MINI REVIEWS - CHILDREN'S BOOKS - BY CAROLE P. ROMAN

    

  

pics and descriptions taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTIONS:

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN ITALY - Join Carole P. Roman as she visits the Republic of Italy. Learn what it is like to live in Rome, see the famous architecture, celebrate a favorite holiday and discover popular names for both boys and girls. Be fascinated with it's diverse and rich history and colorful traditions. On the way, you might learn a word or two in Italian!

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN EGYPT  - Join Carole P. Roman when she visits the stunning and exciting land of Egypt in the newest book of her informative series. Learn why this ancient land often called "the cradle of civilization." Travel down the Nile to discover Egypt's fascinating history. See the land through the eyes of a youngster like you and understand what life is like in this exotic place. Don't forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair world traveler. 

BEING A CAPTAIN IS HARD WORK - Captain No Beard is determined to travel to Dew Rite Volcano. He won't listen when Mongo predicts a storm or Linus indicates they are headed in the wrong direction. He insists Polly cook in the galley even though the seas are getting rough. What's a crew to do with a stubborn, know-it-all captain? 

Will they convince the captain he is barreling headlong into danger, or will Captain No Beard jeopardize both his safety and the crew’s with his single-minded determination to go where he wants? 

CAN A PRINCESS BE A FIREFIGHTER? - Two little girls pepper their father with questions about whether or not they can be a profession and still be a princess. Motivated by her granddaughter's fascination with all things 'princess, ' Carole P. Roman penned this adorable poem celebrating all the wonderful possibilities waiting ahead for them

ROCKET-BYE - Carole P. Roman travels to the stars, orbiting the moon and rocketing past planets in this adorable journey to the far reaches of the galaxy. A beautiful bedtime poem, this verse is sure to delight any child before they go to sleep.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN ITALY - I love these books.  They are so great for little kids.  It's a great way to expose them to new countries, and cultures!  It's fun to learn the words for simple things like Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa.  You learn about what they are famous for.  It's just a great book to expose little kids to new cultures.

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN EGYPT - Another book in Roman's series of countries.  Each ones of these books has interesting facts about the country.  Egypt is a transcontinental country, which means is it both in Africa and Egypt.  Just fun facts.  Sweet, short stories for kids.  Full of fun facts!  

BEING A CAPTAIN IS HARD WORK - I love the stories of Captain No Beard.  They always teach a lesson and have little facts in them as well.   They keep kids interested in fun facts about the world, through wonderful illustrations, and adventures.  This particular Captain No Beard teaches about clouds, and what kinds there are, and stubbornness.  Brings kids attention to being willing to listen to others.  Sweet, fun, beautiful book.

CAN A PRINCESS BE A FIREFIGHTER? -  Again Roman teaches a wonderful lesson in this book.  I LOVED this book.  LOVED IT!  This book teaches little girls that they can be anything they want if they just put their minds to it.  I love stories that teach kids that they can dream and set goals and have a good time doing it.   Such a sweet, sweet book.

ROCKET-BYE - This is another fun book.  This is a bed time story that teaches about the stars, and the planets.  What a fun way to teach kids about the universe.   I even learned more about the stars.  It was fun.  I love it when authors bring things to life for kids that are facts they probably wouldn't be interested in any other way, at a young age.

MY OVER ALL RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - UNDER DIFFERENT STARS - BY AMY A. BARTOL

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Kricket Hollowell is normally not one to wish upon stars; she believes they’re rarely in her favor. Well versed at dodging caseworkers from Chicago’s foster care system, the past few years on her own have made Kricket an expert at the art of survival and blending in. With her 18th birthday fast approaching, she dreams of the day when she can stop running and find what her heart needs most: a home.

Trey Allairis hates Earth and doubts that anyone from his world can thrive here. What he’s learning of Kricket and her existence away from her true home only confirms his theory. But, when he and Kricket lie together under the stars of Ethar, counting them all may be easier than letting her go.

Kyon Ensin’s secrets number the stars; he knows more about Kricket's gifts than anyone and plans to possess her because of them. He also knows she’s more valuable than any fire in the night sky. He’ll move the heavens and align them all in order to make her his own.

When everything in their world can be broken, will Kricket rely upon love to save her under different stars? 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I have been consuming audio books like crazy lately.  There has just been too much to do around here to be able to sit down and actually read a book.  Thank goodness I love audio books :).

Kricket, is a run away.  She is living with her best friend Bridgett that she met in the foster care system.  Bridgett is 18 and graduated from social services, so Kricket ran away to live with her until she turns 18.

Kricket keeps odd jobs that pay her under the table so that she can stay hidden from social services.  That is until one day on the train she meets three men, who seem to know her, and narrowly escapes.

Unfortunately, there are more men out looking for her as well.  Trey and his men have been sent to Earth to find Kricket and return her to Ethar.  Kricket isn't too keen on this plan but knows that she can "trust" Trey and his friends.  

