Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

 Title: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

By Karen Foxlee

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The Gist:

When Ophelia’s father takes a job organizing an exhibition of swords at a museum in a city where it always snows, she has no idea that her life will change from scientific to mystical, and her perception of herself will go from boring to brave.  On the first day at the museum, Ophelia stumbles upon the Marvelous Boy, who is being kept prisoner by the evil Snow Queen.  He has been waiting for Ophelia to come and help him to defeat her, and in doing so save the world from certain doom.

In this story with-in a story, readers are taken on a magical journey complete with wizards, swords, snow leopards, ghosts, and one unlikely heroine who has yet to discover just how special she truly is. 

What I thought:

You have got to pick up this book!  It is one of those stories that sticks to you as you’re reading it.  Every time that I was forced to take a step away to complete another necessary task, I found myself thinking about this book.  Ms. Foxlee writes so beautifully with just enough imagery so that you can clearly see everything through her words, but not too much so as to not confuse a young reader.

The reading level on this book is between grades 3-7, and I would agree with that range, although, being an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well!  I think that the themes in this book, and the tension that is created would be too intense for younger children, or those children prone to nightmares.

All in all, this is a wonderful, imaginative story that is sure to spark many creative thoughts in your child, or yourself.  The illustrations at the beginning of each section are absolutely beautiful, and add to the fanciful feeling that this book exudes.  You will find yourself bundling under a cover to stay warm as you race through this eclectic museum as a young girl discovers the bravery that lives within all of us.  I cannot wait to read more from Ms. Foxlee.

Love on Mimosa Lane

 Title: Love on Mimosa Lane

By Anna DeStefano

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The Gist:

No one would expect Law Beaumont and Kristen Hemmings as a couple, but when the ex-con bartender and classy assistant principal come together to help Law’s daughter and a foster child, chemistry is sparked, and a piece in each heart is filled.  Living on Mimosa Lane surrounds Law with an immediate support system, love, and strength like he has never know, and he will need every ounce of this new family as he and his daughter navigate through a messy divorce, peer pressure at school, and substance abuse issues.

Join the close knit community of Mimosa Lane for the third installment in the Seasons of the Heart series where fears must be faced, new people let in, and guards let down in order for everyone to have their happily ever after.

What I thought:

This novel is a heart-wrenching look at some very heavy topics.  Even though I, luckily, have not had any experience with these situations, Ms. DeStefano did an amazing job illustrating the pain, heartbreak, and turmoil that go along with substance abuse, divorce, and the foster-care system.  I found myself shedding tears, clinging to the moments of joy, and praying for peace for these characters.

I was a bit confused when I began reading this book, but I chalked that up to missing the second installment of this series- I will be going back to Three Days on Mimosa Lane, to fill in the gaps.  That being said, the strength of emotion and the complexity of the characters quickly help to fill in the gaps, and seep into your heart.

The Kiss Before Christmas

Title: The Kiss Before Christmas

By Sophie Pembroke

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The Gist:

Dory is broken-hearted that she will not be able to visit her family in England, keeping up the façade that she is doing wonderfully in New York.  When her boss, the high-powered Tyler Alexander, offers the solution of helping him out of a tricky family situation by pretending to be his girlfriend for Christmas in exchange for a round-trip ticket home for New Years, she jumps at the chance.  Little does she know that at the Alexander estate, she will meet condescending suspicious parents, and Tyler’s brother, Lucas, who is not anything like his family. 

Trying to keep up the act that she is with Tyler while battling an instant connection with Lucas keeps the holiday interesting, but at this time of the year there’s bound to be mistletoe, and, if she’s lucky maybe Dory will get a Kiss Before Christmas!

What I thought:

What a wonderful story!  I’m always a bit hesitant about novellas, I think that it is often hard for authors to produce a high quality, full story in just a few pages, but Miss Pembroke did an amazing job!  I did not want to put this book down for a second!

