👶👶👶👶: Wired and Connected: Brain-Based Solutions To Ensure Your Child’s Social and Emotional Success, by Craig A. Knippenberg

I'm always up for a good scientifically-based parenting book. 𝑊𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 is a great how-to manual that explains the best way to maximize children's brain potential socially, emotionally, and academically. This book addresses all of those important factors while using metaphors and stories to make it palatable for both adults and children.

With the understanding that "one philosophy of parenting or teaching does not fit all," Mr. Knippenberg simplifies three brain areas: the frontal lobe (the President), the limbic system (the Factory), and the mirror neuron system (Mirror) in an effort to help your understand the best way to help your child thrive.

Put your thinking cap on and pick up this book if you want to enjoy some Aha moments with regard to your children's behavior! Let's raise some resilient kiddos together!

I'm so grateful to Roger Charlie for sharing this very educational book with me!

Read 10/14/24

👶👶👶👶: The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, by Lynda Cohen Loigman

This was such an unexpectedly delightful novel! Generally, I'm a pretty serious reader, and most days, you'll catch me reading a historical fiction novel or memoir. But when the opportunity for this unique magical realism novel was presented, I thought, 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕? and my goodness, am I happy I did!

Told in dual timeline format, this story dips into Augusta Stern's life both as a teen in New York and later as an 80-year-old woman in Florida, where she encounters an old flame. The entire time, the reader is brought along on this mini mystery quest to find out why their relationship ended all that time ago.

Generally, in dual timelines, I am most often immersed in the past, as it is often a richer, more in-depth story. However, I'll be honest, both of these time periods had me fully invested. I truly adored the focus on octogenarians and their ability to lead a very fulfilling existence, despite their old age.

If you're looking for a charming, insightful novel that's sure to bring a smile to your face, look no further!

So grateful to St. Martin's Press for this gifted review copy.

Read 10/8/24

👶👶👶: A Place to Hide, by Ronald H. Balson

Comin' atcha on this World Smile Day with gratitude for all of my blessings. Each time I read a novel about WWII, it hits me how privileged we are here in the USA to be so far across the pond and to have avoided so much horror in both World Wars.

This particular story enlightened me on the plight of the Netherlands in WWII. Despite their neutrality that kept them from the atrocities of the First World War, unfortunately, that didn't stop Hitler from incurring his wrath this time around.

This particular story follows Teddy Hartigan as he is assigned as US Consulate in Amsterdam in a quickly declining situation. Teddy, along with help from those closest to him, manages to save the lives of many children.

I found this book informative, and I always appreciate the effort that goes into writing historical fiction. The multiple timelines added an interesting element, albeit using a common method, a journalist as an audience surrogate. I would say this book is written in a very straightforward manner, perhaps lacking the depth I crave in these stories. It would be a good novel for young adults, in my opinion, offering crucial history lessons along the way.

Many thanks to partner, St. Martin's Press for this gifted review copy.

Read 10/3/24

👶👶👶: The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux, by M.J. Robotham

90-year-old Ruby Devereaux isn't one to back down from a challenge, especially when she can drop some jaws along the way. So when her publisher demands she fulfill her contract and write one more book, Ruby ultimately obliges, but does so on her own terms, adding some shock value along the way.

This novel takes readers on a romp through a good portion of the 20th century, all while learning a few of the "scandalous" details of the many loves of her life.

Overall, it was an entertaining read. I enjoyed Ruby's feisty nature and her assertion of her female autonomy. I'm probably not in the target audience, but for the most part, I still enjoyed Ruby's escapades throughout the decades - even the farfetched ones. I will admit, the historical fiction aspect kept me interested for sure. If romance tropes are your shtick, this novel certainly covers several of them!

Many thanks to partner, @kayepublicity for this #gifted review copy.

Read 8/20/24

👶👶👶: Beneath a Crescent Shadow, by A.L. Sowards

Set in medieval Serbia, this historical fiction novel takes readers way back in time to the 14th century. As one would expect, the novel includes all the sultans, knights, battles, jousting, and even arranged marriages common in this time period. At the center of this novel is a love story, as Vassal Konstantin is betrothed to the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Suzana, in order to avoid losing his lands. Things get tricky as he bears the weight of struggles within the feudalistic system under the control of the Ottoman Empire.

