“A Beautiful Disguise,” by Roseanna M. White

Posted on November 12, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Circus Trained Investigators!

Enter the exciting, secret world of Lady Marigold and her brother in 1909 England.  Five years ago, after the death of their father, they found he had left them penniless.

They had grown up with the circus people their father had living their estate and had mastered most of their feats including swinging through the air on trapezes.

Correctly believing society would blackball pauper aristocrats, they found a unique way to save face while supporting themselves.   They anonymously run a high-end investigation agency using their circus skills.  This allows them to keep up the facade that they are still rich.  The truth is, they barely make enough to support themselves, their crumbling estate, and the circus people along with their animals that live with them.

Their current case hits close to home since it involves their father’s good friend, and determining if he is behind men that are missing.  They are all from a secret intelligence agency in the War Department.  As information is uncovered, they find Germany and possibly even a war might be involved.  They must sift through their personal feelings and clues to arrive at the truth.

I highly recommend this five-star book.  It is a clean story with intrigue, danger, and an exciting ending.  The character’s faith is a good part of their story. Fans of mysteries and well-written tales will enjoy this!

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “A Beautiful Disguise,” 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/RoseannaMWhite/?fref=ts

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

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

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“We Disagree About This Tree” by Ross Collins

Posted on November 7, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

The Perfect Tree

Join Bear and Mouse as they decorate their Christmas Tree—except that both have two different ideas about how it should look.

Bear wants to fill it with giant ornaments, bright lights, and candles.  Mouse loves it covered with garland, and a topper almost as big as the tree.  As they try out their different ideas, will there be a tree that both of them like?

This light-hearted story is told with  a catchy rhyme that will be fun to say and listen to.  Little ones will be sure to giggle over the decorating ideas, and the way the tale ends.  Colorful illustrations add to the story and the humor.

I recommend this great five-star book as a wonderful addition not only for the holiday season, but throughout the year.  I was tickled reading it and kids will be, too.  This over-sized, hard backed picture book will delight children ages two through five years old.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “We Disagree About This Tree,” 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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“Where’s the Snowman,” by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Posted on October 31, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Flap Fun!

Open this board book and get ready for some fun.  There is a new discovery hidden under every flap!  Angels, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and more are waiting to be found.  The flaps themselves are a surprise because they are made of colorful, heavy-duty felt.  They are just right for little fingers to grab hold of because they are soft and easy to flip.

Kids will love both the cheery pictures and all the activities inside. The last flap contains a mirror, that is sure to make children smile.  The whole volume is made well, and ready to withstand little one’s love.

I recommend this five-star book to everyone who wants an entertaining, activity book.  Children through three years old will enjoy this.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of,   “Where’s the Snowman,” 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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“The Legacy of Longdale Manor,” by Carrie Turansky

Posted on October 29, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Secret Lives!

This is a split-time story taking place one hundred years apart in England’s Lake District.

In 2012, Gwen is being sent for an extended period of time to the Lake District to do penance for the horrible mistake she made at the prestigious company her grandfather owns. She is to go through a vast manor home, and appraise family possessions for auction.

The owner, Lily is hoping to make enough money to cover the repairs and renovations of the home. During her time there, Lilly shows Gwen a diary kept by Charlotte in 1912. Gwen is fascinated with it, and can’t put it down.

While there, she wants to solve the mystery of who her father is. Gwen only has a first name, and the possibility that he and her mom were married in the Lake District area.

Gwen hopes she does a good enough appraisal job that she will get back in her grandfather’s good graces, and make lots of money for Lilly and her grandson.

In 1912, Charlotte’s father died suddenly, and left her mother and siblings penniless. As they scramble to find a way to rebuild their lives, the family ends up in the Lake District living uncomfortably with a family friend. While cleaning out her father’s things, Charlotte discovers he was living a secret life. If her mother finds out, Charlotte thinks it will kill her.

Both of these clean tales tell their own story, but intertwine at the same time. There is mystery, shocking truths, and some budding romance. Characters in both tales are faced with situations that involve forgiveness, and if that is possible. Fans of well-written stories that keep you on the edge of your seat will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Bethany House Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of,   “The Legacy of Longdale Manor,” 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/authorcarrieturansky/

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

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

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“Peekaboo Pumpkin,” By Camilla Reid

Posted on October 25, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Something is Looking at You!

This cute board book has something to do on every page, including the cover–the eyes can be moved back and forth.  There are many slides to move.  Plus, the  pull-outs reveal something that is hiding, or adds to the book’s picture.  Children will find the back of the slides have a picture on them, too.  Last, but not least, there is a mirror when one of the slides is moved.

Little ones will love all the interaction they have throughout the book.  This volume is well-made, and is a very sturdy board book.  It is ready to stand up to lots of “love” small children give.  I speak from experience because my little granddaughter likes it a lot, and has given my copy lots of handling.  Despite that, it is still holding up well.

The colors and illustrations are bright and eye catching, and it will be liked by those who want a book that does something extra.  Children through three years old will enjoy this five-star book!

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Peekaboo Pumpkin,” 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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“Shadows at Dusk,” by Elizabeth Goddard

Posted on October 21, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Surprising Answers!

Trevor’s sister disappeared a year ago, and he was not going to give up searching for her. He had left his job to follow her trail up to Alaska. He had found some clues to where she might have gone, but he needed help from someone who knew the country.

The 49th state is still wild and a lot of it is unexplored, he needed someone with experience if he had a chance of finding her. Carrie was a pilot who knew the area better than most, and he found himself begging her to help him.

