What a good collection of Christmas crafts from around the world! I found the instructions for craft-making short, sweet and simple, therefore easy foWhat a good collection of Christmas crafts from around the world! I found the instructions for craft-making short, sweet and simple, therefore easy for children to create, albeit depending on the child's age and ability; some supervision from an adult could be needed. In my opinion, besides the crafts, curious children will find the traditions of cultures other than their own, of interest.
Illustrations and pages are colorful and eyecatching, lending even greater interest to the whole. I feel many hours of fun and creativity await ...
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
September 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher....more
This is a nice little story of a Jewish family celebrating their special festival, Hanukkah. I found it very interesting and informative, a good blen This is a nice little story of a Jewish family celebrating their special festival, Hanukkah. I found it very interesting and informative, a good blend of story and being educational at a child's level. As there are recipes for some of the foods mentioned in the story and some directions for making Hanukkah-related traditions, I believe young readers will also find this a fun interactive read.
The various traditions associated with the festival are not intense so easily understood. Explanations of how Hanukkah came about, along with festival related greetings and a mini quiz at book's end will further help engage a younin's attention to the story.
I found the story a rather pleasant read but am puzzled and somewhat disappointed by the dog character that was included. It is rather out of character to have a family dog in a Jewish setting, I would have thought. Biblical reads will inform that dogs are considered unclean animals and therefore rather anathema to Jewish folks. Other than this the book was a good read.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
September 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentarty review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
Early WWII and the years leading up to all the horrors and nightmares the Jewish people faced and endured from the pograms of Russian Siberia to HitleEarly WWII and the years leading up to all the horrors and nightmares the Jewish people faced and endured from the pograms of Russian Siberia to Hitlers's Germany are abley described in this heartrending story of Michal, Avram, Taavi and others. Author Roberta Kagan has certainly crafted her narrative after her usual professional style, attuned to the emotions of her endearing characters and the unfettered ruthlessness of those who hated Jews. It was a captivating read which brought those years to life for me, not that that is what one would want to retrace. Therefore, some readers may find some of the trauma chronicled difficult to handle.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~ September 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher....more
Yet another WWII story time frame set in Britain but of those who held the fort on the home front. In this case of the girls who entertained the lads Yet another WWII story time frame set in Britain but of those who held the fort on the home front. In this case of the girls who entertained the lads that had to go off to the battle front. Girls such as Jesse, Frances, Ruby, Ginny and their supportive loved ones who took their work seriously as a way to do their part for the war effort. Their shows often went on despite air raid warnings, entertainers and crew alike, holding fast. Other pitfalls though of the trade as Jessie experienced - never really knowing who was a true friend.
I did find the narrative somewhat slow starting off as there were so many characters to keep track of - it felt scattered. However, it eventually straightened out taking the reader from one stage, so to speak, to another, for Frances and Ruby, then to Ginny's plight and then back to Jesse's stage, which then circled round again.
The author did manage to create the emotions, I believe, of elation for the girls' successes, for the heartbreaking devastations, and the courage to endure the ongoing Blitz's effects. I feel these are good glimpses of what it was to have lived through those years, for those of us who have not been through it all directly.
~ Eunice C. Reviewer/Blogger ~
September 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
This book by Andrew Lipman sums up Squanto's legacy comprehensively, I'd say. From Squanto's years of infancy to manhood, to his capture and the interThis book by Andrew Lipman sums up Squanto's legacy comprehensively, I'd say. From Squanto's years of infancy to manhood, to his capture and the interim years until his return to his native turf and the ensuing years. I found it of good interest and that it should be to anyone curious about his name and history and that of his fellow Wampanoag peoples. Their interactions with the French and English colonists, their agendas and even that of those Mi' kmaw from Nova Scotia, who wished to expand their maritime territory.
Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger July 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Netflix Galley and the publisher....more
Although it took me several days to finish reading this book Poison in Piccadilly, I found it to be a light-hearted, quick read. As always, Fionna FigAlthough it took me several days to finish reading this book Poison in Piccadilly, I found it to be a light-hearted, quick read. As always, Fionna Figg is quite an amusing character along side Kitty Lane, the erstwhile Fredrick Fredricks and the elusive Lieutenant Archie. Mix ups, poisons (obviously), hatpins and surprizes await the reader of this fun mystery-murder tale. What's more, I'm wondering if readers of other Fionna Figg and Kitty Lane books can imagine a married Fionna Figg! Ha, ha, potential readers will just have to indulge themselves to find out...
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
September 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher....more
Beyond Ivy Walls has been such a pleasure to read! It's been one of those late-into-the night, page-turning reads for me. Such good, clean fun and am Beyond Ivy Walls has been such a pleasure to read! It's been one of those late-into-the night, page-turning reads for me. Such good, clean fun and amusing comedy coupled with feathers and letters and mysteriousness, kindness and compassion. Oh, and wrapped in an envelope of unconditional love and romance that crept up and slowly burst into unsuspecting flame, without being cringy.
I believe that the Discussion Questions at story's end will help a reader or readers' group sort through some of the issues that presented themselves along the way.
A very satisfying read for me, thus I give the author a 5-Star rating. I hope to read more from Rachel Fordham in time to come.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
May 2024
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Very cute illustrations, but this goes without saying actually, since this book is about baby animals and their beginning endeavors at life. I found tVery cute illustrations, but this goes without saying actually, since this book is about baby animals and their beginning endeavors at life. I found the script to also be offered in a gently educational, almost subtle manner and feel this work for young children will be of great interest to them.
There's a range of animals mentioned such as: foals, elephants, seals, honey bears, orangutangs and many more, which will keep any child enthused. It would make for a pleasant reading session and time to connect with one's child, I'd say.
At book's end, are further short blurbs about the various animals named within the previous pages. These, perhaps are extras for slightly older children who can read and are keen on learning more about these babies in nature.
Together, author and illustrator have created a beautiful and enticing children's non-fiction book - at least in my humble opinion, they did.
I give this book a 5-Star rating.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
April 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
Although I found the narrative a slow start with all the many introductions of the characacters' whose who, the logjam eventually began to flow. It beAlthough I found the narrative a slow start with all the many introductions of the characacters' whose who, the logjam eventually began to flow. It became rather amusing to the point of outright laughter for me, and then the lure of curiostiy took over for figuring out the emeshing plethora of potential murderer culprits. Be sure to hold your breath for Miss Verity Clark.
Once again, the reader will meet Beatrice Hyde-Clare, aka, The Duchess Kesgrave, with her fine detecting skills, accompanied by her loving Duke husband, who together, work out all the intricacies. As this is Book XII in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries series, the reader will also meet other familiar personages from previous books. All-in-all, I found this mystery to be satisfactory, good clean fun.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
June 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher....more
There is cause for excitement and suspense as one flips through the pages of What We Hide. Mystery, murder, missing artifacts, alleged smuggling and sThere is cause for excitement and suspense as one flips through the pages of What We Hide. Mystery, murder, missing artifacts, alleged smuggling and such keep the reader curious. Secrets and surprizes also await the reader. I liked that there was mention of God and some other faith-based mentions such as forgiveness. Those who have lost a young child will be able to commiserate with Hez and Savannah's heartache and the aftermath fallout. Somehow or another they plowed through and things get solved but then, was there still something hidden? In my opinion, other readers may well be left hanging on that cliff as was I. Very clever 'ending'.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
May 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher....more
This is certainly a well named book. There is much bittersweetness within its pages and very real depiction of life's sorrows, jolts and joys. Women mThis is certainly a well named book. There is much bittersweetness within its pages and very real depiction of life's sorrows, jolts and joys. Women made strong thereby get through with help from God, each other and therapy. Themes laced throughout touched on prejudice, forgiveness and reconcilation. There's cautionary input regarding the wiles and lure of some men but also of decent manhood.