I don't generally gravitate toward Christian novels, so I hesitated when asked to review this novel. However, because the medieval ages were known for their extreme religiosity, Ms. Sowards' inclusion of religious themes didn't feel egregious or forced. In addition, romance is not a genre I'm attracted to (no pun intended), so I must give kudos to the author for not making me want to run the other way. She is a talented writer, and as far as the historical aspect, she really did her homework! To boot, the cover is a stunna😍!

Many thanks to partner, TLC Book Tours for this gifted review copy.

Read 9/1/24

👶👶👶👶: The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice, by Dan Slepian

WOWOWOWOW Dan Slepian ! What an incredible book filled with true stories of the unjust realities plaguing our criminal justice system. As a Dateline investigative journalist, Mr. Slepian unearthed some disturbing details that will make the average American's jaw drop. These are actual cases in which he helped free wrongly-accused inmates after tireless effort.

One would assume these cases were tried in such a manner that mistakes were made by prosecutors and juries in convicting these people - that the accused must have found themselves on the wrong side of the law because they had made bad decisions or were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, this book contradicts these long-held assumptions; these were often cases where the accused were either nowhere near the crime scene, were not criminals beforehand, and/or had strong alibis to support their innocence. I was blown away by these stories, knowing that any day, any one of us could be wrongfully convicted, and it would take decades to clear our name despite overwhelming evidence proving our innocence.

Dan Slepian's writing was engrossing, and I found myself unable to tear myself away. True crime followers, you'll love this book. But even people like me who have never watched a full episode of Dateline will be lured in by the stories Mr. Slepian has presented.

Kudos Mr. Slepian for not only uncovering the truth, but for giving these people back their rightly-owed freedom. I am in disbelief that this happens so frequently in this great nation of ours. But I am also grateful to learn of these stories and men like JJ who have turned something that could have destroyed them into something that holds others up and gives them hope in these rather hopeless situations.

Many, many thanks to partners, Celadon Books
and NetGalley for these gifted review copies.

Read 9/19/24

👶👶👶👶: Mercury, by Amy Jo Burns

Temperatures rise in this hometown mystery set in the small town of Mercury, Pennsylvania. Marley, a drifter who has spent the better part of her youth traipsing from town to town as her vagabond mother searches for work, finds herself drawn into the Joseph family's drama. Amy Jo Burns does a wonderful job with character development, and I found myself completely enthralled in the family dynamics! Albeit a whole lot of crazy in this small town, it was a story with rich layers that delved into human frailty. Of course, I figured out whodunit early on, but luckily, that didn't detract from the story.

Many thanks to Celadon Books for this gifted coming-of-age novel.

Read 4/6/24

👶👶👶👶👶: Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning, by Liz Cheney

Paulo Coelho once said, "The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion."

Nowhere is this more evident than by the integrity and bravery exhibited by Liz Cheney. As a lifetime member of the Republican party and mother of 5, she had nothing to gain and absolutely everything to lose by her courageous actions after the January 6th insurrection, and yet, she persevered.

No matter which side of the aisle you are on, this is an absolute MUST READ. Ms. Cheney goes into depth regarding the events that occurred before, during, and immediately after the insurrection. All. Of. The. Irrefutable. Nonpartisan. Facts. She even narrates her own book and does a tremendous job!

Here is just a taste of the powerful messages relayed in this book:

"I knew from my time overseas, a free society that abandons the truth - that abandons the rule of law - cannot remain free."

"The assumption that our institutions will protect themselves is purely wishful thinking by people who prefer to look the other way."

"Margaret Thatcher said this: 'Let it never be

said that the dedication of those who love freedom is less than the determination of those who would destroy it.'""A person with that kind of power - to intimidate and threaten and motivate others to carry out violent acts - does not just slowly fade into the background."

"As a nation, we can endure damaging policies for a four-year term. But we can not survive a president willing to terminate our Constitution."

"Our oaths are not given to any specific president. They are given to preserve the constitutional structure that has governed our republic for over 230 years. The oath does not bend or yield to popular sentiment

mob rule, or political threats."

This was an absolutely a worthy and important read.

Read 4/25/24

👶👶👶: The Disappeared, by Rebecca J. Sanford

It is amazing how many stories are based on tragic and inhumane events in history. Each time I read a new one, I am certain I have read them all, and each time, I am shocked anew😢. How can leaders in government exact such vicious cruelty on humans? This question haunts me each time I learn of persecutions in the name of absolute power under the guise of justice.

