Yvette - Bookworlder

God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.  Genesis 1:31a

That is the message at the heart of this cute picture book asking if different creatures would do things that are outside of their normal behavior.  For each bug, invertebrate or animal, the illustrations first anthropomorphize as questions are asked, then when we turn the page for the answer they are portrayed in a more realistic way.  

Reading through the text and looking at the illustrations, I can imagine how hilarious some of this would be for young children when read aloud.  I can also imagine the conversations about unfamiliar animals.  This is what saves the text from feeling too negative, when answer after answer is "No" until the final message is reached, of God's purpose and love for His creation.

The text itself is written in rhyme and would be fun to read aloud with a lot of expression. My particular favorite of the creatures is the ladybug, whose question and answer read:

Would a LADYBUG wear lipstick?

NO!  That's not what she enjoys.  

'Cause lipstick is for ladies,

and some ladybugs are BOYS! (pg12)

The text is fun and the rhymes are unforced, which makes repeated reading much more pleasant.  The illustrations are cute and cartoonish - the cover is a perfect example of what is found inside.  The vibrant colors and skillfully unpolished artwork will be very approachable for children.  

This is a picture book with a very specific message, and a lot of potential for fun and good conversations.  I mean, there are penguins in parachutes, so how can you resist?

This review was originally published on my Wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-NZ

Please do not reblog without permission.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Worthy Publishing <http://worthypublishing.com>, through the First Look blog tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I was in the mood for a simple historical romance, after reading several contemporary books, and Maggie Brendan's new book was the perfect choice. 

Start off with a rancher/cattle baron doing a favor for a friend by throwing a dance hall girl over his shoulder and taking her home to his grandmother and I am hooked.  But then it gets better.  Though Rachel is an independent Miss who was working in the saloon out of necessity, John considers himself a sort of guardian and encourages a likely young cowboy to court her.  As a reader, I know it is just a matter of time before John starts to realize that he'd rather court Rachel himself, but it is so much fun watching him realize he's messed up.  What usually isn't so much fun is her reaction, but Brendan doesn't always go for the expected.  Instead, in Rachel we get a heroine who doesn't require huge and sudden revelations and that is where her character shines.  Of course she is friendly to the "soiled doves" she worked with, of course not everyone will approve, and of course she is feeling a little bitter, given her circumstances.  But she takes this all in stride, doing what she feels is right and owning up to her failings.  

Nothing is over the top in this sweet romance.  It has a nice, brisk pace and a comfortable feel to it.  Yes, it has its bits of excitement and even some romantic rivalry, but it somehow has such a cozy feel that it just leaves me smiling.  One of it's strengths, I think, is the portrayal of faith as integral to the lives of the main characters.  It, and they, feel authentic and real.  Rachel doesn't need to be hit over the head with the fact that she is feeling bitter and needs to get right with God, she is aware and simply works through each obstacle.

This was my first Maggie Brendan novel, though I've had her other novels in and out of my online shopping baskets many times.  It won't be my last.

Recommended for when you need a sweet, clean historical romance - particularly if you are being kept up until 3am by horn-happy train drivers and a noisy upstairs neighbor (sigh).  While this is the second in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series, it was not at all apparent.

Oh, and the "mean girl" of the story, Beatrice (a bit of a Nelly - a character I hated when the Little House shows first aired, but think might now be my favorite), while a bit obnoxious, just made me want more of her story.  Hint, hint...

This review, with minor differences, was first published on my Wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-N6  Please do not re-blog without permission.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.”

If I were to make a checklist of what I look for in a board book, I think that Busy, Busy! would hit them all.  

The story is lively, upbeat, reassuring with an unforced rhyming scheme that would be pleasant to read aloud multiple times.  There are things to talk about, like why pigs take mud baths.The illustrations are bright, cheerful, cute and kid friendly.  There are small details to discover, like a spider in her web.  

