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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Oliver the Ornament Boxed Gift Set in Books
Feb 24, 2021
<i>Oliver the Ornament </i>touched me in ways I cannot even explain. From the feel of the paper to the colorful illustration, to the thoughtful words. This book pulls you in and stays with you long after you have read it. Todd M. Zimmermann did a phenomenal job with the ideas he conveys in this book and I know it will be one I pass down for many generations to come.
When I first picked up <i>Oliver the Ornament </i> to read, I expected just another book about Christmas. What I got was so much more. Oliver pulled me into his story with his friends and family so much so that by the time I was done I could not stop thinking about my own cherished Christmas ornament memories. The story was easy to read, although more of a 7+ age range in terms of page length, but so engaging and colorful. I loved the page layouts and enjoyed the twists the author/illustrator used to interactively engage with the audience. The themes of always having something positive to say to others, the consequences of bullying, and remembering to hold on to memories no matter how small they may seem combined made this an endearing story. I also am thankful for the author's thoughtfulness in providing a place to write my own ornament stories in the back of the book. But I cannot forget one of the most important interactive aspects of the story, Oliver the ornament himself! He is well made, heavy-duty, and when I look at my tree now, I am reminded that <i>“Every Ornament Tells A Story”</i>.
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories ever as it encourages remembrance, communication between parents and their kids, and the themes of forgiveness, dealing with bullying, and the art of storytelling. I <b>HIGHLY</b> recommend this book for any age to read and enjoy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
When I first picked up <i>Oliver the Ornament </i> to read, I expected just another book about Christmas. What I got was so much more. Oliver pulled me into his story with his friends and family so much so that by the time I was done I could not stop thinking about my own cherished Christmas ornament memories. The story was easy to read, although more of a 7+ age range in terms of page length, but so engaging and colorful. I loved the page layouts and enjoyed the twists the author/illustrator used to interactively engage with the audience. The themes of always having something positive to say to others, the consequences of bullying, and remembering to hold on to memories no matter how small they may seem combined made this an endearing story. I also am thankful for the author's thoughtfulness in providing a place to write my own ornament stories in the back of the book. But I cannot forget one of the most important interactive aspects of the story, Oliver the ornament himself! He is well made, heavy-duty, and when I look at my tree now, I am reminded that <i>“Every Ornament Tells A Story”</i>.
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories ever as it encourages remembrance, communication between parents and their kids, and the themes of forgiveness, dealing with bullying, and the art of storytelling. I <b>HIGHLY</b> recommend this book for any age to read and enjoy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Washington Post Print Edition
News and Magazines & Newspapers
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THE WASHINGTON POST PRINT EDITION Enjoy a digital replica of each day’s print edition, down to...
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Shades of Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #3) in Books
Apr 16, 2022
Are you a murder mystery fan? Do you enjoy mystery altogether? You may fall in love with Lauren Carr. Her books will get you hooked. You and start any of her series by reading any one of her books. But you can read her books from the beginning. You can read any of her books as stand-alone as well.
I got hooked on her book by reading a mystery book of hers. Now I have read quite a few of them. The book I just finished is “Shades of Murder” in the form of an audiobook, book three of her Mac Faraday series. I have read almost all of her books in all of her series. They do get interlocked. Some readers may introduce you to new characters and a new series of books.
We started with the prologue of the story and murder in the preamble. We stand introduced to David and his parents, who are on vacation when we open this book. David stands called out to a crime scene. We want to know who killed Ilysa Ramsey.
We get introduced to Mac and his german shepherd in chapter one. When he receives a mysterious package sent to him, Archy wants to know. It seems like it was a painting that had stood stolen. We are wondering whether she painted her death.
Then we are introduced to Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates. They seem to be working on a murder mystery of their own that when cold. Who is this Jane Doe?; Who kills her? Who happens to be Neil Hackaway’s wife?
What will happen when Cameron Gates and Joshua Thornton find out that there is another Ilysa Ramsey murder in Deep Creek Lake? Who out to kill who. Why does the FBI get involved? There seem to be more murders cases and lots of questions.