In this particular novel, based on actual events, @rebeccajsanford takes us into the heart of Argentina's Dirty War of the late 1970s. At a time when political upheaval was at its worst in the form of a military dictatorship, Lorena Ledesma and her husband are kidnapped, without a trace, from their home.

The rest of the story is a split timeline between the past and current day, where we learn more and more of what actually happened from that day forward. I had never heard of the Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group of women who fought tirelessly to hold the dictatorship accountable for the loss of their children and grandchildren. Thank you, Ms. Sanford, for enlightening me.

I am always a fan of a solid historical fiction novel that that can be read by young people as well. Because this novel reads a bit like YA, it is one that can span many ages and educate the masses.

Many thanks to partner @tlcbooktours for this #gifted review copy.

Read 8/13/24

👶👶👶👶: By Any Other Name, by Jodi Picoult

Imagine if Shakespeare's works had actually been written by a female (gasp😮)! Well, no need to imagine it because the marvelous Jodi Picoult has whipped up this well-researched story based on real-life speculation about Emilia Bassano (aka Aemilia Lanyer). In this wild reimagining of what truly went down back in the late 1500s, we are reminded that an indomitable spirit and a willingness to think (or write) outside the box is sometimes all it takes to overcome injustice.

Here's the real question: is there any story Jodi Picoult can't tackle?! It is always obvious how much effort and research Ms. Picoult puts into her work, and this novel is certainly no exception. In stepping further back in history than usual, she has shown us that, wildly enough, women of today face many of the same issues that women of the 16th century faced!

Told in alternating voices from different time periods, this is a tale of hindered female talent and overcoming obstacles. Throw in Picoult's signature twist, and you've got a story for the ages (quite literally)!

Many thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 8/20/24

👶👶👶👶👶: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, by Tia Levings

There are some books I read that I just want to skywrite the importance of. Tia Levings has bared her soul in this unputdownable memoir filled with heart, grit, and jaw-dropping courage. Being part of the homeschool community, but not having made the choice for religious reasons, I have been caught off guard a few times by brow-raising comments from homeschool moms. Some have admitted they can only vote for whomever the husband decides, that they have to get approval for homeschool curriculum from their husbands even though they are the primary teacher, and that they did not want to have a gaggle of children, but it wasn't their choice. I have been told that the husband is the only one who is able lead the family to heaven, that they must tolerate their husband's cruelty because divorce is not an option, and that the bible says they should be submissive to their spouse under any and all circumstances. Many of these comments have left me scratching my head, but it wasn't until I read this eye-opening book that I realized that many of these women have no choice in these matters. Not only have they been raised in this belief system, but these realities are also a closely guarded secret that many never reveal. This book shines light on the fact that many ultra-conservative Christian women are in an abusive situation that they cannot escape and includes some horrific details that absolutely broke my heart. It angers me to no end when people hide behind their religion, but to use religion in such a perverse way that excuses domestic violence is evil on another level. I have been a Christian all my life, but I refuse to accept that Christ would ever sanction abuse in any form, especially within the family unit.

This book sheds light on religious extremism and how it can infiltrate family life, communities, and even politics. Tia Levings I am in awe of you for speaking out🙏🏼.

Many thanks to partners, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 8/13/24

👶👶👶👶: Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp, by Michelle Moran

What a lovely read Michelle Moran ! This unique take on Maria Von Trapp brought me so much joy! This is actually a novel about the creation of the musical 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 and brings to light several nuances I was unaware of. As soon as Penguin Random House reached out asking if I was interested in a review copy of this novel, there was no hesitation in my response! What a privilege to be an early reader of this gem!

Each page brought back a flood of memories of this classic musical, and I just couldn't put it down. The story takes place in the late 50s during the making of the unforgettable musical. Maria Von Trapp is none too pleased with Hammerstein and the way her life story has been changed. The resulting meetings between Maria and Hammerstein's assistant allow us to see the "real story" through her descriptions. Things don't veer too far off course (aside from the truth behind Leisl, IYKYK😂), until after midway through the book. At that point, the true history begins to deviate from the musical, which is quite fascinating, and you'll just have to read to find out!

I loved every minute and highly recommend it for 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 fans!!! I haven't stopped singing the songs since I turned the last page of the book!

Thank you so much, partners Penguin Random House & NetGalley for this gifted review copy!