With a title that is easy to remember and fun for a toddler to say, the physical book itself feels sturdy, with rounded corners on the right side.  All of the pages are smooth and glossy, as is the cover, and the book is constructed in a way that it will easily lay flat when open to any page.  

Overall, this is a happy book with adorable animals and a message at the end that Mom might be busy, but she always has time to cuddle with her child.

5/5 stars, highly recommended and giftable, this could easily be a favorite for read-aloud and for toddlers to enjoy on their own.  A perfect choice for the board book set!

This is a copy of the review posted on my Wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-Mo

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Worthy Publishing <http://worthypublishing.com>, through the First Look blog tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Recently widowed, Shelby Kincaid wants to bring her daughters, ages 3 and 5, up in the house that was the only place she ever really felt was home. What she finds is a neglected 150 year old house in need of complete renovation. Who she blames is the owner, the grandson of the man she has spent her life blaming for her family’s unhappiness.

AJ Sullivan just wants to get rid of the house his grandfather left him as a punishment for choosing to become a high school teacher instead of a lawyer. What he doesn’t expect is to start falling for the pretty young widow who hates him as soon as she learns his name.

Where She Belongs is a solidly written, well paced contemporary romance. It is the story of two people who are meant for each other, but have obstacles to overcome before they can find the “spacious place” of God's promise that they are each seeking.

It is also a story of the sins of the fathers being visited on the generations. This was my favorite aspect of the story and provided most of the interesting plot developments as Shelby and AJ slowly learn of the source of the hatred between their families, a legacy of their grandparents’ actions from the era of the Korean War.

4/5 stars. If you enjoy a story with a slow burning mystery and a slow burning, clean romance in a contemporary setting, then this is a book I would recommend. Along for the journey are two adorable girls, AJ’s dog, small town neighbors, and a small assortment of relatives. Among them, AJ’s cousins who want to acquire the Misty Willow property for their own purposes, at any cost.

This review with quotes from the book is on my Wordpress blog at  http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-LV

I’m avoiding reading the excerpt of the untitled Misty Willow Book #2, due out Fall 2016, included in the back of the book. AJ’s cousin Brett, who in a historical romance would be termed a cad and a rake (this feels nicer than the modern terms I would use for a moral degenerate), will be the main character. If you love a good reformed rake story, in a contemporary setting, I suggest you read the first book in preparation for the second.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.”

Rarely do I just start reading a book knowing so little about it, and then to find it this surprising and compelling turned it into a 4.5 star (or 9 tissue) read.  Celeste Fletcher McHale took me on a roller-coaster of a ride with this tale of three lifelong friends in a small southern town.  What starts out as a story of a wife whose suspicions about her husband's fidelity lead to her and her friends hiding her own indiscretion from him, turns into a tale of love and friendship that had me laughing and crying in turns.

This is a story about small town life in the South, where everyone know what you are up to - sometimes before you do - and a man from Mississippi is a 'foreigner.'  It's about friendship and devotion.  It's about Sunday morning Christians facing life's difficulties and those difficulties challenging even those with strong faith.  It's about a marriage.  It's about love, jealousy, suspicion, emotions and circumstances that get out of hand with help from alcohol, infidelity, other misguided decisions and their consequences. And it is the story of the difficult year in which Carrigan, the narrator, becomes less self-centered and selfish. 

Excellent storytelling combined with laid back pacing, the writing is deceptive in the best way.  Even when not much seems to really be happening, it keeps you reading to find out more.

If you like stories about internal struggles, about marriages going through difficult times, small town life, "chick lit," or about friendships, then give this a try.  I recommend it.  If this type of story appeals to you, but you normally would not read Christian fiction, I highly recommend that you give this a shot - it is a bit "edgy" for Christian fiction and may surprise you.

My full review can be read on my WordPress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-HL

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan's Fiction Guild. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.”

