Tag Archives: love

Ellie, The Treasure Hunter: The Hidden Treasures of My Own House (Ellie The Chick Book 4) by Avery Smart (Book Review)

Get ready for a super-duper adventure with Ellie and her best friend, Lola!

They had this epic camping plan, but rain decided to crash the party. No biggie! Ellie’s mom had an even cooler idea— a treasure hunt!

So, Ellie and Lola jump into action with a treasure map in hand. Each room at home turns into a treasure trove of shapes, clues, and letters that lead to the grand prize. With your help, they will tackle challenges like champs.

Join Ellie and Lola in this thrilling hunt filled with surprises, shapes, and a whole lot of love.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Ellie, a chick, and Lola, a bunny, are best friends. Rain or shine, they love spending time with one another. The youngsters’ outdoor plans were spoiled one-day thanks to heavy rain. Luckily, Mom knows just what to do to lift their spirits. She’s created a treasure map, designating rooms in specific colors and shapes: yellow rectangle for the living room, blue square for the study room, red circle for the bathroom, and green triangle for the playroom. As they move from room to room, they are asked to seek out hidden clues, which we learn are letters left behind by Mom. Once all four letters are retrieved, they have one final job: arrange the letters to discover the greatest treasure of all. 

There are NUMEROUS learning books on the market. Ellie, The Treasure Hunter differs from them because it is not just a point-and-be-done book. Yes, children point out items that match the room’s shape, but they are also asked to find hidden clues. When the writer stated that children needed to discover the hidden clues, I assumed the clues would be visible somewhere in the illustrated room. That was not the case. The writer missed an excellent opportunity to extend the hands-on learning experience. 

That aside, families will enjoy this book. I also foresee many children asking to go on a treasure hunt. 

I recommend sharing the activity book with kids between 2 and 6. Help them learn four basic shapes and colors. Have them name objects in their own home. Hide letters and have your child find them. Basically, don’t let the fun end with the closing of the kid’s picture book.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤1/2

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Meet the Author

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

It is within this dynamic environment that she draws inspiration, transforming her deep-seated passion for fostering well-mannered children into captivating tales.

Avery’s writing becomes a heartfelt expression of her commitment to instilling values in the younger generation. Her three lively kids not only serve as a source of inspiration but also as eager test subjects for the lessons embedded in her stories.

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A Fallacious Seduction by Virginia Barlow (Book Review)

Winner of The Crowned Heart of Excellence by InD’tale Magazine!
Nominated for Book of the Year by InD’tale Magazine 2021!
Nominated for Book of the Year by N.N. Light’s Book Heaven 2021!

 

A sassy heroine and an alpha lawman clash in an epic tale of mistaken identity by the author of The Wicked Sister!

When the train US Marshal Reese Calhan is riding on explodes, he is one of two survivors. Trouble is, the other survivor is the woman who betrayed him years ago. A woman he thought was dead. This time he will not fall prey to her wiles. He’ll see the vixen jailed for her crimes if it kills him.

Recovering from a recent jilting and now a train explosion, Shanna Johnston has no idea why the handsome stranger insists he knows her and calls her by another woman’s name. His heated looks and knowing kisses spark a fire in her she cannot ignore–even as her own mysterious past is closing in.

Will the two put their differences aside long enough to fall in love?

Purchase A Fallacious Seduction today and find out what happens next!

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

One of my earliest memories revolves around my mom watching soap operas. From 11-3, she watched one after another. Her soaps featured romance, lies, betrayal, suspense, and wild storylines. You could never trust a character to be dead because people notoriously defied death. And if a character did, in fact, meet their maker, a person could return to the show as a twin. A Fallacious Seduction had every quality of a daytime soap opera except it’s set in 1870, not present-day like what you’ll find airing on TV. 

A Fallacious Seduction has a dramatic start when an explosion rockets a train off the track, leaving only two survivors: Shanna and US Marshall Reese Calhan. One could question the validity of only two survivors or how convenient it was that Reese’s horse (Pegasus) also survived the fiery crash. And what are the chances Reese would come face-to-face with a woman he thought died years ago? But in the land of fiction, there are no rules.

Most of the story centers on four points: Reese is adamant that Shanna is his ex and wanted criminal Jenna. Shanna firmly and repeatedly refuted his allegations. Reese keeps questioning where Jenna’s boys are. Reese fights his attraction to a woman that shattered his heart. The more they battle over Shanna’s identity, the more it becomes crystal clear why Shanna looks like Jenna. It was blatantly obvious. Why couldn’t Reese see it? Oh yeah, the writer didn’t want him to…yet. But, one pivotal moment gave Reese undeniable proof that Shanna was not Jenna! 

Shanna and Jenna looked the same, but that’s where their similarities stopped. Jenna is a character you’ll love to hate. Shanna is a fearless heroine who will defend herself against any man, and her self-preservation skills were tested on multiple occasions. She has big cojones!

