Yearly Archives: 2023

July 3, 2023 · 7:00 am

I Will Always be Me by Kristina Schoettle (Book Review)

This book is a reprint of “I Will Always be Me (Blue),” created for girls to enjoy. “I Will Always be Me” teaches children that God loves them more than they can ever begin to imagine.

The human being is single, unique, and unrepeatable. Someone thought of and chosen from eternity: Someone called and identified by name. -Pope Saint John Paul II

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

I Will Always be Me by Kristina Schoettle is a reprint of “I Will Always be Me (for boys),” created for girls to enjoy. The after credits say the first part of this book is an actual conversation between the author and her three-year-old son. After being assured of his unique and unchanging identity, he smiled sweetly and said, “I’ll always be me.” The synopsis states that the story was created for girls to enjoy, but the message isn’t limited to one gender. It lets all children know that God loves them just as they are. He’s with you at every point of your life. When you cry, he cries, and when you smile, he smiles too. 

The author quoted Pope Saint John Paul II: “The human being is single, unique, and unrepeatable. Someone thought of and chosen from eternity: Someone called and identified by name.” I agree; we possess unique talents or qualities that set us apart. Even if you are a twin, triplet, etc., there are some attributes that only you have. 

The little girl, the star of the story, was adorable. Her smile lit up the pages. Kids will not miss the illustrations. They’ll welcome seeing a little real child on the pages, having fun outside as they do. They might even remark that they have gone through a tunnel like that or have a similar swing in their yard. 

I Will Always be Me by Kristina Schoettle is a Christian-based children’s book that warms a person’s heart and fills a soul with love. At 24 pages, this sweet story is perfect for children with limited attention spans. It is ideal for religious homes, Sunday schools, or Christian schools. 

I recommend I Will Always be Me for readers up to 2-7. It’s a quick read that will bring endless hours of joy. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I am a Catholic homeschooling mother of seven. I love creating picture books with my family! My first book was illustrated by my husband, and my oldest son illustrated the next three. I wrote my most recent book, Journey by the Sea, while watching my children play on the coast of Cape San Blas.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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June 30, 2023 · 7:00 am

Beehive Secrets and the Rare Pollinators by Xanda Monteiro (Book Review)

 

Soar back into the enchanting world of BEEHIVE SECRETS with “Rare Pollinators,” the latest adventure featuring the brave bee Bella and her kind and helpful friend, Kaida the dragon. As their beloved meadow faces threats from disruptive human activities, our dynamic duo embarks on an exciting quest to uncover a mystical natural solution tucked away in the vast tapestry of nature. Will Kaida fulfil her promise to Bella? Join the fun in this whirlwind adventure, brimming with catchy rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and lovable characters. Along the way, learn about biodiversity, unity, and how every one of us can contribute to the preservation of our environment.

Are you ready to unlock the secret hidden within Bella and Kaida’s meadow? Then it’s time to spread your wings, pick up your copy of “Rare Pollinators” today, and dive headfirst into the world of bees and dragons. Get set for a buzz-worthy, fire-breathing escapade—it’s a magical journey you wouldn’t want to miss!

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

 

Kaida and Bella (bee) face a new problem in Beehive Secrets and the Rare Pollinators. The meadow is quiet…too quiet. The bees should be out and about, collecting pollen and making things sprout, but they aren’t. Something is amiss! Kaida and Bella set off to find the missing bees. 

During their hunt, we discover which bees make a nest in the hedges and why Bella is freaking out when she spots a farmer trimming one (hedge). Travesty strikes again at the farm, but the real learning moment comes when Mrs. Kee lands on a flower. Children will learn new terminology: pesticide. Children will watch and discover how the “sticky goo” affects insects/bugs. 

Pesticide is not the only new word that children will learn. Mycelium is explained in simple terms that preschoolers can quickly grasp. The writer did include other words that might need further explanation, depending on a reader’s age. (No glossary was included.)

In Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows, Bella was feeling green. This time, Kaida and Bella are on a mission to save the meadow! Beehive Secrets and the Rare Pollinators has stunning illustrations and would make a great addition to a science unit. 

After reading the story, ask students what other things might have bees and buggy friends. Please make a list of ways to protect our insects too. Teach them to respect our nature—our planet as a whole. 

Amazon recommends this book for ages 3-6.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Xanda was born in the small town of Beira on the East Coast of Mozambique, a place that holds a special place in my heart. It’s home to the magnificent Farol do Macuti, a lighthouse that has guided countless ships to safety over the years.

One of my fondest memories is the excitement my dad brought home with a new toy – the first Polaroid camera! I still remember the anticipation as we waited for the picture to develop on the square paper. To make the image last, we had to spread the fixer over the picture, which had a distinct smell that remains etched in my mind from childhood. It was an unnatural sharp, chemical and fruity sweet odour, but to us, it meant preserving memories that would last a lifetime.