Beautiful Uncertainty is not a how-to and does not give step by step instructions on how to lead the single christian life as women, but encouragement and help towards figuring out those next steps. The exercises are doable, with a bit of introspection, and a decent amount of space is given at a few points for completion of an exercise within the lined pages of the book.  Prayers included are heartfelt and have a natural feel.  

The book itself is divided into seasons, and those seasons broken up into a total of 31 segments with titles like 'Coffee with Jesus' and 'If an Ex Pokes You on Facebook and You Don't Respond, Did Anything Really Happen.' As I read, I made small notes like 'waiting/weariness/contentedness,' 'do exercise on p.52,' and 'look into app - She Reads Truth.'  

I found much of this book to be interesting, encouraging, sometimes funny, and quite quotable.  While it started with the 'date with Jesus' idea, and bogged down a bit for me when talking about her prior books (not a reading prerequisite) and speaking engagements, it was the fourth season, Fall, that really turned this book into a keeper with sections like 'A Lesson in Gratitude,' 'What (Most) Women Really Want' and the final section, 'God's Heart for Single Women.'

I received a free review copy from the publisher through Booklookbloggers.com, in exchange for an honest review.  My full review can be read at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-G0

An adorable board book that will be perfect for bedtime cuddles and read-aloud, the pictures are adorable and the words are soothing.  A bunny, a mare, and a hen, then mouse, ewe, fox, owl and human moms all cuddle with their babies in their respective homes, accompanying the brief but descriptive rhyming text.  

The sweet story and vibrant art will remain pleasing, as you go through the story "just one more time."  The book itself is of high quality, the front cover lightly padded and the interior corners rounded.

5/5 stars, highly recommended for reading aloud and a perfect addition to bed-time routines. Becoming a great-aunt has reinvigorated my interest in picture books, so I was very pleased to be included in the Worthy's blog tour for this book from their WorthKids/Ideals imprint.  

My full review can be read on my Wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-Fa

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Worthy Publishing <http://worthypublishing.com>, through the First Look blog tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Last night's middle of the night book culling inspired me to continue by going through all of my Elementary/MG/YA books (okay, so I'm procrastinating on housework and a couple of reviews I need to write).  The results are not as impressive (though the feed spam was probably about the same):

Keep: 73 (including 4 YA from the Dollar Tree keepers)

Purged: 1

On the Fence: 3 - all three were kind of 'meh' but 2 are copies I won in giveaways.  I am having trouble letting go...

Apologies if my shelf adds have been spammy tonight.  I've been accumulating books from Dollar Tree over the past year and a half or so, including some accidental duplicates, and have not read even one!  

Now that they are added here, hopefully I'll be able to be a little pickier at Dollar Tree, or at least not buy more duplicates.  Adding them here also made me go through them all and decide which to keep and which to purge.  I was surprised to find I had more mid-series books than I thought, as this breaks one of my few rules about buying books at the "hey, it's just a dollar" store.  Of those, I only kept 3, in series I might actually start at some point.

So, grand totals, for anyone interested:  Keep 28 / Purge 34 

As you might expect from the title of this collection, there are (at least) four proposals, some misunderstandings, unexpected developments, and humorous situations to be found in the pages of these four novellas:

The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeyer

Etta has loved Dan for years. When she hears he is leaving her father's ranch she uses the dime novels he hates (the hero is based on him) as inspiration and hatches a plan to get him to propose, risking her reputation in the process. Of course, not all goes according to plan, especially when you have a man who plans for the worst and a woman who hopes for rainbows.

Marietta (Etta) Hawkins and Daniel Barrett were secondary characters in Witemeyer's most recent full length novel, A Worthy Pursuit. These were characters that called out for their story to be told, and having an excerpt of a Dead-Eye Dan dime store novel start each chapter was so much fun. I particularly liked how a Dead-Eye Dan novel is used at the end, and that the ending is so satisfying.

