Tag Archives: fiction

Nurse Mommy by Kristyn Boland (Book Review)

Children’s Fiction (Ages 2-10),  38 pages

 
What does Mommy do when she leaves for work? From giving medicine to using her stethoscope, Nurse Mommy’s job is important because she helps patients get better. But what about her family back home—does Nurse Mommy really have to go to work? Nurse Mommy helps kids understand what the nurse they love is doing when they go to work at night.
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from
iRead Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 
This past year has been challenging for our healthcare workers. We’ve seen them stretched thin, witnessed their anguish over the ones they’ve lost, and their sadness of not seeing their loved ones who are waiting at home. Young kids don’t quite grasp why their parent is leaving. They miss them and let you know pretty loudly (at times) how much. 


It’s often difficult to explain why a parent has to leave home or what their job entails.   In Nurse Mommy, listening to the daddy explain what mommy does when she leaves the house, how mommy misses them as much as they miss her, and how daddy is still there for the child will touch your heart. 


While doctors and nurses have stressful jobs, Nurse Mommy reminds us that the parent who stays home has a tough job as well. Vanessa Alexandre (illustrator) was able to capture every tender, heart-felt moment—quite beautifully. 


Highly recommend! 

 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
Author Kristyn Boland

 
Kristyn Boland lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Tim, her son, Owen, and their dog, Bo. She graduated from East Carolina University College of Nursing in 2014. Kristyn started her career working in Pediatric Intensive Care and later moved to Postpartum Care, where she takes care of moms and their new babies in the hospital. When she returned to work after having her son, she wanted to find a book for her husband to read to her son at bedtime explaining where she was and why she went to work at night. When she couldn’t find one, she decided to write it herself!
connect with the author: website instagram
 

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The New Enchantress: Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions Book Three by Sunayna Prasad (Book Review)

The New Enchantress (Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions #3) by Sunayna Prasad

(Ages 9-14)

 
The point of no return has come!


It’s the summer before high school and life is about to change for fourteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy. A sorcerer hexes her with everlasting powers, requiring her to become an enchantress. If she cannot learn to control her magic pronto, she will forget her loved ones and serve as the warlock’s eternal slave.

In order to control her powers, Alyssa must gain control of her emotions. With the struggles of adolescence and disasters everywhere, catastrophes are bound to happen! It’s only a matter of time before Alyssa’s world changes, for better or worse…

 
BUY THE BOOK:
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 Kobo ~ Apple
Add to Goodreads
 
 

Alex, Alyssa’s godfather

I received a complimentary copy of this book from 
iRead Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
I knew before starting The New Enchantress (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions, Book 3) by Sunayna Prasad there were going to be some intense scenes and mild language. There was a lot of yelling, fighting, and physical altercations. I know Alyssa did hurt or cause problems with her powers, but no one taught her how to use them properly. I don’t think staying calm is the only answer for this young teen’s magical problems. I felt so bad for her. She was under a great deal of stress, and everyone was either mad or disappointed in her for most of the story. 

People didn’t apologize or 100% support her until the last 1/3 of the book. I’m happy they finally did because I was not thrilled when Sydney (teen) said, “No one forgives anyone for hurting others.” I don’t believe this is true. The kids’ parents (in the story) agreed, “…you shouldn’t blame others for things they can’t control.”


Like with the first two books in the series, there were highs and lows. I’ve mentioned the lows above, so I’d like to point out a few highs. 
 

Highs:
 

Hologram calls were nifty, and I’m sure it’ll become a reality soon enough.

Who wouldn’t love a hovercraft?! My daughter would love one in green. 

Friends will argue, so it was lovely to see friends putting aside their anger, banding together, and becoming friends again. 

The New Enchantress also emphasized the importance of listening to others and teamwork. Plus, yelling at others rarely solves a problem. More often than not, it makes a problem/situation worse. 

 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
Author Sunayna Prasad
 
Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She has also written The Frights of Fiji, and A Curse of Mayhem. She constantly in creating and brainstorming new ideas.
 
Connect with the Author:   website ~ twitter goodreads
 
 

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A Curse of Mayhem: Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions Book 2 by Sunayna Prasad (Book Review)

A CURSE OF MAYHEM by Sunayna Prasad

Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  173 pages


History, like magic, has a habit of repeating itself.


It’s been six months since thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy left magic behind for good. Or so she thought…

Then the enchanted objects that protected her disappear. Now a skeleton named Errol has cursed her with magical powers that keep getting her in trouble. Suddenly strange things are happening with disastrous effects, and if Alyssa can’t remove the magic, she will lose everything she holds dear. In order to get rid of her unwanted wizardry, Alyssa will have to boost her bravery and confidence and determine who Errol really is. But every time Alyssa uses an enchantment, Errol is one step closer to getting his flesh back and becoming alive, and he will do anything to achieve his goals…even if it means destroying Alyssa’s happiness.

Originally published in 2016 as “Wizardry Goes Wild” and “The Unruly Curse” in 2019, “A Curse of Mayhem” is book two in the exciting and suspenseful “Magical Missions” series.

 
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo
Add to Goodreads
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from 
iRead Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 

Since my (pre-teen) daughter gave me such valuable feedback regarding The Frights of Fiji, I enlisted her again in the review for A Curse of Mayhem (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions, Book 2). 

 

Cover:  She thought the winged person was creepy and didn’t understand who it was supposed to be since she didn’t recall a flying kid in the story. The birdman didn’t bother her; in fact, she thought he looked comical. 

