“Gelato at the Villa,” by Robin Jones Gunn

Posted on July 10, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Let the Adventure Begin

Claire and Grace are two adult best friends that decide to take a trip to Italy together–no spouses or children are included.

Although they had both been there in the past, it was a long time ago, and disappointing. This time, they will be in charge what they do, where they stay, and the adventures they have.

Robin does a very good job of making it feel like you are there with the characters, and traveling right along with them. I feel like I have visited Italy, too, and explored all the places with Claire and Grace.

The two of them experience amazing things, and doing so, changes both of their lives. There is a strong thread of faith that runs through this–with one of them a believer, and the other not–and the effect it has on each one.

Reading this would be wonderful just for the feeling of having been on this trip, but including a great story in the mix, is a real cherry on top. The only thing I didn’t like was the promoting of wine drinking, but loved everything else about this tale. I am ready to pack my bag, go to Italy, and re-trace all their steps.

This is a great, five-star story that I highly recommend.

Thanks to Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Gelato at the Villa,” by Robin Jones Gunn, 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/AuthorRobinJonesGunn

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

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

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“The Riding Lesson,” by Jennifer K. Mann

Posted on June 24, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Riding a Horse!

Frances loves horses, but has never ridden one. Today, she will. Her friend, Mae, who has horses, has invited her over.

But Frances isn’t prepared for what it is like when dreams of horses clash with reality. There are many things she wasn’t expecting such as their poop needs to be shoveled, or that horses might kick you if you aren’t careful.

Frances finds herself in hilarious situations with the horses. The illustrations, that are also done by the author, make the story even funnier.

After everything that happens with Frances and the horses, she has misgivings about getting on one.

This is a funny story, but you will also learn a lot about horses: how they act, their care, and how to ride them.

This five-star picture book will be enjoyed by children ages three through eight-years-old.

Thanks to Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Riding Lesson,” by Jennifer K. Mann, 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 Highland Heist,” by Pepper Basham

Posted on June 16, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Lads and Lassies!

The mystery solving couple, Lord and Lady Astley, Grace and Frederick, are back, and this time the story begins in America and ends on the other side of the ocean.

When Grace and Frederick, walk into a room, they find Lillias, Grace’s sister, standing over the body of her husband Tony.

While they work to prove Lillias’s innocence, they fend off numerous attacks, and discover the two sisters have an inheritance.  But it must be claimed by both sisters, at the same time, in Scotland.

Many roadblocks and dangers try to keep Grace and Lillias from getting their inheritance—including needing to find the copy of the will in a creepy castle at night.

There are lots of twists and turns in this story, red herrings, and surprises.

The faith of the characters is part of the story, along with old hurts and sibling rivalry between the sisters. This is a great five-star whodunit, that you do not want to miss!

Thanks to Barbour Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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

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

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

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“Hazel the Handful,” by Jamie Michalak

Posted on June 12, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

The New Baby

For a long time, Hazel, the dog, has been number one in her family’s life, especially with her girl, Bea. When a new baby arrives, Hazel feels replaced, and unloved.  The baby gets all the attention, while Hazel thinks she is ignored.  Hazel feels all the things a child might if a new baby comes to their home.

This is a great book for a family that has a new baby, and already has another child.  Things are not always a smooth transition when a new baby comes.  While reading this, you can ask your older child if they feel like Hazel, and let them know they will always be loved, and have not been replaced.

You do not have to have a new baby in the house to get this book, because this is a good, fun story. Hazel’s thoughts will bring giggles.  The moral of the story is there is enough love to go around for everyone.

This five-star book will be enjoyed by ages two through eight-years-old.

Thanks to Candlewick Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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“Peekaboo Dog,” by Camilla Reid

Posted on June 9, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Lots of Fun!

Get ready for lots of fun.  This interactive book has something to do on every page including the cover.

Dogs do lots of things in this book, including moving their eyes, wagging their tails, and peeking out of their dog house.

The last page features a nice mirror for the little one to see themself.

This book will bring lots of giggles if you make different dog noises while reading this. The sillier the sounds, the better.  Be ready to make good memories with your child.

I love this book, and know little ones will, too.  Babies through 2-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thanks to Candlewick Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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“Our Gorgeous Baby,” by Smriti Prasadam-Halls

Posted on June 1, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

The New Baby

This title is a tongue-in-check statement by a sibling referring to her new sister.  As people talk about their gorgeous baby, the sister points out the not so wonderful things that she does.  For instance, being awakened by the baby in the middle of the night, or how loud she can yell and screech.