I loved Dory, and how wonderfully she handled herself with the illustrious Alexander family in all of their snobbery.  I also appreciated how she did not hesitate to put her boss in his place, and followed her conscience, and heart, even when difficult ultimatums were placed on the table.

If you love a good Hallmark Christmas movie, and are looking for a quick read that will warm you up as deliciously as a cup of hot cocoa, give The Kiss BeforeChristmas a try!

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids

 

Title: The ABCs of Yoga for Kids

By Teresa Ann Power

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The Gist:

This is an interactive storybook that explains, at least, one yoga pose for each letter of the alphabet with a short rhyme.  Most poses include an illustration of a child completing the activity.

What I thought:

This book is so much fun!  My daughter (4) and I have had a great time trying out all of the poses in this book.  We have now gotten into the habit of choosing five poses to do before bed- and falling asleep has become less of a struggle!

The illustrations are very cute, and I really appreciate that the object/animal that you are imagining/emulating is included beside the picture of the child-, which really helps children with imagery.  In my family, with a new crawler/dare-devil getting into things, it was a little hard to get started and focused, but I have noticed that with our “night practice,” we are able to work on breathing and visualization, which lends itself to better focus when my daughter requests to do “her yoga” during the day.

I think that this book is a wonderful tool for any parent (and teacher), the benefits of the poses and stretches are amplified by the imagination and calm that will come from this practice!

A Simple Christmas Wish by Melody Carlson

 

Title: A Simple Christmas Wish

By Melody Carlson

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The Gist:

Rachel is enjoying spending time with her seven-year-old niece Holly in a Chicago sky-rise, while her brother and sister-in-law are on an anniversary trip.  When the heartbreaking news of their plane crash is delivered, Rachel assumes that she, being Holly’s only known relative, will be awarded full custody.  Unfortunately her brother’s will was written at a time when Rachel was estranged from the couple, and custody was granted to Aunt Lydia, Holly’s mother’s sister, a women who Holly had not only never met, but never even knew existed.

Rachel is given the task of delivering this fragile little girl to her new home on an Amish farm in Ohio, but she will not hand her over unless she is sure it is for the best.  Ready to give it everything she has to convince Lydia that she and Holly belong together, Rachel is forced to examine what really is the best thing for the child.

Head to Amish country, and witness a simple Christmas full of sometimes forgotten joys like riding in a horse-drawn buggy, board games with family, the birth of a calf, and even a touch of possible romance.

What I thought:

Melody Carlson’s Novella’s never disappoint!  Give me a wonderful, warm Christmas story, and I’m a happy girl; also include an Amish aspect, a child, and a budding romance?  You’ll probably be able to hear me sigh!  This story will pull on your heartstrings, making you cry on one page and smile on the next.

I am always amazed when an author can convey such a depth of emotion in such a limited amount of pages, but my heart broke for Holly and for Rachel a couple of times over the course of this read.  That being said, this story was written so beautifully that I couldn’t bear to put it down and leave these characters for a second, I had to know how it turned out.

It was very easy for me to identify with Rachel, and not see the situation from Lydia’s point of view, but Miss Carlson even remedied that with a conversation between Rachel and Lydia’s mother asking Rachel (and readers), to think about what is truly best for the child.  The romance aspect of this book is incredibly subtle so as not to take away from the central storyline of the “fight” for Holly, but entirely refreshing, sweet and sincere.

Please pick up a copy of this book, it will make you feel real emotions for characters that you will quickly love, and leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods

 Title: A Seaside Christmas

By Sherryl Woods

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The Gist:

Jenny Collins is returning home to Chesapeake Shores for Christmas.  After college, Jenny had moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of being a songwriter, which gave her the perfect excuse to stay away from her mom, whose marriage, and subsequent child, with Thomas O’Brien alienated the only child.  This Christmas, however, still reeling from her painful break-up with country superstar, Caleb Green, Jenny allows herself to be talked into writing the songs for a local play by her high-school boss, and cousin by marriage, Bree O’Brien.

