“Fatal Witness,” by Patricia Bradley

Posted on January 29, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Welcome Home?

Dani has been living a lie, or at least her Uncle Keith that raised her has. Dani has no memory of her life before the age of nine. Keith has told her she has no living relatives, and to leave the past alone or risk problems.

But now she has been told she has a grandmother, Mae, in Tennessee who has spent years searching for her. Without telling her uncle, Dani makes a trip to visit Mae.

Almost instantly after arriving, her life, and those around her are in danger. She is sure the key to saving her life is locked away in her missing memories. As she tries to remember, a killer strikes her numerous times.

Her new friend, Mark, a local K-9 officier, tries to protect her. However, the two of them together become the target of the bad guy.

This tale hits so many categories: thriller, mystery, treasure hunting, and much more. You will be pulled into the action, and may be surprised by the killer’s identity. Along the way, there are lots of red herrings that will try to fool you.

The characters explain what part faith has played in their lives, and what it has done for them. Although part of a series, this clean story stands on its own. Everyone will like this tale, especially fans of excitement and mystery. This is a well-done five-star whodunit that you will not want to miss!

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Fatal Witness,” by Patricia Bradley, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PTBradley1

The Author’s Website:  https://ptbradley.com/

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“Tiny Truths Little Lights Devotional: Shining God’s Light in the World,” by Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner

Posted on January 22, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Blessings And Fun!

Here is a fun devotional for small children that is overflowing with colorful illustrations, large fonts, and exciting ways of describing topics throughout the Good Book. A total of sixty-nine subjects are covered such as Love in Action, Do Your Best, and Every Little Thing.

The different topics can be a good jumping point to ask your child how to act in certain situations, or to add more details or discussion to the issue being covered.

Whether reading, or being read to, children will enjoy this book that is packed with good ideas, all presented in an attention-grabbing way. Coming with a hardbacked cover, this book is made to last. This is a wonderful way to share the most important messages of life.

A devotional for young children? I couldn’t imagine such a thing. But here is one that is perfect for that age. Things are written in simple language and short sentences. There are lots of pictures that illustrate the concepts really well. I highly recommend this five-plus star book to children aged four through nine.

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Tiny Truths Little Lights Devotional: Shining God’s Light in the World,” by Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teamtinytruths

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tinytruthsbible/

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.ca/tinytruthsbible/_created/

The Author’s Website:  https://tinytruthsbible.com/about-us

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“The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search & Find,” by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Posted on January 20, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Treasure Hunting!

Join the Berenstain Bears for a great new Bible story seek and find book. Eight different Bible subjects are featured, and each one has a list of things to search for. The picture key contains the list along with a small illustration of each item being hunted.

The Berenstain Bears characters are featured in the brightly colored two-page spreads in this large board book.

While little ones are looking for the objects, they will also be absorbing the story. This will be a perfect time to add details about the narrative they are working on.

This is a great version of a Bible storybook, unlike any one I have ever seen. Done in the style of, “Where’s Waldo,” children will be sure to love it as they have fun finding the different objects.

This will also be a great book to have for quiet times or traveling, too. I highly recommend this five-star book for ages two through seven.

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search & Find,” by Jan & Mike Berenstain, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

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“Lupe Lopez Reading Rock Star,” by e. E. Charlton-Trujillo & Pat Zietlow-Miller

Posted on January 18, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Reaching for the Stars

Lupe starts first grade wanting to be on The Reading Wall of Fame.  That is where the names of the kids who are great readers, the reading rock stars, are featured.  Their name, picture, and a big star are posted for each student. But reading is harder than she thought.  Plus, another student, Victor, taunts her about her lack of reading skills.

She is so discouraged she gives up reading, and no longer cares about being with her friends from their band.  But one day, she discovers reading and music have a lot in common—they both have rhythm.

Learning to read can be a daunting task.  This picture book urges young ones not to give up, even when it is hard.  Lupe though upset and ready to stop trying, gives things another chance.  This three-star story is a bit disconnected, making the point of the tale somewhat difficult.  But encouraging children not to give up, especially when reading, is a noble cause. Preschoolers through second grade will enjoy this book.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Lupe Lopez Reading Rock Star,” by e. E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow-Miller, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

 

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“Double Take,” by Lynette Eason

Posted on January 13, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

He’s Back?

Lainie is still reliving the night, 18 months ago, that her fiancé, Adam, tried to murder her. Only through the hand of God, and a string of miracles He sent her way, did she survive. And Adam did not. But now she thinks she is seeing Adam including watching her from the top of a mountain that her car mysteriously slid off.

Everywhere she goes, people are saying they have seen him, or she spots him herself. But when she tries to get closer, he disappears. Everyone is trying to convince Lainie that Adam is still alive, but she knows he cannot be.

As time goes on, more attempts are made on her life. She knows they are made by the fake Adam. What she can’t figure out is why someone is pretending to be Adam, and why they want to kill her.

James, a childhood crush, is a policeman now. He has gotten pulled into the story, and is devoting himself to keeping Lainie safe. But the more they try to solve this case, the more evidence surfaces that Adam is still alive. The main characters believe in God, and share what that means to them.

This is a thrilling mystery, with red herrings, and a surprising twist at the end. Fans of mysteries, and well-written stories, will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Double Take,” by Lynette Eason for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lynetteeason

The Author’s Website:  https://lynetteeason.com

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“Mercy Watson is Missing,” by Kate DiCamillo

Posted on January 11, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

But This Little Piggy Went Wee, Wee, Wee!

Mercy, the favorite pig and family member of Mr. and Mrs. Watson, is missing, and they are beside themselves with worry.  The longer she is gone, the more people join the hunt to find her.