Kricket has a gift for knowing when someone is telling the truth or not.  As their journey takes them back to Ethar, Kricket learns more about her family than she has ever known.   

Kricket cannot seem to wrap her head around the fact that she may be a priestess in Ethar, when all she wants is to return to Earth to be with her friends.  

This story was so fantastic.  Kricket is such a great, strong character.  She is witty, and funny all in one.  Kricket is determined to make those around her know she can take care of herself.  Yet, someone always wants something from her.  On Ethar Krickets ability to know when someone is lying comes in handy.

Kricket has some growing feelings for Trey.  Listening to their story unfold was so much fun.  I cannot wait to see what the next book brings.  The world that Bartol has built is wonderful.  The characters that she brings to life in this book are amazing.  Her story telling ability is beautiful.  Bring on book 2 :)!

Source:  I bought this audio book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and  bio taken from Goodreads

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: www.amyabartol.weebly.com 

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A BREAK OF DAY (A SHADE OF VAMPIRE BOOK 7) - BY BELLA FORREST

pic and description taken from audible.com

DESCRIPTION:

Everything Sofia believed to be true has crumbled before her very eyes...

Secrets will be revealed, loyalties tested and trust broken.

Are you ready to return to The Shade?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

So much is happening in this book.  Will Derek and Sofia and their band of vampires be able to defeat the Elders?  Will Sofia and Derek be able to convince the Ageless, and the Hawks to join forces against the Elders, and bring peace back to the shade?  So many questions.  So many factors need to fall into place in this book.  

I have loved the journey this series has taken.  I love that regardless of what Sofia and Derek are faced with they always seem to find a way back to each other.  

I love how fiercely loyal some of the Shade vampires, and humans are to Derek and Sofia.  I really love how Sofia can always find the good in any situation.  

The battle for what is right is fantastic through the whole series.  I love how this book wrapped everything up into a nice little bow.  That is how all books should end in my opinion.  If a series ends bad then it ruins the whole thing for me.  I know that there is more books to this story, but this book ends the way I wanted it to, so I think I am going to take a break from it for a while.   I need to revel in the fact that everyone is living happily ever after for a while.  Plus I don't want the continuation to end in a way I don't see fit ;).  Then it will ruin the whole series for me.

If you like vampire stories, with suspense, battles, friendships, unlikely alliances, and romance, then pick this series up.  I think you will enjoy it.  It's a sappy love story, but sometimes that is what I am in the mood for. 

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

bio taken from amazon.com

I guess my life as a writer started when I was five; I'd sit under the kitchen table with my box of multi-colored wax crayons (I miss those) and create picture books. Creative writing was always my favorite subject and I used any free time I had to sit down with a notepad. Not much has changed, except that now I have developed vampirish habits: my writing "day" typically starts at 1am. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of cookie ice cream. When working I have to disconnect the internet for fear of being endlessly distracted by websites such as www.icanhas.cheezburger.com. This is my website: www.bellaforrest.net And don't forget to come say hello on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AShadeOfVampire

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A GATE OF LIGHT (A SHADE OF VAMPIRE BOOK 6 - BY BELLA FORREST

pic and description taken from audible.com

DESCRIPTION:

Derek and Sofia are finally enjoying a well-deserved break. Staying at a resort with good food, sun and sea, Sofia is thrilled to witness Derek's re-introduction to the human world. They would almost be mistaken for a normal young couple, if it were not for the red-eyed monster lurking in the shadows and watching their every move, waiting for his signal to pounce....

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

**** may be spoilers ****

Finally things seem to be going well for Sofia and Derek.  They finally get some much needed time together and away from the Shade, and all the evil that has been going on.  Or so they thought.

Derek and Sofia bask in the sun for a while, enjoying Derek's life as a human.  Sofia gets to introduce him to food, and dancing and all the things she has enjoyed in her life.  Yet something is lurking in the shadows.

The Elders want Sofia, and the Ageless want Derek.  Torn apart again, can Derek convince the ageless to tell him where Sofia is?  Will Derek be able to find his precious wife before she delivers their children?

Ugh, can these two just be together already?  Every time there seems to be a glimmer of hope some one  or some thing comes in to take that hope away.   Will Derek and Sofia be able to find a way to be together again, and what will happen to the children born to Sofia and Derek?

The series just keeps getting more and more interesting.  The roller coaster seems to keep going and going.  There has to be an end soon right?  I am loving this story so much.  Showing that true love doesn't come easy and always takes work.  In Derek and Sofia's case, an insurmountable amount of work.  Always fighting for survival can take a toll on a relationship.

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bella Forrest is the million-bestselling author of the "A Shade of Vampire" series.

