“Maisy’s Christmas Party” by Lucy Cousins

Posted on December 17, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

Fun Surprises!

What’s more fun than a party?  Receiving the answers to the invitations!  At least it is in this case since you can join Maisy as she opens the replies from party guests.   That is because this book is special, with six built-in envelopes that contain replies, plus some extras, that can be removed.   Each time a reply envelope is found, be ready for laughter and squeals when they discover what is inside.

This fun Christmas book is very interactive, hard-backed, and full of brightly-colored illustrations.  Besides being a fun story, there are teachable moments about replying to invitations, along with what an address looks like on an envelope.

This 5-star book is adorable, and is a great way for children to experience some Christmas excitement.  It will be enjoyed by pre-school to early grade school children, especially ones who like having something that involves them in the story!

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Maisy’s Christmas Party, 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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Random Ramblings: Christmas Cherry Salad—or Dessert?!

Posted on December 16, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

A Rose by Any Other Name…..

When I grew up, the fancy dinners my mom or aunt fixed for birthdays, Christmas or other occasions, often contained salad.  But any preconceived idea you had about what went into a salad would go right out the window.  Instead of a bowl with lettuce, vegetables and dressing, these dinners would often feature a delicious sweet item that seemed like dessert.

As a child, I always found the label confusing, but the “salad” was wonderful.  Here is one such dish that would be good at your table for Christmas or any other time of the year when you want something special.  Even though it is called “salad” it is more like dessert. Whatever you call this, it’s tasty, easy and delicious.  Merry Christmas!

Did you have special dinners at your house?

Christmas Cherry Salad*

1 Can of Cherry Pie Filling**

1 Large can of Drained, Crushed Pineapple

1 Can of Eagle Brand Milk

2 Cups Miniature Marshmallows

1 Cup chopped Pecans

1 (8 oz) container of Cool Whip

Mix in order, cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

*This can be converted to gluten-free making sure the above ingredients are the gluten-free versions.

**I have heard strawberry pie filling can be substituted for the cherry pie filling.

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“Dasher” by Matt Tavares, Author & Illustrator

Posted on December 10, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

Santa’s First Reindeer!

How did Santa Claus come to have reindeer pulling his sleigh?  He didn’t always have reindeer.  In this story, we learn that originally the jolly old elf had a horse, Silverbell.   Dasher and her family lived a dreary life pulling heavy loads at night, and spent their days closely penned together.  But she always dreamed of being in a cold north country.

This fun story gives more details about Santa’s life.  Children will experience the astonishment Dasher has when she flies through the air for the first-time.

Even though Dasher goes through hard times, she doesn’t give up her dreams.  When she gets the opportunity for a better life, she takes it, and brings her family with her!

The illustrations on all the pages of this book are beautiful, and capture the story perfectly.  Over-sized and hard-backed, this picture book will appeal to little one’s imaginations.  Children who like the wonder of Christmas time, and legends of Santa, will enjoy this 5-star book.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Dasher, 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/tavaresbooks

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

The Author’s Blog:  http://matttavaresbooks.blogspot.com/

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“Little Robin’s Christmas” by Jan Fearnley, Author & Illustrator

Posted on December 9, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

Robin’s Red Breast!

How did the Robin get his red vest and become the first sign of spring?  It all started with Little Robin wanting to keep those around him warm.  With his big heart, he helps all the cold friends he finds.  But by coming to their aid, he doesn’t have anything left to keep himself warm.

It looks like all is lost, but then, Santa steps in.  With his special help, Little Robin becomes the happy, red-breasted singer that announces the cold weather is leaving, and spring is on its way!

This is a charming story that will appeal to children’s love of helping those around them, as well as, tales of Santa.

The pages of this hard-backed, oversized book are full of delightful illustrations that wonderfully add to this story.  What fun it will be to look for Robins in the early spring, and remember this cute tale.  Children who enjoy using their imagination along with noticing the animals around them, will adore this 5-star book.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Little Robin’s 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.

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

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

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“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Christmas Activity Book”

Posted on December 8, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of Fun Ahead!

Want a lot of fun in a little bit of time?  This book is the ticket for a child to have variety of activities they can do by themselves, as well as, games and ideas for things to do with others or their families.

There are colorful stickers that can be placed in different spots throughout the book, along with songs, ideas for projects, and interesting facts.  Both indoor and outdoor suggestions are covered in the brightly colored pages. This soft-covered volume can be lots of fun before Christmas when gearing up for the celebration.  Or it will make a much-loved Christmas gift that will bring loads of enjoyment afterward.  Non-readers will enjoy this read to them, while grade school readers will have a good time following the instructions.  I highly recommend this 5-star book for any child who likes to have fun!

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Christmas Activity Book, 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 Comes My Way” by Tracie Peterson

Posted on December 7, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

A Satisfying End!

While the 1902 females perform an exciting Wild West Show for the public, they live a wild life in private.  After overcoming many obstacles to be together, Lizzy and Wes have barely settled into married life, when Wes abruptly leaves the show without her.

Wes nobly does it to make a last-ditch effort to stop Phillip’s drinking, but Lizzy’s feelings of abandonment spur her on to take dangerous chances, ones she promised not to.  She also tries to protect Oliver from fortune hunter, Amanda, who is determined to marry him for his money.  Will Amanda make it down the aisle with him, or will the truth come out about her, and destroy Oliver?