But despite all the unwelcome things that have happened, in the end, the big sister wants everyone to know that all of them love their baby very much.

Giggles will abound throughout the pages.

This is an adorable five-star board book that will be enjoyed by everyone, but, especially by  two to six-years-olds.

Thanks to Candlewick Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

 

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“Maisy Big, Maisy Small,” by Lucy Cousins

Posted on May 18, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Maisy Hits the Big Time

The fun begins with the size of this book, it is very large, measuring more than 11” by 11.” This book of rhymes states the opposite word on each page, such as Maisy fast and Maisy slow, or Maisy here and Maisy there.

Version 1.0.0

The author has out-done herself with her illustrations. Each page has fun, colorful pictures that show what Maisy is up to.

Children will have a good time hearing and saying the rhymes, and there will be lots of giggles about what Maisy does.  Make sure to ask your child if they can name Maisy’s friends that are in some of the pictures.

Version 1.0.0

Have a good time while reading this book, if you make sounds and faces to go with the text, and you will get lots of laughter in return.

I love this five-star book.  It will be enjoyed by ages one through five-years-old.

Thanks to Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Maisy Big, Maisy Small,” by Lucy Cousins 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 Pursuit of Elena Bradford,” by Ann H. Gabhart

Posted on May 12, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

The Husband Hunt

Twenty-five-year-old Elena is reeling. First, the sudden death of her father. Next, the discovery that her father had lost all their wealth, and put them deeply into debt. Now, her mother has announced she has scraped together the money they had left to finance a trip for her sister, her mother, and Elena to go to Graham Springs, a playground for the wealthy.

Her mother’s plan is that Elena will catch a rich husband at the Springs. That way, their debts would all be paid, and the rest of the family could live in comfort, instead of as paupers. Elena always knew she was the plain one, who was already considered a spinster, how can her mother think she can catch a husband?

To Elena’s surprise, there are three men at the Springs that seem to be interested in her.

But mystery also surrounds Elena there when she befriends a beautiful young woman, who dies under strange circumstances.

This is an exciting book which takes place in an amazing location that existed at the time of this story, in 1842. Former fiancés, danger, and faith all make appearances in this tale. The descriptions are so vivid you will feel you are there. I highly recommend this five-star book, fans of mystery, historic tales, and well-written stories will enjoy this.

Thanks to the author for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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

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

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

 

 

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“Bunnies on the Bus,” by Philip Ardagh

Posted on May 8, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Ben Mantle

Oh No, Bunnies on the Bus!

Get ready for some hilarity.  The bunnies are back, and this time they have taken over a bus.  As they zoom through the town, they ignore the bus stops, even though passengers are waiting.

The animals at the bus stop are so flustered by the bus, they throw their packages in the air.

Everywhere the bunnies go, they leave mayhem in their wake.

This is such a fun book.  Children will giggle at the story.  The illustrations will make everyone laugh harder.  To make it even better, the story is done in rhyming verse.

Sharp eyes will notice there is also a story taking place that involves two burglars that keep crossing paths with the bunnies.

I highly recommend this book.  Big and little ones alike will have a good time with this funny book.  Ages two through five will like this. Depending on the child, even older children could have a good time with this.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

 

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“The Angel of Second Street,” by Barbara Tift Blakey

Posted on May 5, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Poking the Bear!

Ida is a naive young woman who loves Jesus and wants to tell the world about Him. She wants to convert the women of the red-light district, along with the members of Chinatown. But the way she goes about it opens a hornet’s nest.

The time is 1884 California, and she has grown up knowing there are certain ways to stay in good standing in society. Despite that, she innocently does things that could ruin her position.

Blaine is home from college, and ready to take his place in his father’s business. His parents push him to find a girl, and get married. When he picks Ida, his family does everything possible to break them up.

When they follow their hearts, both Ida and Blaine face criticism from those they love.

This is a great story that will clue you in on what life was like at that time. Both Ida and Blaine have a strong faith, and that directs their decisions.

This is a five-star book, but it the ended suddenly with a cliff hanger, leaving unanswered questions. Since this is a new series, answers should be found in upcoming installments. I really liked this story.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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

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