These cases seem to collide, and what will ever happen. Will the group work together and figure out the killer? Is there more than one killer? There may be a plan for each of the suspects years later. You will have to read or listen to find out how it all fits together.
I got hooked on her book by reading a mystery book of hers. Now I have read quite a few of them. The book I just finished is “Shades of Murder” in the form of an audiobook, book three of her Mac Faraday series. I have read almost all of her books in all of her series. They do get interlocked. Some readers may introduce you to new characters and a new series of books.
We started with the prologue of the story and murder in the preamble. We stand introduced to David and his parents, who are on vacation when we open this book. David stands called out to a crime scene. We want to know who killed Ilysa Ramsey.
We get introduced to Mac and his german shepherd in chapter one. When he receives a mysterious package sent to him, Archy wants to know. It seems like it was a painting that had stood stolen. We are wondering whether she painted her death.
Then we are introduced to Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates. They seem to be working on a murder mystery of their own that when cold. Who is this Jane Doe?; Who kills her? Who happens to be Neil Hackaway’s wife?
What will happen when Cameron Gates and Joshua Thornton find out that there is another Ilysa Ramsey murder in Deep Creek Lake? Who out to kill who. Why does the FBI get involved? There seem to be more murders cases and lots of questions.
These cases seem to collide, and what will ever happen. Will the group work together and figure out the killer? Is there more than one killer? There may be a plan for each of the suspects years later. You will have to read or listen to find out how it all fits together.
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated The Hobbit in Books
Jun 10, 2019
Characters (2 more)
Plot
Introduction and backstory to a character
What good is a book without a dragon or two in it?
The Hobbit is my all time favourite book not just as a child but as an adult as well, capturing my imagination and love from the first time I picked it up to it now being my go to book when I am feeling sad or when I need to feel like ‘home’.
This book is definitely not as lengthly as the it’s cousin, Lord of the Rings, but it holds a certain charm to it. We come to love the foolish but courageous Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and follow his adventure to the lonely mountain with the rag-tag group of Dwarves and the mischievous and ever in trouble Gandalf the Grey.
Coming from a small town that was similar to Hobbiton (I was told that Tolkien actually based Hobbiton on the town I am from) I could relate so well to Bilbo when he had misgivings about leaving his home, but that urge for adventure and lust for the unknown was too much to resist.
This story, although quite sad at the end, is full of humour, wit and no end of riddles and charm that even the grumpiest reader should not be able to resist. Perhaps it is not the most powerful or awe-inspiring book, but I think that’s what makes it so great. It’s not trying to be the best book that you’ve ever read, it’s simply telling a story the best way it can, you can’t help but be drawn in to the characters and the descriptions that Tolkien gives you.
It might not be The Lord of the Rings, but to me it will always be my favourite and best book to keep with me wherever I go and I would be lost without it!
This book is definitely not as lengthly as the it’s cousin, Lord of the Rings, but it holds a certain charm to it. We come to love the foolish but courageous Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and follow his adventure to the lonely mountain with the rag-tag group of Dwarves and the mischievous and ever in trouble Gandalf the Grey.
Coming from a small town that was similar to Hobbiton (I was told that Tolkien actually based Hobbiton on the town I am from) I could relate so well to Bilbo when he had misgivings about leaving his home, but that urge for adventure and lust for the unknown was too much to resist.
This story, although quite sad at the end, is full of humour, wit and no end of riddles and charm that even the grumpiest reader should not be able to resist. Perhaps it is not the most powerful or awe-inspiring book, but I think that’s what makes it so great. It’s not trying to be the best book that you’ve ever read, it’s simply telling a story the best way it can, you can’t help but be drawn in to the characters and the descriptions that Tolkien gives you.
It might not be The Lord of the Rings, but to me it will always be my favourite and best book to keep with me wherever I go and I would be lost without it!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Patient One (Walnut Creek, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I've been leery of reading a Shelley Shepard Gray novel for awhile now. She was one of my favorites for a long time, but something in her writing style changed, and I just steered clear of her work for a while. But, when I read the synopsis for this one, something called me to it. I'm glad I gave it a chance.
