Rebecca Hill
If your child has an interest in Sharks, then you must get this book! We absolutely LOVED this one! As we read through the different (and some new) sharks, we got quite a bit of information! My boys love marine biology, so this book was heaven-send on a cold afternoon.
Full of facts, fun, and smiles - this book is perfect for kids of all ages! Grab this book now, and get ready for lots of questions from your kiddos - in retrospect - read the book first, you can wow your kids with all your impressive shark knowledge!
THE TITANIC HAS SUNK!
These words reverberated around the world, and tore countless families apart. But for the people who were on the Titanic and survived it created a bond. Regardless of station in life, they had to pull together to save themselves, and then learn to cope with the guilt of surviving in the aftermath.
The story follows three passengers, Esme, Charlotte and Anna. Each one of these ladies have goals, dreams and secrets. Esme is cheating on her husband. Charlotte is pretending to be a married woman. Anna is secretly in love with Josef who is going to marry another.
Esme covers her affair by eventually marrying the man whom she pulled into the boat, leaving her husband to his fate aboard the sinking vessel. Time has not been kind her to her, and the excitement that she felt with the clandestine relationship quickly soured after a few years of marriage. Seeing the marriage through to the end, she discovers a secret strength within her, and of course, a friend who has always been there. While Sabine may have only started as her maid, she has been the one constant in the headstrong Esme's life.
Charlotte is a thief. She has fallen in love with the roguish Reg Evers, and is willing to follow him anywhere. But he has been hiding several secrets from her, and while she goes along with his plans, she is deeply hurt by his rejection of her affections. Styling herself Mrs. Evers aboard the vessel, she and Reg are travelling with a young English aristocrat who has been disowned by his family. The secrets that she carries from the Titanic that night will push her to new heights in creating her new identity, but they also eat away at her as the years go by. After she is contacted by a family looking for their son, she begins a search that will take her from England to America in search of answers, resolution and peace.
Anna survives, but has to live with the guilt of being separated from her two companions. She wants to search for them, but the rest of the people in the boat cannot understand her Swedish tongue. As she makes her way to Josef, she worries about what the future will hold, and what she will say to him when she arrives. He lost his brother and fiance in the sinking. But as they grow their lives together, she has one secret that she never shared with him....
As we watch the story of these three ladies unfold, and how the Titanic sinking affects them in the future, we see more than just people. We see their stories, their pain, and the growth that they must learn to accept as time moves forward.
Fantastic book! I loved the twists and turns, and the many layers that each person seemed to possess. Anna's story really struck me harder than the rest, and of course, the massive loss of life that was incurred during the sinking. Strength and determination are some of the major themes through this book, and I enjoyed watching many of the secrets play out and unfold upon the pages of this book!
Danger, wonder, secrets, family, and forgiveness. This book is a MUST HAVE.
Elle has done a good job of managing life. Her mother is certifiable, and the mood swings can take a toll on her. However, life has a way of taking a detour, and Elle is fixing to stumble on a huge secret - one that her mother has kept buried for years.
When Anna Marie was growing up, she had a rather dysfunctional childhood. Her father was a long haul trucker and her mother - well her mother lived in a world all her own. Gertie lost many of her children, and they were all buried in the backyard. David would weave stories for his little daughter, weaving a fantasy world that will stay with Anna Marie for the remainder of her life. As much as she loathed her parents, she used that same fantasy world with her daughter Elle.
Brennley, Elle's best friend and roommate is also a fellow nurse. Together they weather the storm of losing patients and battling the emotions that come with it. Brenn and Elle balance each other out. While Brenn knows the background of Elle's mother, their past is as much of a secret to her. One of her patients, a man dying of cancer, becomes more than just a patient. Brennley is becoming more and more attached to the lonely older man. But as they become closer - a bit of Elle's past is opened. Brennley calls her, reading a letter that David has written. She believes that Elle is the granddaughter of the man in the hospital bed. Elle does not think so, her grandparents are dead - it is what she has always been led to believe. But secrets have way of reaching the surface and this one is about to put her entire family on a roller coaster that is going to take many twists and turns. Buckle your seat belt, and get ready for a story that will literally knock your socks off!
A missing child, an imaginary friend, and the secrets of the past have come back to haunt Elle. As she listens to the stories that David tells her from his hospital bed, she believes that they are made up - at least at first. As her mother becomes more and more unhinged, Elle begins to wonder what really happened, and who Bella really was.
By continuing to delve into her mothers past, she begins to push against the history that she has been told, and comes to not only love her grandfather, but wonder what her own future is going to hold. But before her world entirely gets turned upside down, there is one major secret that her grandfather has been hiding - and it could entirely destroy her mother.
OH MY GOODNESS. When you sit down to read this book - do not start it late at night! Book hangover material! The twists and turns that Steena Holmes weaves will keep you guessing, and wondering. As the story progresses, you begin to really feel sorry for David. Choosing between a wife or a daughter is not a decision any person should have to make, but when you are hiding an even darker secret - life becomes a torment. Elle is determined to find the truth, but her mother is becoming more and more unhinged.
