Historical Fiction Book Review: Out of the Embers (Mesquite Springs Book #1) by Amanda Cabot

Book Description:

Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.

My Review:
I enjoyed reading this story set in the western world of early America. Evelyn is a strong woman determined to survive. She's taken on a little girl who is her perfect side kick. Wyatt is the quintessential cowboy, with a love for his horses, but a restless spirit. The town Evelyn lands in is one where the folks are friendly and fierce in their loyalty. What I liked the most was the twist at the end, when some secrets are revealed. I won't give that away, but I will say Amanda Cabot did a great job writing and weaving in the stories of the characters. Enjoy this book with a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: Stand-Up Guys: 50 Christian Men Who Changed the World by Kate Etue (Author), Caroline Siegrist (Author)

Book Description:

Stand-Up Guys features inspiring stories of Christian men who have made an impact on their communities. Being a man can mean many things, and boys should know they can follow any path they want and still change the world. Featuring important historical figures such as Eric Liddell and George Washington Carver and more recent heroes, such as Robby Novak, aka “Kid President,” and Chef José Andrés, this book will inspire young men to change the world.

Stand-Up Guys features:

•  50 biographical profiles of current and historical men of faith
• Historical and current figures that haven’t been featured elsewhere
•  A colorful interior with illustrations

My Review:
I read through all of the brief biographies and viewed the accompanying illustrations. The book is filled with interesting stories of men who brought positive change to the world. Pulled from many different denominations and belief systems, the men featured regarded their lives as purposeful. One of my favorites is about Clarence Jordan and the path he took to build the foundation of one of the leading non-profits in the world. The book also features athletes, musicians, ministers, artists, scientists and more. These positive role models are good for boys to learn about and emulate. The illustrations are unique and colorful. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: Rex's Fun Day Coloring and Activity Book by Francesca Cecioni (Author), Mary Neville (Contributor)

Book Description:

A coloring and activity book featuring your favorite wiener dog!

From the author-illustrator team that brought you the successful picture book Rex's Winning Day, comes this new exciting book packed with pages to color, mazes, word search, color by number, and more. Whether you are already a fan of Rex and Trixie, or you just love cute dogs, you will have a great time at home or on the go.

Features:

60 pages.

Scenes from the book and original designs.

Seasonal activities for year round fun.

Mazes, word search, color by number, and more.

Ideal gift for dogs lovers.

My Review:
Francesca Cecioni creates the most delightful artwork of Rex and Trixie in Rex's Fun Day. This activity book is filled with fun things to do with your child or for them to enjoy on their own. Go through the seasons with Rex as you run through mazes, take a stab at drawing the main characters, or search for words in the puzzles.  I love the drawings of this fun pair. Many kids are home from school right now. This would be a great activity book to keep the kids busy while they have fun. If you haven't read Rex's Winning Day, the story of Rex's race, grab it too. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Stop the Attack!

Several years ago, my poem "Germs" was published in Jack and Jill magazine. 

I thought it might be a good time to share it again. 

Germs

Germs crawl on fingers.
Live on toes. 
They love to jump 
inside your nose.

They'll bother you
Until you sneeze.
You'll cough and snort
Shiver and freeze.

Your stomach aches
High fever jumps.
Your skin's covered
With little bumps.

What can you do?
Stop the attack!
Scrub your hands 
Both front and back!

*Just to note-these are not the symptoms of COVID-19. Just a generalization of illness.

My Hope is in God

Psalm 31:24

Be strong and take heart,
    all you who hope in the Lord.

God infuses me with strength, even when I'm weak.

Last Saturday, I moved all of our clocks ahead at three o'clock in the afternoon. I thought I could trick myself into thinking we wouldn't lose an hour of sleep. This tactic didn't work. My body knows the difference. It's been a struggle to wake up this week even though the light shines through the blinds and my dog barks. My ambition to start the day fades. I just want to sleep.

Maybe some of you feel the same way. The time change messes with our physiological being. And I think the change weakens my emotional, mental, and spiritual life.

The one good thing about jumping forward—the change happens in the spring. A time of hope in new life.

King David survived wars, sins, self-loathing, and distress. So my tiny, little complaint about the time change seems unimportant. Yet as I read Psalm 31, no matter the circumstance, I need to trust God. He cares about the little things as well as the big ones. My hope is in the one who created me, the one who breathed life into my soul.

As we face trials take heart and look to God for strength.

Right now our nation is fighting to stop the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19.) While we wait, as the doctors, scientists, and leaders figure out what to do—take the problem to the Great Physician. Pray about it, use common sense, and and continue to hope in Jesus.

A Spring Surprise

I walked around the corner of our condo and looked at all the green sprouts. 

Tulips and daffodils dared to shoot their leaves out of the winter dirt.

As I checked the progress of the hyacinth, I spied the bloom of a crocus.

I'd forgotten I planted the bulbs last year or maybe the year before. 

The lovely lavender buds were a sweet surprise. 

Children's Board Book Review: Nighty Night Narwhal by Victoria Saxson (Author), Irene Montano (Illustrator)

Book Description:

In this sweet, humorous tale about an imaginative narwhal named Nolan, children and parents alike will giggle at, and likely recognize, all of Nolan’s excuses for avoiding bedtime. With soothing, rhyming text and whimsical, playful illustrations, this charming padded board book is sure to help little ones go from deep sea silliness to sweet, soothing dreams.

Nolan the Narwhal tries to go to sleep. He really does. But he’s thirsty ... and hungry ... and there might be a giant sea horse in the closet ... or under the bed ... and his eyes won’t stay shut ... and his horn is achy ... and all the blankets are too hot ... but no blankets are too cold ... and maybe one more song would help ... and one more story ... that’s it! One more story and Nolan promises to go to bed.

My Review:
Who doesn't love a narwhal? Kids will enjoy this sweet bedtime story of a little narwhal (the unicorn of the ocean) who just can't settle down to sleep. Parents will relate to mom and dad narwhal as they try to help their little one resolve to stay in bed for the night. Irene Montano's illustrations will delight readers. Make sure to share the details in the artwork with the children, like the froggy alarm clock. They'll love it. This copy is a board book great for ages 2-4. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.