Tim is thrown from the boat and wakes up in the care of a group of young girls.
 
Ginny follows her sneaky sister on a clandestine mission and discovers the shipwreck victim. Ginny knows she must take charge, but is this man the enemy, or does he hold secrets that could turn the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic in the allies’ favor?

On My Honor, by Patty Smith Hall, is one of the “Heroines of WWII” series; however, it can easily be read as a standalone.

This fascinating, intriguing work of historical fiction centers on a Girl Scout troop located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (a place near and dear to my own heart).

Ginny Mathis, the Girl Scout leader for her sister Ginny’s troop, is working three jobs in addition to assisting in the war effort. Though her war work is more serious, she teaches her Scouts to map coordinates, keep a lookout for strangers in the area and perform other tasks inherent to the war effort. Her ambitious pace is arduous as she and her sister grapple with how to get along.

A small slice of World War II has been vividly brought to life by Patty Smith Hall. I could feel the Outer Banks sand between my toes and its seaside breezes. I felt agony and horror as well at imagining the smell and sight of oil smeared all over the beach in the aftermath of deadly submarine attacks.

A riveting and gripping tale, On My Honor, is a story you won’t want to miss, especially if you enjoy unique and engrossing stories of WWII.

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Friday Flashback ~ The Red Button: The Sweet Romance Prequel to A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Keith Eldred

About the Book

As mechanization spreads worldwide in the early 1800s, Ebenezer Scrooge leaves his mentor Fezziwig to launch his first enterprise, a factory that produces buttons for clothing. Such businesses spell doom for independent button-makers, but Scrooge seeks out the most respected small shop to gain expertise and tailor contacts. This is how he meets congenial craftsman Archie Endicott and his daughter and partner Belle, who immediately fascinates young Scrooge with her intelligence as she astutely counters his business proposals. As Scrooge and Belle learn more of each other—notably his large ambition and her entranced communion with the spirit of her late mother—they fall in love and become engaged. This delights Belle’s father but concerns Scrooge’s bankers. Side-by-side, the loving couple vigorously confronts mounting challenges, but their future is in jeopardy.

The Red Button can be purchased at these sites: Amazon: https://bit.ly/redbuttonbook
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/redbutton-Goodreads (I am not an affiliate of either)

A red button. A romance. In Keith Eldred’s prequel to A Christmas Carol, The Red Button, the narrative of Ebenezer Scrooge and Belle Endicott begins.

When Ebenezer Scrooge comes to their button shop, Belle Endicott and her father, Archie, are contentedly working together. Both Belle and Ebenezer are attracted to one other almost immediately and embark on a romance.

The Red Button, written in a language evocative of Charles Dickens’ old English, explores what could have happened between Ebenezer and Belle to cause the demise of their romance.

The backdrop of Belle and Ebenezer’s doomed love is nicely written and easy to follow. Quickly, I became attached to all the characters. When Scrooge began to value material wealth over human emotions and love, it shattered my heart. His character’s shift tugged at my heartstrings as I read it. Belle’s empathy and kindness were almost otherworldly, and she went above and beyond normal kindness.

There were various aspects of The Red Button that I found appealing. I was thrilled to see the inclusion of Fezziwig and Marley, as well as some of their backstories. The details of button making, both hand-made and factory-made, were fascinating. In addition, I was amused by Scrooge’s creation of a desk which was a forerunner to the standing desk!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

About the Author

Keith Eldred created the THIS IS RED project with his wife Janet, a public library director diagnosed with early-stage dementia. With Janet’s condition making every day precious, they decided to make the most of 2020, the year of their 30th anniversary, by publishing 20 books. All profits from these titles go to the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, where Janet works. See more at https://thisis.red/

Keith is also helping his granddaughter Brook Johnson (age 8) create a book trilogy about her character The Puppy Queen.

(Previously Published December 3, 2021.)

Are You A Pineapple? by Kathryn A. Zolman

TOUR FULL

Join us for this tour from Nov 25 to Dec 16, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Are You A Pineapple? by Kathryn A. Zolman
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   May, 2022
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), PDF
Tour dates: Nov 25 to Dec 16, 2022
Content Rating:  G. Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Kevin has a beautiful new puppy! But what should he name her? He wants to find a name that is unique, just like her. Kevin knows the puppy is special, but he’s about to find out just how smart she is when she helps Kevin choose her own name!

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N 
BAM ~ indiebound ~ Bookshop.org
Mascot Books

What a sweet tale about how Kevin, a small, young boy, and his brand-new puppy, who was without a name, rapidly became best friends!


Are You a Pineapple? by Kathryn Zolman, has charming, easygoing and heartwarming prose — all fantastic qualities for a story geared toward youngsters. Zolman highlights how Kevin takes ownership of his pup, dedicates himself to raising and caring for it, how seriously he takes that responsibility and how solemnly he approaches it.

Content based on actual events that took place in Kevin and the pup’s lives greatly enhances the book’s appeal and makes it a pleasure to read. Naturally, it also makes the message more engaging and interesting.

Walter Policelli’s artwork absolutely and effectively brings the story to life. You’ll be giggling as you see how the charming shenanigans and the adorable, loveable antics of the two characters are depicted.

My granddaughter and I really enjoyed reading Are You a Pineapple? together. It is really an upbeat, bubbly and energetic chronicle. She loved the bright, amusing and endearing illustrations and often commented on them. Needless to say, it made her want a dog – which isn’t going to happen with our cat ruling the roost!

Ages 3 to 7 are the target demographic. But even though she’s only two, my granddaughter thought it was wonderful. Additionally, I believe older kids would also greatly enjoy it, too. Be advised that it might result in them begging for a pet!

The “About the Author” page at the end, which is a charming and lovely little postscript, gives insight into how and why the book came into being.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

Meet the Author:

Kathryn A. Zolman never expected to write a children’s book, but when Pineapple came into her life and she heard the story of how this sweet, smart dog got her name, she thought it would make a fun book for parents to read to their children. Pineapple is a Bull Mastiff, German Shepherd, Chow mix, and much like a real pineapple, she knows how to stand tall and is very sweet on the inside!

Kathryn is an avid dog lover. Along with her husband and daughter, they have raised three Doberman Pinschers, each with their own unique personality and character. Kathryn is an advocate for not only raising children to respect all animals, but also to be thankful for the pure joy that they bring to our lives. In writing this book, Kathryn seeks to spread a positive message and hopes it will help children express more gratitude in their lives.

connect with the author: instagram  

Tour Schedule:

Nov 25 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 25 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Nov 25 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Nov 25 Rockin’ Book Reviews– book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 28 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Nov 28 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Nov 28 – My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 29  icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Nov 29 – Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway
Nov 30  Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 30  Sandra’s Book Club book review / giveaway
Dec 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit– book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review / giveaway
Dec 2 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 5  I’m Into Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 6 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 7 – @sarahs.bookstack – book review
Dec 8 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Dec 9  Mel_literate – book review
Dec 12 – Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
Dec 13  Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Dec 13 – Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Dec 14 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 14 – Bizwings Blog – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Dec 16  Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway

Enter to win signed copy of ARE YOU A PINEAPPLE?

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