Caleb is not ready to let Jenny go, he realizes his mistakes, and decides to fight to win her back.  Arriving in Chesapeake Shores, he realizes that he will have an even harder time than he had anticipated as the whole town was founded, built, and inhabited by O’Briens.  Because of Caleb’s notoriety, everyone knows how their relationship played out, and everyone is quick to defend Jenny.  But a chance to star in Bree’s play will put him in close proximity to the love of his life.

Follow this couple as they attempt to make amends with the help of a wonderful, sometimes meddlesome, but always loving O’Brien clan in the Christmas card world of Chesapeake Shores.

What I thought:

Let me first start out by saying that I LOVE MissWoods’ Chesapeake Shores series (a must read for anyone who loves good, romantic books full of warmth and family), and I was so excited to see that she decided to continue the saga.  A Seaside Christmas lives up to the rest of this wonderful family of books, picking up with Jenny, who has appeared in many of the previous books as a minor character.

Jenny’s struggles with her family and with Caleb are written very well, it is easy to feel her inner-turmoil as she wishes to renew a relationship with her mother while not understanding where she fits in to her mother’s new, and very large family, and also wanting to listen to her heart and give Caleb another chance, while not knowing if it will only lead to more devastating heartbreak.  Throughout this novel, readers will feel as though they are a part of this ideal community, watching the story unfold rather than reading it.

There is something about reading a really good book, especially a really good Christmas book, that can’t help but bring warmth to your heart, and a smile to your face.  You will love shopping for Christmas decorations with Jenny and Caleb, watching a mother and daughter reconnect after far too long, and the beautifully sweet moments of a meant-to-be couple trying to mend their hearts and fall back in love.  Pick up a copy of this book, and slip into the comfy, heartfelt, world of the O’Briens.

Once Upon a Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson

 Title: Once Upon a Winter’s Heart

By Melody Carlson

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The Gist:

Emma Burcelli believes that love is dead, her only example being the love shared between her grandparents, Poppi and Nona, which was ripped apart by Poppi’s sudden passing.  But when her grandmother becomes distraught about Poppi’s normal Valentine’s display not appearing in their bookstore at the beginning of February, Emma does not have the heart to ignore the request.  While knee deep in paper hearts, cupids, and chocolates, Emma meets Lane Forrester, a man who instantly sets about putting Emma in the right spirit for Valentine’s decorating.

After red wine, chocolates, and ice skating home Emma’s heart begins to warm to the idea that love just might be a possibility, that is until she is made aware that her sister Anne has already scooped up this dream guy.  Emma busies herself with helping Nona, working in the bookstore, watching her nephew and trying to mend the rift that has broken her parents’ marriage, but she can’t seem to shake the feeling that Lane has feelings for her, not Anne.  With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, all Emma needs to do is follow Poppi’s advice and, “listen to her heart.”

What I thought:

I have enjoyed many of Miss Carlson’s Christmas novellas, so I was very excited to see this story about Valentine’s Day.  This was a wonderful book that quickly grabs readers and allows them to comfortably settle into the Bucelli family.  Emma is an extremely likable character, that will make you want to know her and hope for her happiness.

The relationship development between Emma and Lane reads as smoothly as the dark chocolate that the two enjoy together.  The easy banter, relationships with Poppi, and romance (toasting love with Dean Martin and wine, and slipping home on the ice while singing “That’s Amore”) make readers remember falling in love or hopefully, at least, see it as a possibility.  I personally loved the constant reminder in this book to pray instead of worry- what great advice!

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that is interested in a good, pure story about how easy love can be when it is right.  It is the perfect quick read for Valentine’s Day, and will warm your winter’s heart!

