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Do I have Something on my Face? by D.L. DiBenedetto (Book Review)

Step into the heartwarming world of Michael, a young man with Down Syndrome, and experience a delightful story from his perspective that will connect with children of all ages. This beautifully illustrated children’s book is a must-read for any young person who has ever felt different or struggled to fit in.

With its uplifting message of self-acceptance and positivity, it is perfect for anyone who wants to teach their children about empathy, acceptance, and the power of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Whether your child has Down Syndrome, autism or other challenges, this book with inspire them to focus on their strengths and see the positive in every situation. Get your copy today and embark on an endearing journey of everyday life through Michael’s unique perspective.

Our motto is: we laugh (a lot), sometimes we cry, but most of all we try!

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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.

 

During those long months in the womb, our bodies grow and develop from zygote to baby. A fetus has no control of the process; they are just floating in the amniotic fluid, patiently waiting for the time they can greet the world. They do not select what color eyes they’ll have, how their limbs will form, how tall they’ll become, or decide if they’ll be born with 46 or 47 chromosomes. Michael was born with Down Syndrome; a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, meaning he has 47 chromosomes total. This extra chromosome affected how his brain and body developed but did not change who he was on the inside. 

Michael’s head and face structure may look differently than yours, but he still likes to do the same activities as you. He loves play video games, especially the dancing ones. He loves watching videos online and listening to music. He enjoys family trips, such as visiting the zoo or theme parks. Michael can not fly due to air pressure behind his eyes, but that’s okay. Many people avoid them due to a fear of flying. Moving floors are tricky, but I’ve seen people without Down Syndrome get tripped up by them. Michael has to adjust how he handles some obstacles, but don’t we all have something that is hard for us to do? I’ve known many children and adults without D.S. who find swallowing a pill impossible. I prefer liquid or powder over solid pills, too. 

Michael’s courageous story teaches children to treat others the way you want to be treated. Don’t stare unless you like being stared at. And, just because a person looks or sounds differently than you does not mean they are unintelligent. Judge people on how they act, not how they look or sound.

Michael’s story will inspire all children with Down Syndrome, autism, or other challenges to focus on their strengths and see the positive in every situation. I recommend this sweet, inspirational book for children 4-10. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

I’m a software program/product manager juggling work while being a caregiver for my bedridden mother and my nephew, Michael, who has Down Syndrome. Michael’s experiences, and musings have inspired the creation of this book. He truly inspires, and challenges me every day to be a better person.

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The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane by D.L Richards (Book Review)

The town of Dolton, surely voted the country’s most mundane. The townsfolk herded about their days, lives cemented in tradition and a rigid social hierarchy – in which the top tier could be defined in a word: ostentatious. Their importance did not permit the acknowledgement of plebeians, who they generally agreed were more animal than civilised. Until the arrival of Mr Denton, that is. His barbaric display at the Dolton Women’s Club ignites Miss Jane’s long-dormant rebellious spirit – while utterly humiliating the avaricious widow Ms Greer.

Will his questionable behaviour lead to an uprising – or leave Dolton devastated.

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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.

 

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane would make an excellent bedtime story. Why, you may ask? Well, sadly, it had me yawning and ready for a nap. There were moments when readers might chuckle, such as when Mr Adams grabbed and lifted Miss Jane’s foot without permission, and she smacked him. Intelligent men know it’s never wise to touch a lady without explicit permission. In years past, it was imperative one stay in their social class lane. He acted without thought and was too forward, cueing the two slaps heard around the manor. People might smirk at Mr Adam’s cavalier attitude towards a bank robbery or his attempts at charming Miss Jane. He was quite the scoundrel.

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane did have an unexpected murder mystery, but by the time we got to it, I frankly didn’t care who killed the victim (name withheld on purpose) and why. The jailhouse visit did capture my interest, delivering quite eye-opening revelations by more than one person. For those mic-drop confessions, this story salvaged itself. They almost made me forget the story’s grammar mistakes. 

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane does precisly what its summary promises; it presents a mysterious and unconventional stranger who strolls into town and disrupts the rigid and boring social order. While I was expecting a torrid love affair from two members of opposing social classes, what I got instead was better. Readers will be stunned and speechless by the ending. It was so juicy, came out of left field, and almost tempted me into rereading it. 

Even though this historical novelette didn’t wow me, DL Richards (the author) did a fantastic job delivering a twist that made me stop and say, “Well, I didn’t see that coming.” 

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane is under 50 pages, perfect for those who want a quick read during their lunch break or tea time. 


Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

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Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun by Emily Pray (Book Review)


Come along with Tilly the owl on the adventure of a lifetime as she tries to wake up a sleepyhead sun who forgot to rise with the morning. With funny, silly, and noisy efforts, will Tilly save the day?

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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.

 

In the middle of a little village rested a tall clock tower, and at its tip lived a little brown owl named Tilly. Tilly maintained the clock. She polished the bell until it was shiny. The owl would sound the bell in the morning, alerting the villagers it was time to start their day. She had a significant role in making the day run smoothly, more than she ever realized.

One day, Tilly was sleepy and decided to stay in bed longer than usual. Little did she know, so did the sun. The village remained dark without the sun’s rays, and the residents stayed asleep. The town was quiet from everyone snoozing the day away. Even the birds weren’t singing. 