I loved the two-pronged timelines of the main protagonists, two sisters who were the great-great granddaughters of Tabitha who struggled but overcame. The parallel-like lives of the two different generations is notable, endearing and helpful to the younger women. Despite the bitterness there were the lovely good, tender and sweet times which gave balance to the emotions as one read through the saga.
I also liked the down-home feel and the input about the Gullah people group, which lent further character to the book with its lingo, recipes and community way of life. I had never heard of the Gullah folks before so this was of interest to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and found it to be a good satisfying read.
A 5-Star rating from me.
~Eunice C. Reviewer/Blogger~
March 2024
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This DIY challenge 'guidebook' takes quite a comprehensive, step-by-step look at scouting for, purchasing, financing, renovating and more, an akiya - This DIY challenge 'guidebook' takes quite a comprehensive, step-by-step look at scouting for, purchasing, financing, renovating and more, an akiya - a vacant &/or abandoned house in Japan. There are apparently a plethora of these and ripe for the picking if you know how. Anton Wormann, the author, doubles this book as a sort of journal of the 'how-to' and a memoir, with interesting tidbits of how he came about this new hobby. I liked that Wormann was sensitive to keeping Japanese traditional and cultural design while also bringing these 'old' homes into a more modern era. Since he is Swedish, he sprinkled some of his Scandinavian flavor into his Free Houses as well. BTW, the houses are not truly free, rather very cheap if you know how to look for the correct deal, Wormann is quick to inform.
The book did get somewhat technical for me in places. However, by reading this book I believe those who would be truly interested in such renovations could be inspired and benefitted greatly should they wish to engage in their own respective, potential purchases of free houses in Japan. A glossary of terms and of futher useful information such as website helps and of Wormann's own videos of his work, are shared at book's end.
Overall, I quite enjoyed learning about these houses and of some of the Japanese culture. And who knew an international model would take to modeling, or should I say remodeling, his own houses.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
June 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher....more
I would say that The Spirit of Fatherhood would be a great help and encouragment to most sincere, caring Dads. There are no how-to manuels attached toI would say that The Spirit of Fatherhood would be a great help and encouragment to most sincere, caring Dads. There are no how-to manuels attached to newborn babies, but if there were, I believe this would be it. It is very heartfelt and down-to-earth and faith based, written by a Dad to Dads. Topics range acutely attuned to Dads such as: prayers, successes in life, comparisons, honest communication, gratitude and so much more.
Author Larry Hagner uses examples from his own life and family relationships as well as from some of the Dads who had impacted him as he went about his ministry to them. In my opinion, this would make an excellent gift to any Dad at any stage of his fatherhood parenting days of balancing the husband, employee and Dad modes simultaneously.
It's a 5-Star rating from me.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
April 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher....more
The blend of some true WWII events and unfolding fiction on an island setting, spooked and spiked with a somewhat nail-biting tale that was mysteriousThe blend of some true WWII events and unfolding fiction on an island setting, spooked and spiked with a somewhat nail-biting tale that was mysteriously interconnected, fascinated me, keeping me ever more captivated as I read. I cannot say that I totally enjoyed it though due to some of the heartbreaking incidents that are angst-producing, keeping the reader on edge and even with a tissue in hand for weep mopping. The story did keep me coming back for more as the dual time lines and narrations between Ellen of the earlier years and Meredith of the more 'recent' times moved towards each other. I like the diary idea which helped to bridge the years.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
May 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher....more
This has been a really enjoyable book for me as a few elements pulled together to make it what it is. The struggle of women post the suffragettes gainThis has been a really enjoyable book for me as a few elements pulled together to make it what it is. The struggle of women post the suffragettes gaining the vote for them, and their moving into positions zealously guarded by men, such as doctors like Dr. Frances Brainspeare. The general struggles post WWI and dealing with the fallout of lost loved ones and/or maimed loved ones. A sprig of romance added flavor to the small town setting and these worked out satisfactorily to my way of thinking as women championed women, some of whom had gained male applause. The sprinkle of humor was the clincher for me right there alongside the author's wonderful way with words.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
May 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher....more
Excellent children's book about birding and guidance on ways to identify the various bird species. There are short but sweet sections about the indiviExcellent children's book about birding and guidance on ways to identify the various bird species. There are short but sweet sections about the individual birds but also those of similar species are given some notice. There is some advice offered such as being patient to spot the birds and also suggested activities a young birder could try, to enrich their bird-watching experiences.
