“The Happy Crab” by Laya & Kevin Palmer

Posted on November 14, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Family Adventure at the Beach!

Illustrated by Guy Wolek

Happy the crab is living the perfect life in the ocean.  He is enjoying all the things to see, to do, and to be with his other friends living in the ocean with him.  But one day, after crawling into a sea shell and going to sleep, he awakens to find his whole world has changed.

A little boy and his family visiting the beach think his sea shell would make a great souvenir of their time at the ocean. The seashell is being held by the little boy as the family drives home. Unknown to them, they have a stowaway with Happy occupying the sea shell.

What will happen to Happy? We he never again get to be at the ocean he loves? If Happy is discovered by the family, will that make things worse for him?

I love this tale, it is a cheery story that will make you smile and smile. This over-sized, hard-backed picture book will delight young ones with its brightly colored illustrations, as well as, the fun story of Happy the crab.

It also subtly teaches that your actions can have an effect on others, and doing the right thing might go against what you want. But doing that can lead to a happy ending, as it does in this tale.

Children aged two to eight-years-old will reach for this five-star book over and over again. I highly recommend it!

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Happy Crab, 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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“Feels Like Home” by Marian Parsons

Posted on November 9, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Bespoke Home!

Where we live, and what we have around us affects us to our core.  Our environment can be calming, or make us tense.  We should strive for our home to be a place of renewal and peace, and that is what this author wants to do.  She wants us to live in a Bespoke Home—a place that feels good, we have come home.

Close your eyes and imagine things that you like, colors, types of furniture, and so on.  Think back through your life about items you have liked most—whether you saw them in person, movies, or other forms of media.  Now imagine bringing some items like that into your living space.  Plan to put that into action a little at a time, so you don’t get over-whelmed by the scope of it.

The author wants you to remember you may not live in the place of your dreams, it may even be the opposite, but you can gradually make anyplace more “you.”  Ms. Parsons cautions that you need to work with the type of place you currently live in, not work against it.  But it is possible to create any space into a combination of yourself, and the reality of what you have to work with.

This is a great book that is easy to read, with lots of simple ideas to give yourself a very happy place to live–a Bespoke Home.  It will cause you to sigh deeply when you come in, and say to yourself, “I am home!” I enjoyed this five-star book and you will too.  I highly recommend this fun, practical book to anyone who wants to easily make their place home– without breaking the bank.

Worthy Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Feels Like Home, 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 Website:  https://missmustardseed.com/author/marian/

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“A Deep Divide” by Kimberley Woodhouse

Posted on November 4, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Nowhere to Run!

Emma Grace has been living incognito after fleeing for her life years ago.  Although she never lacked for anything materially, her life was not a happy one.  When she found out her father was scheming to marry her off to the man who could do the most for his business, Emma Grace made her escape.

Afterwards, she found out her father had been murdered the night she left.  Emma Grace knows she is being hunted.  Convinced the killer is Mr. Wellington, her father’s number one choice for her husband, she is sure he has been the one chasing her ever since.

Who would think a former heiress would disguise herself as a hard-working Harvey Girl?  Emma Grace has been counting on that thought to keep herself hidden for the past decade.  After changing her looks and Harvey Girl work locations many times, she finally feels safe.

Emma Grace travels to the Grand Canyon to take her place at the elegant, brand new El Tovar Hotel.  She settles in to relax and enjoy her surroundings, along with the attention of the rich businessman and hotel guest, Ray.  That is when Emma Grace discovers she is still being hunted.

How was she found?  Will Emma Grace be drug back east, and forced to marry Wellington?  Does she have enough time to run away again?  Will she ever find the peace, love and acceptance she has been dreaming of?

This page turner will keep you guessing what will happen to Emma Grace.  Seeing the Grand Canyon through her eyes made it seem beautiful and serene, but still a wild place that needed to be explored carefully.  The character’s faith was a natural and vital part of this five-star, clean tale.  Fans of mystery and suspense will love this book!

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Deep Divide, 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/KimberleyWoodhouseAuthor/

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

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

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“Lights Out: The SNAP Agency” by Natalie Walters

Posted on November 3, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

The Enemy Next Door!

Many years ago, Jack and Brynn were a couple, Jack thought they were in love. Then Brynn chose her CIA career over him, and Jack has felt betrayed ever since.  For the past several years, he has been the head of the prestigious Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency.  Now they have no choice but to work together to find an Egyptian spy, Remon Riad, who is missing.

He disappeared while in the United States serving as part of an anti-terrorism group that was a brainchild of Brynn’s.  She was responsible for checking him out before being invited, and Brynn was sure she had missed no red flags in his background.

The sooner they can prove Remon was innocent of terrorism, the sooner Brynn’s job will no long be on the line.  But was he innocent?  The more they dig, the more danger Jack and Brynn face.  Will the two of them be able to put the past behind them, and uncover the truth about Remon?

This fast-moving thriller will keep you turning pages while Jack and Brynn face attempts on their lives, and dangerous situations around every corner.  The fact that this is a clean story with a faith viewpoint, gets my attention.  Since it is also a great story, it earns five-stars.  This will be enjoyed by fans of thrillers, suspense, and mysteries.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Lights Out, 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/profile.php?id=100041917969557&ref=hl

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

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

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“Behind Love’s Wall” by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Posted on November 1, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Your Family

In the late 1800’s, Lily and Clem are cousins that work as entertainers.  This summer they are working far from home at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Lily’s mother was at a mental institution, and died in a fire there.  Her mom is accused of causing the fire, which killed others, along with herself.  The shame of it has caused Lily to use a different name, and look for work where she is not known. While she is on the island, Willa is also trying to connect with her unknown biological family.

In the same book, a second story takes place during our current time, but in the exact same physical location, on Mackinac Island.  In this tale, Willa, a designer, along with her assistant, Sue, have come to re-decorate the Grand Hotel.

Willa is hoping to find out information about her unknown biological father.  She was born to a teenage mother in the Mackinac Island area, but after her mom’s death, she was adopted by relatives in another state.  They gave her no information about her dad, but her grandfather still lives there.  She hopes he will reveal information about her heritage.

It was fun having both stories take place in the location, but a hundred years apart.  Each tale had a mystery to solve, along with the desire to find family.  I enjoyed the book, but some of the time, the stories didn’t connect with me.

The story had a good faith element that flowed naturally with the characters.  This four-star book will be enjoyed by fans of tales from the past with mystery peppering the story.

Barbour Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Behind Love’s Wall, 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/cfpagels

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

The Author’s Website:  www.CarrieFancettPagels.com

 

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“The Mystery of Israel and the Middle East,” by James W. Goll

Posted on October 29, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Pray Repeatedly and Often!

This is the story of Israel, a country that was destroyed two thousand years ago, but came together again as a nation in 1948.  The author outlines many miracles that God orchestrated throughout the world for this to happen.  Saying the odds were really stacked against them is an understatement.  Yet God helped them succeed in building a striving democracy, but not without struggles, both then and now.

The author stresses the importance of prayer for the salvation and peace of Israel—for she remains the apple of God’s eye.  He points out the vital key Israel plays in end-time prophecies.

Some examples of fulfilled prophecies include:

Isaiah 35:1 “The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.”  Today’s Israel is turning acres and acres of desert into thriving cropland.

Isaiah 66:8 “Who has ever seen anything as strange as this? Who ever heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a single day? Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment?” This happened in 1948 when Israel became a nation just that quickly.

This fascinating book covers the Israel of the past, present and future.  It gave me lots of food for thought about things that the Bible predicts for our future, along with additional things to pray for.  The author implores us to pray for Israel because prayer changes things.

Since there is a spiritual war going on all around us and Israel, our prayers are vitally important. I recommend this five-star book to everyone.  It will be enjoyed whether or not you are aware of Israel’s current and future importance.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Mystery of Israel and the Middle East, 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/jamesgollpage

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

The Author’s Website:  https://godencounters.com/james-w-goll-bio/

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“20 Big Trucks in the Middle of Christmas,” by Mark Lee

Posted on October 23, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Getcha in the Christmas Spirit!

Illustrated by Kurt Cyrus

On a snowy, winter day, join the excitement as trucks start to gather in town.  All of the trucks contain, or will help set up, the Christmas display.  As the onlookers watch, decorations and people that will make up the exhibit are unloaded, and put together.

