Among the Fair Magnolias - Four Southern Love Stories

Among the Fair Magnolias is a book with 4 historical fiction stories that take place during the 1800's.  These sweet books are filled with a taste of the south mixed with sweet love stories.  

"A Heart So True" by Dorothy Love

Abigail’s family is busy preparing for their annual barbecue. She was excited because it meant there would be several people coming... but there was one particular young man that she was hoping would be in attendance.  This barbecue was an annual event, but this year it was of particular importance because the Governor would attending. Abby knew that it was important that she make a good impression because of her father’s political aspirations.   Abigail was shocked when at the barbecue her father suddenly made an announcement that could change the rest of her life.  She knew what she was expected to do, but she also knew that this was not what she had planned for her life.  You will need to read this storyto find out what she decides to do.   

"To Mend a Dream" by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby suddenly finds herself becoming the mother of her younger brother and sister after her parents die.  They had lost the family farm and now found themselves living in a widow's and children's home.  Struggling to make ends meet, she was unexpectedly given the opportunity by the new owner of the farm, Aiden Bedford to use her skills as a seamstress to return to the family farm to redecorate.  Although she was excited to have the opporunity to earn much need money, she had another motive.  Her father had supposedly hidden a box in the house sometime during the war.  She was desperate to find it and she was running out of time.  While searching for the box, she found something she wasn't expecting.  

"Love Beyond Limits" by Elizabeth Musser

Of the four stories in the book, this was my least favorite.  In fact, I had a very hard time finishing it.  Emily was a young lady that fell in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation.  This story took place during the Klu Klux Klan era... so her feelings toward this man could prove to be very dangerous.  

"An Outlaw's Heart" by Shelley Gray

Russell Stark returns home after spending many years living a life that he now wanted no part of.  He finds his mother very ill and the women he loved is taking care of her.  Russell wants to begin a new life but her know he has to deal with his past.  It is a sweet romance story.  

Disclosure: I received this e-book from Thomas Nelson through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review Among the Fair Magnolias and give my honest opinion.

Ready, Set, Kindergarten by Paula Ayer

Ready, Set, Kindergarten was a different sort of book to me.  I have to admit it was difficult for me to even follow along.  Here is an example of how the words are put together in the book.  Whoosh on my jacket. Smoosh on my shoes. Dressing myself. I’m getting ready!  The book continues in this same type of dialogue throughout the entire book.  I had high expectations when I began this book... but... they were quickly smooshed! 

After reading this book SEVERAL  times I assume they were trying to let the reader know that this young girl has accomplished so many things…and next up for her is kindergarten… the title lets me know that.  lol    

I personally would have preferred a storyline that flowed while reading.  However, if you are okay with fragmented sentences to tell the story, you will probably enjoy this book.   

The illustrations are adorable though!!

Disclosure:  I recieved a Kindle version of this book from Annick Press Ltd. through the NetGalley reviewer program at no charge.  In exchange, I agreed to review Ready, Set, Kindergarten and to give them my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 

  

Worms by Bernard Priot

This book is written from the point of view of a young child.  A young boy is forced to sit through a fancy dinner with his parents and employees of his father.  They talk about things that he doesn’t understand and he becomes quite bored! 

His father asks him to bring in the salads and he is more than happy to escape from the boredom.

When he sees the salads on the cart, in the kitchen, he suddenly has a wonderful idea on how to make things more interesting at the dinner table.

This is a humorous book which will most certainly bring a smile to the reader's face.  The illustrations are simple, but they portray animation that bring this book to life.

Disclosure:  I received this e-book from Kids Can Press through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review this book and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Starring Shapes by Tania Howell

 

Everywhere we look there are shapes. The shapes (and the children) are excited about the auditions for the Shapeston Elementary School play. Throughout the book, each shape is given the spotlight and the reader learns a little bit about each of them... such as their experience and what they like to do in their spare time!

The author highlights six different shapes: Triangle, Square, Circle, Rectangle, Rhombus and Oval. As each shapes is given the spotlight the author points out where the reader might find the shape in their everyday life.

This book is such a fun way to introduce shapes to young children or to reinforce the names of shapes with older children.

The illustrations are colorful and bright! I can visualize my students creeping closer and closer to be able to see all the illustrations up close!

In my first grade classroom, I will definitely be using this book as a springboard for a shape hunt of objects in our classroom as well as outdoors



Disclosure: I received this e-book from Kids Can Press through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review Starring Shapes and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Walk on the Wild Side by Nicholas Oldland

Three friends (who happen to be a moose, bear, and a beaver) decide it is a good day to climb a mountain! After walking for a while, they discussed what they could do to make their walk more interesting. Racing to the top of the mountain would definitely make it more interesting... so the race began. This adventure leads to a Walk on the Wild Side!