Carrie has been hiding for ten years from her fiancé, who thought he had killed her in Africa. Her good friend Isaac had whisked the two of them away to hide in Alaska, and start an aircraft business. After a decade, she was going to leave in two days to meet a friend from Africa, and she had no intention of letting Trevor or anyone else delay her. That is, until the sudden death of Isaac, which she knew was murder.

Because of that, Carrie and Trevor had made an agreement. She would help Trevor track down his sister, and Trevor would find Isaac’s killer.

They were in for the adventure of their life, if they survived it. Despite being in the middle of nowhere, killers pursued them. If the harsh dangers of Alaska didn’t do them in, the people on their trail would. They risked radiation poisoning, being lost in endless tunnels of an underground cave, and the terrors of a place called the Mountain of Death. To make it worse, bad guys from their past pop up, too.

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you wonder who will survive. The faith of the characters adds realism to the clean tale. Fans of thrillers and mysteries will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Revell Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Shadows at Dusk,” 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/ElizabethGoddardAuthor

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

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

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“Against the Wind,” by Amanda Cabot

Posted on October 20, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Staying the Course!

Louisa wants two things, to be a doctor, and to never return to her home town of Sweetwater Crossing. Sadly, she does have to go back, though she plans to stay just a few days. But then she finds a seriously injured man, Josh, lying in the road on the way into town. After setting his broken leg, she decides to remain until his cast comes off.

Josh is part of the family that owns a famous department store in New York City, and is competing with his cousin for the job of running the company. Whoever comes up with the best idea of a new addition to the store will win.

Unfortunately, the day his horse threw him and disappeared, all his plans vanished, too, since they were in the saddlebags.

While laid up, he is inspired to turn two buildings located in the small town into one. He intends to make them into a tearoom, and a gourmet gift shop. Among other things, it will sell items served in the tearoom. Louisa becomes a vital part of the plan by contributing lots of good ideas. Will this project win him the reins of the company?

Louisa is trying to get the town to accept a woman doctor in 1883 Texas. She faces many hurdles and dangers, including having her life threatened. At the same time, she is unjustly accused of things designed to keep patients away from her. Additionally, a man is pursuing her who wants to talk her out of being a doctor.

This is an exciting story that will keep you riveted to the pages. The character’s faith adds a good element to this clean tale. The story and characters will stay with you long after finishing this five-star book. Fans of compelling, well-written tales will love this!

Thank you, Revell Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Against the Wind,” 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/amanda.j.cabot

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

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

 

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“Masala Chai, Fast and Slow,” by Rajani LaRocca

Posted on October 18, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Neha Rawat

Making it Just Right!

Aarav is sure he can make the drink, masala chai, much faster than his grandfather, Thatha.  He and his grandfather, along with the entire family, enjoy drinking it together.  On his first try, he makes it much quicker than Thatha.  He does it by throwing everything into the pot, and not following the steps.  But when he drinks it, the taste is bad.

Next, he does things in order, but hurries through them. When he samples it, it is awful.  He keeps on working, but wonders if it will ever taste like Thatha’s.

This is a sweet story about a little boy who wants to do everything fast, and is sure his grandfather does things too slow.  Children will have fun learning the different things Aarav does when he tries to make the drink quickly, and what happens when it is tasted.  Even though this story takes place in Aarav’s culture, all children will identify with wanting to speed things along.  I liked that this story centers around a family, and that they do things together, including the special tradition of drinking masala chai.  A special bonus is the recipe at the end of the story.

This five-star, over-sized picture book will be enjoyed by children aged three through seven.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Masala Chai, Fast and Slow,” 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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“Grandpa is Here!” by Tanya Rosie

Posted on October 9, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Chuck Groenink

The Ties that Bind!

The little girl in this story is both excited and shy when her grandfather comes to visit.  He has traveled hundreds of miles to see them.  He has brought treats from his own country, including, walnuts grown on his own trees.  The exotic herbs and spices he brings gives his suitcase a wonderful smell.

There are lots of things to show grandfather as they walk together outside.  Even though they speak different languages, the two have a good time, and find ways to communicate.  After the first day together, the little girl is already dreading the time he will go home.

This is a sweet story that celebrates the affection between a grandchild and a grandparent, showing that love can transcend many things including a language barrier.  Children ages three to eight will like this over-sized, five-star picture book, and will enjoy thinking about having a relative visit and stay with them.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Grandpa is Here!,” 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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“On Moonberry Lake,” by Holly Varni

Posted on October 7, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Returning Home

Life stopped for Cora when her mother took her away from the only home she had ever known. The two had lived happily along with her grandparents at their lakefront lodge. Without an explanation, when she was seven, her mother abruptly moved them away.

Cora never got an answer about why they left, and never saw her grandparents again–although she begged to see them. One day, her mother said her grandparents died. Many years later she discovered it was a lie. After they left, the relationship between Cora and her mother was never good.

When her mother passed away, Cora was surprised to find her mother owned her grandparent’s lodge, and had left it to her. But there was one stipulation, she had to live in it for a year, or get nothing.

The lodge itself was in terrible shape, and it had not been occupied for years. Everything was rotten, or ready to fall apart. Sam, a friend of her grandparents, said he would help her with the lodge if she stayed. The main question is whether or not Cora will be able to stick it out for a year. Up to that point, if things got hard, Cora left.

This is a unique story because of its large number of unusual characters.

The faith message is confusing. Although some Christian beliefs can be picked out, there are just as many, if not more, of new age or universalist tenets. It almost implies that belief can be a mixture of it all. Because of this, I can only give it three stars.

Fans of stories about women making a life in a new place will enjoy this book.

Thank you, Revell Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “On Moonberry Lake,” by Holly Varni 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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