A Fallacious Seduction has a sweet ending – mirroring everything Shanna always wanted. (Read the story for more information). 

If you like historical or western romance novels, check out A Fallacious Seduction! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

I love being an author. It’s all about where your characters lead you. I start with a general idea. As the story unfolds I type as fast as I can in hopes I keep up with my characters.They have had me jotting on napkins, making notes while I’m waiting in a line, and waking me up in the middle of the night. The hard part is always the ending. My characters live with me and when I reach the end of the story, it is hard to say goodbye.Sometimes I let the story sit for a few days to make sure I’m okay with them leaving home to get published. Kind of like when you kids move out. LOL

I enjoy my grandchildren, and the time I share with them. They make me smile with their antics. I like to quilt, crochet, knit and sew. Cooking and baking are occasional itches I scratch. The rest of the time, they are necessary evils. LOL.

My greatest support comes from my husband. He has been my sounding board for all my stories. My daughters are also a great support to me. I couldn’t do it without my family.

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I’ll Melt Your Heart: An Opposites Attract Winter Romance Story by Alena Ryu (Book Review)

Sienna lives in a world where magic is a privilege for the rich and noble.
And Sienna is neither.

She is hunted by people who want to take away her powers; if they succeed, she will lose her ability to feel emotions. Then one fateful day, there’s a knock on her door…

As she escapes, Sienna falls into the arms of a handsome and mysterious man, a noble count who has no reason to help her. Or does he?

The count offers Sienna a deal—the kind she can’t refuse.

I’ll Melt Your Heart is a cozy romance story about two unlikely companions embarking on a journey to change their past and find their future.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Sienna Lynn, aka Catherine Starr, has been on the run from the Seventh Division since she was sixteen. Why? Because she was illegally in possession of magic. Magic was only intended for nobility to use. Anyone else caught using magic would arrested and turned into a “pacified one.” This means the purified ones couldn’t hate or love after the Rite of Purification. They were described as the living dead, obedient only to the imperial house. 

Sienna/Catherine, a witch, tried to hide from Nelson, the exorcist, and the gendarmes, but they still caught up to her, thanks to her so-called friends. Since she couldn’t trust her “friends,” it was no wonder she didn’t trust her savior, Count Adam Darkwood. Adam was upfront that he was using her for her fire magic. No, he didn’t want to stay warm 24-7 like her. Instead, Adam needed Catherine/Sienna’s magic for the wishing well. Adam’s wish will remain hidden until you read the story. I will say this much: at Darkwood Hall, there laid a wishing well surrounded by demons. A wish is granted if you’re willing to pay the price: give up your magic. Adam wanted to offer up Sienna’s magic instead of his own.

A spark began to form as the count and the witch traveled on a train and then on foot. Of course, they didn’t truly realize how much the other meant to them until their backs were against the wall and demons attacked from all sides. Speaking of demons, I would love to see a sketch of the huge gray lizard with orange crystals protruding from its back. Just a sketch, though. I would not like to face off with it or any other demon found in the “cursed ruins.” I would, though, like to possess Sienna’s power since I always have trouble staying warm.

I’ll Melt Your Heart is a cozy, opposites-attract romance story that has magical elements and evil in the form of humans and demons. There are zero curse words and explicit scenes, making it perfect for teens and adults. It doesn’t have a cliffhanger, either.

If you love reading fantasy, romance, or magical stories, check out I’ll Melt Your Heart! Watch as Sienna/Catherine melts Adam’s frozen heart without using her fire power and as Adam shows Sienna/Catherine that it’s okay to trust again. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤1/2

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Meet the Author

Alena has always been passionate about books and wrote her first fantasy novel when she was fourteen. Alena has lived in Japan, Turkey, and Russia before moving to the United States. Her international experiences are reflected in the captivating stories about finding love, friendship, and purpose.

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Mama’s Love Language by Elisa Stad (Book Review)

The Flavor of Belonging in Culturally Diverse Families

Jade is a girl who lives in two worlds and, coming from a multicultural family, she’s on a quest to understand her identity and where she truly belongs.

She is trying to find her place in the world but feels different from the other kids at school. Back home, Jade’s parents have their unique approach to love and care. Sometimes Jade is embarrassed by Mama’s accent and she can’t understand why she is not just like any other mother she knows.

The real adventure unfolds when Jade starts rebelling against her mother’s traditional ways of showing love, especially through food. It’s a struggle that takes her on a path of discovery, as she learns about her family’s rich heritage and her mother’s challenging past in Vietnam and as an immigrant.

Jade then discovers that even though Mama doesn’t hug or say I love you, the healing aroma of ginger, green onions, and chicken broth does.

“Mama’s Love Language” is a heartwarming children’s book that addresses the universal theme of belonging and the beauty of cultural diversity. Through Jade’s story, children will learn that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated, and that love can come in many shapes and forms.