Read 7/27/24

👶👶👶👶👶: The Briar Club, by Kate Quinn

I've learned, through the years, that you just can't go wrong with a Kate Quinn novel. She has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, and I relish her work. Honestly, I've tried many a cozy mystery, and it is rare that I read one that I absolutely love, but this one was certainly an exception. Throw in some historical fiction, and I'm hooked from page one.

Set in DC during the Second Red Scare, it was fascinating to learn about the fear that enveloped people during that time. I fell in love with nearly every character, as they were all incredibly well-fleshed-out. I so love the concept of making the house itself a viable character; it added just the right touch of humor and charm to the story.

It was so witty of Ms. Quinn to include a nod to The Rose Code by including a relative of a character in that novel. I also appreciated that not only was the culprit of the crime a mystery for the reader, but so was the identity of the victim! The reader is therefore strung along in the hopes of discovering these two curious mysteries🤔. It was also fun to discover the back stories of all of the characters along the way, and each one was more intriguing than the next. And I can't forget to rave about the recipes included with a humorous twist (iykyk😂).

Bravo, Ms. Quinn! What a privilege to be given a gifted review copy prior to pub day, from partners , William Morrow Books and Netgalley! Thanks so much!

Read 7/9/24

👶👶👶👶: Looking for Smoke, by K.A. Cobell

I get so excited for new authors when they hit it out of the park with their debut novels! Pop off K.A. Cobell! This story was powerful and truly demanded my attention from the first page. Although it is considered a YA novel, it is smartly written and incredibly informative. As an OwnVoices author, Ms. Cobell has written a murder mystery with heart and substance. I learned so much about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, which advocates for the end of violence against Native women. The data shared in this novel is staggering: 𝙁𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙄𝙉 𝙁𝙄𝙑𝙀 Native women have experienced violence, and their murder rate is 𝙏𝙀𝙉 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝘼𝙑𝙀𝙍𝘼𝙂𝙀!!! Can we just take a moment to digest that? That is absolutely horrifying and unacceptable. Thankfully, more light is being shed on this tragedy: President Biden selected May 5th as Missing Murdered & Indigenous People day, and more and more people are recognizing the seriousness of these crimes happening right here in our backyard. We can not just stand by and allow this to happen to these women, and must spread awareness in any way we can.

Many thanks to partners, Harper Collins and NetGalley for this gifted review copy. What an important read!

Read 6/16/24

👶👶👶: Klara's Truth, by Susan Weissbach Friedman

Susan Weissbach Friedman debuts with this fictional account of Dr. Klara Lieberman, a professor of archaeology in Maine, who discovers hidden family secrets a world away. The story takes readers through Klara's journey of self-discovery and her revelations of how one's past can shape the present. Although it's a current-day story and can't technically be labeled as historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised to read so many historical references regarding post-WWII Poland.

The story was written in a very straightforward manner, and read to me like a YA novel, and can therefore be enjoyed by readers of a wide age range!

Many thanks to partners, BookSparks and She Writes Press for this gifted review copy.

Read 6/14/24

👶👶👶: The Limits, by Nell Freudenberger

Get ready for some drama surrounding my favorite topic, and yours, the Covid years! I applaud how Nell Freudenberger captured the emotions and uncertainty of the years surrounding the Covid pandemic. It still seems to be a surreal experience in light of all that happened. This particular story took place in two very different parts of the world: NYC & Mo'Orea island in French Polynesia. It follows the lives of 4 people all bound together by familial obligation. The overarching protagonist, 15-year-old Pia, is the glue that binds - as she is shuttled between her mother, a scientist in Mo'Orea and her father, a doctor, and his young wife in NYC.

The novel takes readers back to that most trying time in our very recent history. Ms. Freudenberger excelled in bringing me right back to the feelings, emotions, and struggles of Covid. There were so many things I had forgotten, things that were so unknown and absolutely terrifying at the time. It was a good reminder of what we've overcome.

I especially appreciated the historical information of nuclear testing in and around the islands, which I knew little about. But you all know I'm a sucker for a good history lesson!

I will admit that some of the technical descriptions of the research went over my head, and I could've done without so much French dialogue that wasn't always fully translated. I didn't like how casually teen sex was approached, if I'm honest, and Pia's infatuation with a much older man was uncomfy for me. I also didn't love the May/December marriage - it was evident Pia's father wasn't fully over his first wife.

However, this story tackles a lot aside from Covid, including broken families, poverty, politics, and environmental degradation as it pertains to mining of coral reefs. I feel as though the author handled each topic with care and respect.

