Somewhere Out There by Amy Hatvany

Genre: Adult, Realistic Fiction
Source:  I received a copy through Netgalley to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I seem to be reading a lot of books lately that work my emotions. This is the story of a mother who gives up her children, ages four and six-months in hopes of them having a better life. She believes they will be kept together, but they aren't.

This story is told from three points of view. First we have Jennifer, the mother who gave up her children when she got in trouble with the law. Then we have Brooke who was the oldest of the girls. She grew up in the foster system and has always felt like she belonged nowhere. Now she is pregnant and trying to decide what is best for her own child. Finally we have Natalie who has never questioned her adoptive parents about her birth mother. When her daughter comes home from school with an assignment to create a family tree, Natalie sets out to find her birth mother and a sister she never knew. The author has done a phenomenal job developing the characters. You can't read this book and not feel for all of them involved. This is a story of finding love, forgiveness in a heartrending story.

Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz

Genre: Adult, Romance, Suspence
Source: I received a copy from Netgalley to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

Madeline and Daphne were once as close as sisters—until a secret tore them apart. Now it might take them to their graves.

They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother's hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn't be bothering them anymore...ever. Still their lives would never be the same. 

Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother's mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered.

Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts...and wants. 

Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack's brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth....

My Thoughts:
This book is all about secrets and the effect they have on those keeping them. Madeline and Daphne haven't spoken for years. However, when they reconnect it is like they have never been apart. They are bound together by a past secret that has come back to haunt them. Jack has his own secret and while trying to protect Madeline finds himself falling for her. This is an edge of your seat, suspenseful romance. If you are into the mushy, gushy type of romance don't bother picking this up. The suspense, twists and turns kept me reading. I really didn't know how it was going to turn out until the end. That made this book especially wonderful for me. This is definitely a book I'll recommend.

Blogging For Profit or Not

Blogging For Money???

When I started blogging several years ago it was at my husband's suggestion. He was trying to think of a way to help me help my students. I wanted them to read and write more. They constantly said there weren't any good books out there or they didn't know what to read. He suggested I start writing reviews for the books I pulled from my shelves, or bought and read. I did. Now I give my parents and students my blog URL so that they can find books for anyone. I read and review everything from picture books to adult books. I have been asked by many if I get paid for my reviews. I receive no money for my reviews. I am on occasion given a book by an author or publicist to read and review. Often these books are ARCs (advanced reader copies) and have mistakes. All books I receive are either put on my shelves at school or passed on to others to enjoy. I have not desire to make money from my blog. I believe the moment I start getting paid for my blog then a couple of things will happen.

First thing to happen is that I will need to write to someone else's standards. I want the freedom to write things the way I see fit. I want to be able to write about a book, or a DVD, or a CD if I want.
The second thing to happen is that it will suddenly seem like a job.  I do this because I want to and because I enjoy it. The day I stop enjoying this process is the day I will close down my blog. I still have a mission to read and enjoy books and share that love with others in hopes they will find a book they love.

By having my own blog and doing it my way I can take a break as needed. I recently had major surgery and knew I would have to be gone for a couple of months. I was able to do that because I control my blog.

Now some of you may want to start a blog and make money from it. I can't help you there. However, if you go to this link, you will find a blog that tells you how to make money from your blog. This is a decision you must make for yourself. Either way I do believe blogging is worth it. Go ahead and check out the link and see if "How to Make Money from Your Blog" is for you.

Good luck and have a great day!

Dragon’s Heir by Kandi J. Wyatt

Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

In the ten winters since Kyanos was defeated, Rider Braidyn and his dragon, Turqueso, have made a place for themselves in the sleepy Boeskay colony. But when two nestlings are stolen from the hatchling cave, Braidyn’s sense of justice leads him on a quest to find the person responsible. 

After recovering one nestling, Braidyn recruits his old friends Ruskya and Carryl to help. The friends travel to a faraway desert colony where they find a group of riders with different customs, and meet a beautiful young woman who could be the key to finding the missing nestling. Can Braidyn learn to temper justice with mercy, or will he risk losing everything? 

Journey along in this exciting fantasy world in the spellbinding second installment of the Dragon Courage series, Dragon’s Heir, by Kandi J Wyatt.

My Thoughts:

Once again Kandi Wyatt has written a book full of adventures and of course dragons. We meet up with Braidyn who is grown up and determined to locate two stolen nestlings.   He manages to find one of them. When he tracks down the thief of the second one, and learns why  Sarai took the nestling, things change. Braidyn learns much about himself and what he has been longing for.  This is the sequel to Dragon’s Future. Both of these books are must reads, especially for those people who love fantasy, dragons and adventure.

Borrowed Names by Jeannine Atkins

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult Biography

Source: I purchased a copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

As a child, Laura Ingalls Wilder traveled across the prairie in a covered wagon. Her daughter, Rose, thought those stories might make a good book, and the two created the beloved Little House series.