But my childhood memories were not limited to photography. It was also with my dad that I experienced my first solar eclipse, an unforgettable sight that left me in awe of the natural world. Looking back, those memories of my childhood in Mozambique still fill me with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of life.

Growing up in Africa was an adventure in itself. I loved nothing more than exploring the vast landscape around me, always eager to discover new and exciting things. But with that excitement came a hint of danger. Some places and animals I encountered were quite hazardous, adding an extra layer of thrill to my explorations.

Today, I still hold a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature and the joy of exploration, and have added meditation and QiGong to my life as a way to continue that sense of wonder and connection to the world around me.

Author Website
Amazon Author page
Twitter Link

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June 26, 2023 · 7:00 am

Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows by Xanda Monteiro (Book Review)

Kaida Brightscales, a curious dragon, loves exploring the meadows near her cave. One day, she meets Bella the Bee, who is feeling sick, and she is not the only one. With the help of a hardworking ant and a knowledgeable butterfly, Kaida sets out on a mission to cure Bella and her friends of their mysterious sickness. Along the way, Kaida learns about the importance of pollination and the hard work of bees.

This delightful book for children ages 3 to 6 is filled with beautiful illustrations and a captivating story that teaches important lessons about empathy, teamwork, and the wonders of nature.

Join Kaida on her adventure as she uncovers the secrets of the beehive and learns about the power of friendship and collaboration.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

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

 

Children are going to adore Tamar Blaauw’s beautiful illustrations. The artist couldn’t have selected a better collection of colors for the main star, Kaida. The dragon practically shimmered off the pages. I thought shading specific text in bright colors was an ingenious idea. Words that pop always capture a reader’s eye. 

In Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows, Kaida is fascinated by insects. First, she crosses paths with a very busy butterfly. Through their interaction, children will discover why the butterfly flutters from flower to flower and new terminology will be introduced: pollinate. 

Next up, Kaida spots a tiny ant carrying a berry. Through their talk, we learn where the ant is going and why. Of course, Kaida offers her assistance to the tired insect. Then, Kaida spots a sad bee holding a metal bucket of nectar. The poor bee admits to feeling under the weather. Kaida, the kind-hearted dragon she is, helps the ailing insect complete his job. She also seeks the help of her new buggy friends (ant and butterfly), and together, they work as a team to help Bella the bee feel better. 

Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows is a story teaching children to be kind and helpful. It also educates young readers about why these insects carry out the jobs they do. It does end without a complete resolution; Bella (bee) is still seeking a cure for her sickness. Even though I wanted a more unified conclusion, the story got its point across: “While the bees in the story may face challenges like sickness, this is ultimately a tale of hope and the power of working together to overcome adversity.”

Amazon recommends Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows for ages 3-6.

 

9/4/23: The book’s title, age bracket and synopsis has been updated since I read the book and created my post. I have not read it again. I have not updated my review to reflect any changes. 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Xanda was born in the small town of Beira on the East Coast of Mozambique, a place that holds a special place in my heart. It’s home to the magnificent Farol do Macuti, a lighthouse that has guided countless ships to safety over the years.

One of my fondest memories is the excitement my dad brought home with a new toy – the first Polaroid camera! I still remember the anticipation as we waited for the picture to develop on the square paper. To make the image last, we had to spread the fixer over the picture, which had a distinct smell that remains etched in my mind from childhood. It was an unnatural sharp, chemical and fruity sweet odour, but to us, it meant preserving memories that would last a lifetime.

But my childhood memories were not limited to photography. It was also with my dad that I experienced my first solar eclipse, an unforgettable sight that left me in awe of the natural world. Looking back, those memories of my childhood in Mozambique still fill me with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of life.

Growing up in Africa was an adventure in itself. I loved nothing more than exploring the vast landscape around me, always eager to discover new and exciting things. But with that excitement came a hint of danger. Some places and animals I encountered were quite hazardous, adding an extra layer of thrill to my explorations.

Today, I still hold a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature and the joy of exploration, and have added meditation and QiGong to my life as a way to continue that sense of wonder and connection to the world around me.