This book is filled with emotions I am still working through. As someone who has dealt with different kinds of death, from suicide to unexpected, this really hit home with me. The characters are tenderly chiseled and woven into an unforgettable plot line.
The messages that Gray adds to the story for Andy's friends, the forgiveness, the hope, the redemption is all powerfully included in this page turning novel. I saw, rather than read this story. It moved off the pages and played out before me like a movie on the big screen. The tissues definitely came in handy, that's for sure!
Through the words of Shelley Shepard Gray, I understood death a little better. Through her words, I understood the power of friendship just a little bit more. These friends endured confusion and pain, yet with God, and Andy's friendship, they came together and healed.
This is a 4 star book that everyone should read. It's emotionally moving and soul gripping. I highly recommend this first book in her new series, and I am already looking forward to book 2.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This book is filled with emotions I am still working through. As someone who has dealt with different kinds of death, from suicide to unexpected, this really hit home with me. The characters are tenderly chiseled and woven into an unforgettable plot line.
The messages that Gray adds to the story for Andy's friends, the forgiveness, the hope, the redemption is all powerfully included in this page turning novel. I saw, rather than read this story. It moved off the pages and played out before me like a movie on the big screen. The tissues definitely came in handy, that's for sure!
Through the words of Shelley Shepard Gray, I understood death a little better. Through her words, I understood the power of friendship just a little bit more. These friends endured confusion and pain, yet with God, and Andy's friendship, they came together and healed.
This is a 4 star book that everyone should read. It's emotionally moving and soul gripping. I highly recommend this first book in her new series, and I am already looking forward to book 2.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Pictures of Lily in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I really liked this!
Like Paige's latest book, The Sun in her Eyes, this too focuses on first loves but we actually read it happen so we fall for Ben at the same time. There's an age difference between them but for the ten years later bit it isn't as much of a problem. But what's to happen when Lily is already with someone else?
One thing I really like about these books is that Paige interlinks the books in various ways with characters that were main ones in previous books becoming secondary in later books e.g. Josh from this is one of the secondary characters in The Sun in her Eyes, and Lily from this is the main character in Lucy in the Sky. Everyone's favourite band is Fence, which is Johnny Jefferson's--from Johnny be Good's--band.
Now I'm going to be good with my reading marathon of Paige Toon's books and start reading them in order but first I'll have to read [b:Lucy in the Sky|1032295|Lucy in the Sky|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328707137s/1032295.jpg|1018573] since it was the first book she ever wrote and I've already read books 2 ([b:Johnny Be Good|2274457|Johnny Be Good (Johnny Be Good, #1)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919693s/2274457.jpg|2280480]), 3 ([b:Chasing Daisy|6450060|Chasing Daisy|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919799s/6450060.jpg|6640188], 4 ([b:Pictures of Lily|7134057|Pictures of Lily|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1269790608s/7134057.jpg|7396938])-this one-and 5 ([b:Baby Be Mine|9566822|Baby Be Mine (Johnny Be Good, #2)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307174722s/9566822.jpg|14453585]
Like Paige's latest book, The Sun in her Eyes, this too focuses on first loves but we actually read it happen so we fall for Ben at the same time. There's an age difference between them but for the ten years later bit it isn't as much of a problem. But what's to happen when Lily is already with someone else?
One thing I really like about these books is that Paige interlinks the books in various ways with characters that were main ones in previous books becoming secondary in later books e.g. Josh from this is one of the secondary characters in The Sun in her Eyes, and Lily from this is the main character in Lucy in the Sky. Everyone's favourite band is Fence, which is Johnny Jefferson's--from Johnny be Good's--band.