This book is ideal for children the ages of 4-9

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

It can be challenging to find your place in the world. People raised in interracial or multicultural households often question their cultural identity. Jade felt like she lived in two worlds since her mother was Chinese and her father was American. She wondered, Who am I? As Jade ponders this question, we gain insight into how she viewed her parents and, subsequently, how she viewed herself. 

Jade mentioned that her dad works late but is always there to tuck her in at night. He loves giving hugs, unlike her Mama. Jade notes that her Mama isn’t a hugger. She does, however, pick her up from school every day. She ensures homework is completed, bellies are full, and vitamins are consumed. Jade mentions being embarrassed by her mother because people had trouble understanding her due to her accent. Jade was annoyed her mother couldn’t pronounce the “d” in her name and always called her “Jay.”

The illustrated group shot of the children’s self-portraits expresses Jade’s need to look and act like someone she’s not. Like Jade, people often try to alter themselves to fit into what society calls “normal,” but that rarely leads to happiness. This scene would create a great talking point with your child or class. Ask them if they ever feel like they don’t belong.

Voices were raised. Tears were shed. However, once tempers calmed down, the family had a real eye-opening conversation. Jade discovered why her Mama was vigilant in making sure her daughter studied hard and ate well. She learned that parents can show love in many ways. Some give hugs and kisses. Some show love through food and caring for you when you’re sick. Jade came to appreciate her Mama and embraced her Chinese heritage, which made everyone happy! 

The story includes a few challenging words that children might need help understanding or pronouncing. But this gives children room to expand their knowledge, which I loved! Share this story with your family and teach children to love where they came from and who they are!

The author’s recommended reading is 4-9 years. 


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Elisa Stad, for the majority of her career, was a brand and international business executive for luxury goods and consumer product companies. After experiencing working in over 40 countries, she acquired a passion for globalization and the sharing of cultures based on her experiences. Elisa is also focused on inspiring the youth through her efforts in healthcare inequities through Stad Center of Pain, Palliative, and Integrative Medicine and serves on college boards at USC, UCSF and Harvard.

Elisa grew up in a mixed-race household, as a daughter of a Vietnamese refugee mother and American father. She grew up in a multicultural home, searching for identity. She also moved homes often in her childhood including to Asia and within the US to Idaho and California.

She always wanted to share with other young children the beauty of humanity and how we can celebrate our unique gifts. You can find her enjoying ballet, visiting local Asian street markets, practicing yoga, and focusing on her spiritual practice. Elisa lives in Southern California with her husband, 3 children and a bernedoodle.

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A Little Something About Me by Karlene Y Murray (Book Review)

Dreamers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ability levels. Children have different abilities and face different challenges. Some may have obstacles that limit them a little or a lot, but ALL can be empowered.

The children featured in A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT ME offer empowering stories of hope and inclusion that emphasize the importance of having choices, taking risks, being supported and listened to, thinking and speaking positively, and treasuring happy moments.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Karlene Murray brings together a diverse cast in her children’s book, A Little Something About Me. First, we’re introduced to Julia, a young girl with Down Syndrome. Julia may learn slower than others, but that’s okay. What really matters is how she treats others, and it’s with kindness.

Jae-won explains that he’s adopted; his biological parents gave him up for a better life. The decision to give up your child is never an easy choice, but it’s a reality many parents face. Jae-won felt what others would face in similar scenarios: nervousness and fear of the unknown. However, they reassured young readers walking a similar path that, with time, those negative emotions will be replaced with joy and love. Plus, a family isn’t defined by shared DNA. It’s about the people you can count on and who make you happy. 

Children will read about Lisa, who longs for the day they are cancer-free. They want to stress that while they have Leukemia, it does not define them. Their positive attitude is inspiring! While many children might’ve heard of cancer, dwarfism or achondroplasia might be a foreign terminology. The illustration did a decent job showing the genetic condition; however, a child might walk away assuming people with dwarfism only have enlarged heads.

As the book continues, we meet Kimmy, who’s more comfortable with fictional people. Then there’s Marcos, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I was happy to see Taylor representing the hearing-impaired community and Jiyaan, a paraplegic boy who doesn’t let his physical limitations keep him from doing what he loves. His ball-playing and chair-maneuvering skills were impressive! I’m sure he’ll reach his goal: medaling in the Paralympic Games. 

Children reading this book might see themselves (physically or mentally) among the thirteen characters. Maybe for the first time! 

I recommend sharing this informative and diverse book with your family and school. Also, utilize the links featured on the “Additional Information” page and expand your knowledge regarding every topic shared in the mini-stories. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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Meet the Author

Karlene Murray is the author of Best of Both Parents. She is an avid lover of reading, travel and cooking. It has been a dream for a very long time to write and publish a children’s book and that dream has finally come true.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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