#MMBBR #Review #TheForgottenOnes by @SteenaHolmes @LUAuthors #LakeUnionPublishing

The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is fantastic. It was one of those reads that I found both thrilling and engaging. I loved that it was written in true Holmes style, which is a story with well paced suspense, well drawn out characters and a story that is not to be missed because it was so original. I loved that I was unable to figure out what was going to happen because there were perfectly placed twists and turns. I had a hard time putting this book down because I felt driven to know what was going to happen and how it would conclude. I don't want to give too much away, but I do want you to all know that you need to read it! But after you read this 5 star book come back and tell me how much you loved it!!!



NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author - Steena is the author of the heart wrenching Finding Emma series.

The Word Game was included in the Top 20 Novels to be Written by Women in 2015 by Good Housekeeping.

Her latest novel - The Word Game won the 2015 USA Books Award for Best Fiction and her novel, The Memory Child was a finalist in the same category. 

Steena Holmes grew up in a small town in Canada and holds a Bachelors degree in Theology.

In 2012 she received the Indie Excellence Award. Holmes was inspired to write Finding Emma after experiencing a brief moment of horror when she’d thought her youngest daughter was missing. 

She currently lives in Calgary with her husband and three daughters and loves to wake up to the Rocky Mountains each morning.

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#SpringReading with @BookSparks #NOSHELFCONTROL @roznay1 @ChristinaDodd ‏@DEBatterman #‏IdaCurtis @KathyMehuron @KristinKaye ‏

I am loving #SpringReading with @BookSparks 

I certainly have #NOSHELFCONTROL 

Spread the Word

Tweet: “I admit it! I have no shelf control! I am participating in @BookSparks I Have No Shelf Control spring reading challenge! #noshelfcontrol http://bit.ly/2FoeMde @HannahMMcKinnon @BetteLeeCrosby @sarabooks @KristinKaye @roznay1″

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Are you reading along?
So many good books to read this spring!!!

Which one are you most excited to read?

Our Little Secret 

by Roz Nay

Angela claims she had nothing to do with the disappearance of her ex’s wife, but Detective Novak doesn’t believer her. As he continues to push her, Angela begins to unravel the story of a love triangle, betrayal, and twisted lies that goes back ten years. Is Angela really innocent or does she know more than she is letting on?

Dead Girl Running 

by Christina Dodd

Kellen Adams takes the job at a remote vacation resort on the coast to escape a life she desperately wants to forget. But as two murders unfold at the resort she now calls home, she is forced to investigate in order to protect herself and the resort. When every customer and employee is a suspect, Kellen can’t help but wonder if the killer isn’t right in front of her.

Just Like February 

by Deborah Batterman

Rachel’s uncle Jake is gay, but she keeps the secret for him, even when he gets sick. After all he is way more fun and exciting to be around than her constantly fighting parents. Highlighting the AIDS crisis and homophobia of the ’80s, Rachel must reconcile herself with the fate of her uncle, her parent’s rocky marriage, and the hate that fills society.

Song of Isabel 

by Ida Curtis

Eight years after Lord Chetwynd rescued Lady Isabel from being raped by warriors in his company, the two enter into an arranged marriage. They set out for the court of King Louis, facing dangerous enemies that push them together and intrigue that pulled them apart. The two have to survive by their wit and charm in order to grow in their love for each other.

The Opposite of Never 

by Kathy Mehuron

Kenny and Georgia both think that the best part of their lives are over after the death of their spouses. Until the two meet and become fast friends, and maybe more. The pair are shocked when Kenny’s step-daughter and Georgia’s son fall desperately in love and then share an opiate addiction. Attempting to make the best of difficult times, Kenny takes Georgia to Cuba just as it is opening to Americans again – but that too is full of surprises.

Tree Dreams 

by Kristin Kaye

Jade Reynolds grew up in a logging community that clashed with protesting tree sitters. After she witnesses the tension become violent, she runs away and ends up with a group of radical environmentalist living in the tree tops. She has to figure out which side she is on – the loggers she grew up with or the anarchists risking their lives to save the trees.