Anticipation fills the air when the huge tree is delivered, but how will it be decorated? The fire truck and boom truck save the day. Just when they are finishing up by putting the star on top, disaster strikes as the star crashes to the ground.  Will the tree have nothing on top this year?  Because of some creative thinking, a solution is found.  It isn’t traditional, but it is fun and looks good!

This over-sized, hard-backed picture book has bright, colorful illustrations that glow with the spirit of Christmas.  With the turn of a page, children will love seeing new items and trucks appear, along with what each truck does, or what is dropped off.  But what they will really love, is when the Christmas display is finished complete with glowing lights, animals, songs and food. Children preschool through second grade will really enjoy this five-star book, and as an added bonus, it will help them improve their counting to twenty!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, 20 Big Trucks in the Middle 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“There’s a Dodo on the Wedding Cake” by Wade Bradford

Posted on October 19, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

The Big Wedding Cake Mix-up!

Illustrations by Kevin Hawkes

Mr. Snore is to play his violin at the wedding in the Sharemore Hotel.  Arriving early, he is waiting in the same room as the wedding cake when a Dodo comes in and starts eating the frosting on the cake.  Quick thinking has Mr. Snore jump into action and save the cake while chasing away the Dodo.

Next, Mr. Snore has to defend the cake from two very determined beavers, followed by a very large snake. Will the number of animals trying to get to the cake ever run out? It doesn’t seem to as he defends the cake from yet one after another of them.  But then, Mr. Snore finds out things are not what they seem.

Children will be tickled to see all the different animals that Mr. Snore tries to defend the cake from.  They will think it even funnier that things are not always what we think we see, especially in this case.  Join the fun in this over-sized, hard-backed, five-star picture book that is brimming with cheery illustrations.  Children four to eight years old will love this book!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, There’s a Dodo on the Wedding Cake, 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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“Time for Bed, Old House” by Janet Costa Bates

Posted on October 18, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spending the Night Away from Home, No Worries!

Illustrated by A.G. Ford

Isaac is spending the night with Grandpop, and having a good time.  But he gets scared when he begins thinking about spending the night away from home, and insists he is not sleepy.  But Grandpop tells him they must put the house to bed.  They do that by walking quietly through the rooms, turning off all the lights so the house can sleep.

During that time, Isaac hears scary noises, but Grandpop has non-scary, logical answers for each one.  For instance, the dog’s toe nails are clacking while he walks across the floor.  The settling and squeaking noises are the way the tired house yawns and stretches when settling down for the night.

By helping his Grandpop, Isaac starts to forget about his worry of sleeping somewhere new, and focuses instead on getting the house to sleep.

This enchanting tale is a great way to prepare your child for an upcoming overnight stay, or a future sleepover.  Talking about the reasons for nighttime noises, along with putting the house to bed, will help get rid of overnight fears before they start. Over-sized, and hard-backed, this five-star picture book is full of charming illustrations, and is just the ticket needed when spending the night somewhere new.  It is a great book for children pre-school age through second grade.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Time for Bed, Old 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.

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“Maybe…..” by Chris Haughton

Posted on October 16, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just this Once is Okay?

After the little monkey’s mother warned them to stay away from the mangoes because of tigers, she needed to leave.  Will the monkeys listen to their mother?  After she left, the only thing the monkeys could think of was how juicy and delicious those mangoes were. Then they start finding all kinds of uses for maybe and the rules.

Maybe they could just look at the mangoes, maybe they could get one mango, and maybe there weren’t any tigers.  But maybe leads the little monkeys into all kinds of trouble, and they find themselves in a terrible situation.

Children will enjoy the illustrations in this over-sized, picture book because if they look closely, they can find things in the bushes that the monkeys don’t see.  They can have lots of fun trying to warn the monkeys what is in there.

This book gives the parent a good opportunity to ask their child if the monkeys should have listened to their mother, and if the monkeys learned anything.  You can also ask your child what they would do, and why there are rules.

Maybe is a fun story, but also a teaching story about what happens when trying to stretch the rules.  This five-star book will be enjoyed by children aged three to seven.  Little ones will love trying to warn the monkeys while stating what the monkeys should have done.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Maybe….., 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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