Plot:  We both agreed there were plot holes again. We didn’t understand how Alex, the godfather, forgot about magic and Alyssa’s kidnapping. 
We weren’t sure how mortals could be so confused magic exists when there is a magical zoo in Nebraska. 


Characters:  
She liked the winged unicorn-zebra, and so did I.  

 

Extras:  We both agreed the community service hours for students are a good idea. It teaches young people to take care of our world, and it’s important to take care of your community/people. However, realistically, I don’t think many schools will make it a requirement for school. Maybe for a class, though. 

While there were some hits and misses in this story, it was more enjoyable than The Frights of Fiji. It did represent how I believe a person would react to unwanted powers and the lack of control over them. 

On a final note: My daughter said the ending was “Ahhh, so sweet.”  She’s right; it was adorable. 

 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo
Add to Goodreads
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
Author Sunayna Prasad
 
Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She has also written The Frights of Fiji, and A Curse of Mayhem. She constantly in creating and brainstorming new ideas.
 
Connect with the Author:   website ~ twitter goodreads
 
 

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The Frights of Fiji: Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions by Sunayna Prasad (Book Review)

The frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions #1) by Sunayna Prasad

(Ages 8-12)

 
A world of magic and adventure awaits…


Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything.

“Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere.”

Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.

Originally titled “From Frights to Flaws”, this story is the exciting and enchanting first book in the “Magical Missions” series.

 
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon  ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo
Add to Goodreads
 
 
 

Alyssa McCarthy

I received a complimentary copy of this book from 
iRead Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 
My pre-teen and I had mixed feelings about The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad. There were parts we enjoyed a lot and sections we weren’t particularly fond of at all. 


Our Likes: We both agreed colored sleet was cool. 🙂 
When we read about the wizards using magic to conjure a meal, we talked about what full meal we would create. She shocked me when she said a pepperoni calzone, oreo ice cream cake, and Dr. Pepper float. I really thought she’d say mac and cheese. 


Since dolphins are her favorite animals, she was captivated by the dermaidens. They are half-human, half-dolphin beings. She adored their unique talent, but I won’t disclose it. You’ll have to purchase the book to find out what it is. 


She thought the names given to magical versions of non-magical tech such as iPhone, iPod, iPad, and much more were funny. Example: WiPhone, WiPod, and WiPad. I asked her what she thought they’d call a magical version of a Wii. Her response, in a French accent, was “Wii Wii.” 😀


Our Dislikes: While this book DOES NOT have mature language or adult content, it does have scenes that might make your child uncomfortable. There’s a moment where Uncle Bruce physically assaults a child. Since this book is for 8-12-year-olds, this altercation might upset younger readers. My daughter and I spoke about her feelings regarding it. She said, “He shouldn’t have smacked her. It’s rude and unnecessary.” I agree. I also told her no adult should ever hit a child. She said, “Well, yeah, duh.” 😀


We also thought there were some plot holes. She didn’t understand why the godfather didn’t seem very worried Alyssa was taken or expressed anger for what the wizard did to her or the other girls. Again, I agree with her. 


Since the book was intended for her age group, I asked her to score it. She said the book was just alright, so she gave it a 3. 

 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
Author Sunayna Prasad
 
Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She has also written The Frights of Fiji, and A Curse of Mayhem. She constantly in creating and brainstorming new ideas.
 
Connect with the Author:   website ~ twitter goodreads
 
 
 

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Does Grandma Remember Me? by Evita Sherman (Book Review)

DOES GRANDMA REMEMBER ME? by Evita Sherman

Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages

 
It is always challenging to watch a loved one grow older and face new, confusing obstacles that always seemed easy. Does Grandma Remember Me? shows how love transcends age and difficulties, even when things become overwhelming.
 
This new book from author Evita Sherman is the first in a new children’s book series. It will put the disease of Alzheimer’s and dementia in perspective for young readers.
 
Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Target
Mascot Books
Add to Goodreads
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
Dementia is a very grown-up word for kids to grasp. Most little ones wouldn’t know how to pronounce it, let alone define it. While the condition’s ins and outs are far from simple, Evita Sherman breaks it down so children can understand the basics: forgetfulness and confusion. 
 
Through the endearing illustrations courtesy of Chayla Bolden and Evita Sherman’s storytelling, we witness the fear, confusion, sadness, and love from a child’s point of view and a grandmother’s. Does Grandma Remember Me? gives children hope. While they might be scared by specific situations, they are now more prepared to handle them. Hugs, kisses, holding a hand, all these small gestures go a long way in lifting spirits and binding two hearts. 
 
If dementia affected someone you know and you’re unsure how to explain it to your child(ren), I encourage you to read this story with them. I’m sure after reading it, they’ll run off to hug their grandparent. <3
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author
Author Evita Sherman
 
Evita’s passion is assisting the elderly, especially those living with dementia. Her mission is to help people age in the manner they envision for themselves and not through the lens of others. She works to provide data and resources to assist elders in effectively aging-in-place and equips their families and friends to support their loved ones amidst uncertainty. Working in the elder care field as a licensed nursing home administrator, senior living marketing professional, and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), Evita witnesses both elders and families make tough decisions. Some of those decisions result in despair, while others result in healing. The key to enabling elders to live life to its fullest is to help them find their voices and exercise their right to choose.
 
Evita collaborates with family and friends to ensure that her mother, who lives with dementia, and her father, recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, maintain their voices and make well-informed choices as their disease progresses.

connect with the author: goodreads
 

 
 

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