Tuesday, February 28, 2023

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

My thoughts: SOUND OF LIGHT might have started a bit slow, but it didn't take long to pick up speed and become a page turner. I didn't want to put the book down to do my job, chores, and other necessities like sleep, I just wanted to read and see what happened next. I fell in love with Else, and of course, Henrik. My heart broke for him. If you love historical romance, especially WWII stories, you will definitely want to read SOUND OF LIGHT. Highly recommended! I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Saturday, February 25, 2023

The Things God Made: Explore God’s Creation through the Bible, Science, and Art #picturebook

The Things God Made: Explore God’s Creation through the Bible, Science, and Art

Picture Book,

January 17, 2023

by Andy McGuire (Author)

Combining Biblical truths and scientific facts, The Things God Made is an inspirational and informative picture book retelling of the creation story from the book of Genesis.

Take your child on a journey from nothingness to abundance and life, and discover the greatness of God’s creation through stunning art and incredible factual information about our amazing universe. The Things God Made captures God’s great joy as a creator and inspires curious kids to learn more about the wonderful world we live in and appreciate all the things God made.

The Things God Made:

Tells the creation story both from a Scriptural and scientific perspective
Is perfect for ages 4-8 as well as anyone interested in how our world works
Incorporates easy-to-understand educational call-outs with engaging, easy-to-read storytelling
Allows for further discussion about both creation and the wonder of the natural world
Is a perfect educational resource for home, homeschoolers, and Christian school and Sunday school classrooms

The Things God Made features:

Call out boxes giving additional information about each stage of creation
Interior feature depicting the full glory of God’s creation, with a list of animals for kids to search for and find
Supplemental information allowing parents and educators to dive deeper into the subject with their young readers

My thoughts: As a homeschool mom, this is the type of book I liked. Full of information and plenty of ways to take it deeper. Beautifully done, interesting, and full of biblical truths. If you are a Christian educator, you will want to check out this book. Great for homeschools, Christian schools and family who like to take it deeper. Recommended.

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Friday, February 24, 2023

The Smallest Spot of a Dot: The Little Ways We’re Different, The Big Ways We’re the Same

The Smallest Spot of a Dot:

The Little Ways We’re Different, The Big Ways We’re the Same

Picture Book,

January 31, 2023

by Linsey Davis (Author), Michael Tyler (Author), Lucy Fleming (Illustrator)

Now a New York Times bestseller! Using child-friendly language, this playful picture book explains how genetics make each person unique and celebrates how we are more alike than different and are all part of the human race. In The Smallest Spot of a Dot: The Little Ways We’re Different, The Big Ways We’re the Same, Linsey Davis, bestselling children’s author, Emmy-winning correspondent, and host for ABC News, together with co-author Michael Tyler, encourages children to find their own unique dot with sweet, rhyming prose.

”Only .1% of our genes make us uniquely who we are. We are 99.9% identical, alike, the same—equal. This book is 100% about that truth.”

Combining whimsical rhymes and Lucy Fleming’s engaging art, The Smallest Spot of a Dot is:

An inspiring story of connection, equality, and acceptance
Multicultural, multiracial children’s picture book that recognizes our similarities and our uniqueness
Great for classroom use as children explore genetics, DNA, and individuality
The perfect read-aloud for kids ages 4–8
A unique gift for birthdays and holidays, or a back-to-school treat

New York Times bestselling author Linsey Davis is also the author of The World Is Awake, One Big Heart, Stay This Way Forever, and How High Is Heaven.

My thoughts: THE SMALLEST SPOT OF A DOT is a beginning introduction to science and genes and what makes us unique. Its a fun little book and colorful and sure to hold a child's interest while they learn. I enjoyed reading it. I recommend this book for preschools and homeschools and more. I was given copy free and all opinions are my own.

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Walking Grandma Home: A Story of Grief, Hope, and Healing

Walking Grandma Home:

A Story of Grief, Hope, and Healing

Picture Book,

January 10, 2023

by Nancy Bo Bo Flood (Author), Ellen Shi (Illustrator)

This picture book from a child psychologist and counselor uses a touching and relatable story about a young boy’s grief to help children 4-8 understand what it means to lose a loved one and how to process their own emotions of fear, grief, and joyful remembrance.

When Grandma tells Lee she will soon be “going home,” Lee is confused. Isn’t Grandma already home? But as Grandma’s health gets worse and her death approaches, Lee learns what it means to “walk Grandma home” to heaven, while also reflecting on his good memories and dealing with his grief alongside his extended family.