This book is one that will make you laugh, it will make you angry. It will leave you horrified and mystified. Ya'll this book has it all! There are no disappointments, no letdowns, just page turning electricity.
Great easy read about some of the men and women who were instrumental in shaping Nubia, and the surrounding countries. I loved the pictures that were included and also the stories about each of the figures that are represented. Kids will eat this up and enjoy the pictures that can be copied and colored.
I am looking forward to sitting down and reading this with my boys!
Do not read these in the dark... alone... with the light off...
If you love a good ghost story, then you have to check out this collection of stories. Each one is sure to send a shiver down your spine! If you are easily scared, then this book is one that you want to read in full daylight. I loved these stories! Each one has its own element for the supernatural, and each story is perfectly crafted for maximum jumps and gasps.
Settle down for some fun! It will be hard to pick your favorite story!
Old stories from long ago...
I loved the history that this book brought out on some of the old territorial places in Arizona. Tombstone, old hospitals, Indian ruins, its all here...
While I enjoyed the stories, I felt like it was very miscombobulated, and you can tell there were a lot of places where they were talking over each other - and the soundbites at the end did nothing. There were some places, especially the story of the young man that was closer to the end, where his mother did not want them to do anything - but they went back and investigated anyway. I felt as though they should have really left that one alone, with the mothers wishes being given.
Interesting overall, but not quite there for me.
Life in the Dust Bowl was a daily struggle...
Mike Blanc brings a fantastic journey through the eyes of a young girl as her family fights through the Dust Bowl that has settled over the midwest. Farms and families alike struggled to make ends meet while they continually prayed and hoped for rain. Many made the decision to stick it out, but many left their areas in search of a new life.
This books walks through the heartbreaks and the triumphs of the Dust Bowl, and one families adventure as they do their best to navigate and survive the drought.
Perfect for boys and girls alike - this book is fun and full of amazing pictures and tidbits of information! Happy Reading!
Heroes do not wear capes, they wear dogtags. But not all the heroes of WWII wore dogtags. Many were ordinary citizens who risked their lives and the lives of their families to help the soldiers who were trying to escape to safety, in the face of the German soldiers who were patrolling the countryside.
This book is a hard one to put to words. Follow the harrowing tale of these young men who left home to fight in the war, shot down, and on the run to make it to safety. This book had me hooked from the beginning. I was amazed and grateful at the many families, who put themselves at risk to help these downed soldiers, hiding them in one place, and then another. Some of them were captured - but some made it to Switzerland without being caught, with the help of the French Resistance.
In the “Coffin Corner Boys” we follow the story of George Starks who returned to France decades after the war, to find those who had helped him, and to show his appreciation for everything that they had done for him. Taking his wife along, she was able to see the many miles he had traversed and the many people who had helped hide him along the road until he reached safety.
We hear from the other flyers who were shot down with George, and their tales of trying to reach freedom, we see the horrors of being captured and imprisoned as a POW. A few of the flyers saw the devastation and horrors contained within the concentration camps.
A powerful story of survival, hope and endurance. If you love military history, check out this read! Thank you Edelweiss for an advanced review copy for an unbiased review!
Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, SURVIVED....
To be the wife of the King is an envious position, unless that position is to be married to Henry VIII. Each wife went into the marriage hoping for the best, but Henry was never satisfied. His best loved wife, was the one that gave him his longed for son, and she died from it. She did not live long enough to disappoint him.
The wives of Henry VIII come together to tell their stories. The heartbreak, the highs, the lows, and the infidelities - all are laid out here as their stories come to light. Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr. Each of these ladies hoped for the best - they gambled with their lives and their positions - and many of them lost the ultimate wager.
Interesting read, and very good book! I enjoyed it immensely. A little bit of graphic writing, so mature audiences only!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy for a unbiased review of the book!
Zahi Hawass is one of the leading authorities in Egyptology. Reading this book took me back through the “curse” of the pharaohs, the men who found the tombs, and some of the “mysterious” ends that they went through.
Great quick read if you are interested in Egyptian history! I loved it!
Duane Cerny takes us on a walk through his vintage sales and adventures in digging through the lives of those who have passed. While some of the many people are simply looking for extra cash to get through the tough times in the lives, most are families who are overwhelmed with the many “treasures” that were accumulated over a lifetime.
This was a walk through the funny, the spine-tingling, and sad lives of those who collected, stored, and then - left everything behind for the next person to go through and make the best of.
This was a good book. There were a few things that kind of downed the book for me a bit, but overall I found it enjoyable and funny to read through.
What a fun book for kids! They will learn, without realizing it! I sat and read through this book, and plan to get a copy that my kids can use this coming fall.
There are so many interesting facts here, and I found myself learning while reading through it! Kids of all ages will have fun reading this book! Add this to your must-have list! This is a book that they can use again and again!
This book releases on 5 July 2018.
I received an electronic copy from NetGalley for an honest and fair review
A quick read over the history of Ninevah and its eventual downfall. Very informative and engaging.