Many thanks to partners, Alfred A. Knopf and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 6/16/24

👶👶👶👶👶: You're Not Done Yet: Parenting Young Adults in an Age of Uncertainty, by B. Janet Hibbs & Anthony Rostain

Yeah, so this book will be living rent-free inside my head for a good, long time. What a wonderful surprise to receive this book from partner St. Martin's Press . How did you know I needed this treasure trove of useful information so desperately???!!!

What a wealth of knowledge for those of us wading through the waters of adult parenting. No one ever told me this would be harder than parenting my little people!!! The separation and letting go is enough to kill me😭😭😭! How will my babies never live in my household again😮‍💨?! But I digress...

This is a small but mighty reference book filled with anecdotes, case studies, and step-by-step guides about letting go and giving your children wings to fly, while still offering the nurturing support they so desperately need. I love how the authors address the very real changes that Covid introduced, along with a no-nonsense approach to parenting adult kids and learning to guide them without alienating them. There's no judgment, no harsh criticism, just a sure-fire way to develop a strong bond with your newly formed adult.

So, if like me, you're looking for a beacon in the perilous waters of parenting your 20-something, RUN to the bookstore and grab yourself a copy! You won't regret it!

Read 5/20/24

👶👶👶👶: The Hudson Collection, by Jocelyn Green

It's always a privilege to receive a book from partner, Bethany House by Jocelyn Green! I've enjoyed each of her books and am so grateful to be among the first to enjoy this newest release!

Leave it to Ms. Green to enchant us with intriguing historical fiction. And as part of her On Central Park series, New York of yesteryear is once again brought to life. While reading her books, I'm always filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of this bygone era. She weaves so much rich detail into her stories, and this one was no exception...

In this installment, we meet Elsa, an ornithologist affected by polio as a child. What was once her dream job at the American Museum of Natural History has become a bit mundane, until she's offered a chance at procuring a bird collection left to the museum by a very wealthy family. What follows is a beguiling story filled with imagination and heart. Readers are also treated to a little mystery and a delightful romance.

Be prepared to read about wide-ranging topics such as bird species, Eugenics, polio, autism, and PTSD. Jocelyn Green leaves no stone unturned!

Read 6/4/24

👶👶: A Short Walk Through a Wide World, by Douglas Westerbeke

I feel like this novel was an attempt to impart some ethereal wisdom that I was supposed to appreciate, but all I can say is, "What the hayl did I just read???!!!" Clearly, I was not intelligent enough to understand what the author was hoping to promulgate. Honestly, it took me FOREVER to finish this book... like 2 months😱!!! I just couldn't get into it, but I never gave up! The bloody scenes were just too much for me to stomach, and such a strange way to move the plot along. The frustration of Aubrey never being able to escape her unbidden reality only ended up frustrating me.

This book was likened to Addie LaRue, which is the reason I chose to read it, but I must respectfully disagree. Whereas I absolutely adored Addie LaRue, I muddled through this one. I feel terrible being so forthright about my feelings with regard to the book because I know this was the author's debut and he poured his heart into it, but I must be honest, it just wasn't for me. 

However, don't discount it just because of my opinion - if your thing is magical realism with moments of horror, and a tinge of mystery, this might be your cup of tea! But beware of a nonlinear and confusing (for me) storyline that will leave you with many unanswered questions.

Truth be told, I just don't think I was the target audience, so Ima go rinse my palate with something light and lovely.

Many thanks to partners, Avid Reader Press & NetGalley for this gifted review copy! So sorry I didn't love it y'all🙈.

Read 5/22/24

👶👶👶👶: The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, by Natasha Lester

I'm a massive fan of Natasha Lester's historical fiction novels, and her latest certainly did not disappoint! Told as multi-generational story, this was one with substance and grit and had me diving down the rabbit hole to learn more about the talented Mizza Bricard and her status as Christian Dior's advisor and muse. There was also a fun cameo of a former Lester character, Alix St. Pierre!

Leave it to Natasha Lester to weave a seamless triple timeline into one unforgettable story. Filled with intrigue and emotion, this novel grabbed my interest at each turn and captured the authenticity of each of the three eras. The girl power was all at once exciting and dispiriting, as each of the women dealt with the societal strongholds imposed on them in their own ways. Throw in a little romance, and you've got the makings of a fabulous historical fiction novel!

Many thanks to Read Forever Pub and Netgalley for this gifted e-copy. It was quite an adventure through the multiple generations!

Read 5/13/2024