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Queen of the Mountain by TAK Erzinger (Book Review)

What if you lost someone very important to you and didn’t have anyone around you who understood your feelings?

One summer, a sad woman arrives in a tiny village. A little girl in the village recognizes her sadness.

In this gentle and loving story, a carefree farm girl strikes up an unusual friendship with an interesting foreigner.

Soon they both realize they have a lot in common, even though they have very different lives.

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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.

 

Grief can impact us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can put a strain on our bodies as well as relationships. Just as grief affects us differently, how we handle the loss differs as well. Some people might isolate themselves as they work to process their loss, while others seek professional guidance. Some people might seek solace through family and friends. Others might need to get away or visit a place that makes them feel connected to the individual(s) they are missing. Recently, the Countess of Kent’s husband, Prince Albert, passed away, so she traveled to a small village to feel closer to her beloved. The countess spends her days staring at the beautiful and picturesque landscape. Sometimes, a local child (Vicky) would observe the older woman resting on the hillside; other times, Vicky would watch the Countess of Kent paint for hours.

Vicky and the countess shared more than the love of the gorgeous scenery surrounding the village. Like the countess, Vicky lost someone close to her: her mother. One day, Vicky left a bouquet for the sad lady at the inn. The darling girl’s thoughtful gesture will touch readers, especially when we learn the flowers came from her mother’s garden and how they reminded the countess of the roses in her locket, a gift from her late husband.

Grief can tear people apart, but it can also draw people together. Sometimes, a bond can form between the unlikeliest people, as with the farm girl and the older woman. As the story progresses, it takes an unexpected turn; the countess shocks Vicky with a surprise revelation, leading to hurt feelings. However, readers won’t have to wait long for apologies to be accepted and bonds reform. It was a beautiful and touching ending.

If you or someone you know is grieving, I strongly recommend sharing this touching story with them. It might serve as a comforting companion in their journey of healing. And, above all else, let them know they are not alone in their grief.

There were some clarity or design issues in the artwork, but I did like the paint-like quality of the work.

My suggested reading age is 2-8 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 1/2
(rounded to 4 stars on Amazon and Goodreads)

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Meet the Author

TAK Erzinger is an award-winning poet. Her collection At the Foot of the Mountain (Floricanto Press 2021) won the University of Indianapolis Etching Press, Whirling Prize 2021 for best nature poetry book. Erzinger is an American/Swiss poet and artist with a Colombian background.

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Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems by LindaAnn LoSchiavo (Book Spotlight)

Trick or treat twisted with treachery.

Haunting and harrowing visions of All Hallows’ Eve here include horrific crimes committed on October 31st, a honeymoon homicide, mysterious witches, amorous vampires, dead serious poltergeists, along with a pageant of autumnal imagery sure to evoke goosebumps beyond the spooky season. Wearing the cunning costume of a Hallowe’en poetry collection, 24 poems reimagine macabre true crimes and explore injustices brought to life by original artwork.

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Click HERE to read my review on Reedsy! 

 

 

Meet the Author

Native New Yorker and Elgin Award winner, LindaAnn LoSchiavo is a member of British Fantasy Society, HWA, SFPA, and The Dramatists Guild. Titles: “Messengers of the Macabre,” “Vampire Ventures,” “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems,” “Apprenticed to the Night,” “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide.”

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How to Make a Sandwich by Lorena M. Proia (Book Review)

Making a sandwich is fun and easy! And Rae knows just how to do it. The bread is like the parents, it keeps the sandwich safe and happy. The turkey is the love, the lettuce is the fun. But every time Rae adds an ingredient, it disappears, and she soon realizes there is a sandwich-stealing thief intent on eating her creation!

Will Rae ever get to eat her lunch? Suddenly making a sandwich isn’t so easy after all!

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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.

 

Rae has a BIG imagination. With it, she can transform into anything she desires. On Mondays, she’s a budding artist, while Saturdays see her donning the role of a doctor for her stuffed toys. She’s also a scientist on Wednesdays, but today, she’s embracing her culinary skills as a chef. 

Feeling a little hungry, Rae heads to the kitchen with her kitty trailing close behind. I loved how Rae spoke to Nero (the cat) as if the feline understood every word. I do the same thing, and I’m sure many other pet owners do as well. While Nero was super cute, the real showstopper was another pet. Its identity is purposely hidden in this review not to spoil who’s stealing Rae’s sandwich contents. While her dad does snag pickle chips from her, the main bandit’s sorry expression will melt your heart and make you say aw, look at those big, sad eyes.

As Rae makes her sandwich, she compares it to her family. She remarks that the bread is like her parents, each keeping their ‘family’ safe and happy. Rae also draws interesting parallels between turkey, cheese, mayo and pickles and her family dynamic. My daughter does tell a lot of cheesy jokes and makes life interesting, so I agree she is the “cheese” of our sandwich, too! 