For one, there is the clueless Private Investigator, Percival Smidgely, hired by the Watsons.  Stella and Horace also search while riding the horse, Maybelline.  The small cowboy, Leroy Ninker, joins them with his rope hoping to lasso Mercy, and bring her home.  “Missing posters with her description are hung all over town.

As Mercy leads everyone on a merry chase, we see she gets into some predicaments of her own.  She is chased by two guys who would like to have her for a barbeque, with her being the main course.  But have no fear, the ending is happy.

The new Butter Barrel candy factory also plays a hilarious role in Mercy’s disappearance.

Lots of fun things happen throughout the tale.  Investigator Smidgely tries to track her down, but passes up information that would have made him the hero.  Louella, the detective’s girlfriend, is part of the story due to her love of sandwiches with toasted bread.

Giggles will abound when reading the antics of both Mercy and the people looking for her in this cute chapter book.  There are great illustrations, many that are in color, that make the story even funnier.

This is supposed to be the series finale, if so, they are going out with a bang, this book is great.  I highly recommend this five-star story to children five through ten years old.  They will love it, and so will you!

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

 

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“The Juliet Code,” by Pepper Basham

Posted on January 9, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Looking for Treasure!

A series of paintings based on Romeo and Juliet have been disappearing. Known as the Juliets, they are highly prized by art collectors, and are rumored to contain clues to a treasure.

As Frederick and Grace, Lord and Lady Astley, honeymoon in Venice, the latest installment of the mystery surrounding the paintings takes place there, too. Their detective friend, Jack, pulls them into what seems to be a simple case, working for Daniel Laraby. But he is newly rich, and eccentric, and likes to liven life up, even if it is with things he fabricates.

The paintings have left a trail of dead owners besides the pictures disappearing. Only three have not been stolen, all possessed by Laraby.

He is holding a party at his newly remodeled, lavish estate on his private island. Laraby intends to show off his Juliets to an eclectic group of guests.  He is not heeding Jack’s warning that this party would be asking for trouble.

Frederick and Grace attend, and find themselves up to their necks in kidnappings, injuries, missing people, and deaths. The question is whether-or-not Frederick, Grace, or Jack, can figure things out without one or all of them losing their life.

This is a clean story, but some adult subject matter is talked about.  Because of that, I recommend it for older teens and adults.  Although part of a series, this tale stands on its own. Red herrings, danger, and excitement abound in this thrilling mystery. Many references are made by the characters about their faith, and what it has done in their lives. Fans of puzzles, treasure hunts, and adventure will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Barbour Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Juliet Code,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pepperbasham

The Author’s Website:  https://pepperdbasham.com/

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“Charlie Brown’s Christmas Miracle,” by Michael Keane

Posted on January 4, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

The Real Meaning of Christmas!

This is the true story of how the television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, came about. From the very beginning, the deck seemed stacked against it. Fifty years ago, it was not common to hear passages from the Bible quoted in a television program, yet that was one of the requirements Charles Schultz insisted be a part of the show.

That should have been enough to keep it off the air, but there were many other obstacles the program faced–any one of which could have been used to stop it. Yet, miraculously, the show went on. The general public’s reactions were not what was predicted by the expert forecasters.

This is a comprehensive history of everyone involved in the ground breaking Christmas show. Because of that, this is an interesting but rigorous read, so be prepared for a time commitment.

I think there are very few people who have not seen, or at least not heard of, the Charlie Brown Christmas special. It has become ingrained in the American culture, and is a part of the annual Christmas celebrations in this country. Even without the television show, the Peanuts themselves are loved by many, including me.

This book shows that God’s fingerprints were all over the events needed to get this show off the ground, and into everyone’s tv sets. Everything had to be orchestrated to the last detail for it to happen.

There are many interesting nuggets in this tale. The story of the little red-haired girl was both intriguing and bittersweet. I think the in-depth descriptions of everyone could have been cut-down a lot without changing the point of the book. Fans of Peanuts, and lovers of history, will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Hachette Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Charlie Brown’s Christmas Miracle,” by Michael Keane, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

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“All’s Fair in Love and Christmas,” by Sarah Monzon

Posted on December 30, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Haul Out the Holly!

Mackenzie has just found out she is pitted against her secret crush, Jeremy, for a promotion at work. It is Christmastime, and their boss loves the season, and promotes people who have the most holiday spirit.

As the two of them try to outdo the other with creative office decorations, and seasonal activities, they begin to look at each other in new ways.

They also make surprising discoveries about each other. Jeremy has taken on the role of parenting his niece and nephew after their mother, his sister, passed away.

Mackenzie strains to pay for her mother’s expensive Alzheimer’s treatment in a nice care facility. She also struggles with social anxiety that causes her to have a cripplingly fear of interacting with others.

It was fun to have this tale take place at Christmastime. I really liked the part when they explored the different ways people celebrate around the world, including the special holiday foods.

I had trouble warming up to Mackenzie, but she grew on me when she started trying to find a way out of her problems. The character’s faith added a great dimension to the story. Fans of romantic comedies, or the problems of modern life, will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “All’s Fair in Love and Christmas,” by Sarah Monzon for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sarahmonzonwrites

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/monzonwrites

The Author’s Website:  https://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com/

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“First Words of Christmas,” by Worthy Kids

Posted on December 28, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

“A Star and a Manger”

Illustrated by Madeleine Marie

When searching for a way to tell the Christmas story that is appropriate for a small child, look no further than this brightly illustrated board book.

In ten pages, with one sentence on each page, the complete account is told in language geared toward a little one.

Children’s eyes will be drawn to illustrations that are bright, colorful, and highlight an important element in each line.

This is a great book for youngsters through seven-years-old.  They will easily grasp the meaning of the first Christmas!  In this case, simplest is the best way relate a story for the littles, and I highly recommend this sweet five-star book.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “First Words of Christmas,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

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