Tag Archives: short read

Rika Saves A Cat by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

A story of two sisters from Planet Venesha playing hide and seek in the woods when they hear a strange sound and go to investigate.
They look and find a cat who appears to be all alone and wait for its mother to return.

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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.

 

Rika and her little sister, Jari, live in the northern forest region of the largest planet of the universe: Venesha. Its appearance is vastly different from ours from a distance, but it does possess qualities found in our world: oceans, swamps, rivers, mountains, deserts, and plains. The two children (Jari and Rika) look slightly different from Earthlings, but each play as typical children do. They climb trees, play hide-and-seek, and are curious about the world around them. 

While playing outside with Jari, Rika heard a strange sound, went to investigate, and discovered a scared baby kitten inside a hollowed-out log. Children will love the adorable uni-kitty (orange kitten with yellow horn). They’ll probably yell they want a unicorn-kitty too. I know I wouldn’t mind adopting one! 

Rika and Jari could’ve left the animal to fend for itself, but they didn’t. Instead, they nestled together on the forest floor, waiting patiently for the sweet furbaby’s mother to return. Their patience and kind hearts paid off; momma cat and her baby were reunited, and momma cat was just as cute as her baby! 

Rika Saves a Cat by Lamar and Liana Golden is a sweet, quick read that children will want to read often. The main story is less than 30 pages, with simple text and adorable illustrations. As a family of Star Wars fans, I liked Rika’s Princess Leia hairstyle and her pointy ears (Artist: Veronica Guarino.) 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-10 years. The color palette will capture a baby’s eye; kids of all ages will adore the pictures, while the text will appeal to older children. This short story is perfect for children who are practicing reading alone. 

I encourage you to check out Rika Saves a Cat and the author’s other works. Their stories are wildly creative, with out-of-this-world designs and engaging storylines. 

 

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

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Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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

 

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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Her eyes settled on a newspaper left on a nearby side table. The headline had been the talk of the town.

‘Such an audacious plan,’ Miss Jane baited.

Raising an eyebrow, he paused his treatment.

‘Pardon, Miss?’

‘The two thieves caught with close to ten thousand pounds from the Dolton Bank,’ Miss Jane nodded at the newspaper.

‘Audacious?’ Mr Adams grinned. ‘In my opinion, a remarkably overcomplicated heist for so little a prize.’

‘A rather dubious response. Have you experience in theft, Mr Adams? You believe one can casually rob a bank by walking in and out?’

‘Does this look like the face of a felon?’ he teased with a smile. ‘I’m afraid my life rather dull for such adventures. Though I believe it would make for an exhilarating career.’

‘Career? I fail to see how felony could be classed as an occupation or considered exhilarating, Mr Adams. Though were it your chosen career, I have no doubt it would be rather fleeting.’

‘You offend me, Miss Jane. The most straightforward ideas are often the best. And do not tell me you have never been tempted to pocket an item secretly while perusing a store or market.’

‘Perhaps as a child, Mr Adams. As an adult and a law-abiding citizen, I am perfectly able to obtain items through legal means. Might I add, I believe one finds greater happiness from the satisfaction of exercising self-control than succumbing to temptation.’

‘Must one not first taste temptation in order to induce self-control?’

 ‘A fool’s reply.’

‘Then a fool stands before you.’

 

Click HERE to read the review on Kam’s Place! (Date shared: 9/11/23)

Check out my review on Reedsy. 

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Meet the Author

When not deftly dodging venomous spiders or outwitting the cunning drop bear, D.L. Richards can be found escaping reality through short story crafting. Residing in the mythical land of Australia, where kangaroos casually hop down the streets, D.L draws endless inspiration from the whimsical world that surrounds him. His debut novelette, The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane, was published in 2023.

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The Sleep Switch : How to help kids fall asleep fast by Laurie McMillan (Book Review)

Does your child find it hard to fall asleep? If they do, then The Sleep Switch is for you!

 

“The Sleep Switch” is a delightful children’s book that captivates young minds while teaching them valuable relaxation techniques. In this enchanting tale, different children discover their own sleep switch—their natural ability to calm their bodies and minds for a peaceful slumber. Through mindfulness, meditation, and gentle breathing practices, they embark on a whimsical journey that sooths every part of their being.

