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

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

“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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“The First Christmas Night,” by Keith Christopher

Illustrated by Christine Kornacki

The Night of Wonder!

Join in the wonder of the first Christmas night with this enchanting account. This board book tells the story of Jesus’ birth with amazing illustrations.

They make an already great story wonderful because the pictures add so much. Children and adults alike with be captivated by them.

The account itself is told in the style of the poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” But it is not done in a manner that takes away from the story, or in a disrespectful way.

It is just the opposite, telling the story with that approach makes it more memorable.

Little ones will be charmed every time they get to see this book. Listening to it will allow them to hear the real Christmas story.

If I could, I would rate this book with more than five-stars, but will have to settle on giving it five-plus. Don’t miss getting this for the child in your life. It will be enjoyed by little ones through age eight. I highly recommend it!

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The First Christmas Night,” 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 Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story,” by Amy Sparkes

Illustrated by Katie Hickey

A Special Christmas Gift!

This sweet tale is based on a true story, and a popular British tv series about a repair shop.

During WWII, Sue was a child and was sent (evacuated) to the country the way many children were to keep them safe from bombing.  It was hard for the little girl to leave home and live with strangers, but her foster family was kind and gave her a beautiful doll for Christmas.

The doll was Sue’s constant companion, even when she was able to return home.  Over the years, the doll was shared with other generations.  All that love has left the doll needing repairs. That is when Sue and her great-granddaughter Evie, take the doll to the repair shop to be restored.  Afterward, Sue has a surprise for Evie.

This over-sized picture book illustrates the story nicely.  The back of the book contains the true story that was the inspiration for this account.  This five-star tale deals with history and war—which was told in a prudent way–but would be best suited for seven-to nine-year-olds, or older.   It is a good way to introduce a child to the subject of WWII.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story,” 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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“Snow” by Leslie Patricelli

Illustrated by Leslie Patricelli

Frozen Fun!

Join two little children who are thrilled it is snowing.  They are excited to see the snowflakes fall from the sky, to bundle up in winter gear, and to go outside. The two of them have a wonderful time playing in it.

They make all kinds of discoveries including how different the world looks when it is covered in white, feeling the snow, and lying down in it.  The children are happy to make a snowman, and to take a ride on a sleigh.

In the end, they go back inside tired, cold, and wet.  But after they warm up and get on dry clothes, they feel great snuggling in a blanket while watching the snow from the window.

This over-sized board book is all about a fun day in the snow.  Whether or not a child has experienced snow, they will love all the pictures the author illustrated for this tale.  She captures the excitement and thrills that snow brings.  Children through four years old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Snow,” 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/yummyucky/

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

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

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

 

 

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“Julia Monroe Begins Again,” by Rebekah Millet

Lightning Strikes Twice?

Julia, has just turned forty, she is a widow and a single mom with two boys in college. She is shocked when, out of the blue, Samuel shows up at her church.

She hasn’t seen him for over twenty years; that is when he broke her heart. Later, she met Mark, got married, and they had their two sons. They lived the life Julia had always wanted until it was cut short by a car accident.

Now, Samual wants back in her life. Before, he was untrustworthy, moody, and full of secrets. He is the last person Julia wants to see. But he claims he has changed, met the Lord, and has always loved her. All those years ago, when Samuel broke up with her, it almost killed Julia, and for a while, she wished it literally had.

As she told her friend, Samuel was not her first love, he was her worst love. Julia doesn’t dare open herself up for that kind of pain again.

This story keeps you wondering if things can possibly work out for these two. Her mom, and his dad, are both terrible curmudgeons that add humor to the tale. Julia lives in New Orleans, and there are some descriptions of that unique city.

The faith of both Julia and Samuel plays a big part in this book. Although this is a clean story, adult subject matters are discussed. Julia faces things that would be issues in real life. This five-star book would be enjoyed by fans of romances, and well-written tales.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Julia Monroe Begins Again,” 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/RebekahMilletAuthor/

The Author’s Website:  http://www.rebekahmillet.com/

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“Capturing Hope,” by Angela K. Couch

Danger at Every Turn!

It is 1939 in Poland, and the Nazis have arrived. In 24 hours, Nadia goes from living the life of a rich aristocrat to seeing her father killed, and running for her life.

David, an American acquaintance of her father, helps her get to the city of Warsaw. Instead of that being a refuge, the Germans begin bombing the city multiple times day and night. While the couple try to flee to safety, they encounter even more danger. During their attempts to escape, they take over the care of three children who are orphaned from the bombing.

Everywhere they turn, they encounter more horrors from the invaders. Nadia and David try to convince the other people they meet to flee as well. The two face more threatening situations and roadblocks as they, along with a small band of adults and children, try to make it to freedom.

At one time, Nadia looked down on David because he was beneath her socially, but as they fight to stay alive, she finds all those divisions meaningless.

This inspiring and sobering tale includes talk of faith. Although this is fiction, it is based on real events that took place during the Nazi invasion of Poland. The story is clean, and you will feel like you are there witnessing everything.   Be aware that one of the characters turns to drinking until drunk to cope.  Fans of World War II accounts, and suspense will enjoy this well-written, five-star book.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Capturing Hope,” 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 Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/akaymclarenf2/

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

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

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“Her Secret Hope,” by Shelley Shepard Gray

Starting Over!

Lilly is a young Amish woman who has left her midwestern home to live in Pinecraft, Florida. Adopted as a small child, her austere parents never let her, or anyone else, forget that.

She has decided she wants to do as her friends have done, move to Florida and start a new life. But things are different now. Lilly had counted on all of them hanging out together the way they had done when they were all single. However, her friends have all married, so can’t do as much with her as they did before.

To make it worse, the job she has as a housekeeper has turned into a nightmare. A guest wrongly accused Lilly of stealing. She claimed her sweater was taken when her room was cleaned, and insists Lilly took it. Lilly’s boss did not stand up for her, and it appears she may be fired.

Eddie and his grandmother are visiting Pinecraft and make Lilly a proposal. Although unorthodox, it may be an answer to her prayers. It would also give her time to explore her feelings for Eddie.

This tale had some surprising twists, and the ending was unexpected–especially if you have read the other books in the series. The story is clean, and stands on its own. I love the setting in Florida, and the descriptions of the area. Fans of Amish tales, and well-written stories will love this five-star book.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Her Secret Hope,” 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/ShelleyShepardGray?fref=ts

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

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

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“Yummy Yucky” by Leslie Patricelli

Delicious or Awful!

Enter the world of yummy and yucky as a baby discovers that not everything is good to eat.  For instance, blueberries are wonderful. But blue crayons are not good to eat, they are yucky.

In the same way, chocolate sauce is tasty. But taking a drink of hot sauce is very bad, it is definitely yucky.

Every two pages of the book features the baby’s discoveries in a humorous way.  Be prepared to smile or make faces depending on what is eaten.  Lots of silliness will abound when reading this award-winning story.

This is an over-sized board book, that is made very well, and is celebrating its twenty-year anniversary.  Children through three-years-old will enjoy this fun, five-star adventure.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Yummy Yucky,” 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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