I love the simplicity of the pictures and I think my first grade students will love them too! The illustrations are fun to look at as your eyes move from each of the adorable characters.

This fun book has so many possibilities for using in my classroom. Here are just a few that would be awesome to incorporate while reading to students:

·      Teamwork

·      Competition

·      Friendship

·      Nature

·      Habitats

·      Kindness

·      Cause/Effect

I will definitely be adding this book to my library collection.!!!

Disclosure:  I received this e-book from Kids Can Press through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review this book and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

REVIEW: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

This past week every available moment I had was spent reading A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer.  This author is completely new to me and she has now officially became one of my favorite authors!

A Worthy Pursuit is a historical romance fiction which is beautifully written.  With a mixture of suspense and romance it definitely had a way of touching my heart. 

The uniqueness of each of the characters make the book even more appealing.  Charlotte is a teacher who is suddenly left without a job.  She takes 3 of her students with her when she leaves the school… which causes some major problems throughout the book.

The grandfather's grandaughter is one of the children she takes with her.  He hires a couple of men to bring her back to him.  Stone is one of these men and he refers to himself as a “retriever,”

Stone took this job knowing exactly what he was going to do with all the money from this job.  He did not foresee that there might be another side to the story other than what the grandfather had told him.  Charlotte was very protective of the child that Stone came to get and she was willing to protect the child at all cost.   They both have faith in God and they put their trust in Him many times throughout the book.  As the story moves along Stone and Charlotte slowly develop a relationship that forces them to trust each other. 

You will have to read the book to find out all the details, but I highly recommend it!

Discosure:  I received this e-book from Bethany House through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review this book and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

All the Little Fathers by Margaret Wise Brown

          This book has some wonderful pictures that illustrate how different animal fathers might interact with their children.   Each father is doing something different with their child.  For example the horse fathers are leaping with their children while the monkey fathers are swinging with their children. Eventually, the fathers put their children to bed.  Short…  Simple…  Cute!

          This would definitely make a wonderful bedtime story or possibly a sweet Father’s Day gift.  As a teacher I would definitely use it as a writing activity for the children to write about what they like to do with their father. 

     
Discosure:  I received this e-book from Parragon Inc. through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review this book and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

The Hiding Place (Young Reader's Edition) by Corrie Ten Boom

          It has been over 30 years ago that I first read the original book The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.  Unlike most of the books that I read so many years ago, this is one that will never forget! I had to put it down so many times because the details and the events that happened were more than my young mind was able to taken in.  I was excited to see that there was a newly revised book for younger people.

          Corrie Ten Boom was a watchmaker at her father’s place of business.  Their home was a place that people enjoyed visiting and there was always an abundance of Christ’s love.   During World War II she and her entire family risked their lives to help Jews escape from the Nazis.  It is amazing how Corrie and her family were able to save many of God's chosen people.  They were eventually betrayed by a former employee and her whole family was arrested. 

          They were all taken to Hitler’s concentration camps.  While there they experienced things that are hard to even begin to imagine!  Corrie’s shares some of the evil as well as the miracles that could only be from God that she experienced while in the camp. 

           This is a truly remarkable book that shows an unwavering faith in God by Corrie Ten Boom.  A definite must read!

Discosure:  I received this e-book from Chosen Books through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review this book and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock

     Twisted Innocence is the 3^rd book in the Moonlighters series written by Terri Blackstock.   If you are anything like me, you want to start reading any series at the beginning. The first book in this series is Truth Stained Lies and the second book is Distortion.   I was a tiny bit concerned when I started the book because it had been a few months since I read the last book.   However, it only took me a couple of chapters to remember the important details of the previous books.  

     The Cramer children have been the primary focus of each of these books.  The siblings continue to be plagued by a character in the previous books.  

Holly, the youngest sibling is robbed by junkies in her taxi cab. She is an unwed mother of Lily, a one month old baby. She has made some bad choices in the past and taking care of her baby has now became her top priority.  When the police come to her house asking questions about Creed Kershaw, she was all ears.  He was a suspect in a murder they were investigating.  Since Creed was the father of Lily, she knew she needed to act fast to find out if Creed knew about his daughter... and if he did, what his intentions were.

     Her investigation which primarly starts out to protect her baby suddenly takes her in a direction that she never expected.  She and her entire family are now in extreme danger.  I was on the edge of my seat as I read this book.  I completed this book in just few days because I couldn't put it down!  It definitely has its share of suspense! 

     The characters cling to their faith in God throughout each of their circumstances that come into their life.  It was a wonderful reminder to me that there is no way we can ever redeem ourselves no matter what we do.


Discosure:  I received this e-book from Zondervan through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review this book and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Review: Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

      What an amazingly fun book!  This was my first time to read a book written by Philip Reeve and I was definitely not disappointed.