Now I'm going to be good with my reading marathon of Paige Toon's books and start reading them in order but first I'll have to read [b:Lucy in the Sky|1032295|Lucy in the Sky|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328707137s/1032295.jpg|1018573] since it was the first book she ever wrote and I've already read books 2 ([b:Johnny Be Good|2274457|Johnny Be Good (Johnny Be Good, #1)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919693s/2274457.jpg|2280480]), 3 ([b:Chasing Daisy|6450060|Chasing Daisy|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919799s/6450060.jpg|6640188], 4 ([b:Pictures of Lily|7134057|Pictures of Lily|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1269790608s/7134057.jpg|7396938])-this one-and 5 ([b:Baby Be Mine|9566822|Baby Be Mine (Johnny Be Good, #2)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307174722s/9566822.jpg|14453585]
Merissa (13619 KP) rated Raising Hell: How To Survive The Terrible Twos in Books
Sep 6, 2023
RAISING HELL: HOW TO SURVIVE THE TERRIBLE TWOS really should be read after What To Expect When You're Expecting Something Different as the story continues on from that one.
Eve now has two children - Seraphina and Malak. She is trying her best to rein in Seraphina's erm... let us say evil tendencies! Not so easy when you have a strong-willed child but especially so if they're the antichrist! Thank goodness for Malak. He is a child who just eats and sleeps, giving Eve a little respite. Her world is still crazy, although Lucas does his best when he can.
It is a while since I read the first book so it took me a while to fully get into this one, as events that helped to shape Eve, I couldn't fully remember. The story soon dragged me in, and I was lost within the world created. Some of the events were expected but some weren't!
The imagery you are given in Katie Zaber's stories is just outstanding! The descriptions of Eve's mindscape are so clear. And the emotions come through loud and clear. You can feel her frustrations rolling out through the pages.
It does end on a cliffhanger so fair warning. Plus, I really need to know more about Desmond. A thoroughly enjoyable book that is different to the rest and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 1, 2023
Eve now has two children - Seraphina and Malak. She is trying her best to rein in Seraphina's erm... let us say evil tendencies! Not so easy when you have a strong-willed child but especially so if they're the antichrist! Thank goodness for Malak. He is a child who just eats and sleeps, giving Eve a little respite. Her world is still crazy, although Lucas does his best when he can.
It is a while since I read the first book so it took me a while to fully get into this one, as events that helped to shape Eve, I couldn't fully remember. The story soon dragged me in, and I was lost within the world created. Some of the events were expected but some weren't!
The imagery you are given in Katie Zaber's stories is just outstanding! The descriptions of Eve's mindscape are so clear. And the emotions come through loud and clear. You can feel her frustrations rolling out through the pages.
It does end on a cliffhanger so fair warning. Plus, I really need to know more about Desmond. A thoroughly enjoyable book that is different to the rest and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 1, 2023
Slenderman, Slenderman, Take this Child
9.0
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Jemima Collins has lost a parent in a car accident. She is twelve years old. She is frightened. ...
Merissa (13619 KP) rated The Solitary Protector (Etherya's Earth #8) in Books
Jun 7, 2023
THE SOLITARY PROTECTOR is the eighth book in the Etherya's Earth series and we FINALLY get more of Alrec and Kilani!!! I can't believe I've waited this whole time. And now we get their son, Leo, too. Be still my beating heart.
Addie wants to know more about her purple eyes and sets off on a journey. Along the way, she meets Leo. To say these two are opposites would be an understatement at first glance, but once you learn more about them, you realise that they are both different and the same. Delayed gratification and so much hotness! Add to that a dash of heartbreak, hard choices, and a newly-found prophecy and you've got a recipe for a 5-star read!
Another star in the crown of Etherya's Earth, I honestly love this series. The one thing I'd recommend is to read it from the beginning, just so you get the full benefit. After all, these relationships don't just happen, you know. 😉
HIGHLY recommended by me!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2023
Addie wants to know more about her purple eyes and sets off on a journey. Along the way, she meets Leo. To say these two are opposites would be an understatement at first glance, but once you learn more about them, you realise that they are both different and the same. Delayed gratification and so much hotness! Add to that a dash of heartbreak, hard choices, and a newly-found prophecy and you've got a recipe for a 5-star read!
Another star in the crown of Etherya's Earth, I honestly love this series. The one thing I'd recommend is to read it from the beginning, just so you get the full benefit. After all, these relationships don't just happen, you know. 😉
HIGHLY recommended by me!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2023