Honeymoon in Paris by Juliette Sobanet

Title: Honeymoon in Paris 

by Juliette Sobanet

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The Gist:

      The story begins in the back of a limo, racing to the fairytale wedding of Charlotte and Luc, star-crossed lovers who met and fell in, and out, and, finally, back in love in Miss Sobanet’s novel, Sleeping with Paris.  Having resolved their misunderstandings, the couple head off to begin la lune de miel (their honeymoon) in Paris complete with a fancy hotel, shopping, and of course, plenty of chocolate in bed.  On the last day of their dream vacation, Charlotte begins to discover that there is a lot that she doesn’t know about her new French husband.

      When they meet up with Luc’s ex-wife, who happens to be a famous French actress, outside their hotel, things start spiraling out of control and drama ensues.  Not only is this ex-wife still in love with Luc, but she is also dating an older man who seems to have a past with Luc- one that he is not willing to discuss with Charlotte.  Pieces of phone conversations, and meetings with people from her husband’s past make Charlotte question giving her heart so quickly, and ignite her desire to solve this mystery.

      Lies, as they usually do, keep coming to the surface putting strain on this new marriage, and Charlotte and Adeline (Luc’s daughter) in danger.  Not knowing whom she can trust, Charlotte has no other option than to put her faith in her new husband, and hope that he does not let her down.

     

       

What I Thought:

            YAY!!  Thank you Miss Sobanet for giving us the second installment in Charlotte Summer’s (or Olivier’s) life!!  I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, and was so excited to see that a sequel was set to come out.  It had been quite a while since I read, Sleeping with Paris, but there was an excellent, quick, recap in the first chapter that took me right back to the quippy world of the half-naked hottie.  If you haven’t read the first book, I don’t think that you would have any trouble getting into this novel!

      This book is a fast, suspenseful, fun read full of great descriptions of places, food, and people.  The women in this story instantly become friends, and the suspense that is brought into this installment is expertly crafted.  I found my heart swooning for Charlotte and Luc, breaking with the secrets kept, beating fast through the intense climax, and laughing throughout the story with the wonderful banter that is Miss Sobanet’s character of Charlotte. 

      If you are looking for a quick, happy read that will transport you to France, and leave you with a group of people that you wish you knew pick up Honeymoon in Paris. 

A Second Chance for Christmas by Nashin Sadeer

 Title: A Second Chance for Christmas 

by Nashin Sadeer

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The Gist:

      Nathan is a widower who has allowed his grief over his wife’s death to overtake his whole life, including his relationship with his son, Stephan.  As years pass, and opportunities to be a part of Stephan’s life are pushed aside for work, Nathan is in great danger of losing the only worth-while thing that he has left in the world.  As luck, or fate, would have it, a miracle is placed in this family’s lives in the form of a substitute teacher named Kate.

      Kate brings Nathan’s lack of involvement as well as its negative affect on Stephan to the front of Nathan’s mind, and does not let up until he acknowledges fault and begins to repair their relationship.  In doing so, she earns a place in his, and Stephan’s heart and begins the journey towards blending a new family.  But there is something that no one knows about Kate, something that will change each relationship that she tries to enter, and each person that she touches for the better...

What I Thought:

            I had a very hard time with this book.  The writing was incredibly choppy and not descriptive at all.  I tried my hardest to identify with the characters, with such a sympathetic, emotional storyline, you would think that would be easy, but I couldn’t find anything to connect to. 

      The idea for this story was great, and could definitely make a good Christmas read, but this novel seemed to be carelessly and quickly thrown together.  The words, chuckled, young man/woman, and touched appeared on almost every page which, at times kept my interest (I was almost ready to begin tallying) more than the story I was reading.  I had a very hard time believing that this story was set in Nashville, unless all of the characters happened to move there from Britain...

      I absolutely hate giving bad reviews, and can only imagine the amount of work and heart that goes into writing and editing a novel, but I feel that it is only fair to be honest with everything that I write.  I think that this story had a lot of potential, but would not recommend it.