     Since I teach 1^st grade I’m always on the lookout for books that will be appealing to my students.  I will definitely be purchasing Oliver and the Seawigs to add to my classroom library.

     Oliver’s childhood was an adventure in itself, but when Oliver’s parents turn up missing, his search for them becomes an adventure like none of his past experiences.  Along this quest for finding his parents he meets some very interesting characters.  I was fascinated by the imagination of the author as he created the story line for each of these characters.  

     I enjoyed this book so very much!  It was so delightful, entertaining, adventurous... and I think my first graders will totally love it! 

      The illustrator, Sarah McIntyre, definitely complements the author’s words and story.  It is such a magical book and her illustrations are perfect for the characters and the events that happen throughout the book! 

      Get it!  Read it!  You will love it!

***Disclosure*** - I received a free digital copy of Oliver and the Seawigs in exchange for my honest review of this book.  

Silenced by Dani Pettrey ~ Review

I had no idea when I started that this was book 4 of the series.  I loved how Dani Pettrey was able to draw me into the book even though I hadn’t read the other three books in the series.  I have never been climbing (or ever read about it)… so this was a new experience for me. 

This book is full of action that kept my mind busy with the unexpected twists throughout.  I was amazed at the progress of the story.  I loved everything about it…the characters… the plot… the adventure… the settings… the action throughout…the mystery…the suspense…and of course the romance!  ! 

I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed that I figured out who the murderer was relatively quickly in the book.  I was secretly hoping that it would have been a person that I never suspected.  Oh well.  It was still a wonderful book! 

This book contains a wonderful mixture of hope, family and a strong faith element that made me love it even more.  A beautifully written book.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley for my honest review.

All's Fair In Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant REVEW

     This was such a pleasurable book to simply pick up and read.  It only took me a couple of sittings... and I was completely finished!!!

     Kat is a single, insecure, young woman of 26 who works for her aunt at hometown bakery.  She feels stifled in her creativity because she is only able to make the typical cupcake (vanilla, strawberry, chocolate).  So... When she is at home... she begins to branch out and experiment with flavors that sound absolutely delicious!!!  Her best friend, Lucas is more than willing to taste all of her wonderful creations. 

     Lucas, realizes the creative potential that Kat has and secretly decides to sign her up for a reality TV bake-off.  When she accepts the offer, she begins to realize that this could be a life changing opportunity for her. 

     As the competition progresses, Lucas quickly realizes that he has made a big mistake.  This competition could change the lives of both of them.

     This was a somewhat predictable book.   But I enjoyed the easy read.

I received a complimentary copy Kindle copy of All's Fair In Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amants from Netgally for my honest review.

Tables in the Wilderness: A Memoir of God Found, Lost, and Found Again by Preston Yancey REVIEW

     Preston Yancey, the author of this book shares his journey.  One day he had the sensation that Jesus was sitting right beside him on the couch and told him that it was going to be about trust.  Thus… his journey begins…because he felt like Jesus packed his bags and moved out.  God allowed Preston’s world, as he knew it to fall apart.

 

     I had an extremely difficult time picking this book up when I wanted to read.  Perhaps it was the conviction I have in my own fellowship with God. I’m not sure, but it was somehow comforting knowing that there are also others out there that struggle with the “silence of God”.  

     The book was not what I expected.  I wanted answers. Knowing that Preston Yancey lives with the silence of God somehow brought a mixture of emotions in me.  


In exchange for my honest review, I was provided an ebook of Tables in the Wilderness free of charge. 

Shapes in Math, Science and Nature REVIEW

Shapes in Math, Science and Nature

Squares, Triangles and Circles

by

Catherine Sheldrick Ross

I was excited to receive this book to see how I could use it in the classroom to teach shapes.  However, this book was not exactly what I was hoping for to use with my first grade students.  The text itself is WAY too hard for my students.   With that being said, I do believe that it would be wonderful resource book for students that are in the upper elementary grades and up. 

Throughout the book the 3 basic shapes (triangles, squares, and circles) are explored in great detail.  There are also many experiments which I found to be wonderful ideas especially since they are hands on! 

I received this ebook for free from NetGalley. In exchange I agreed to write this honest review.

Fair Play by Deeanne Gist

Fair Play is a historical fiction that has a combination of romance and suspense throughout.   It takes places in 1893 at the Chicago World Fair.  

Billy Jack Tate is a determined young doctor in a society where only men are supposed to be doctors. She waits for patients to enter her door, but no one ever comes to see her.  When she is approached by someone to work part-time as a doctor at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, she decides  she needs to take the position.  