Author Website
Amazon Author page
Twitter Link

 

 

 

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June 23, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Dating Dance by Danielle Nowell (Book Review)

When Sarah Shuster meets Theodore Caddel, she’s certain she’s found the perfect man, although after what happened with Jake Leifhour, she’s hesitant to get involved in a relationship. Sarah has a good job as a dance teacher and a steady life in Grenvale. As their relationship blossoms, Sarah is presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity: a dream job in New York City. The problem? it’s over 2,000 miles away from Grenvale, and Theodore. Sarah is torn between her relationship with Theodore and her desire for career success. She doesn’t want to leave Theodore, but also knows turning down the job would be a huge mistake. As she grapples with this decision, Sarah starts to wonder what truly matters to her and what she’s willing to sacrifice for her own happiness. Will Sarah choose the guy or her career? Or is there a way to have both? Follow Sarah’s journey as she navigates the highs and lows of her relationship, professional ambition and search for fulfillment.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

It’s hard to get back into the dating game when someone’s been burnt in a relationship. Fear of a repeat performance is never far from their mind. Sarah’s ex burned her badly eight months ago, so she’s hesitant to date again. Through her best friend’s pestering, Sarah reluctantly decided to join iMatch. Thanks to their algorithm, online dating apps are supposed to take the guesswork out of dating. However, no app is perfect, and Sarah’s first couple of dates were proof of that. 

An old proverb states you must “kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.” Sarah didn’t technically kiss the toads, but she found her prince anyways. Theo was everything Sarah was looking for in a partner: well-read, sweet, thoughtful, hardworking, and kind. He made her homemade soup when she was sick. He wrote beautiful poetry and made her heart skip a beat by walking into a room. They had chemistry and fun together and seemed like a perfect fit. But, a secret was tearing them apart. 

Sarah, a dance instructor, always dreamt of teaching at the New York City School of American Ballet. With her dream finally within her grasp, she faced a hard decision: choose love or follow her dream. Sarah met a tough decision, the biggest one of her life. She didn’t expect to find love. She never expected to fall in love again. 

Following most romance scripts, this story’s secret led to hurt feelings, leading to a time apart. And in true romance fashion, they realized life apart was unbearable. Readers will be delighted by the sweet, romantic reunion scene. The epilogue was also quite lovely. 

The Dating Dance by Danielle Nowell is a clean and wholesome love story with zero explicit love scenes. It’s roughly 150 pages, a perfect story for any time of year. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Danielle Nowell currently resides in Orlando with her husband and two dogs; although she’s originally from Miami. When not hanging out at home, she can be found at the theme parks or exploring the city’s food scene. She enjoys the beach and also enjoys traveling and has been to many different countries.
 
Twitter Link
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June 19, 2023 · 7:00 am

My Secret Recipes by Pixie Publishing House (Book Review)


RECORD ALL YOUR SECRET RECIPES: This Blank Recipe Book is perfect for recording all your favourite recipes. It is beautifully designed, easy to use, well-organized, and includes large spaces to write in. You can write down your most loved recipes.

CUSTOMIZED RECIPE PAGES: Each Recipe page includes the Recipe Name, Number of Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Ingredients, Instructions and Notes which makes it easy to write down your most loved recipes in one place so you can create and share them in years to come.

BLANK RECIPE BOOK FEATURES:
Premium Matte Color Cover, space to record your most loved recipes, extra space for Notes- such as recipe source, tips and tricks etc.

GREAT GIFT IDEA: Lovely Gift or Present for foodies, cooks, friends, spouse, wife, husband, dad, mom, brother, or sister for Birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Holidays & Christmas.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

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

 

We all, at some point, need inspiration on what to cook. Pictures of what people are eating and how-to videos for preparing different cuisines are hot commodities.  

If you’re lucky, you have a family recipe book that houses delicious food passed down from one generation to the next. Whether you have a book, binder, or recipe box full of recipes or want to start one of your own, I’d consider using My Secret Recipes by Pixie Publishing House. This cooking journal lets you store seventy-five recipes in one location.

Each card has basic information: recipe name, ingredients, and directions. There was also a serving size chat and preparation time. While this was standard information for a card, I was pleasantly surprised to see there was a place to mark which category the recipe falls under: vegetarian, dairy-free, low carb, sugar-free, and low salt. There are countless diets and dietary restrictions on the market, so this check box area benefits those seeking a specific recipe to fit their nutritional needs, families, and guests. 

Another feature that impressed me was the star rating. Have you ever looked through your recipe box and tried to remember if the food was a hit or miss? Was there an aspect of said recipe that needed tweaking? If so, this portion allows short notes. For instance, you could shade 3 out of five stars and add “too spicy” or “bland” under the rating system. 

My Secret Recipes would make an excellent housewarming gift. It would also be a fantastic idea for birthdays, bridal showers, Christmas, etc. It’s perfect for any gender, age, avid cooks, and individuals looking to spend more time in the kitchen and less on take-out. 

I recommend you purchase a copy for yourself and another for a friend or family member. And remember, “A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe (Thomas Keller).”

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Click HERE to be redirected to Pixie Publishing House’s website. 

 

 

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