Sign up to Bella's New Release email list and you'll automatically get notified as soon as her next book is released: www.forrestbooks.com

Visit her website: www.bellaforrest.net

BOOK REVIEW FOR - FOREVER AND FOREVER The Courtship of HENRY LONGFELLOW and FANNY APPLETON- BY JOSI S. KILPACK

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

A Proper Historical Romance series
The first book in a new series which will focus on the lives of real historical figures who have intriguing stories of courtship that are recreated in fictionalized accounts based on real biographical and social history research.

Based on the true romance of poet Henry Longfellow who was madly in love with Fanny Appleton and devotedly courted her for seven years until finally winning her over. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

We LOVE Proper Romances in this house.  When the opportunity came up to review the new ones coming up this year I jumped at it.  These books just make me happy.....Well, in this case a little frustrating ;).

This was such a beautiful book.  The writing is lovely, and Kilpack put me right into the book.  The settings are amazing, and I felt like I got to know the characters on a personal level.

The story of Henry and Fanny's courtships spans over 7 years.  Yes, seven, frustrating years ;).  

I loved Henry from the moment he entered the story.  He is kind, passionate about his work, and so very sweet.  He was morning the loss of his wife while they were on holiday promoting his book.

He meets the Appleton's and let's just say the rest is history.  Just a loooong history ;).

I have to admit this story frustrated the heck out of me at times.  I couldn't help but think of Fanny as a spoiled, rich, brat.  She made me so angry sometimes.  She had such a kind, loving, heart, that her reactions to some people just made me want to slap her...hehe  

Henry on the other hand frustrated me in other ways.  I loved him, but his pining made me want to slap him as well.  I love it when an author provokes such emotions in me.  It makes the book that much more wonderful.

If you like love stories, then you will enjoy this one.  All the Proper Romances are great!  This is such a great addition to the series....  The time line at the end of the book is fantastic as well!

All in all this story was beyond fantastic!  Pick it up, you won't regret it!!

Source:  I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own personal thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

A SPECIAL THANKS  SHADOW MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING

FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS BOOK:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been The Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series and "A Heart Revealed," a Regency Romance novel.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, children, and cat.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A BLAZE OF SUN (A SHADE OF VAMPIRE BOOK 5) - BY BELLA FORREST

pic and description taken from audible.com

DESCRIPTION:

Ever since his brief encounter with Emilia at The Shade, Derek's thoughts and dreams have been haunted with images of the mysterious, beautiful brunette. Plagued with guilt, he struggles to understand why he is so drawn to this dark stranger from his past.

When Emilia suddenly appears again on the island, Derek is both terrified and intrigued. But this time, he is determined to involve Sofia and discover who this woman is.

If only Derek and Sofia knew, Emilia is a mystery that should be left undiscovered...

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

A new character is brought into the series again.  Will she be a good influence or a bad influence.  Derek is intrigued by this new mysterious person.

She seems to haunt his dream and consume his thoughts.  He feels guilty because he knows he loves Sofia.  Derek knows he cannot hid anything from Sofia, and so he involves Sofia in the finding out of who this girl is.

Emilia, begins to become a thorn in Derek's side.  Emilia believes she is the only "true" love for Derek Novak.  When Sofia discovers who Emilia really is, she fights for what she believes in.  She fights to keep Derek safe, and to rid the Shade of Emilia's influence.

When will Sofia and Derek be able to be alone and live their lives together?  It's killing me.  I just want them to be together dang it :).

I love how each book brings more to the story.  It's getting more and more complicated in each book.  Will true love really conquer all?  I cannot wait to find out.

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bella Forrest is the million-bestselling author of the "A Shade of Vampire" series.

Sign up to Bella's New Release email list and you'll automatically get notified as soon as her next book is released: www.forrestbooks.com

Visit her website: www.bellaforrest.net

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A SHADOW OF LIGHT (A SHADE OF VAMPIRE BOOK 4) - BY BELLA FORREST

pic and description taken from audible.com

DESCRIPTION:

Since the implosion at The Oasis and Derek's stay at Hawk Headquarters, The Shade has fallen into a state of utter chaos. To make matters worse, the citizens of Derek's kingdom have become suspicious of his loyalties and accuse him of siding with the enemy... At a time when Derek desperately needs full cooperation from his subjects, they wish to put their own King on trial.

Meanwhile, Sofia is being held hostage by the hunters. They are determined to rid her of her infatuation with the vampire. She submits to the strict routine and training they impose on her, but the only fuel that keeps her going is the thought of reuniting with Derek - something Reuben is fighting with every fiber of his being to ensure will never happen.

...Until one day, out of the blue, Reuben appears to have a change of heart and comes to Sofia with a proposal; a solution that she never dreamed possible. A solution that would fulfill her heart's deepest desires and secure her and Derek's future together, forever.