Sara Breedlove, the daughter of former slaves, wanted everything to be different for her own daughter, A'Lelia. Together they built a million-dollar beauty empire for women of color. Marie Curie became the first person in history to win two Nobel prizes in science. Inspired by her mother, Irène too became a scientist and Nobel prize winner.

Borrowed Names is the story of these extraordinary mothers and daughters. From Goodreads:

My Thoughts:

Borrowed Names is a very unique book in many ways. First it is written in verse. I loved that. Many of my students have learned that they like books written in verse. There are three biographies  of three women and their children. The first is of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her daughter. The second is Madam C.J. Walker and her daughter A’Lelia Walker. Finally we learn about Marie Curie and her daughter Irene Joliet-Curie.  Each of these biographies shoes how their relationships with their daughters were formed and developed over time. I found in all three, there was usually one particular thing that drew them together. They inspired each other in so many ways.  I loved learning so much about all of them and will definitely recommend this book to my students.

The Cape (A Dark Spores Novel- Book 3) by Braxton Cosby

Genre: Adult, Science Fiction

Source: I purchased a copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

The next Super hero book installment of the Dark Spores Series from award-winning author Braxton A. Cosby. 

IN A CITY OF MASKED HEROES, DARKNESS HIDES THE TRUTH! - A world mourning a fallen superhero. 
Future Chicago has become the haven for criminals and super villains of the darkest order. When an experiment goes wrong, hundreds of humans (Normals) absorb a mysterious contagion that gives rise to amazing super powers, creating a new species: Super-Normals. Some use their super powers for good, while others use their gifts for evil. Wars break out across the city and it's Good versus Evil in a grudge match to destroy the other. A nightly reality show featuring both sides' daily endeavors to create interest, captures the attention of the entire planet and Heroes are worshiped, given any and everything they desire. But there are rules to living the good life, and when one Hero breaks the ultimate rule and kills a Normal, a manhunt erupts, pitting Heroes, Villains, and the entire police force against one another in a race to capture or kill the fallen superhero. But one lone rebel emerges, hellbent on solving the murder and unraveling the secret of the Dark Spores. Yet, in the process, one question remains: will he choose the dark or light side? 

What people are saying about the Dark Spores Series: 
"The birth of the Super-Normal is upon us." 
"A collection of super hero books for the new generation of readers." 
"Super heroes versus super villains. What could be better." 

My Thoughts:

I didn’t realize this was the third book in the series when I read it. It read as a stand-alone. However, I want to go back and read the first two just so I know how the series starts. From the minute I started reading this story I was hooked. I love superhero stories. The idea that every day humans were suddenly turned into superheroes is a very intriguing idea. Divide them into a good side and evil side and you have the makings for a wonderful movie or TV series. That is how this read.  The characters are fascinating. Each has their own super power. However, the main character is a normal who used his talents to create a suit that makes him a superhero.  He has a mission to make people believe that all of them can be superheroes by doing what needs to be done, instead of waiting on those with true super powers. I don’t know that the author meant there to be a message within the story but I did find it inspiring.

The beginning of the book tells us a little about where the main character came from, his back story with an abusive father. His generous, and wealthy uncle is the man who changed his life.  I would have liked to know what had happened to his father. It wasn’t really important to the story, just a curiosity of my own. The first two novels in this series are written by different authors. It will be interesting to see how their writing style flows with that of this current book. I did enjoy it. It kept me reading late into the night.

Four More Wonderful Books by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Children's Picture Books
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

If You Were Me and Lived in Brazil
Readers will learn that Brazil is the largest country in South America and is the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world. They will learn about the Amazon, foods, sports and holidays. The book is full of wonderful information that allows readers to be transported to Brazil.







If You Were Me and Lived in Ancient China
This is a wonderful book for kids to learn about the story of Ancient China. The reader learns about the different classes and how life differed between them. You learn what they ate and why. The author has included information about the three religions. This is a great book to put on my shelves as a resource for my students.

If You Were Me and Lived in the American West
The author has done a wonderful job painting a picture of what life was like as people from the East moved to the West to have a better life. They traveled the Oregon Trail. The reader looks at life lived as they traveled chores the kids had, and what they ate. Readers learn of the hardships they faced and the new life they had. The author has included eight small biographies of famous people from the West as well as a glossary.



If You Were Me and Lived in the Middle Ages

This is one of thickest books this author has written for children. It is another book that I will proudly place on my school shelves. Readers will learn when the Middle Ages began and ended. Readers will also learn about the different classes of people and what life was like for them. Most readers will love to read about knights and castles, foods and jobs At the end of the book the author has once again given us a glossary and short biographies of famous people of the Middle Ages. It is my pleasure to recommend this book.

Cole's Perfect Puppy by Frances Crossno

Genre: Children, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Christian
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
Cole's Perfect Puppy is a Christian novel intended for young readers who love animals, especially dogs. The story revolves around Cole, his younger brother Caleb, and their new-found friend Rachel who teaches the brothers about friendship, sacrifice, and God’s perfect love.