The shocking revelation of the true owner of the show stuns everyone, and leads to a turn of events.  Ella continues to hide in the show from the cruel and dangerous man who insisted on marrying her.  She has contact with her ostracized family which leads to surprising events, including the biggest danger of her life.  Also, the mystery behind August Reichert’s death is revealed.

Don’t miss this third part of the series where thrills, intrigue, surprises and betrayal abound. Faith is a natural part of the tale, and adds depth to all the characters.  Even if you haven’t read the other books, I highly recommend this 5-star story to anyone who enjoys exciting yarns.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of What Comes My Way, 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/TraciePetersonAuthor/?ref=ts

The Author’s Information:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/entity/Tracie-Peterson/B001I9W8WK

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

 

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What to Watch Tonight? “A Christmas Miracle”

Posted on December 6, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

A Hallmark Christmas Movie

Tamera Mowry-Housley stars in the movie, “A Christmas Miracle,” along with Brooks Darnell.  She is still the sweet girl she was in Sister, Sister days, but now she is a lovely, single mother, named Emma, who is trying to make a home for her little boy and herself in a new city.

What would you do if someone stole your ideas at work and claimed them for their own?  What if you had a chance to expose them, and possibly do yourself some good in the process?  Find out what happens when Emma is in that position.

In the past, it has run on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel.   But check your television provider’s schedule for the current time and location to see this movie.

There have been complaints that Hallmark movies can be too cookie cutter.  That does not apply to this one, it is a good story that will keep you entertained until the end.

Don’t miss this 5-popcorn (5-star) movie, I highly recommend it!

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“The End of the Magi” by Patrick W. Carr

Posted on December 6, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

And Wise Men Came from the East….

At last, Myrad has had a prophetical dream, his key to becoming a Magi—an elite and powerful group that advises the king.  Suddenly, the Queen slaughters the Magi including his adopted father.  Myrad doesn’t know which will kill him first, the murderous solders pursuing him, or the desert he is forced to make his escape in.  He goes through thrilling circumstances with unfriendly characters while he tries to piece together his father’s cryptic last words.

Myrad, disabled and unaccepted, now with a price on his head, refuses to give up the quest.  Astonishingly, he nightly sees a brilliant star that others do not.  Because of that, he ends up being part of a group that visits a small baby in lowly surroundings.

This amazing book tells the birth of Jesus through the eyes of the Wise Men.  Despite being puzzled by the humble conditions of the child, these men remain true to the prophesies, and hail him as a king.  Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection are all seen through their perspective.

This exciting account has mystery, thrills, romance along with the greatest story ever told.  All of these things are told in an upright way that does not degrade the story of Jesus.  You won’t want to put this one down without finishing it!  I highly recommend this 5+ star book to any who would like to consider what it might have been like for the mystery men….those “who came from the East.”

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The End of the Magi, 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/PatrickWCarr/?ref=bookmarks

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

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

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“Peppa Pig and the Christmas Play” by Candlewick Press

Posted on December 5, 2019 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Fun with Peppa!

Join the excitement as Peppa Pig along with her friends plan a Christmas play.  Spirits are high, with Madame Gazelle letting them have lots of creative roles.   But the only thing Peppa wants is for Santa to attend the play.  She is told how busy Santa is, that he is going all over town to hear the children’s requests, and he might not make it.   But Peppa insists she invited Santa and he said he would come—but can he possibly make it?

Anticipation will build for the children reading or hearing this story.  Colorful pictures will delight little eyes, and the conclusion will bring smiles all around.  This 5-star tale is fun during the Christmas season, but children will like it year-round, as well.  This fun, over-sized, hardbacked picture book will be enjoyed by all children who like Santa, and stories about him.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Peppa Pig and the Christmas Play, 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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“In the Cradle Lies” by Olivia Newport

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cradle Tells All!

Friends, Jillian and Kris, are overwhelmed when a stranger, Tucker, plunks down hundreds of dollars to pay for Kris’ skis.  The entire Colorado skiing town of Canyon Mines, is amazed by the arrival of the rash spending, fast driving and reckless skiing, Tucker.  Even more shocking is his announcement that he intends to ski Hidden Run.  This dangerous place was rarely used years ago when it was open—and is even more treacherous now.

Kris is so smitten by Tucker, she seems ready to throw caution to the wind, and ski the dangerous run, too.  While concerned people try to stop this, more mystery surfaces.  As Jillian uses her genealogy skills to uncover questionable things about Tucker, another surprise comes with the arrival of an unexpected person.

Will Tucker stubbornly refuse to ski safely, and kill himself or others?  What was the grandfather hiding all those years that has affected Tucker?  What is the secret between Jillian’s dad and uncle that has kept them at odds for decades?

Unforeseen twists and turns, made this story exciting, and attention grabbing.  The genealogy results made the book even more interesting.  The characters face real-life problems, including wondering how God fits into it all—along with some possible answers.  This story stands alone even though it is the second in the series, Tree of Life.  I recommend this well-written, 5-star book to anyone who has ever been shocked by something in their family or struggled with a relationship.

Barbour Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of In the Cradle Lies, 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/OliviaNewport/

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

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

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