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Invincible, Vol 1: Family Matters
Invincible, Vol 1: Family Matters
Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker (Art) | 2006 | Comics & Graphic Novels, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.3 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was a reread for me, but it had been awhile since I'd read this and the mood struck me. I enjoyed this just as much this time as I had the first time around. I've tried Kirkman's other works, The Walking Dead, Outcast, and Haunt and they all fell flat for me, and to be honest, I'd forgotten that Kirkman had written this too, so I guess it's just his horror titles that I don't like. I thoroughly enjoy the family dynamic in Invincible, with Markus Grayson and his mom, Deborah, fully embracing knowing his dad, Nolan, is the superhero Omni-Man. When Markus' powers manifest, he decides to join his dad in crime fighting as Invincible. I think I like Deborah most of all, as her matter of fact acceptance of the danger her husband and son face on a daily basis hides the concern she actual feels for her family.

This is a quick introduction to the core and supporting cast, and the actual superhero aspect of the story is really just the backdrop to Markus' family and him discovering his powers and how he is learning to balance them with high school. I really liked the minimal line art and color palette used; it's marks a stark contrast from other superhero books and their hyper detail and layered color effects, which I think is the point. This book is a superhero book, but it's different from the rest. I'll definitely be continuing with this series.
  
AS
A Seat by the Hearth
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another hit! I can't sing the praises high enough. Mrs. Clipston has brought us Mark's story. I've been waiting patiently (or, those that TRULY know me, know it's not all that patient!) to see what Amy Clipston had in store for Mark and Priscilla. Let me tell you this: she truly had a wonderful story for them. They were absolutely perfect in every way for this moving, heartfelt, gripping addition to the Amish Homestead series. 

Mark and Priscilla had to endure an "arranged" marriage but they didn't let that stop them from making the best of it, and learning about one another. Their pasts catch up to them, they learn a lot about what it means to wholly accept oneself, and they learn that there will always be a seat by the hearth for each other to continue their journey in life as not just friends, but as an actual couple. 

This book is filled with ups, downs, hope and understanding. Amy Clipston's trademark messages of acceptance and love are woven perfectly through out this incredible journey. God is definitely working on Mark and Priscilla within these pages and I won't soon forget them! They are on my keeper shelf to stay.  Mark's play boy ways, and Priscilla's uneasiness are over come by the true love of friendship. Definitely a 5 star worthy novel in this reader's honest opinion! I can't wait for another beautifully chiseled novel from this talented author! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
R(
Return (Redemption, #3)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This prodigal-son-returns-home story is one of my absolute favorites of Ms. Kingsbury's Baxter family books. Luke's character is the baby of the family, and she chiseled him so well in these stories. I was so excited years ago when I learned he had a book where his story was center. I loved revisiting him!

What would you feel like if everything you ever believed in was ripped away in one tragic instant? That's what Luke battles and I was so angry with him for so long in this book! I found myself on more than one occasion wanting to throw the book across the room. But, in trademark Kingsbury fashion, she weaved messages of hope, forgiveness, understanding and acceptance into her pages, and it wrapped me up instantly. Luke's story is a powerful one and I will forever love it.

This book should be able to get more than a simple 5 star rating. This book is emotional, utterly raw and absolutely breathtaking. The characters are now your family, the lessons are yours. All of it wrap up to make one unforgettable novel in a sweep-you-off-your-feet series. Ms. Kingsbury's shelf is graced with Luke's story and when someone asks me my favorites, his will always be one of the first to slip off the shelf. Well done, once again, on another amazing addition to this incredible family story.
 
*I purchased this book for my personal collection. Cafinated Reads was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Teachable moments (0 more)
Children being children
Contains spoilers, click to show
Carlos the Chameleon A Story to Help Empower Children to Be Themselves by Alice Reeves is part of the Truth and Tales series whose goal is to eradicate prejudices and encourage acceptance of others. Carlos is a beautiful emerald green chameleon and can magically turn different colours depending on his surroundings and who he is with. He has a variety of friends which constantly challenges his transformations. When he is with them he turns exactly the same colour to blend into their group.

Carlos is very insecure about himself and his self-worth is very low. He's afraid if he is not like his peers they will reject him and not be his friend any more. He turns hot pink when he's with the flamingos, bright blue with his frog buddies, and orange with black spots when it's playtime with the jaguar pack. He yearns so much to fit in and be just like them. He thinks being the same is key to making their friendships work.

One day the animals discover his real color, which is a lovely emerald green. Since they are his true friends they assure him that he is gorgeous. Carlos is relieved to learn that it's not about his outward appearance at all, but about his loving warm heart inside of him.

This book has extra notes and resources for teachers and parents to utilize. This is a very important message that will teach kids that they are unique and can celebrate exactly who they were created to be.
  
A Right Royal Affair
A Right Royal Affair
Helen Juliet | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
warm and fuzzies and too stinking cute! Loved it!
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.

But, people!! Warm and fuzzies AND too stinking cute is a thing Ms Juliet does so bloody well!

6th in line to the throne, Prince James, is drifting. He needs some focus, and after meeting Theo at his grandmother's acceptance of her medal, James hatches a plan to focus AND have Theo. But not everyone is happy for James and Theo, and there is also the tiny matter that James' grandmother, The Queen, might deny them their happiness.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the blurb to this book, I really wasn't. But I really REALLY enjoyed it! It kinda crept up on me, you know??

It's well told, from both men's point of view, so we get Theo's standing up to James. We get James' admission (not saying what!) And we get it from both of them when the charity event turns into the evening from hell.

And OH!!! The Converse thing?? Loved that! That was not something I saw coming at me! Loved the actions of the Princess of Wales, James' mother, and her matchmaking, and how well that turned out!

There were some proper laugh out loud moments, some emotional ones, some sad ones and a massive happy ever after. Loved how that 6th in line thing turned out too!

I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but sod it!

5 stars!

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**