Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples ~ Review

                                      Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

Autumn has come, and Isaac's sugar maple is losing its leaves. Isaac and Izzy want the sugar maple to have a tree friend and, with the help of their animal friends, try to make it happen. But how do you grow another magical sugar maple? That's going to take a little bit of thought, but Isaac and Izzy are sure to come up with something. But they just may need a little magical assistance from the sugar maple.

This series of books is aimed at younger readers who are just starting out on their own with a little bit of assistance or for just starting out readers who will read along with mom, dad, or anyone willing to have an open lap and willingness to read out loud. Cute, colorful illustrations complement the story and add to its charm.

This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree and Isaac and Izzy's Tree House.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples

Autumn is painting the world in vibrant colors, and Isaac and Izzy want to give back to their favorite magical maple tree. A normal present won’t do, though. They want to give him the sweetest gift of all - a friend!

But are all the efforts of the kids and the animals who live near the tree enough to create a bit of magic…or will the Sugar Maple have to lend them a helpful branch once again?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

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Isaac and Izzy's Tree House ~ Review

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

It's now summer, and Isaac has come up with a plan to spend more time with his sugar maple tree - a tree house. There's just a little problem: what Isaac builds is nothing like a tree house, and his maple isn't magically fixing it. And Isaac's "tree house" isn't making the animals who live in it happy. 

The next day, Isaac gets something even better than a tree house - a new friend. 

This is a cute read that does eventually have a little magic thrown in, but the main focus of this picture book is friendship. The illustrations will appeal to young readers for whom this book is written. This is a fairly easy read that kids who are starting to read on their own should be able to handle with just a little assistance. This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House

With summer warming the world, Isaac decides it’s time for a new adventure with his favorite Sugar Maple. But his plans for a treehouse turn out to be a spectacular…failure. And the animals who call the tree home are in a tizzy over it, too. Isaac doesn’t understand why his tree isn’t making some of its magic…until it delivers the most magical help of all— a new friend!

This whimsical tale of delight, discovery, and unexpected friendships is as sweet as sprinkled donuts and will bring you back for another season’s adventures.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree ~ Review

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

What happens to sugar maples when they lose all their leaves for winter? Are they lonely, being all alone with bare branches? These are the questions that trouble Isaac about the beloved sugar maple in his yard. Determined to keep his maple from being lonely, Isaac promises to visit with it daily. At the end of his visit, Isaac leaves a gift, a part of his snack. The next day, a magical gift waits for Isaac.

This is a fun, imaginative story that will delight young readers. The illustrations, in my opinion, would be Isaac's illustrative journalling of the time he spends with his sugar maple, which seemingly has magical abilities. This is a story of winter, the hope of spring, and friendship. For those who like having concepts taught in their books, this book offers colors, days, and seasons.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!

But how long can the magic last with spring on the horizon?

This magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, the water cycle, and some of our favorite fruits is sure to delight readers of all ages!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

Double Take ~ Review

Double Take

Lake City Heroes #1

By Lynette Eason

Eighteen months ago, Lainie Jackson survived her ex-fiancé's murder attempt; he didn't. But now someone is trying to convince her otherwise. Or else she is losing her mind. And whoever it is seems intent on finishing what Adam failed to do. But she knows Adam died. She was there and tried to save his life.

Detective James Cross wants to be anywhere other than the hospital where he is now. But the hostage situation he was just involved in made a trip there an order. What's worse, his sister's best friend, Lainie, is the PA assigned to take care of him. And letting his family know that he's home and in the hospital will not be pretty. 

What follows is an intense page-turning read. Danger is seemingly just around the corner and keeping a very close eye on Lainie. And one wrong move could make the killer strike sooner.

Double Take is the first book in Lynette Eason's new Lake City Heroes series, and believe me when I say if you want to have an excuse to avoid certain obligations, this is the book you're looking for. (And, yes, I know Star Wars and Lynette Eason don't fall into the same genre, but it works.) I had an idea of where the book was going, and, in all honesty, I was only partially right. Just promise me you will not skip ahead because that will ruin everything, and this is a page-turner for a reason. In my opinion, this is one book you don't want to miss.

