“Daughter of Eden, Eve’s Story” by Jill Eileen Smith

Posted on February 11, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Life Afterward

This story starts with Adam and Eve living a perfect life in the Garden of Eden. In snake form, the devil entices Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. That led to Adam and Eve being expelled from the garden, and living with the consequences of that sin.

Now the story really begins–what life was like after Eden. Adam and Eve have no skills whatsoever, and just trying to find food and shelter are monumental tasks. While doing that, they are dealing with the anger they have at themselves for giving in to temptation, and the deep grief of not being in God’s presence anymore.

Despite Adam making the choice to eat the fruit, he blames Eve, and has lots of anger towards her. He also expects Eve to let him treat her like a slave. Eve constantly feels terribly guilty for her part in all of it.

This book is a fascinating study of how hard it would have been for the couple just to exist, let alone have, and then raise, children. As the children grow, they face more difficulties including Cain’s murder of Abel.

As time goes on, some of their family fall away from faith in God. Additionally, some become involved with fallen angels, which leads to more heartache, and serious problems with their eternal souls.

This is a great story of what might have been, bittersweet situations that could have taken place. One that stayed with me was when a lion they had played with and rode on while in Eden, tried to kill them when they were ousted from the Garden.

This is a clean five-star book, built on the pages of the Bible. It will appeal to anyone who wonders what it may have been like for people to experience these things.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Daughter of Eden, Eve’s 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jilleileensmith?lang=en

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

 

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“The Sound of Light” by Sarah Sundin

Posted on February 8, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Standing Against the Darkness!

It is 1943 in Denmark, during WWII. Germany has control of Denmark, but gives it more freedom than other countries they are occupying. There is more food, the Jewish people are not forced to wear stars and there is no curfew.

Else is an American physicist and a working scientist in Denmark. She has been pulled into doing dangerous resistance work.

Henrik is famous for what he has done for the resistance, and has managed to keep his identity a secret. But the landlady at his boardinghouse is suspicious of him–will she turn him in? He has also gotten involved with Else who lives at the same boardinghouse, will this relationship backfire on one or both of them?

As things heat up with the Occupation adding more rules to follow, along with more Danes turning in their fellow countrymen, the resistance work becomes even more dangerous. Then it is discovered that all the Jewish people are going to be rounded up. Their only hope is to escape across the heavily patrolled waters to Sweden.

Will Else and Henrik be able to help hide and move hundreds of people without any of them being caught? Should they attempt such dangerous work when the odds of succeeding are so low? Can this possibly be done without Henrik’s identity being exposed?

This tale was set against the backdrop of the constant danger the Danish people faced from the German Occupation. I had trouble connecting with this story, but it is a clean thriller told from a Christian viewpoint. It is interesting to know that many things in this story really happened. Fans of WWII, and historic reads will enjoy this four-star book

Thank you, Revell Publishing for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Sound of Light,” 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/sarahsundin/

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.sarahsundin.com/books/the-sound-of-light/

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“Mommy’s Hometown” by Hope Lim

Posted on February 7, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Jaime Kim

A New Adventure!

All his life, the little boy has heard his mother’s stories about the small village she grew up in.  The children played in the river that had mountains on both sides.  But when they went to visit, it was now a great big city, with large buildings everywhere, not homes.  The river now has cement sidewalks on each side, but there are steps that lead down to the water.

The mother takes her little boy down them, and they both get in the water and play.  Soon others join them, everyone laughing and having a good time.  Even though the changes in the village made the little boy sad, the river is still the same way his mother described it, and it is lots of fun.

Children will enjoy hearing what it was like when the mother was a child, as well as, hearing about the changes that have taken place.  They will really like hearing about being in the river. It is a great story that shows how things can still be fun, even if they are not what is expected.  So, give things a chance that are different, they may even be better!

This five-star picture book will be enjoyed by ages three to seven-years-old.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Mommy’s Hometown” 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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“Mum, Me, and the Mulberry Tree” by Tanya Rosie

Posted on February 4, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Chuck Groenink

A Berry for You, a Berry for Me!

Once a year, a little child and their mother journeys by bus to a mulberry tree, their tree, to get mulberries.  It is a long day of picking berries, and filling their buckets.  But it is also fun eating the delicious berries while they work, the two of them having a picnic lunch, and enjoying spending time together.

After a long day of work, they return home to one of the best parts of the day, using the mulberries to make a pie.  Together the two make a pie crust, fill it with berries, and while it bakes, they make whipped cream for the top.

At last, the two of them relish the day’s labor when they enjoy eating delicious warm pie from the oven, with the fluffy topping.The little one happily drifts off to sleep, very tired but with a full tummy, while thinking about the fun they had being with their mom, and having their annual mulberry pie.

Children will love hearing about spending a day with their mother doing something different from normal.  The fact that the day ends with them getting a delicious treat to eat makes the story even better.  This tale will cause a child to reminisce about traditions in their life.   

I recommend this tale that is full of love between a mother and her child.  This five-star picture book will be enjoyed by children aged three to seven years old.  Do not be surprised if your youngster suggests making a mulberry pie!

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Mum, Me, and the Mulberry 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“I’ll Go and Come Back” by Rajani LaRocca

Posted on February 3, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Sara Palacios

Visiting Grandmother & Her Country!

Jyoti goes on a very long trip to a different country, India, to visit Sita Pati, her grandmother. She also has lots and lots of relatives that come to visit morning and night.

Things are much different than at home; everything seems strange. Sita Pati doesn’t speak much English, and Jyoti doesn’t speak grandmother’s language.  Jyoti feels lonely, too.  Maybe she should go back home?

Sita Pati finds lots of ways to do things together that do not need the same language—and Jyoti has lots of fun doing them.

Grandmother makes different food, while Jyoti samples it.  They also have a special drink, made with warm milk and saffron that Jyoti likes very much—especially since grandmother and her drink it together every night.  Jyoti finds that she and Sita Pati love each other very much.  Now, what will happen when Jyoti must leave and go back to her home?

This sweet story shows that the love of a grandmother and grandchild can take place even if they don’t speak the same language, or live the same way.  The descriptions of the many different things they do in India will fascinate children.  Little ones will appreciate hearing what it was like being away from family, and how it is okay to be homesick.

What will happen if Sita Pati comes to visit America?

I highly recommend this five-star picture book, it will be loved by children aged three to seven-years-old.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “I’ll Go and Come Back,” 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

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

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

 

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“What Happens Next” by Christine Susan Nelson

Posted on February 2, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out!

Faith finds herself middle-aged, and newly divorced because her husband wants to marry someone else. He is whisking away their two children to Hawaii for the summer–and for them to watch his re-marriage. That is when she is contacted by Brooke, the sister of her childhood best friend, Heather Crane.

Instead of Heather dropping Faith like a hot rock when she moved away, she is told that Heather vanished right after Faith left in 1987. Her disappearance has gone unsolved. Their family has never functioned normally since, especially her mother, Dora. Brooke begs Faith to use her podcast to solve this mystery, and hopefully allow their family to finally move forward.

Faith is shocked that her family never told her the truth about Heather. The summer Faith spent with Heather was the best time of her life. Despite this being very different from her normal podcast fare, she agrees to help the family. But it will involve moving back to the little town she lived in when Faith knew Heather, and dealing with the awful fallout that has been destroying the Cranes ever since.

 

Will Faith’s investigative skills be of any use on a thirty-plus-years-old cold case? Would the things that are uncovered have been better left alone? Can there be a happy ending for this mystery, especially for the Cranes?

The reliving of the girl’s friendships is bittersweet, and will keep you asking, “what happened to Heather?” It is clear the pain Dora has lived with since has had a negative effect on her and each family member. I was glad to see the help that their church gave them. This five-star book will appeal to fans of mysteries and thrillers.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, What Happens Next, 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

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

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

 

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“Somebunny Loves You” by Melinda Rathjen

Posted on February 1, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Who Loves You?

As the little bunny goes throughout his day enjoying a meadow full of flowers, playing lots of different games, and eating yummy food, he always hears, “somebunny loves you.”

Who is it that snuggles with him, goes along with him, and swings him around?

Little ones will like all the demonstrations of love, along with the good feelings that come from them. This board book has beautiful, colorful illustrations that show how much they are cared for. While reading this story, ask your child if they can guess who loves them.

In the end, did they figure it out?

Children through age four will enjoy the rhyming words, story and pictures in the five-star, feel good, board book!

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Somebunny Loves You!”, 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Poppy’s House” by Madeline Kloepper

Posted on January 30, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Karla Courtney

Across the Sea to See Poppy!

Join a little girl as she visits her Poppy.  It is an adventure to get to Poppy’s house that is across the sea on an island.  His house is in a cold area, on the top of a hill, with the ocean all around.

The little girl notices how Poppy gets a lot of his food by fishing, or growing things.  She stays busy with him as they fish, gather things from the garden, and get firewood to heat the house.

The two of them have a good time exploring the island seeing ships, tracks of animals and counting many things.

Poppy probably lives differently than his granddaughter, along with most of the little ones reading this book.  It would be fun to note with your child the differences in their lives, for instance how you heat your home, and the way Poppy does his.

Children will enjoy this sweet story of the love that exists between the little girl and her Poppy.  This can especially be seen when they snuggle in a chair and read together.

When they part, they count again, but this time it is the number of days it will be until they see each other again.

This five-star board book has illustrations that harmonize nicely with the story.  Children aged four to eight-years-old will enjoy this.

Thank you, Walker Books US, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Poppy’s House”, 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://mobile.twitter.com/karlacourtney

The Author’s YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC929gUmQqCXq74_l2NLZcNA

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

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“Books Aren’t for Eating” by Carlie Sorosiak

Posted on January 28, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Manu Montoya

Books:  More than Tasty!

Leopold goat loves books.  His favorite thing to do is to pick out books for others in his book store.  Usually, he gets the books for humans, but one day another goat walks in, and wants a book.

After looking around and getting him a special book, the goat eats it!  Leopold is really upset.

Join Leopold in his hilarious attempt to get the goat not to eat the pages, but to read them.

Little children will giggle at the ways Leopold tries to convince the goat about the good things that books have to offer—besides being a tasty morsel.

This jolly story is a picture book that children ages four to eight-years-old will have a lot of fun with.  Don’t be surprised if you hear peals of laughter from your youngster while they look at this five-star book.

Thank you, Walker Books US, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Books Aren’t for Eating, 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/sorosiak/

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

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

 

 

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“What I Would Tell You” by Liz Tolsma

Posted on January 25, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Unexpected Family Roots

This is a dual time story. One story takes place during WWII. Mathilda and her husband, Asher, live in Greece, and they are Sephardic Jews. For a while, Mathilda has been writing and printing an underground Jewish newspaper. But when her husband hears the German soldiers are on their way to take over their homeland, Asher begs Mathilda to give up her paper. She refuses.

Almost immediately, all the horrible things they have heard about the Germans start taking place. Despite the danger, and that Mathilda learns that she is pregnant, she continues putting out her newspaper. She even goes out and distributes it when she is done. Were it not for her gentile friend, Ioanna, the family would not have lasted long, but will they survive the war?

The second story takes place during modern day with a college student named Tessa. After her father died, her mother remarried. Ever since, Tessa has felt like a second-class person. When she takes a DNA test that tells her ancestry, she is shocked that she is part Sephardic Jew.

She withdraws all her college money and goes to Greece to find out the mystery of her heritage. While there, she works with a museum employee who is very helpful. The two of them hit it off immediately.

Will learning Tessa’s history give her peace of mind?

I could never connect with Mathilda. I felt she was a stubborn, foolish woman that put both her family and herself at risk. Also, I didn’t understand how the pass off with Ioanna could have been done successfully. I appreciate Ioanna trying to witness to Mathilda.

This three-star book will appeal to fans of WWII stories, and those interested in their family background.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “What I Would Tell You”, 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/liztolsma/

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

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

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