“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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“The Flower Quilter” by Mindy Steele

Posted on October 4, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Sewing Flowers!

This is her worst nightmare come true! Barbara is spending part of the summer in Indiana helping and quilting in her Amish grandmother’s quilt shop. Despite years of trying, Barbara can’t do anything but stick herself repeatedly with the needle, or constantly pull out her poorly done stitches.

After a few days of torture, her grandfather takes mercy on her, and finds her a different job. But it is with Melvin, who almost ran her over with his wagon the first day she arrived. He constantly seems to be in a bad mood, and always has a sour look on his face. Barbara dislikes Melvin so much, she is almost tempted to return to the quilt shop, almost.

Melvin is a landscaper, and Barbara is supposed to help him plant, and tend gardens. Getting her hands dirty is what Barbara loves most. Barbed comments, and head butting take place between them on the job. As she works, she suggests different ways to arrange the plants, a departure from the way Melvin has always done it.

For the first time in her life, Barbara is having romantic feelings for someone. She doesn’t know how anything could come of it since she will be returning home to Kentucky. Barbara will never live anywhere else, not even for a relationship. But she knows she will never be happy because part of her heart will be left in Indiana.

This five-star book has a great story line that keeps you absorbed until the last page. Fans of Amish stories, and well-written tales will enjoy this clean book!

Thank you, Barbour Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Flower Quilter,” 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/mindy.h.steele

The Author’s Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14181261.Mindy_Steele

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

 

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“Betty and the Mysterious Visitor” by Anne Twist

Posted on September 29, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

The Unwelcome Guest!

Illustrated by Emily Sutton

What is destroying grandmother’s garden?  One morning as Betty and grandmother are leaving, they see that a lot of Acorn Hollows, the garden, has been dug up during the night.

Her grandmother grows many things there such as blueberries, strawberries, and more, that she makes into jams. When Betty visits, she helps her grandmother make and sell them.

Betty wants to figure out what is digging up Acorn Hollows before her grandmother’s berries are next, and her favorite place to play is destroyed.

Youngsters will adore the story of visiting a loving grandmother, and the special things they do together.  Children will like thinking about the mystery of what is happening in Acorn Hollows, along with what Betty does.

Grandmother’s village, home, and garden illustrations are enchanting, and make this five-star book a treat for the eyes.  This picture book is hard-backed and over-sized.  Children ages three to eight-years-old will enjoy this special book, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Betty and the Mysterious Visitor,” 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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“Lost and Found,” by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Posted on September 25, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Something to Crow About!

Trudy has loved Micah for years, but he only has eyes for birdwatching and her big sister, Shelley. In the year since Shelley ran away, Trudy and Micah have become constant birdwatching companions. A couple of times, it even seemed like Micah was going to kiss Trudy, much to her delight–but he didn’t.

Suddenly, Micah has become surely and is not talking, and the birdwatching with Trudy has stopped. He doesn’t care about anything including birds or Trudy. When she tries to find out what is going on, he is abrupt and mean.

Their Amish bishop, David, is worried their church is going to die because of a more liberal Amish congregation. It has moved into their community, and they are losing many of their young people to it. Other families are afraid their children will jump ship, too, so are moving away before that happens. David wonders if their entire church should move, but is not sure where to go.

Out of the blue, Micah suggests that the church move to Tennessee, and volunteers to scout a place out for it there.

Micah has a secret, and feels like he is over-his-head because of it

This is a fun Amish tale with a bit of a mystery, that covers serious topics, too. This clean story, along with great characters, will grab your interest right away. Both fans of Amish books, and well-written stories will love this. Get this five-star book!

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Lost and Found,” 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/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor

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

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

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“Lucky Girl” by Scout Bazzett

Posted on September 24, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Running with the Wind!

As an infant, Scout was found abandoned on the streets of China. She had been in a fire, and her right leg had to be removed. The amputation was done incorrectly, and caused her years of constant pain. Ironically, her Chinese name means lucky girl.

Her next eight years were spent in a filthy orphanage where she was mistreated, and starved. Despite her age, lack of food had stunted her growth. Scout was just the size of a toddler when she was adopted by an American family.

She believes she missed out on a lot by being raised by a white family, and living in a little town with a small population of Asians. Also, the private school she attended did not teach Asian history or lifestyle. Her family life was disappointing, too.

Her life changed when she began winning spelling competitions. Then, as a teenager, her parents took her to a doctor who got her a prosthesis that allowed her to run. Running allowed her to compete professionally, and win awards.

Scout experienced lots of setbacks to do that, but lots of joy, too. She offers advice about how to face disappointment, loneliness, and difficult aspirations.

She was raised in a conservative Christian home, but had a faith shift after attending UCLA where she was exposed to new ways of looking at the world. Because of that, she views God in a different way.

It should be noted there is a brief reference to her posing nude for a magazine, along with some use of profanity.

It took her years to be at peace with herself. Scout recommends that hard work and pushing through difficulties will allow you to reach your goals.

Fans of stories about over-coming hardships will enjoy this three-star book.

Thank you, Worthy Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Lucky Girl,” 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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“Name Your Numbers” by Smriti Prasadam-Halls

Posted on September 21, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Edward Underwood

Number Fun!