Hunter Scott is a Texas Ranger who has been sent on a temporary assignment in Chicago.  While there, his duty is to be a watchman of the Women’s building at the fair.   When he suddenly has a medical problem, he finds himself being treated by Billy Jack Tate.  He is definitely not comfortable having her or any other woman for that matter,  as his  doctor.  In his opinion, women should be at home and definitely not be a doctor!

Although they have different and strong opinions about many things, they find themselves working together to help underprivileged children.  They work together to building a playground for these children.  As the project progresses, so do their feelings that they have for each other. 

Their future together seems to be unmanageable for various reasons.  Their careers are important to each of them, and they are aware that neither one of them will be willing to give them up.

Will one of them give up their dream so they can be together?   You definitely need to get this book to find out what happens to these two opinionated characters. 

I received a free electronic copy of Fair Play from NetGalley and Howard Books in exchange for my honest review of this book. 

The Sagebrush Singers by Herb Kernecker

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When a burro realizes that he has been replaced with a red truck, he feels very useless.  He eventually decides to leave and begin a new adventure which involves him becoming a singer. 

Along his journey towards becoming a singer, he encounters a skunk, a coyote and a raven.  This rather odd combination of animals are somehow able to comfort each other and soon realize that they fit together very nicely as a group. As they travel towards their destination they encounter various situations.  The interaction that this group of animals have with each is quite comical. 

The story is a retelling of the familiar “Bremen Town Musicians.”  However the setting for this story is in the Southwestern Region of America. 

As a teacher, I look for books where students are able to compare similar books.  This book will work beautifully when we read the Bremen Town Musicians and compare the different versions of the story.

I received a free electronic copy of The Sabebrush Singers  from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith

Alex T. Smith is absolutely brilliant when it comes to writing and illustrating books.  The illustrations in his books are somewhat unusual and have a wonderful sense of happening years ago feel to them.    The reader will also enjoy the humor the author throughout the book with his play on words and phrases.  When I read his books I just have to keep on reading until I finish the book. My students are the same way, they beg me to keep reading because they enjoy the books so much.     

The characters are Claude and Sir Bobblysock and it definitely will not take the reader long to fall in love with both of them.  Claude is a pudgy, little dog who wears a unique beret.  Under this beret there are some pretty unusual objects.   Bobblysock is Claude’s best friend … and is ... well...  a sock! 

As this adventure begins, Claude finds himself looking at a blanket of snow that has covered virtually everything he sees.  This was Claudes first experience at ever seeing snow before, so he wasn’t sure what to do.  He quickly finds out how much fun that can be had in the snow.  After he follows people to the ski slope, he is in awe of how much there is see.  Before he could participate in all the activities, he knew he needed to dress for the part, and so he started getting things from his beret.   The adventure continues with their day on the slope.

To find out what happened that day, you’ll have to get your hands on this book.  J

 This book is an excellent read aloud to be used during writing workshop.  I also think some of my first grade students will enjoy reading it independently.  

I received a free electronic copy of Claude on the Slopes, by Alex T. Smith and published by Kids Can Press from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review of this book. 

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

     The book begins with a young girl wanting to create the most magnificent thing.  She of course needs an assistant which who also happens to be her best friend that is a dog.  She makes her first creation, but she realizes that it’s just not right. She makes another object.  She is still not satisfied with her piece as well as several more that she makes.  She is a perfectionist and finally she gives up!  As a reader, I was disappointed that she gave up on the project that she had wanted to complete with such enthusiasm.  After a walk around the neighborhood, she starts to feel differently about the things that she created.  You need to read this book to see what happens to her creations. 

     If you are a dog lover, you will enjoy how the dog is so helpful throughout the book. If you are someone who likes to invent or tinker with things, this book will also appeal to you. 

     This is a perfect book for a read aloud when students that are frustrated for any reason.  This book would hopefully help children understand the frustrations that we all have at different times and how it’s okay to step back and look at their issues/frustrations in a new way.  The ultimate message of Don’t Give Up!

I received a free electronic copy of The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires and published by Kids Can Press from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review of this book. 

Starring Me and You by Genevieve Cote

This is such a cute book! 

Small children will enjoy listening to this story being read to them while looking at the pictures  illustrated so beautifully with watercolors. 

The two characters are a bunny and a pig.  This adorable book begins with bunny and pig are getting ready to perform a play.  However, bunny is too shy to come out from behind the curtain. Pig tells bunny he is shy too, but when he is shy he always smiles a fake smile.  The story continues showing how each character handles situations and emotions in their own individual way.  The ending of the book is priceless! 

As a first grade teacher, I will be adding this book to my library.  Children need to know that that there’s not a set reaction/emotion for everything.  This book will encourage them to discover their own individuality.

I received a free electronic copy of Starring Me and You, by Genevieve Cote and published by Kids Can Press from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review of this book.