About the Book:

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason will leave you breathless with this fast-paced first book in a brand-new series.

Their Inseparable Bond ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Their Inseparable Bond

K-9 Companions
By Jill Weatherholt

Jake Beckett's been raising his twins since he lost his wife. A older family friend Myrna has been a godsend when he needs help with them. When Myrna's granddaughter decides that Myrna's failing eyesight is an issue, Jake is determined to convince her not to take Myrna from her home or her friends.

Olivia Hart, newly divorced, is convinced her grandmother needs to move someplace safer. But she's willing to give a therapy dog-in-training a chance to prove otherwise. And she's even willing to help with Callie's training. 

As Olivia works with Jake and his children, she realizes just how much she's sacrificed for her career. A career that is waiting for her back in Florida. But the longer she stays away, she finds herself making connections that just may break her heart when she leaves.

This book is part of the K-9 Companions series, all of which can be read as standalone books. When Olivia makes a connection with Jake's kids, it's different with Kyle and Kayla. Kyle is almost immediately, while with Kayla, it is over the loss of her mother and mean girls. And believe me when I say the mean girl is mean, and at such a young age, it makes me shudder to consider what she'll turn into as she gets older. This book explores priorities and just where we place them and why. And Olivia is at a crossroad in her life with just such a decision before her - family or career.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book

Title: Their Inseparable Bond
Series: K-9 Companions
Author: Jill Weatherholt
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

They’re a mismatched family… 

But their hearts line up just right 

Training service dogs is single dad Jake Beckett’s calling. He’s determined to train rambunctious puppy Callie to help his ailing friend Myrna live independently with her growing blindness. Myrna’s granddaughter, Olivia Hart, isn’t easily convinced, but Jake, his twins and Callie are an incredibly persuasive team. If Olivia agrees to give Callie a chance, will working with Jake risk her lifelong dreams?  

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Jill Weatherholt is an author of sweet, emotional, small-town romance novels that guarantee a happy ending.

She's sold over half a dozen sweet romance short stories to Woman's World Magazine. 

 

Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. 

 

She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. 

 

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

Connect with Jill by visiting jillweatherholt.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a print copy of Their Inseparable Bond and a $25 gift card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 29, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Way You Love Me ~ Review

The Way You Love Me

Fox Bakery #3

By Michelle Sass Aleckson

Oliver Fox left home years ago and never thought he'd be back. But to keep custody of his five-year-old daughter, he needs to return to Deep Haven. But facing his past and the mistakes he's made may be the most difficult thing he's ever done.

Lena Larson is Deep Haven's only veterinarian, and when an accident makes the animal shelter unusable, she opens her home to them. Oliver Fox's return just adds to Lena's daily stress. The last thing she needs is a daily reminder of her greatest embarrassment.

But to save what they most desire may involve Lena and Oliver letting go of the past and its pain and embracing a future that neither of could have seen. And there may be a fainting goat involved.

This is the third book in the Fox Bakery series which sees the Fox grandchildren returning to Deep Haven and facing the pain that drove them away. Leave doesn't leave the hurt or the mistakes behind, not when they've shaped your life. Sometimes the only way to heal is to return home and face it head on with those you love by your side. And sometimes you need to clear the air and not hide what you are truly feeling and yet balance it by not causing the issue to grow bigger. As Oliver told Lena she needed to both laugh more and get angry, she needed people to see the real her. Something I'm sure many of us are guilty of - wearing a mask. This was a book that offered depth while entertaining in a perfect blend.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Faith. Forgiveness. A future they never imagined. It’s time for a fresh start for the Fox family.

Oliver Fox never thought he’d step foot in Deep Haven again—not with the ghosts he left behind. But when the custody battle for his beloved daughter hinges on his ability to face his past, he returns to Deep Haven and dives back into the fray of his mistakes…starting with the girl next door.