After reading the final page, I was left wondering what role did the avocado play in the family. I bet kids will have a theory on this! I also pondered what professions she pretended to play during the rest of the week. I bet your child or class will have input on this topic, too! 

How to Make a Sandwich is a delightful, humorous story that your family will love to read. It might even make your belly growl. After reading it, I recommend you and your kids put on your chef’s hat and make a sandwich together. Be sure to watch for sandwich-stealing furry friends or pickle-loving dads!

I recommend How to Make a Sandwich to children three years and up. It’s a cute story that will make your whole family smile from ear to ear!


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

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Meet the Author

When Lorena graduated with a BFA, she never imagined she’d become an Information Architect. She thought her creativity was lost until she was rescued by an Australian Shepherd named Phebe. How to Make a Sandwich is her first picture book. Find out more at www.lorenaproiabooks.com

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Ellie Wants to Draw: A Doodle Dilemma (Ellie The Chick Book 5) by Avery Smart (Book Review)

Meet Ellie, the creative little artist chick with a passion for drawing!

From houses to tall trees, flowers, and flying butterflies, Ellie’s artistic spirit knows no bounds. Her imagination soars as she sketches rainbows, the sun, rockets to Mars, boats sailing on the sea, and even castles guarded by mighty dragons.

A little bit here and a little bit there, it’s not going to hurt anyone when you are drawing quietly alone, right?

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


Whether scribbling on a piece of paper or drawing masterpieces, drawing has many health benefits. It allows the artist to express their feelings. It’s a stress-releaser. It improves motor skills. It activates a person’s imagination and creative side. 

Ellie, the cute chick, loves to draw. However, she makes a mistake that many children make every day: she uses walls as her canvas. Crayola gives children washable art instruments: crayons, markers, pencils, and paints. This means the days of repainting walls, using stain lifters on clothes, and scrubbing skin are long gone!

Even though many washable options are on the market, not all parents will be thrilled with kids decorating the walls. Also, even though they have washable materials at home, their friend’s house or school might not. Therefore, teaching children the appropriate places to create their masterpieces is best. Despite all our efforts to keep walls clean, most children accidentally or purposely color a wall.

Ellie got more than one little mark on the wall. She had an entire scene with a tree, rainbow, sun, kite, rocket, and much more. When Ellie’s mom saw the kite’s tail streaking across multiple walls, she immediately told Ellie to stop. Ellie could’ve placed the blame on others. She could’ve refused to clean up her mess. But, since she knew right from wrong, she owned up to her mistake and began scrubbing the mess away.

From a design point of view, I would’ve put the text regarding what the chick loves to draw before the drawing action shots. Other than that, I couldn’t find a single item not to love.

Ellie’s story teaches children to take responsibility for their mistakes. It also opens a dialogue for parents to explain or remind kids what surfaces are for coloring and which are not.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-6 years.

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

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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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Silhouette of the Sun by Avery Davis (Book Spotlight)

Honorable Mention-The New York Book Festival

This is the story of three strong and determined women, weathering love and loss in the pursuit of independence. Constance is an entomologist and single mother providing for her Anna at a time when providing was prominently done by men. Anna is an artist who must choose between cancer treatment or completing her pregnancy. Paige is Anna’s daughter who is guided in her dreams to fulfill her potential of curing cancer by listening to the whisperings of her mother and grandmother. Drew is the man who ties them all together.

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D (Amazon) 5 stars:This is an excellent first novel that tackles deeply complex themes. Well placed twists and turns reveal character growth and triumph that will stay with me for some time.”

Megan (Amazon) 5 stars: “This book was beautifully written. The author’s attention for detail is phenomenal. The rich descriptions of her scenes transports the reader. The characters in the book are splendidly developed and your attachment to them will keep you entranced in the book until the end. A great read from start to finish!”

Kindle Customer (Amazon) 4 stars: “This complex story of three women’s lives, told through their eyes, kept me wondering how their lives would relate. Initially, I felt frustrated that more wasn’t revealed about the first character. As the book progressed, however, the author reveals the three characters’ relationships in a very interesting way. The important influences each one had on their daughter’s, granddaughter’s and great-granddaughter’s life was intricately woven throughout the story. At times heartbreaking, this book explores many past and present women’s challenges and delves into a future where important ethical decisions need to be made. It’s ending is inspiring and gratifying.”

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Meet the Author

 

Avery Davis graduated in Environmental Law. She lives half of the year in Cordova, Alaska as a fisherman’s wife and the other half drying off in the deserts of Utah. She is the mother of three, who love a good bedtime story.

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