At the Hotel Balzaar you can feel the magic from the lobby all the way up to the attic.
Little Marta lives a quiet life and stays out of the way while At the Hotel Balzaar you can feel the magic from the lobby all the way up to the attic.
Little Marta lives a quiet life and stays out of the way while her mother cleans the hotel. They have a collection of special left-behind items that help brighten their days as they wait for Marta's father to find them again.
An enigmatic countess comes to stay with her General parrot Blitzkoff. She calls Marta her little ray of light -- just as her father does. Is there a connection between the countess and Marta's father? The countess promises the answer her questions by telling her stories. How many will it take? Can Marta be patient and hold on? What about her mother?
Full of the magical elements we have come to love from Kate DiCamillo and brimming with evocative black and white illustrations, this is a classic in the making. I loved it!
Thank you to Candlewick and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
Psalm 23 is the song of one who has traveled with God and knows--without a shadow of a doubt--that He provides, shelters, comforts, and leads His peopPsalm 23 is the song of one who has traveled with God and knows--without a shadow of a doubt--that He provides, shelters, comforts, and leads His people through every beautiful and hard place of life's journey. What more could a parent wish for a child than to sing that song? ~ Ruth Chou Simons
With her signature artistic flair, Ruth Chou Simons gives us a new look at Psalm 23. As noted in her quote (a part of the introductory letter to the book), this is a message to her six boys and reminder of what they have been taught.
If you are looking for a baby gift, graduation gift, new grandparent gift, or a book to share with your own children; look no further. This new title will be available on September 24, 2024.
For when God is with you. . . Home is right where you are.
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Thank you to Tommy Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
A family of four decides to go camping. How hard could it be?
They discover it is definitely harder than it looks. Perhaps this shiny, new park called A family of four decides to go camping. How hard could it be?
They discover it is definitely harder than it looks. Perhaps this shiny, new park called "Campingland" is the answer. Nothing is left to chance. Even the fish are waiting to be caught.
Nope that is too easy. Back to the drawing board.
Perhaps they just need a bit more planning. . .
Ame Dyckman and James Burks team up to give us an entertaining look at the art of camping. A friend of mine likes to say there is no bad weather, only inadequate clothing. I think we could apply that truth to the family camping trip. There is no bad camping trip, only inadequate planning.
If your family likes to spend time in a tent, trailer, or RV bus you should check out this colorful and engaging new picture book....more
Julie Parker has a cabin full of family for Christmas. At times I almost imagined that cabin was a clown car in reverse. People kept showing up and shJulie Parker has a cabin full of family for Christmas. At times I almost imagined that cabin was a clown car in reverse. People kept showing up and she was the hostess with the mostest. Here are four things I liked:
Apparently Liz Alterman is one of those authors whose writing clicks with my brain as I am a bit of an outlier on this one.It's a slippery slope. . .
Apparently Liz Alterman is one of those authors whose writing clicks with my brain as I am a bit of an outlier on this one. I had also hinted at wanting a sequel to her previous title The Perfect Neighborhood and there is a crossover character in this new release.
If you enjoy suburban thrillers you should give this one a try. A young mother is new to the Manhattan adjacent neighborhood and oblivious to the fact that there have been tragedies connected to her new home -- the one her husband snatched up for them at a bargain price. She should have known better in this housing market.
Liz Alterman gives us two POVs. Laurel lives in the house now with husband Rob and their two kids. Corey is a previous owner and has run to Florida to escape her past. How will their lives intersect in the present? Which of Laurel's neighbors is the problem child? The nosy older woman with too much advice and an ever ready plate of muffins? Or the vivacious single with wine and a listening ear at the ready? This does go into OTT territory, but I totally enjoyed the ride. I will definitely be watching for the next book from this author.
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
You will need your tissues! If we were to watch this on TV, Puffs would definitely be a sponsor. This is not a fluffy, feel good love story. Joseph anYou will need your tissues! If we were to watch this on TV, Puffs would definitely be a sponsor. This is not a fluffy, feel good love story. Joseph and Evelyn are a memorable couple and there are some who would compare this to The Notebook, Me Before You, and other similar emotional rollercoaster reads. So, you have been warned!