Veterinarian Lena Larson has her hands full with the town’s pets, including a shelter for lost animals. The last thing she needs is the arrival of the man who once shattered her heart. But back he is, and with an adorable daughter…and the need to start over. She has no intention of letting him back into her life. But when her shelter is destroyed, Lena finds herself with a garage full of homeless animals—and an unlikely ally in Oliver. Together, they embark on a mission to find homes for the abandoned animals, and help Oliver make peace with his past.

But it’s not easy to come home. Not everyone believes Oliver has changed, and their doubt could keep him from retaining custody of his daughter. More, Lena has ghosts of her own, and they’ve returned to haunt her. If she isn’t careful, they might even have the power to destroy the surprising happy ending she never saw coming.

Discover this captivating story of healing, forgiveness, and the transformative power of second chances.

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules

By Suzanne Allain

Diane Boyle is more than a little surprised when two eligible bachelors call on her home. Widowed and young, she finds to her surprise and displeasure she has been included in an exclusive list. And her fortune and marital status have found her a place among other similarly situated ladies. Worse the list was a directory for younger sons to find a lady of means who could provide the financial foundation of a potential marriage. Oh, no! 

But Diane, who has been enjoying her freedom, is not about give it up for some fortune hunter. And she's determined to let author of this Bachelor's Directory know just how she feels about. And she is going to warn the other ladies on the list that their new found popularity has a nefarious reason. What follows is delightful and enjoyable Regency-era read.

Though set in the same time-period as her previous books Mr. Malcolm's List and Miss Latimore's Letter the voice is unique. I think there are fewer humorous situations in this book than the previous ones but there are still lighthearted moments. This is also a story about discovering yourself. The ladies had allowed the rules and expectations of society and family to shape them into a mold but by making an effort to control their futures and their fortunes they allowed their true, hidden selves to emerge, much like a butterfly.

I loved watching the story unfold. And even the gentleman whom Diane felt to be the villain in the whole directory debacle - Maxwell Dean proves to be more than she expected. The Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a story of friendship, second chances, romance, and self-discovery. Perfect for anyone looking for a clean reading Regency era Romance. Come along on this respectable flaunting of society's expedition in another standalone read from Suzanne Allain. You won't regret the lighthearted feel once you open the book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

QUICK FACTS

 Title: The Ladies Rewrite the Rules: A Novel

 Author: Suzanne Allain

 Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance

 Publisher: Berkley Romance (January 9, 2024)

 Length: (272) pages

 Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 

 ISBN: ‎978-0593549643

 Book Tour Dates: January 8 – 22, 2024

BOOK DESCRIPTION

From the author of Mr. Malcolm's List comes a delightful romantic comedy set in Regency England about a widow who takes high society by storm. Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow, has no desire to ever marry again. Particularly not to someone who merely wants her for her fortune. 

So, when she discovers that she’s listed in a directory of rich, single women she is furious, and rightly so. She confronts Maxwell Dean, the man who published the Bachelor’s Directory, and is horrified to find he is far more attractive than his actions have led her to expect. However, Diana is unmoved by Max’s explanation that he authored the list to assist younger sons like himself who cannot afford to marry unless it’s to a woman of means. 

She gathers the ladies in the directory together to inform them of its existence, so they may circumvent fortune hunters’ efforts to trick them into marriage. Though outraged, the women decide to embrace their unique position of power and reverse the usual gender roles by making the men dance to their tune. And together…the ladies rewrite

the rules.

About the Author

Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband. 

Suzanne adapted her novel Mr. Malcolm’s List into a screenplay and it was made into a movie starring Freida Pinto, Theo James, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, and Zawe Ashton.

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PRAISE FOR THE LADIES REWRITE THE RULES

 “Innovative…The novel’s true strength lies in the friendship between the bold heroines”— Publisher’s Weekly

 “A fun, light-hearted Regency romp about changing society from the inside.”— Kirkus Reviews

 “Joyful, warm and witty, this is a delight of a book.”— All About Romance

Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS