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.

Review: Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story by:Berenstain

 

About the Book:

Even the youngest readers will understand the real meaning of Easter in this addition to the faith-based series of Berenstain Bears books. In this abridged board book version of the bestselling The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story , little ones will discover that Easter is more than candy and egg hunts as they learn about Jesus’ resurrection alongside their favorite Bear cubs. Join the Berenstain Bears as they explore the true meaning of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus. Children will discover ways to implement traditional religious values and share God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books with over 13 million copies sold. The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story for Little Ones? : ? The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books in The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series,

My Review:

 The cubs were talking about all the things they liked most about Easter and their school teacher overheard the conversation. She told them there is much more to Easter than candy. So she proceeds to take them next door to the next classroom where the cubs there are putting on an Easter play. In efforts to help the cubs learn more about our Savior and His resurrection.

 This sweet little board book is perfect for little ones to learn about Jesus' death and resurrection. Letting them know its okay to enjoy Easter candy but there is a bigger reason we celebrate. 

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

 

Review: Letters of Wisdom by:W Brunstetter

 

About the Book:

 Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.  Letters and Prayers Between Friends Become a Balm for Healing   Irma Miller thought having a family of her own would bring her joy and a sense of accomplishment, but she struggles with memories of the abuse she suffered as a child at the hand of her stepfather. When she becomes physically and emotionally abusive to her own children, she reaches out to her friend Doretta for prayer and wisdom. But Irma may find herself at an even darker emotional place before she will admit she needs professional help to heal the past traumas. Will Doretta’s letters of wisdom help Irma and her family, or will too much be broken to ever be repaired?   Find out in the third book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter. 

My Review: 

Book 3 here we are. Each book in the series titled by different types of letters. The latest and most fun is Letters of Wisdom. I do feel that each book could be a stand alone book, but I really love them read all together. The author does an outstanding job introducing you to all the characters and you feel as though you know each and every one of them. 

 The community feels like one that you literally stepped into the middle of. A great time can be had there and this latest addition is no different. Irma needs help, help not to turn down the same evil path as her stepfather. She turns to her good friend Doretta. 

Really great read about healing, forgiveness, and friendship!

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

Review: When the Waters Came by:C Patterson

 

About the Book:

An act of greed or an act of God?

Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Pastor Montgomery Childs has tended his flock in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for two years. While his pews are full every Sunday, he most desires to see a reckoning between God and the kings of industry who recreate on Lake Conemaugh. The pleasure grounds, flowing alcohol, and business dealings of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club taunts Monty as he works to heal the wounds inflicted from his own privileged childhood among Pittsburgh society. Like Noah, Monty prays against the evil surrounding him, but he never expects God to send a flood.

It takes five days for the Red Cross to respond to the Johnstown flood disaster, but when it does, Annamae Worthington is ready to help. Apprenticing under Clara Barton

 has prepared her for the job, but nothing can prepare her for the death and destruction that awaits. As if the survivors haven’t suffered enough, typhoid fever ravages the town, resurfacing suppressed emotions regarding her father’s death.

Narrowly surviving the flood and the horrifying things he’s witnessed, Monty’s faith is floundering. Then a Red Cross nurse puts him to work helping with the typhoid fever victims arriving at the hospital tents every hour. Monty and Annamae work together distributing disinfectants and supplies, housing orphans, and serving those left behind. Slowly, his faith resurfaces. A kinship forms between them neither can ignore. But when an investigation into the collapsed dam points to the South Fork Hunting and Fishing Club, secrets emerge that may tear them apart.

My Review:

What do you do when everything you have ever known is destroyed or in this case under water? These poor people had already had their lives uprooted then along comes a disease. How much more suffering needs to happen before the Lord declares enough is enough. God comes to our aid no matter the circumstances and it really showed in this story. So many people working together for the good of the community.

 A touching tribute to that time. A very interesting take on a true life event.

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