Walking Grandma Home:

Presents a child’s perspective on losing a loved one that young readers can relate to
Is ideal for kids who have recently experienced a loved one’s death or are learning about grief for the first time, as well as for childen with aging grandparents and family and friends experiencing loss
Equips parents and caregivers to process a child’s emotions in a healthy and loving way
Has a page of questions and activities to help children process their own grief and allow caregivers to personalize the story to the child’s experience
Features text from counselor and author Nancy Bo Flood and beautiful illustrations by Ellen Shi

My thoughts: WALKING GRANDMA HOME is sad. I can see where it would be helpful when losing a loved one. I cried all the way through it, but it would be helpful to a small child understanding what is happening. Grandma must've felt so loved having her family hanging around with her instead of being left alone. This is sad, but it is real and hopeful and loving. I highly recommend it. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

I’m Going to Have a Good Day!: Daily Affirmations with Scarlett #childrensbook #picturebook

I’m Going to Have a Good Day!:

Daily Affirmations with Scarlett

Picture Book,

January 24, 2023

by Tiania Haneline (Author), Scarlett Gray Smith Stephanie Dehennin (Illustrator)

I am beautiful. I am kind. I am loved.

In this uplifting picture book, young readers will discover how they can use daily affirmations to remind them of who they are and what makes them special. Join TikTok sensation Scarlett Gray and Tiania Haneline as they repeat exuberant affirmations that empower Scarlett throughout the day and inspire those around her to create their own uplifting self-talk.

Every morning as her mom brushes her hair, Scarlett recites her daily affirmations. Those powerful words travel with her throughout her day, helping her replace negative thoughts with positive ones and live out the truth that she is beautiful, strong, brave, kind, and worthy of love. This fun-filled and inspiring kids’ book also includes a list of uplifting and child-friendly statements your child can use to create their own daily affirmation routine. With fun illustrations from Stephanie Dehennin that make the story come alive, you and your young reader will discover how much words matter in your own lives.

I'm Going to Have a Good Day! teaches children 4-8:

how to incorporate positive affirmations into their lives
that self-esteem is fun and empowering
the benefits of passing on love and encouragement to others
how to overcome negative thoughts in their everyday lives
how to build confidence and see their self-worth

I'm Going to Have a Good Day! is ideal for:

birthday, Christmas, and holiday gifts
bedtime and story time reading
encouraging kindness and self-confidence
sharing God's loves

Build up your loved ones with encouraging words of affirmation, and they'll be saying, "I'm going to have a good day!"

MY THOUGHTS: I'M GONNA HAVE A GOOD DAY is a hsrdcover picture book for children that is positive and encouraging. Scarlett has a bunch of positive things she tells herself that helps her to be kind, to be strong, to be brave, face her fears and do big things. This is a great book for encouraging children to believe in themselves, to be brave, and to try new things. If you are looking for an encouraging book to help a shy, frightened child to try or to reach out and make new friends, then this is a book to consider. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Monday, February 20, 2023

Welcome to the A Trail So Lonesome Celebration Tour! #Giveaway #historicalromance

About the Book

Book: A Trail So Lonesome

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 12, 2023

Spending five months eating trail dust wasn’t Leo Spencer’s first choice. Or his second. He’s not one to run away, but some situations can’t be fixed and his family—two brothers and a sister—needs to start over. Which is how he finds himself on a westbound wagon train.

Evangeline has a secret, one that has sent her on a journey across the plains on the Oregon Trail. When her father is badly hurt and she needs help, Leo is there. A deal is struck and the two unlikely friends form an alliance… that leads to more.

But Evangeline’s secret looms over her… and Leo’s family troubles are far from over.

Marilyn's thoughts:

A Trail so Lonesome is a journey along the Oregon Trail and the hardships encountered by the characters. Leo and Evangeline had hidden secrets why they were making the journey. Williams portrayed the scenes vividly with the difficulties and historical details. Readers who like historical fiction with a faith message will find there’s not a strong faith message in this tale but should enjoy the adventure of all those on the journey.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see in Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published sixty books in a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip

More from Lacy

Leaving Home

Do you remember what it was like when you left home? Was it a specific event that sticks out in your mind? Or was it gradual?

I moved into the dorms at my university when I was eighteen. After that, I felt sort of… in transition. I went home for winter break and during the summer, but I didn’t feel like my parents’ house was home anymore. I married my sweet hubby when we were both twenty and that’s when I felt like I had a true home again. (Even though it was a tiny one-bedroom apartment!)

My new series, Wagon Train Matches, is all about travelers on a journey across the country in their Conestoga wagons. In the 1850s, people would leave home, leave everything and everyone behind and travel across the plains and mountains mostly on foot. It was difficult and dangerous. And when they arrived, they didn’t have houses ready and waiting for them!

It’s been a lot of fun researching for this series. Understanding why people would risk everything for a new start. I think it would be both exciting and terrifying!

In A TRAIL SO LONESOME, heroine Evangeline wants to leave home for a new start. She’s carrying a secret with her (a bigger secret than the library of books she’s packed in the wagon!) and believes that starting over in Oregon will change everything.

Only it doesn’t take long on the trail for someone to discover her secret. Hero Leo has secrets of his own. He can’t afford Evangeline to look too closely at his family. But he also can’t seem to stay away from her.

Eek! I’m really excited to kick off this new series with A TRAIL SO LONESOME. I hope you love these characters as much as I have while writing them.

-Lacy