#MMBBR #Review #BeTheParentPlease by @NaomiSRiley via @TempletonPress ‏

Be the Parent, Please: Stop Banning Seesaws and Start Banning Snapchat: Strategies for Solving the Real Parenting Problems by Naomi Schaefer Riley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great book for parents to help guide the children through his crazy thing we call life in a digital world. I was uncomfortable, at times, because the book was focused on why and how I need to be a better parent and be a better example. It also helped to open up conversations between my husband and I and the kids and I. It is a great book to just help look at the issue of digital media and its impact on you and your family in a non-preachy way. A must read.

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#MMBBR #SpringRelease #ReviewRoundUp #ILikeToRead @HolidayHouseBks

Spring has sprung and so have the new books from Holiday House Books. I love the I Like to Read® series because they an easy and fun way to introduce books to new and emergent readers. All the books use simple text and have rich illustrations to keep the reader engaged. 

Easter is right around the corner and these books make great Easter basket additions.

I Like to Read® Books:

NOTE:  About the Series

I Like to Read® books are picture books written and illustrated so that even the newest reader can enjoy a satisfying, quality literary experience. The books in the series are written at kindergarten and early first grade reading levels.

"These books deftly combine text and art to create a positive experience for new readers."—School Library Journal

"This series dares to make entertaining reads from short texts and familiar vocabulary"—Kirkus Reviews

"Each one makes the hard world of learning to read enough fun to encourage children at this critical developmental moment to try another one."—Vicky Smith, Children's and YA Editor at Kirkus Reviews

What a Treasure! by Jane Hillenbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this board book. It was so fun to see mole helping out other animals during his quest to find treasures. This book focuses on the fact that ones man's trash is another man's treasure. In the end, mole found the best treasure of all, a new friend!!! This book has so much potential for fun art projects in the classroom. I cannot wait to use it. This book is certain to keep the kids attention and capture the creativity that is within them.

My Dog, Bob by Richard Torrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars When we spent time comparing ourselves to others we may feel like to don't add up, but when he only focus on all the wonderful things we can do then life is so much sweeter! Meet Bob, the dog of many talents but we cannot sit on command or catch a stick...but he can do other crazy cool things! I loved this story about self acceptance and loving the skills and characteristics that make us, us! 4.5 stars

Crash! the Cat by David McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crash is a cat that seemed to crash into everything. Being a loving family the kids are worried something is wrong. Many things are destroyed, but one night Crash is the hero. A story about love for our pets told in a short but sweet way.

Read and See by Bill Kontzias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this book is a great way to introduce simple words by using a read and find method. Kids love finding hidden items and by using the simple words and phrases kids will both learn and have fun. Bright and vibrant pictures aid in reading and finding the items. A delight!
"Look for 3 turtles. Read and See!"

Tugboat by Michael Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great book about the amazing things tugboats can do. I love that it takes big concepts and writes them in a way that new and emergent readers can understand and be successful at reading. The illustrations are totally gorgeous and add so much to the text. I love the font of the text too, it is large, crisp and bright. Tugboat is sure to be a hit in your home.

One Tractor: A Counting Book by Alexandra Siy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great book that engages both the imagination and the concept of counting up. I love the illustrations because they really capture the boyhood joy of playing outside with toys. It captures how the imagination takes over and how fun adventures take place one-by-one. It was, for me, a nostalgic look back to when my boys were young and spent hours outside with their favorite toys creating grand adventures. A delight!

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#MMBBR #Review #Momentus by @ThatHannahAlper

Teen blogger, author, motivational speaker and social activist, Hannah Alper has been named to Bloomberg’s Ones To Watch In 2018 List. Hannah is the only teenager on this prestigious list.

Hannah Alper’s first book, Momentus: Small Acts, Big Change is officially on the bookshelves, and reached #1 on Amazon’s list in sociology, and in the Top 10 Bestselling Books For Teens in Indigo and Chapters. The book’s empowering message supports Hannah’s continual goal of providing quality content for adolescents.

As a writer, activist, public speaker, global citizen, and one of the youngest verified social media users on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, 14-year old Hannah Alper has found power in using her voice to inspire, motivate and empower people of all ages to identify their passion and take action. Perhaps best known as a motivational speaker and ambassador, she is committed to promoting big change through small, everyday actions and believes in the power of young people to shape the world they want to live in. Momentus shares this journey on the global stage and demonstrates her message coming to life.