Tilly attempted to wake the sun in several different ways. The dear, sweet owl tried to coax the sun awake with delicious, smelling foods that might make readers’ mouths water. She used loud instruments and slipped on a pair of tap dancing shoes. Nothing worked! 

Tilly brainstormed ways to wake the sun, so the day could officially begin. Before you read how Tilly finally woke the sleeping sun, ask your young listeners what other ways might work. Get your child engaged in the story by having them grab maracas, pots and pans, party blowers, or any other loud instrument, and join Tilly as she tries to wake the sun using loud sounds. Have them get up and stomp or dance with Tilly. 

Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun by Emily Pray is an interactive storybook with lovely illustrations. (Artist: Emma Slawson). It has silly moments and images that’ll appeal to any size audience: home or school. I particularly loved the snoring sun and the tap-dancing owl. 

I recommend Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun to children from three to nine years of age. 

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

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Meet the Author

My name is Emily Pray, and I’m the author of Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun, my debut children’s story. I’m a therapist, mother, and artist living in Missoula MT with my family.

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Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow (Book Review)

If you liked Bridgerton, you’ll love Gamble of Hearts! A regency romance laced with adventure, an arranged marriage, a love triangle, and more!

When a powerful duke arrives to collect his winnings from her brother, Lady Amora Hargrove discovers she is one of them. Following her brother’s arrest, she becomes the duke’s ward and falls for him hard and fast. Problem is, the duke has a violent hatred for gamblers, and she possesses a natural ability. Something he can never discover, or she will lose him forever.
The Duke of Ravencroft exacts revenge for his nephew’s death and gains a ward. Irresistibly drawn to the villain’s sister, he must play and gamble with their hearts or lose everything.

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

 

I don’t typically reach for historical romances, but I’m glad I read Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow. 

Action.

Adventure.

Suspense.

Multiple kidnappings.

Arson.

Secrets. 

Secret identity.

Surprise developments.

Strong heroine. 

Loving hero. 

Multiple villains.

Blackmail. 

All these elements made this a book I could not put down! 

 

Alexander and Amora did not have a meet-cute moment. She was given to Alexander by her brother, Nathan. As the story unfolds, readers will be shocked to discover her despicable brother used her as collateral multiple times. Nathan deserved everything that came to him. His sister, Amora, did not deserve all the evils she encountered at her brother’s hand or the hand of other men. However, she did deserve all the love and loyalty of her true love, the Duke of Ravencroft. 

Amora and Alexander did not meet under ideal situations, but their love, their passion for one another, is something people yearn for. Their relationship as a whole is one that people dream about. Who doesn’t want to find a life partner that is loving, supportive, makes you laugh, and brings you endless joy?

I recommend reading Gamble of Hearts. It has numerous surprising moments that will keep you turning the pages. Sex scenes that will have you fanning yourself or reaching for a cool drink. Sweet and tender moments. And scenes filled with pain that will have you wishing for Amora to finally get her happily ever after. BTW – she does. That’s not really a spoiler; I’m sure you already assumed she would. 

Read the book; I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did!

 

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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Racee Acee and the Toboggan Race by Debbie Hepner (Book Review)

Racee Acee is at it again with another fantastic race. This time she is teaming up with friends for a thrilling toboggan race. Some hilarious ideas come about as the team works together on a solution to make their sled go faster in the upcoming race. Curious and hungry puppies and dogs join the fun as the sled speeds down the snow-covered hill. Problem-solving, thinking outside the box, friendly cooperation, and TEAMWORK come together to get them to the finish line…But do they win?

Bub the cat is back for another fantastic race of his cute little life!

The Second book in the Racee Acee Series will delight readers of all ages.

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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 was an exciting time for Acee, Mia, Riley, and Tobias; the toboggan race was only three short days away. They were in strategy mode, brainstorming ways to make their sled go faster. The crew shared a couple of suggestions to give them the boost they needed to win. Then, all four mental lightbulbs went off, and they shouted the same answer simultaneously (no spoilers). I was sitting on the edge, waiting to see the outcome. 

The team initialized their master plan and quickly realized they needed to tweak their tactic. Back to square one! Racee Acee and the Toboggan Race by Debbie Hepner teaches children to think on their feet, adjust experiments accordingly, and rely on their team (friends) to help solve a problem. It enforces the importance of listening to one another and being open to new theories. Remember, no voice is more important than another. 

Racee Acee and the Toboggan showcases four young children’s determination to find the optimal material that lets them zoom down the hill at top speed. It was a trial and error process that required patience and calm heads. 

Do they win, or do they lose? The answer will have fans of the Racee Acee Series cheering with the crowd. Even though the book ended with a happy ever after, that’s not the point of the short read. The story’s point is not who won the race but how the events led them to cross the finish line. 

Racee Acee and the Toboggan Race by Debbie Hepner encourages creativity, thinking outside the box, teamwork, and perseverance. Hayley Moore created incredible illustrations that will capture and delight young viewers. I recommend the book for children 3-8 years. 

Be sure and check out Debbie Hepner’s other works. They are filled with action, adventure and are perfect for young readers. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

After retiring from teaching, I decided to write children’s books. I have published five books and won four awards, including one Global Book Award, two Independent Press Awards, and a Mom’s Choice Award. Adding to my collection of picture books, I’m also writing young adult chapter books.

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