Her Dearly Unintended by Regina Jennings

Katie Ellen is alone and in charge while her parents are away. A storm and a swollen, raging river strand her and her neighbor Josiah alone. The arrival of an unexpected visitor forces Katie Ellen to play along when Josiah tells the man that they are husband and wife. While this is something Josiah would like to be true, he has a lot of work to do if Katie Ellen is ever going to be convinced. If, that is, their visitor doesn't become violent first.

Ellen Watson and Josiah Huckabee were childhood friends when they were introduced in the second Ozark Mountain Romance novel, At Love's Bidding. Here they are grown up, and their characters have developed to reflect that growing up. Katie Ellen is the most changed, in that she likes to be in complete control of her environment. This seemed a bit of an extreme reaction to the events that caused it, but it does add an interesting element to the story. A very fun story with a bit of action, a bit of romance and a bit of Benedict & Beatrice.

Runaway Bride by Mary Connealy

Carrie Halsey and her 16 year old brother Isaac are fleeing Houston the night before their father marries her off to pay a gambling debt. Big John Conroy, a Texas Ranger and former Andersonville Prison Regulator, is determined to get them to Rawhide, Colorado and their older sister Audra Kincaid. But things go wrong and they find themselves in Broken Wheel, Texas, fighting a small army of hired guns.

Incorporating characters from two earlier series, this story was a bit confusing at one point (even for Carrie) unless you are already familiar with how these characters are related to each other. Mary Connealy's usual blend of comedy and cowboys is present here, and it is a very enjoyable story whether you have read the related books or not.

Engaging the Competition by Melissa Jagears

Harrison Gray, local schoolteacher, is nearly blind without his glasses. When they are accidentally ruined in her barn, Charlotte "Charlie" Andrews helps him out in the classroom until a new pair arrives, taking time away from her ranch and preparing for her upcoming marriage of convenience. A marriage with the brother of the man that had been a classmate, and schoolyard bully, of Harrison and Charlie.

This was the one story that I put off reading, partly because the first full length novel in this new Teaville Moral Society series will not be released until early August, and partly because I was a little afraid that I would not love it as much as I did Melissa Jagears' Unexpected Brides series. No need to worry, though, as this was the one novella that actually made me laugh aloud. While some elements of this story did bring to mind the novella from that series, these are definitely different characters in very different circumstances. I'm looking forward to more of this series.

I was so excited when I found out there was going to be a collection of novellas by two of my go-to Christian Historical Romance authors, Karen Witemeyer and Melissa Jagears, and two more that are quickly becoming go-to authors of that genre, Mary Connealy and Regina Jennings. My expectations were high, for the stories themselves as well as my personal level of enjoyment. Happily, those expectations were met and I can count this as one of the books I would highly recommend to those who enjoy novellas that combine faith, romance, adventure, and a dash of humor. 4.5/5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

With a subtitle like '9 Historical Romances Begin After Saying "I Do"' you know you are in for some surprises.  The biggest surprise?  That this might be my favorite collection from Barbour so far.

The first story surprised me partly by being set in London and a country estate.  I enjoyed the story so much that I almost didn't want to continue with the collection, fearing that the rest would not live up to it.  All Elliott wants to do is continue to work with clockwork automata figures (bestill my Steampunk loving heart).  He marries because it is time and his duty as Lord Carlyle, but he is not expecting the bookish Gwen, who is coerced into replacing his vibrant bride at the altar.  This story actually had me tearing up because of Gwen's childhood Ugly Duckling book.

What follows are eight more thoroughly enjoyable stories, set in the 1860's-1900 American West, any of which I would gladly read as full novels.  Maila marries her deceased cousin's husband, Burton, to stop the appearance of wrong-doing.  Brax and Hattie are former childhood friends reunited when, as sheriff, he is forced to arrest her.  Tanner ties Debba up and drags her home to meet his ma.  Henry marries Katie, the mother of his brother's son, for the sake of his family (the one story which needed a little editing as it seems to jump a bit and George's age seemed a bit inconsistent).  Coral and Jackson are from feuding families, Mack marries Glory in a case of mistaken identity, and railroad missionary Noah must marry Molly or she has nowhere to go but back to the saloon.