Included color photographs of many birds enhance this educational reading exposure. The book is arranged to the different types of birds one would encounter in a wide range of landscape, for example, desert, wetlands, city, forests and more. A glossary furthers the learning for related bird-watching terms such as: camouflage, nocturnal and raptors among others.
All in all, I find this to be a fairly comprehensive read for a young reader to discover and/or along with his or her parent or guardian.
A 5-Star rating from me.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
April 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
This is such an excellent, educational activity book for pre-schoolers. In my opinion, parents, grandparents, and caregivers would find this a valuablThis is such an excellent, educational activity book for pre-schoolers. In my opinion, parents, grandparents, and caregivers would find this a valuable resource for teaching their little ones about God, their ABC's and even about life, in general.
Each letter of the alphabet has a Bible verse, a question, an activity or two accompanied by a short relating prayer. There are also cute illustrations that could amuse child and adult alike. All in all, I believe this a great choice for anyone looking for ideas in teaching children under their care.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
January 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher....more
There is much to recommend this second in a series, historical fiction narrative, such as community spirit and support during WWII's devastation; quilThere is much to recommend this second in a series, historical fiction narrative, such as community spirit and support during WWII's devastation; quilting; borrowing and reading books; volunteerism and the like. On the other hand there was the travesty and heartache that war brings, be it on the battlefront or at home. Through it all Cordelia, Jane and Mavis navigate and become friends to be counted upon.
However, I was not so thrilled with the spiritist input nor the bedroom intimacies, so there are those cautions for those who prefer not to read about these elements. Overall though, one can get the feel of the stress and distress of what folks back then lived through in those days in London's East End.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
April 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher....more
It is hoped that readers will respect this author by taking thoughtful, unhurried reading sessions of his dissertations (my word) in this biographicalIt is hoped that readers will respect this author by taking thoughtful, unhurried reading sessions of his dissertations (my word) in this biographical-like literary offering. Authors are often vulnerable to critics and skeptics so I feel this author has bravely stated many issues dealing with multicultural interest, syncretism, assimilation, acceptance of immigrants (even of those born in the adopted country and have become citizens thereof) by those who are the supposed, 'real' citizens of the 'new' chosen country.
In my opinion, M. G. Vassanji, the author, doesn't mince his words and cuts straight to the core issues. He deals with the good, the bad and the ugly; the frustrations and the bittersweet joys. So much of what he has had to say resonated with me and I could really relate with what this Indian-African author has had to share. However, I did get bogged down some by, ironically he proves his point, some topics he chose to tackle but I was able to understand the general idea.
It shocked me some as to what he had to say about such household names as David Livingstone and even Mahatma Gandi. I feel it's good for an author to stir up a reader, so any reader who has courage and integrity, should read this book. It has been good and even healing in some ways to read of others' similar struggles in view of trying to 'fit in' while still maintaining ones own original heritage. The book title is so, so appropo!!!
Thank-you, M. G. Vassanji!
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
What a delightful story despite the hardships encountered by Alice and BJ. This is a work of historical fiction that follows Britist convicts to Aust What a delightful story despite the hardships encountered by Alice and BJ. This is a work of historical fiction that follows Britist convicts to Australia and talks of the cruelites experienced by them. The reader will also discover surprizing threads of kindness stitched throughout. I was sorry to reach the end of the story which seemed to have come around so quickly. However, it does seem to me that there could well be a sequel to look forward to. I hope so. In my opinion, this is a great and clean read that even preteens could read.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
March 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGally and the publisher....more
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