What if your only love, your wife for more than 50 years is diagnosed with Parkinson's? That is the dilemma Joseph and Evelyn wrestle with in this debut from Amy Neff. After considering their options and reviewing past experiences, the two decide that they want to exit this life together on their own terms.
Understandably their children (Jane, Thomas, and Violet) are horrified and immediately start working on talking them out of this plan. Joseph believes that his love for Evelyn cannot stand the separation and the two hold fast to their one-year plan. Meanwhile, Neff takes us back in time to the 1930's when the two grew up as next door playmates. In alternating chapters, we see the current year advancing from 2001 into 2002 and the love story of Evelyn and Joseph with all its setbacks and triumphs.
I appreciated seeing the story from both points of view (and even some of the kids). There were some heartbreaking and heartwarming moments --all tissue-worthy! My one objection to the story was the total lack of religious commitment and that made it a bit difficult for me to connect with these two.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
You got me, A.J. McDine. I thought I had this mystery all wrapped up. Was I ever wrong! Lara Beckett's job as a wedding photographer is just the tickeYou got me, A.J. McDine. I thought I had this mystery all wrapped up. Was I ever wrong! Lara Beckett's job as a wedding photographer is just the ticket for taking us all on a trip to find a killer. Can that man on the balcony in the background really be her missing brother-in-law Jason? Why is he back in the Tidehaven area? Is he back to finish what he started? For a family traumatized by a mass murder in their past, this new development threatens to undo any healing that might have taken place in the past ten years, especially for 15-year-old Lily Crello who struggles with survivor's guilt.
Our story comes from Lara, Lily, and a surprise end chapters narrator. I thought the pacing was just perfect and found it to be a riveting read. For readers who have enjoyed Daniel Hurst books on audio, you will recognize an old friend, Tamsin Kennard, when listening to this one.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for both an audio and digital copy in return for an honest review....more
When a twenty-something girl named Rosie loses her Great Aunt Dotty, her life plans seem to nosedive. And without Dotty there to talk to, Rosie is at When a twenty-something girl named Rosie loses her Great Aunt Dotty, her life plans seem to nosedive. And without Dotty there to talk to, Rosie is at a loss. This was another buddy read with Tina. Be sure to check out her insightful take on this read.
All the big brothers in the world could learn a few things from Hank Hooperman. Talk about a kid who has a few challenges. His little sister Boo is juAll the big brothers in the world could learn a few things from Hank Hooperman. Talk about a kid who has a few challenges. His little sister Boo is just three and Hank is eleven. Their mother disappears and after a week, Hank has to do something. They travel across town to stay with a good friend of the grandma they lost a year ago. And wait for their mom. And wait. And wait. This book is a heartbreaking reminder that good parenting takes work and it is hard for broken people to consistently care for their kids. Loved the people Hank and Boo met who stepped up to fill the gap left by the family members who were lost or missing in action. One thing that Hank can consistently work at is basketball. His name is just perfect. I dare you to read this book and not want Hank Hooperman to be your big brother.
A big thank you to Knopf Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
This new release from Rhonda McKnight is full of forgiveness and food. How did I not know about jar cakes? Have I had my head in the sand? They look jThis new release from Rhonda McKnight is full of forgiveness and food. How did I not know about jar cakes? Have I had my head in the sand? They look just delightful. In truth, the cooking and baking in this book made my mouth water. And the stories of sisterhood and motherhood were heartwarming.
Two sisters -- Mariah and Sabrina -- are called to the low country in South Carolina to help save the family restaurant: Tabby's Meats and Sweets. These two women have been estranged and each has their own current crises to deal with. Past hurts have kept them apart. If they can share each other's burdens, there is hope for the family.
The Tabby in the restaurant name is their great grandmother. Her story is a third perspective and takes us back to the 1920's and 30's. I really enjoyed her perspective and her grit. She may have made some mistakes, but she really had the deck stacked against her.
If you enjoy Southern fiction filled with grace and good eating, give this one a try. I struggled a bit with the gullah speakers (that's a me problem). I'm guessing if I were native to this part of the country it might not feel so foreign.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
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