4/5 stars.  If you enjoy shorter fiction, and Historical Christian Romance in particular, then this is a highly recommended read.  

This review refers to an ebook read courtesy of the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. It was originally published on my WordPress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-Ab

The Mountain Midwife is a contemporary Christian romance with a great blend of sweet romance, mystery and suspense.

Ashley Tolliver is a 29 year old midwife, single with cats, in a small area of the Appalachians.  Hunter McDermott is a 32 year old engineer who travels the world digging tunnels.  Their stories intertwine as she looks for answers to the abduction of a patient and he asks for information about his birth.

The romance factor is slow building, the mystery and suspense aspects are pitch perfect, and secondary characters are interesting. There is also a nice, background exploration of family love and relationship in different forms.

The action and the tensions in the main and secondary story lines keep the narrative moving and the reader questioning just enough, but the gentle, quiet nature of this novel really hooked me in and left me smiling at the end.  

4/5 stars. Highly recommended.  Being a reader of romance or having a preference for contemporary not required.  There are childbirth scenes, but they are not overly detailed.

My full review can be read on my WordPress blog: http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-xY

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan's Fiction Guild. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.”

This story of a search for a missing painting started a bit wobbly for me, due to the auction house setting and the initial characterization of Miranda having her come off as a bit of a spineless do-gooder.  As the story progressed to a small town in the Ozark Mountains, with Miranda caring for her increasingly unstable grandfather, I was slowly pulled in.  By the time Wyatt realizes that he will not escape having a second meeting with the shy woman who hid behind her grandfather as he made a colossally poor first impression, I was hooked.  

While this story, and the romance, was more of a slow burn than I've become used to recently, it was a very enjoyable and satisfying read.  No instant changes in characters or their relationships, which makes the pivotal romantic scenes even more gratifying.

Well written and amusing with suspense, a bit of mystery and a sweet romance for fans of historical fiction. 

An expanded version of this review can be read on my blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-vN

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This is a joyful, adorable illustrated picture book that brings a freshness to the traditional hymn. Three siblings (the middle child is a ginger) frolic in idealic scenes, as they enjoy all of nature (including the purple mountains).

I really enjoyed this picture book, and think that the illustrations are sure to appeal to young children. I've always loved this particular hymn, so I was happy to see how well suited the artwork is to the lyrics. The nocturnal animals that appear at the end, when the family is tucked into their tent, made it even more personal for me (living in Oregon, I smell skunks quite frequently as I'm out and about).

An expanded review (for the First Looks blog tour) can be read on my wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-uM

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Worthy Publishing , through the First Look blog tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This week's topic for the GoodRead's group "Tuesday Talks" was anticipated new releases of 2016.  I narrowed it down to my most highly anticipated reads (Stars Above made the list because of an author appearance scheduled for February 4th at Powell's Books in Beaverton, Oregon).  No real surprises here, as all are either in a series or by an author that I already enjoy.

I went in to a bit more detail on my wordpress blog: http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-ql

I've been a bit MIA on booklikes lately, but hopefully that will change soon.  I have a bit of a backlog of review copies to get through ASAP and a small stack of books won in giveaways waiting as well, not to mention the netgalley ebooks (including The Custodian of Marvels) sitting unread on my kindle...

The events in Conclave - intrigue between and within Families, torture, genetic alterations, hostage negotiations, meeting of all Family heads and their Lazari - are compelling and interesting, yet somehow this always feels like a bridging story.  Even a touch of romance with another Lazarus and the excitement of a violent and bloody fight between Forever and another Lazarus do not lift it from this feeling.  

I found this to be thoroughly enjoyable, and it left me wanting more.  Luckily, the fourth bind-up will be published soon.