“This book has been a passion project of mine for years and I am so happy kids, teenagers, and adults are reading it to make a difference,” said Momentus author Hannah Alper. “I believe that if there are many of us making small actions, it will lead to big change. The title of this book grew out of that idea. When all of our actions are added up, the impact will be momentous and we will change the world. It is about all of us and all of our moments when we are inspired, passionate and moved to act—momentus.”

Hannah Alper Socials:

Blog

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

This book is fantastic. I love that this book is about kids (an may other people) making changes by taking action. I loved how this book was laid out. It allows for a deeper understanding and a way to take your small (or big) actions and then make big changes through being mindful of what matters most to you. It allows for everyone, not just kids, to focus their time and energy into things that will make the world a better place. Adored it!

#MMBBR #Review #Gift #Easter #YoureMyLIttleCuddleBug #NicolaEdwards #NatalieMarshall @SilverDolphin

You’re My Little Cuddle Bug by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Natalie Marshall (Silver Dolphin Board Book $8.99; ISBN: 978-1684122585; 18 pages; Ages 0-2).

You're My Little Cuddle Bug by Nicola Edwards

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this book. It is adorable. I love the rhyming story and the bright beautiful jump off the page illustrations. This will certainly become a new favorite for entire family. It is super fun to read aloud and it will be one that your child wants to hear over and over again. You're My Little Cuddle Bug will make a perfect gift for Easter, Spring or anytime. Board books are made to last and tend to be the books kids return to time and time again. A must for the home library.

#MMBBR #Review #TheSummerOfNewBeginnings by @BetteLeeCrosby @LUAuthors @GoSparkPoint #LakeUnionPublishing @AmazonPub

The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby

Meghan Briggs and her sister Tracy could not be any more different. Which is why Meghan is moving home to save their late father’s business and Tracy is moving home and single mother in need of help. While Tracy struggles with new motherhood, Meghan tries not to fall for the stray puppy she named Sox – and the handsome vet. Both sisters face hardships and new relationships now that they are home again, maybe even getting the new beginnings they need.

REVIEW: Lee Crosby can pull you into the story with such grace and ease. She builds her characters in a way that they become part of you. You, as the reader, will experience everything they experience, which causes the reader to form a deep attachment with the characters.  The Summer of New Beginnings will tug at your heart and give you hope. I think every reader will be able to relate to the characters in this book and the story will be one that will touch them. A spring read must.



USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby's books have been southern fiction, historical fiction, and women's fiction bestsellers. Her newest novel "The Summer of New Beginnings" will be released in March 2018 by Lake Union Publishing.

Midwest book review describes her books as "Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances."

The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby's writing is, "A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures."

Samantha from Reader's Favorite raves, "Crosby writes the type of book you can't stop thinking about long after you put it down." 

"Storytelling is in my blood," Crosby laughingly admits, My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.

It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win over twenty awards for her work including: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President's Book Award Gold Medal, Reader's Favorite Award Gold Medal, In'DTale RONE Award Winner, and the Reviewer's Choice Award.

Crosby's previously published works are: Beyond the Carousel (2017), Silver Threads (2016), The Regrets of Cyrus Dodd (2016), Baby Girl (2016), What the Heart Remembers (2015), The Loft (2015), Memory House (2015), Passing through Perfect (2015), Wishing for Wonderful (2014), Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee's Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011).

·      Bette Lee Crosby has nearly 20,000 total engaged social media followers

·      The author is a 4-time USA Today bestseller

·      The author self-published 18 books (including her bestsellers)

·      Publication date: 3/27/2018

·      Publisher: Lake Union (the author’s first foray into traditional publishing)

·      Readership: Women, ages 18-75

·      Genre: Contemporary fiction

·      Themes: #southernfiction, #sisters, #dogs and #pets , #smalltownliving, #familyrelationships , # disabled #hearingimpairedchild , #grieving a #loss , #discovering a new career, #unexpectedromance , #happyeverafter ending.

The Summer of New Beginnings is perfect for the following:

·      Fans of This Is Us

·      Fans of Debbie Macomber

·      Dog lovers

·      Books on sisterhood

·      Spring reads

·      Fans of Southern fiction

·      Fiction on small town life

·      Fiction to encourage your career aspirations

·      Great book club reads for a multigenerational group

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