You’ve never had such a good time with a book as you will this one. Fun is exploding between its covers.  While learning numbers and counting, rhyming animals scamper across the pages.  Bunny Hun has the number one and Tabby Licks has number six, with lots of excitement in between.

The colors and illustrations bring smiles with each turn of the page in this big board book.  If the reader adds different voices and sound effects to the animals, little ones will have lots of laughter. The end of the book has a big surprise when Crocodile Claire pops up with her mouth open daring everyone to count her teeth.  Just make sure little fingers don’t pull them off.

I have witnessed my granddaughter have peals of giggles whenever she looks at this sturdy book, which is often, and it is well loved.  This five-plus star book will be enjoyed by children through three years old.  I highly recommend you get it!

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Name Your Numbers,” 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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“Sisters by the Sea” by Wanda E. Brunstetter; Jean Brunstetter; Richelle Brunstetter; & Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

Posted on September 15, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

4 Short Romances Set in the Sarasota, Florida, Amish Community

Healing at the Beach!

Be prepared to be captivated by the stories of four Amish sisters, and the choices they make.

The Seashell Cake by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Leora left family, friends, and her Amish community to live in Sarasota, Florida. She has an illness called SAD which causes depression in the months that do not have lots of sunshine.

After feeling much better in the sunshine state, Leora has determined she will never leave. She thinks making that decision will prevent her from getting married because the pickings there are slim since most of the single men are tourists.

Then, she meets John who is on a three-month extended vacation. He is everything she has wanted, except he is returning to the business he owns in Michigan, so, she must not let herself have feelings for him.

 The Beach Ball by Jean Brunstetter

Violet wants to experience life away from her Amish parents, so she goes to Florida, and stays with her married sister, Leora. While there, she tries out English (non-Amish) clothing and considers dating English guys, too!

Then, she experiences man trouble. Levi is Amish, but unlike any Amish man she has been around. She also meets Dan, a Christian, not Amish, but a very nice guy.

Violet is pressured by her parents to date Amish men, and join the church, but she enjoys the freedom of dress and lifestyle she has in Florida. She is torn by what decision she will make.Fragments of a Sand Dollar by Richelle Brunstetter

Francine has no desire to leave the Amish, but ever since she and Matthew broke up, she has felt down in the dumps. She goes to stay with her sister, Leora, hoping the change will do her good.

She meets Lucas at the beach. He is not Amish, and is a stranger, but on a whim, decides to go out with him.

Lucas lives a fast life, and tries to push Francine away from the Amish life. Secretly, he is a gambler, and makes a terrible wager that involves her.

She tells Lucas he needs God’s love to be happy. But she wonders if she has gotten over her head with him.

A Sarasota Sunset by Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

After a traumatic breakup, Alana heads to Florida to stay with her sister. Once there, she thinks about living there permanently, and if she really wants to join the Amish church.

Soon she finds a job she enjoys that lets her sell her art work there, too. She also meets James. He is not Amish, but a Christian and soon to be teaching in a Christian school.

When her fears start keeping her away from dates with James, she wonders if history is repeating itself.

My Conclusion:

All the tales will delight you as you see what happens with each sister. The stories are clean, feature the girl’s relationship with God, and includes a recipe from each author–I loved they were all from the same family. This five-star book will be enjoyed by all–Amish fans or not!

Thank you, Barbour Publishing and NetGalley, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Sisters by the Sea,” 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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“Home Is Calling: The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly” by Katherine Pryor

Posted on September 13, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Ellie Peterson

An Amazing Adventure!

Every year thousands of monarch butterflies journey up to 3,000 miles to central Mexico.  For their spring migration, it takes four generations to go up north, but the fall trip is done by just one generation.   The group heading south has never been to Mexico, yet their built-in compass causes large bunches of them band together, and make the trek.

The butterflies will fight bad weather, lack of food, and exhaustion.  Many will not survive, but a surprising amount do.  This book traces their southern trip, and the sort of things that the monarchs will face.

The format is done in a picture book; it is a large hard-backed volume with lots of colorful illustrations.  Not only will the reader experience “travel” with a group of butteries, there are lots of facts about the them in the back of the book.  This includes what monarchs like to eat, the parts of its body, dangers they face, what can be done to help them, and a migratory map.

This is a nice way to learn about these amazing creatures. Children four through eight-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Home Is Calling: The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly” 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 X Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ReadYourGreens

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

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“Show Your Colors” by Smriti Prasadam-Halls

Posted on September 11, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Edward Underwood

This is the Color of Fun!

This isn’t an ordinary “learn your colors book,” instead, it opens a whole new world of giggles and play.  Each color is represented by a different animal with names that rhyme such as Kitty Slink who is pink, and Seahorse Stu who is blue.

This sturdy board book is a bigger size, all the better for the colorful pages and cute illustrations to stand out.  Grins will abound if the reader uses different voices for the animals, and sounds like hisses and he-haws.

Best of all, there is a surprise at the back.  The color black is not only represented by Spider Jack, he pops out.  I had first-hand experience watching my granddaughter laugh and laugh when Jack came out.  Just make sure he doesn’t get close enough for little hands to reach out and grab him!

This much-loved book is well made, and sure to bring joy for a long time.  I highly recommend this five-plus star book for little ones through three-years-old.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Show Your Colors,” 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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