You will appreciate the soothing narrative that guides your little ones toward a restful night’s sleep. With every page, a different child learns to embrace relaxation, taking deep breaths and experiencing the sensations within their bodies. The story lovingly bids goodnight to each part of the body, encouraging a sense of gratitude and relaxation from head to toe.
This book, “The Sleep Switch” combines this age-old wisdom into an easy-to-follow book for children that could help them:

  • Get a better night’s sleep
  • Reduced stress or worry
  • Improve attention
  • Fall asleep faster
  • Establish a lifelong sleep routine
  • And more…

“The Sleep Switch” is not just a story; it’s an essential tool for parents to teach their children how to unwind and find serenity before bedtime. With its charming illustrations and calming words, this book is perfect for children aged 3 and above, helping them drift off into dreamland with ease.

Learning how to relax themselves to sleep will empower your child for a lifetime.

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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.

 

School, work, chores, errands, sports, hobbies, work-outs, life keeps us moving, but that doesn’t always translate into falling asleep as soon as our head hits the pillow. For many of us, our minds and bodies didn’t get the memo it’s time to power down and recharge our metaphorical batteries. We toss. We turn. We count sheep. We stare at the ceiling or watch the clock in frustration. A child who can’t sleep equals a parent who can kiss sleep goodbye, too. 

The Sleep Switch is an illustrated children’s book, but adults can also benefit from the breathing and relaxation techniques. Breathe in through your nose and out your mouth, simple instructions that can make a big difference in your sleepy time routine. The writer introduced the idea of settling into a comfy sleep position and then saying good night to sixteen body parts, starting at your head and finishing with a “good night” to your toes. With every “good night” spoken, the day’s stresses and excitement get pushed further down until they disappear. A body becomes more relaxed; your head is at peace, and you are ready to enter dreamland. 

As an adult, I found reading this story during the daytime relaxing. The calming words and the illustrations of children resting did cause me to yawn. For that, I recommend including the book in your nap time routine. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is between 3-9 years. That is a perfect suggested age group. The rhyme scheme would make a fantastic story for independent readers. Everyone, kids and adults, will be amazed by the beautiful, colorful illustrations, especially the glowing string lights (artist: Wathmi de Zoysa). Most importantly, this story should make falling asleep a breeze. 

Read The Sleep Switch by Laurie McMillan and then enjoy the sweet sounds of your snoring child(ren). 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Laurie McMillan is a wife, a mom, a Yaya, inventor, and lifelong meditator.

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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.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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:

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Score: 

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Home In Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation by Simon Dauphinee (Book Review)

Planning a renovation or home construction project? Want to find the right contractor but don’t know where to start? Avoid costly errors and delays. Being prepared is of the utmost importance!

Books in this space are often long-winded and full of fluff. No homeowner needs to, nor has time to, read a 300-page book on renovating or construction, so don’t waste your time! Home In Good Hands is concise and free of fluff, so the reader can fit it into their undoubtedly busy life.

Read Home In Good Hands to learn all you need to know to successfully plan and execute your project. Make sure your home is in good hands!

Includes bonus tools and tips to help keep you organized and on track. Tricks of the trade inside!

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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.

 

Simon Dauphinee, a contractor with nearly two decades in the industry, wants your renovation to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Home In Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation will show you what approaches work and what does not work. He’ll walk you through all you need to know, from project start to finish. 

First, let’s find a contractor! The writer points out referrals are best, but if you don’t have one, there’s always plan B. As a person who loves spreadsheets, I will keep his template in mind for future projects. Oh, and the script was excellent! 

As someone who selected a contractor based on price and not likability, I agree wholeheartedly with the writer’s following statement. “Compatibility with a contractor on a personal level is very important, as you will be hosting this person and their crew and working with them daily until project completion (9).”

The writer gives sound advice in every section, but the visual of the quote is quite valuable. It explained what to expect and look for in a sample job. Your future project might not resemble the picture, but it’s an excellent reference point. Oh, another sound tip…ask for references! 

Home In Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation discusses “reviewing contracts,” “orders of operations,” and “the construction process,” but chapter 8 interested me greatly. “Advice from Homeowners” contained real-life testimonials from the author’s past clients. They’ve been there and done that, so their input intrigued me. After each testimonial, Simon Dauphinee gave a “key take-away.” It was a nice personal touch I hadn’t seen on other renovation guides before. While the entire book was beneficial, I could’ve read more client advice. 

Simon Dauphinee gives excellent advice to those seeking to renovate and should ease the stress out of a potentially stressful endeavor. I highly recommend you read it if you require outside assistance. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Simon Dauphinee is an author, entrepreneur, and business owner with nearly 20 years of experience in the residential renovation/ construction industry. Simon has worked with hundreds of clients, led teams of employees, and was even featured in HGTV’s ‘Marriage Under Construction,’ Season 4.
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