Review: The Girl From the Hidden Forest by:H Linder

 

About the Book:

The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.  Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.   Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.   That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.   When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?   As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?

My Review:

 This genre is not my typical read. But lets give this review a go, shall we? Eliza is suppose to be afraid of the outside world. But as soon as she is really exposed to it, it makes being introduced to it all that much easier to adapt to. The story of her disappearance  and her struggle to stay alive against everything being turned against her. Makes this rising from the ashes so much more brilliant and the story is much more rounded. Definitely, a beach read with lots of possibilities.

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: This Special Blessing for You by:E Schrotenboer

 

About the Book:

God is full of love for your children, and This Special Blessing for You empowers them to live out who God wants them to be in the world. Encourage the kids in your life to spread love and kindness with this engaging rhyming picture book. Today is the day the world gets to see, the beautiful person God made you to be. Wherever you go, it’s God’s love you’re expressing, so God sends you out with this special blessing. This Special Blessing for You uses words and phrases that help children better understand what God wants to communicate to them. Each promise and declaration is based on the Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6:23–27: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

My Review:

 Based on scripture Numbers 6:23-27, the author has put together the sweetest book with lyrical prose that can really make your heart smile. Being kind doesn't cost you anything, neither does love or sharing God's love with your neighbor. It is a precious book that provides such a great sentiment to pass on to a little one. I loved the colorful illustrations, as well.

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: Strong (Psalm 1) by:S Jones

 

About the Book:

 Inspired by Psalm 1, Strong's lyrical text reminds little ones that God loves them and gives them strength. From Sally Lloyd-Jones, the author of the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible , and award-winning illustrator Jago, this uplifting board book encourages little ones to find strength in God’s great love for them. Like a little tree planted by a fresh stream, children can grow strong and joyful when they draw close to God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.

My Review:

 Psalm 1 inspires us and encourages us to remain strong in the midst of defeat or strongholds or even fear. This sweet little board book can teach a younger generation in words that they can understand to do the same thing. It has the sweetest muted but fall vibrant colors that are sure to draw a young listener in. A really great read aloud bedtime story.

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are mine.

Review: The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by:J Politano

 

About the Book:

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.

My Review 

 Peter is set to do his investigating, just like always. Lily's mystique intrigues Peter far more than anyone ever has. He is trying to locate a beautiful very expensive sapphire. He soon learns of its where-abouts. The closer he gets to this special lady that has in turn been helping him the more curious he becomes.

 To say he's smitten would be an understatement. He is literally captivated by this woman. How will he ever accomplish what he has set out to do?

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: KiKi Finds Her voice by:K Sheard-Kelly

 

 About the Book:

When the school talent show creates an issue between her and her friends, little Kiki learns what it means to follow your heart and be a leader. Based on a true story from the life of Grammy-nominated singer and actress Kierra Sheard-Kelly, this inspiring picture book helps kids discover how to best use their God-given gifts and what it means to be true to yourself even when it’s not the popular thing to do. The school talent show is a big deal, and Kiki is thrilled when the popular girls ask her to perform with them. But when the song her new friends choose turns out to be one Kiki’s parents don’t want her singing, she must decide if it’s more important to be popular and please her friends or speak up and do what she knows is right for her.

My Review:

 Its not easy for kiddos in the school arena. It wasn't years ago and it most definitely isn't these days. They feel lots of pressure that they shouldn't. Most of this pressure comes from classmates themselves. Kiki has to come to grips with that. That there are certain people that have their own agenda and that sometimes we get caught in between.

 When we get caught in between we have to stand up for what we believe and what might not be accepted by others. Follow along as Kiki navigates these issues and still comes out on top.

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by:M Griep

 

About the Book:

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.   Namely, her husband.   But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.   Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.   Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should? 

My Review:

 I like the father daughter duo. I liked the back and forth. They seem like they are really good literary characters but they would be perfect in TV Land, as well. The story had somewhat of a slow start but finished reasonably well. i like the small town happenings, so it did peak my interest quite a bit as it went on.

  There are three books in this series. I have now read only two. In my opinion, you should read all three to get a feel for the characters. Kit is a spitfire,. While Jackson, her husband is more docile and all about business. but they make the perfect combo!

 I did like the series, but it did seem to drone on at times. Still a decent end to a great group of characters and their stories.

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review: Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt by:R Cowdrey

 

About the Book:

Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the beloved internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she plans an Easter egg hunt for her animal friends at the zoo! Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt is another addition to the New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo series. Spring has sprung, and new adorable babies are being born all over the zoo! Fiona and her friend Rico the porcupine decide to have an Easter egg hunt for the animals. But when one of Mrs. Swan’s eggs gets accidentally mixed in with the Easter eggs in Fiona’s basket, will Fiona and her friends find the egg before it hatches?

My Review:

 The zoo was having an Easter egg hunt and Fiona and her animal friends thought that it would be nice to have one of their own. So they set to work making invitations and eggs filled with treats. Soon her fun exciting egg hunt turned into a hunt for a real egg, a real swan egg. Mrs Swan realized one of her eggs was missing. 

 Come along and find out what Fiona and her friends did to help Mrs Swan and what they did to make this Easter egg hunt very special.

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.