If you are looking to get your kids into the water this summer, do so safely! Ranger Rick has some great tips, advice and MORE!
Easy to follow pictures and guide allows kids of different ages to understand and absorb the information. I have shared the information with my kids, and then we discussed afterwards, and they learned so much it was amazing! I look forward to seeing the other books that Ranger Rick has! My kids loved the information, and we had a great time looking through and discovering all the different tidbits and facts that they presented.
I received a digital copy from Netgalley for a fair an unbiased review
Reginald Pole was an enigma. He dared to defy a King.
The story of Reginald Pole is a sad one. Educated by Henry VIII, he rose within the Catholic Church. As he continued his rise, he dared to defy the King's wishes. Refusing to be cowered by the threats and assassins sent after him, he was protected by the Pope.
When King Henry realized that Reginald would not conform to the new church that he had started, his mother and brother were arrested, and eventually executed for treason. The execution of an elderly woman was something that not only shocked England but was seen as barbaric throughout the known world. Through trial and tribulations, Reginald continued to seek comfort within the Church, and the many friends that he had. Though his earthly family was largely eradicated, he still had one brother left alive, who had given evidence against his mother and brother, but his eyes were on things not of this world...
Great novella on Reginald Pole! This man has always interested me, not only with his relationship with Queen Mary of England but because of his refusal to bow to the wishes of a mortal king. Reginald deserved to have his story told, and Samantha Wilcoxson has done a fantastic job with it! Her books never disappoint, and I was thrilled to be able to read this one as well!
Fun and informational book on bugs, collection, preservation and more. My boys and I enjoyed reading through this and learning more about different bugs and how to preserve them for future study.
If you have a kid that loves bugs, then this is the book for you. Find all the little facts, tidbits, and more!
I received a digital copy from NetGalley for a fair and unbiased review
Jane Austen is a well known author. This little book gives beginning readers a look into the life of Jane Austen, and how her books really got started.
Great for beginning readers and those who love Jane Austen!
Thanks NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an electronic copy for an honest review.
Margaret of Anjou was one of the most disliked queens of England. She fought for what was hers, and she was not afraid to do what it took to keep her throne. Showing up in England impoverished with nothing to show for the marriage, it did not set the tone for a successful relationship with the nobility in the country, although many rallied to her cause because of her husband, many deserted. She wielded power and was able to give her husband a son, although the marriage did not produce any more children. Had her husband been a stronger man, the history of England would have taken a very different turn, but he was weak both in mind and spirit.
Margaret was very much a woman before her time. Very interesting book overall! I enjoyed it!
Get to know a little bit about some of the biggest names in history. From Abraham Lincoln to some of the most popular rockstars - this book has a lot of different facts and is chalk full of information.
Okay, parents - I love giving rave reviews, but this book had a few entries that rather raised my eyebrows. I would suggest that if you are thinking about getting this for your kids, that you take a look at it first. There are some things that I am not quite ready to discuss with my boys yet. Overall, I agreed with the majority of the people included, but there are always a few that you have to wonder about.
This book releases on 7 August 2018.
I was given an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review
Do you have a little bug lover in your life? This book is a great guide to the world of bugs. What they eat, where they live, and SO MUCH MORE! It is a quick read, and kids 5 and up will enjoy reading through and learning new little tidbits about some of their favorite critters.
Jump in and get to know the bug world just a little bit more this summer, and then head outside to find and watch your new little friends.
I was given an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review
I read through this book. It is meant for kids, but there are a few things in there that I am not really ready to share with my children. They know who Nelson Mandela is, but I think that I am going to wait just a little longer before sharing this with them. Would suggest this for ages 10+, and even then, I would suggest parents read it first, so as to be able to answer any questions that your children will come back to you with.
If you love to spend time outdoors, then this is the perfect book for you! We love to hike, and this book is chalk full of awesome ideas and tips for all your hiking adventures.
We spend a lot of time outdoors with the Boy Scouts, and this is one book that I am going to recommend to the parents of our new scouts to look into. From clothing to food, and more, this book outlines and shares information on a level that kids 8 and up will easily understand.
Get ready to learn all the safety tips and fantastic ideas for hiking! Then get outside and enjoy nature!
Lions are some of the most magnificent creatures on the face of the planet. Now you can get an in-depth look at them, without being overwhelmed, or get to close. My boys and I sat down and read through this before bed. We found a lot of great information, and they gained a better understanding of how lions live and survive.
I even learned a few things myself!
Thank you, NetGalley for an electronic copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I was hooked from the first page - and forget about sharing it with the kids! They are going to flip when they read it. From planets to stars, to the galaxy, there are so many fascinating pieces of information, and so much to learn!
I look forward to sitting down and reading this again with my kids. I even learned a few things about our galaxy that I did not know. How amazing is that?
This look at the Manson family also draws parallels to many other “families” that were running concurrent at the time.
The horror that the Manson family inflicted in a very short period of time has stayed with the American people, still drawing interest and revulsion decades later.
Interesting look into the family. It was one that really made me think about the vulnerability of many of our young folk, and also makes me wonder how soon something like this could happen again.