My Opinion:
I absolutely loved this book. I sat and read it in less than thirty minutes. I liked how the author showed the older brother taking responsibility for his younger brother. She also showed that the older brother could be a little irresponsible when distracted.  All of the characters were believable. The situations such as bullying, standing up for others. Giving to others by making a personal sacrifice are lessons I want my students to learn.  Both Rachel and Cole and his brother Caleb had hardships when it came to their parents. I won't tell what it is because I don't want to spoil it.

I read a review that said this book would be great for a Christian school or library. I find it perfect for a public school because students will be able to relate to the message. I also love that my Christian students will be able to find books their parents will approve of them reading. I loved the Christian message presented, yet not crammed down the reader's throat.  I finished the book and took it in to my mother and told her she had to read the book.  I gave her just enough info she started thinking about who we knew that would love a copy of this book.  I will enjoy putting this on my school shelves and recommending it to all of my students.

The Snake Fence by Janet Kastner Olshewsky

Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a great historical novel. Take a young Quaker boy named Noble, who believes in nothing less than peace, and put him in the middle of violent situations. He wants to bring peace between the Delaware Indians and the British settlers.

Noble wants to be a cabinet maker. Although he’s finished his apprenticeship his desire won’t become a reality until he has his own tools. That requires money. He searches for a way to make the money. An opportunity opens the door and he step through. He joins a wagon train from Pennsylvania to take supplies to Fort Cumberland. He isn’t exactly excited that he must have an older brother travel with him. This is the only way his father will allow it.

But what happens when he wants to continue helping against his father’s wishes?

I really enjoyed the book. There was obviously a lot of research don’t before the author wrote this book.  It gives us a look at the belief system and work ethic of those peaceful people called Quakers. Most people think of Quakers only when they see the oatmeal box. This gives kids an opportunity to learn about them and about the time period it is set in.  I recommended this to my 8^th grade teacher as part of one of her units. I believe this would hold their interest and help them learn so much about that time period. This is one book I will highly recommend.

Lost Reviews

My last week at school in May was full of me rushing around. I was trying to make sure I had all assignments graded for my students. I was trying to make sure I had everything set up for my sub. I was trying to get our house ready to be tented the day I had surgery. I was trying to help my mother, who lives with us get her items ready as she and my husband would have to be out of the house for three days. My mother-in-law opened her home to my mom so we didn't have to rent a motel.  I was also trying to gather up everything I would need to take to the Therapy Rehab Center. I needed my husband to hold on to that packed bag until I was transferred from the hospital.  The last thing I was preparing was a group of reviews.  As I read and wrote the reviews on paper, I gave the books to a fellow teacher to share with her young son.  Somewhere along the line I never got the reviews posted. As I was going through my notebook, I found them and thought it would be a good idea to get them posted. Here they are, I hope you enjoy them.

Monty: The Courageous Survival of a Rescue Dog by Janet Squires
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Monty is a mixed pit-bull dog. He is found out in the desert. He has been shot and is severely injured, and near death. Nicole is an animal rescuer who finds him and takes him to a vet in hopes he can be save. Once they realize he will live they try to find him a forever home. This is a true story so there are lots of pictures and very little writing. I kept wondering, what kind of person would do something like this to a dog? Then I wondered what made him so special and determined to survive. By all odds he should have died.  If you want to learn more, he has a Facebook page.

If You Were Me and Lived in Elizabethan England by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my Review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The author has given us a look at a time called Elizabethan times. This was when Elizabeth the I was queen. The author has done a great job comparing and contrasting the life of the poor to the wealthy. She also showed major differences between life in the city and the country. In the back of the book she has included a small biography of eight very important people who lived during the Elizabethan period and what they contributed. There is also a glossary included to help explain unfamiliar terms.

If You Were Me and Lived in Renaissance Italy by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my Review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

In this book we learn about the period after the Middle Ages. It was a time of rebirth. The awakening of creativity. It was called the Renaissance. The author has given a lot of information about how those who had some money lied. Everything was different from the clothes they wore to the food they ate. The author included a section on the changes in art, famous artists and a glossary.

If You Were Me and Lived in Colonial America by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my Review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The research done for this book had to have been extensive. The author gives the reader some history in England that led to people moving across the ocean to what became Colonial America. We get a look at how tough life was for these people, especially the first year. You learn about the friendship with the Natives that helped them survive. The back has small biographies of several important people to the colonies.

If You Were Me and Lived in Ancient Greece by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my Review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Readers will learn about some of the most important city-states. They will also learn a bit about the different gods they believed in. They will learn about how homes were made and what they ate. I found it interesting that girls were not considered citizens. I loved the way this book was set up. As you read about a specific topic you learned about the god or goddess that best fit with that topic. There is a separate section in the back that deals with the different gods.

Mortimer: Chapter Book for Early Readers by Mary Kincaid

Genre: Children, Early Reader

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This story is written in first person. This is the story of Mortimer the mole. He learns to dig and eat worms with his family. However, Mortimer is very curious. He hears noises from above. He asks his father about them and is forbidden to go above ground. His father tells him that moles that go above ground never return. What will happen to Mortimer when his curiosity gets the best of him?