But can she really trust this man who is so renowned for his hatred of vampires? Does she even have a choice?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Sophia's life just keeps getting more and more complicated.  When she finds out her father is still alive and one of the head vampire hunters, she doesn't quite know how to handle the situation.

Her father keeps her captive determined to knock some sense into her.  Train her in the ways of the Hawks (vampire hunters), in hopes that she will loose all her feelings for Derek.

Much to her fathers dismay, Sofia will always remain loyal to Derek.  When Sofia's father finally realizes that he is never going to changer her mind he comes up with a plan to get her back to the shade.

Sofia doesn't know if his intentions are real or not, but she takes advantage of it and returns to her home at the Shade.

Sofia is determined to make her father see that all vampires are not bad.  Will she be able to accomplish this or not?  

I love that this story keeps building on itself.  Every book brings more characters, more complications, and more excitement.

I cannot stop listening.  I am finishing the books each day.  They are fast, fun reads.

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bella Forrest is the million-bestselling author of the "A Shade of Vampire" series.

Sign up to Bella's New Release email list and you'll automatically get notified as soon as her next book is released: www.forrestbooks.com

Visit her website: www.bellaforrest.net

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A CASTLE OF SAND (A SHADE OF VAMPIRE BOOK 3) - BY BELLA FORREST

pic and description taken from audible.com

DESCRIPTION:

What Sofia has with Derek feels like a sandcastle; temporary and something that the waves of life and time will soon ruin...

Since the return of Gregor Novak, the island has turned several shades darker. His hatred toward Sofia and thirst for fresh blood lead to a brutal war igniting between father and son.

Meanwhile, the hunters are gaining formidable strength and resources by the day; they know that the safety of The Shade hangs entirely on its ability to remain hidden from them.

And a sinister secret lies in wait for Sofia within the bowels of an Egyptian desert ... a secret that threatens to crush her sandcastle much sooner than she could have expected.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

When Derek's father returns to The Shade, things become darker again.  Derek's brother and Father are taking over the Shade, and Derek thinks that it will solve some of the problems that are going on.

Much to his dismay things only seem to be getting worse between Derek and his father.  Derek's father wants nothing more than to destroy Sofia, and bring his son back from her clutches.

When Sofia is taken away yet again, Derek of course realizes that he is better with Sofia at his side.  The Witch at the Shade has been trying to convince Derek over and over that he must remain with Sofia for the prophecy to come to pass. 

The story continues and doesn't miss a beat from book two.  The story just keeps building and building, and more and more things are being found out.   Sometimes it can be so frustrating because I want things to work out a certain way :).

There are new bad guys in each book, and new alliances in each book.  I love seeing the books come to life.  I cannot stop listening.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bella Forrest is the million-bestselling author of the "A Shade of Vampire" series.

Sign up to Bella's New Release email list and you'll automatically get notified as soon as her next book is released: www.forrestbooks.com

Visit her website: www.bellaforrest.net

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - A SHADE OF BLOOD (A SHADE OF VAMPIRE BOOK 2) - BY - BELLA FORREST

pic and description taken from audible.com

DESCRIPTION:

When Sofia Claremont was kidnapped to a sunless island, uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet, she believed she'd forever be a captive of its dark ruler, Derek Novak.

Now, after months of surviving an endless night, the morning sun may soon rise again for Sofia. Something has possessed Derek's heart and he offers her a gift no human slave has ever been given in the history of his cursed island: escape.

High school, prom and a chance to move on with her life now await her.

But will she be able to forget the horrors that steal her sleep away at night? ... Or the feelings that haunt her for that tormented prince of darkness?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

*** may have spoilers because this is book 2 ***

After spending time with Derek in The Shade, Sofia decides she has feelings for Derek.  Derek knows that he loves Sofia and knows the only way to keep her safe is to send her back to her home.

Sofia longs for home and her best friend Ben.  She has never had a "real" family, but Ben's family has been her family since she was very young.

Crazy things are happening at the Shade and Sofia seems to be in the middle of it all.  Some believe she is the answer to a prophecy made hundreds of years ago.  

Derek knows that he must send Sofia back home to keep her safe.  While home she and Ben give their relationship a "real' try.  Yet, Sofia knows that her heart belongs to Derek.  Whether it is good for her or not.  She is being pulled in so many different directions.

When Derek's sister comes searching for her to help save the Shade, Sofia realizes that her real home will always be at the Shade with Derek.

Again, this book drew me in.  It was a quick listen and so much fun.  The narrators are so wonderful.  It's fun to hear the characters from different people.  The story flows from the first book to this book very well.  I love the the world that Forrest has brought to life in this series so far.

I am excited to finish the series.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bella Forrest is the million-bestselling author of the "A Shade of Vampire" series.

Sign up to Bella's New Release email list and you'll automatically get notified as soon as her next book is released: www.forrestbooks.com

Visit her website: www.bellaforrest.net