“A Dazzle of Diamonds” by Liz Johnson

Posted on August 19, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bumps Along the Way of Life!

Penelope loves her event planning job, and her best friend, Tucker, well not love love—at least she hadn’t thought so.  What she really wants to do is help Tucker get elected as sheriff.  In order to do that, she will pretend to date her best friend, while she looks for a treasure that has been missing for over 150 years.

She also tries to clear Tucker’s name in a campaign that turns dirty, and had her job threatened because of it. In the midst of all that, her latest wedding planning clients turn out to be her former fiancé, who left her at the altar, along with his new girlfriend.

I really liked this book.  It had a lot of depth and pleasantly surprised me with all the twists and turns it took. Problems of not measuring up and parental rejection provided a touch of realism to this modern-day story.

The mystery part about the treasure kept me guessing, and, the 19th century intrigue added to this clean tale told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this 5-star book to lovers of mystery with added romance.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Dazzle of Diamonds, 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/lizjohnsonbooks

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/book/a-dazzle-of-diamonds/

The Author’s Story Behind the Story:  http://mtlmagazine.com/mtl-newsletter-the-adventure-of-the-unexpected/?fbclid=IwAR2bt4Uv7vrAP4hYRMf3HvA9jCuT3iCrvWv1cj3Gr4WofxX8brj29oP6MaU

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“Love and a Little White Lie” by Tammy L. Gray

Posted on August 13, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Lie = A Better Life?

How does an atheist end up working in a church?  Jan needed a job, the church had an opening, and she pretended to be a Christian to get it.  Jan’s life is a mess. She was jilted by the guy whom she thought was “the one,” she was broke, and she had to move in her aunt’s cabin.  What could a small lie hurt, if it helped get her life together and back on her feet?  All kinds of things can ripple out from a lie, unfortunately, Jan discovers this.

Jan finds the church and the people in it, are radically different than what she had assumed.  Even though she thinks writing messages to a non-existent deity is a waste of time, she is shocked to find the prayer requests are all read and cared about.  Jan finally finds the perfect boyfriend.  Except he works at the church, too, and he expects her to be a Christian.  He tells her he can’t be unequally yoked—whatever that means.

This story is modern, fresh and is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I found myself unable to put it down, and you will feel the same way, too!  Although Jan can be a bit rough around the edges, this 5-plus star story is told from a Christian viewpoint. You will thoroughly enjoy this fish-out-of-water tale, and I recommend it to older teens and above.

Bethany House Publishers has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Love and a Little White Lie, 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/tlgraybooks

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

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

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“The Crushing Depths” by Dani Pettrey

Posted on August 10, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Surprising Bad Guys!

Are the equipment malfunctions, food poisoning and deaths on an off-shore oil rig because of a century’s old curse, bad luck or outright murder? While this has been going on, environmental activists have been on shore protesting the drilling, and are determined to have it stopped. They have also placed a boat by the platform, and members on board shout their complaints constantly. Coast Guard Investigators Rissi and Mason have been teamed up to get to the bottom of it.

Even though working together is new, the investigator’s mutual history goes back to when they were mistreated orphans in an abusive children’s home. Rissi always loved Mason for helping her get through it, but she never shared how she felt. They lost touch with each other for ten years, but now they are back in each other’s lives.

Additionally, Brooke, a Coast Guard medic, is being stalked by someone dangerous. Her home has been broken into, a lethal trap was put into her car, and her most prized possession was brutally vandalized. The most likely suspect is her ex-boyfriend, but if it is not him, then who?

There is lots of edge of your seat excitement in this book while trying to figure out the identity of the bad guys. The sand surfing was fun to hear about, and imagine doing. This 5-star clean story is told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend it to fans of romantic thrillers.

Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Crushing Depths, 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/DaniPettrey

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

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

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What to Watch Tonight? The Movie“Flying High for the Glory of God: The Orville Rogers Story”

Posted on August 6, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Real-Life Super Man!

A one-hundred-year-old man who runs races?  Orville Rogers did.  He also trained WWII pilots.  Later, our government reactivated Orville to military duty, and he was on 24-hour standby to drop an atomic bomb during the Cold War.  After he discovered running in his fifties, he continued running until he was over 100 hundred years old, and won competitions! As an airline pilot, he somehow donated millions of dollars to Christian ministries.

This story is all true, plus lots more information is in this movie.  Watch this film, and learn how a boy with humble beginnings, whose father abandoned him and his family, went on to live a life of adventure.  And he gives credit for all of it to God.

As Orville told WFAA (an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Dallas, Texas) May 1, 2018*:

“I did not seek fame, I did not seek long life, I did not seek riches,” Rogers told us in an interview last year. “But God has blessed me with all three and I’m trying to live up to it.”**

This was a movie I just “happened” to see, and I was so glad I did—you will feel the same way, too.  Orville passed away in November of 2019, just shy of his 102nd birthday.  He had been hoping to recover from heart surgery to compete in another race.  But his story lives on.

Check out this 5-popcorn (5-star) movie that is appropriate for the entire family with a feel-good story.  I highly recommend it!

* https://www.wfaa.com/article/features/100-year-old-dallas-man-sets-world-records-doesnt-plan-to-slow-down/287-547615159

**https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/orville-rogers-101-year-old-running-sensation-passes-away/287-83fb9509-c2ff-4622-94ba-eca3da9872b1

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“This or That” by Pippa Goodhart

Posted on August 5, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring a Museum

Want your child have a chance to visit the British Museum, and do so from the comfort of your home?  This book will help you accomplish that.

All of the pictures in this book are actual items in the museum.  Each pair of picture pages asks questions about those items.  For instance, on pages featuring different types of transportation, some question asked are: “what vehicles are pulled by animals,” or “how would you like to get around.” Pages picturing animals asks the reader to try to find cats or camels.

By the time you have gone through all the pages, you will have had a fun way to explore the museum as an armchair traveler.  Looking at this volume would be a good way to prepare a child before going to visit the British Museum, or any other museum.

Before making a visit, it would provide things to look for, and what to expect the experience might be like.  I recommend this five-star book to children up to ten years old.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, This or That, 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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“What I Like Most” by Mary Murphy

Posted on July 29, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang

Changes Coming!

Changes are a part of everyone’s life, but we don’t always like them.  Children may not just dislike them, but fear them as well.  This book wonderfully comes to the rescue because it shows that even though changes happen, other things stay the same.

A little girl loves to watch out her window, but she is moving.  Instead of being sad about leaving this window behind, she realizes there will be a window at her new home, too.   She will still be able to enjoy looking outside, there just will be a different view.  She will not lose her love of window watching.

As she thinks of the changes that will take place in her life, she also realizes some things will stay the same, no matter what.  She will still have her favorite food, her special toy and most of all, the love she and her mother have for each other—nothing will alter any of that.

This book offers the assurance that the important things in a child’s life remain the same no matter if it is a different grade level in school, moving, or any other situation.

Just like in this book, have your child talk about changes that will happen, but also help them make a list of the things that will never change.  Reading and talking about new things will make them less scary.  I recommend this five-star book for ages three to seven.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, What I Like Most, 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://www.marymurphy.ie/home/

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“Line by Line” by Jennifer Delamere

Posted on July 28, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beware of the Consequences!

What happens when a confirmed career woman, trying to make her way in the male dominated work world, turns to a spinster book about romance to get tips for getting along with men?  In 1880’s London, Alice gets more than she bargained for, along with unexpected results, when she tries it on two difficult men in her life.  The first, the lazy sourpuss she has to work beside daily, and secondly, the cranky brother of her best friend.

Not only does Alice’s life become more complicated, she finds herself falsely accused, and in danger of losing her livelihood.  She also feels betrayed and disillusioned by Douglas, a rising star in her office.

He is a go getter from humble beginnings, who seemed to be an honorable man, whom Alice admired.  But it appears he may be in cahoots with those causing trouble for her, as well as, a fortune hunter only interested in a marriage that will boost his career.

Join Alice as she tries to find a way out of hot water, while she has a life altering change of mind about the course of her life.  Be sure to note the fun way the characters learn to dance! This 5-star book is written from a Christian viewpoint, and will be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction with a dash of humor and romance.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Line by Line, 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/jenniferdelamere/

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

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

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“Grandma Snuggles” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on July 20, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Want a Hug?

Hugs of every type await little ones throughout the pages of this book. Children will see a variety of animal grandmothers, including pandas, bunnies, and ducks, showing loving attention to their grandchildren.  Grandmas across both the animal and human world alike make wonderful memories while giving warm snuggles.

Ms. Nellist, in sweet verse, captures the lavish love that a child adores getting from a grandparent, while winsome pictures clearly demonstrate it.  Grandmas are a blessing from God and that is shown in both verse and picture in this over-sized board book.  For example:

“…She loves me so and I love her!

We’re happy as can be.

My grandma snuggles are the best.

And God gave her to me.”

The author herself is a grandmother, and her love for grandchildren clearly shines through in this delightful volume.

I recommend this 5-star book to children up to four years old, and to all who enjoy grandma hugs!

Zonderkidz has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Grandma Snuggles, 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://www.glenysnellist.com/

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

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/glenysnellist/?hl=en

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

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“Incredible Jobs You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of” by Natalie Labarre

Posted on July 16, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never a Dull Moment with These Jobs!

You may think you have heard of just about every job that exists, but you haven’t—really!  Because between these pages are many unbelievable things people do.

For instance, an Elephant Dresser designs elaborate, colorful costumes for pachyderms to wear. Or how about an Odor Tester who smells sweaty arm pits both before, and after, the use of deodorant to determine how well the product works.

The job of the Warden of the Swans requires catching every swan living near the English Windsor Castle.  After you get ahold of them, each swan must be given a health check-up, marked when done and then set the elegant birds free.  It is called Swan Upping!

Many more short explanations of surprising jobs, each with a fun illustration, await children as they thumb through giant pages.  Sprinkled throughout the volume are a few “seek and find” objects and some “get you thinking questions”.   It is fitting that such a big subject be packaged in an impressively oversized, hard-backed book that is nine by fifteen inches tall.

Be sure to get one for the young ones in your life.  They’ll thank you for it once they can pull themselves away from pouring through the pages of this 5-star book.  Elementary through middle-school aged children will enjoy all the things that people do.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Incredible Jobs You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of, 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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“Don’t Keep Silent” by Elizabeth Goddard

Posted on July 13, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Follow the Clues!

A missing wife and mother, a frantic husband who pleads with his sister, Rae, to find her.  Despite Rae’s investigative-skills, Zoey’s secret past makes finding a trail difficult.

But shortly after Rae shows up in Zoey’s hometown, things start to unravel with a room break-in, stolen objects, and attempts against Rae’s life.

Liam, a former DEA agent and love interest, could help figure things out–except he blames Rae for his loss of cover and near death the last time they were together.

What did Rae stumble upon that has caused everything to break loose?  Can Zoey be alive when everything points to her death?

This clean, fast-moving tale has lots of action, and delivers an exciting ending.  This 5-star book will appeal to fans of heart-pumping adventure with a sprinkling of romance.

Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Don’t Keep Silent, 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/ElizabethGoddardAuthor

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

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

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