Cover L♡ver Book Review

This book has the perfect title, because the animal facts are truly  fascinating.  The pages are filled with illustrations and facts (they're a bit busy, I must say) with separate colored sections for each category of animal:  Magnificent Mammals, Creepy Crawlies, Water World, Scaly Things, Amazing Amphibians , and  Feathered Friends. Snails with baseball-sized shells? A species of octopus that eats its own arms? Frogs that produce their own antifreeze so they can freeze solid in winter and “come back to life” in the spring? This is just a small sample of the interesting facts you’ll find in  The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids . I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

What a fun book for young readers and historians!  I imagined my brother and I having a book like this when we were young. We would've treasured it! There was something about secret codes, intellegence agencies, and clandestine missions that intrigued us as kids.  Mission Impossible  was a television series we loved to watch and study. We even acted out our own episodes using our reel-to-reel tape-recorder that would "self-destruct in 10...9...8..." Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents  centers on what went on behind the scenes of WWII. The chapters are presented in a fun way, with interesting diagrams, maps, photos that appear as if they're paper clipped or stapled to the page, and even messages with blacked out words as if it's been censored. There are so many interesting facts and explanations packed in this book. It's designed for kids...but aren't we all still kids at heart? Loved it. I received a complimentary copy of this book

JJ and the Big Bend  is such a cute chapter book, packed with inspiration and meaning. Josiah James Mahoney III, better known as JJ, is a ten-year old boy who is short in stature but big in imagination. Because he is teased and bullied in school, he often daydreams about being bigger than himself. Bullying is such a huge problem for young people so I believe many kids will connect with and sympathize with JJ. He’s a neat kid that isolates himself because he feels he doesn’t measure up to his peers. He really loves and admires his grandfather though. He looks up to him and accepts his guidance and advice.  The author keeps things authentic, showing the problems of kids that are bullied, including the isolation, loneliness, and even temper issues. There are no quick fixes, but there are steps the child and adults in his life can take that can help. I love that the story didn’t make me roll my eyes with quick fixes or a miraculous turnaround for the bully. Instead, the problem

“While it was not my intent to answer an atheist challenge to “tell me what God is doing today,” when I started writing these stories, that is what this book became.” ~Quote from the book’s conclusion I love the idea of a quest to find faith in a community—whether a big city or a small-town neighborhood. And boy did this book deliver! Talk about an inspiring and uplifting compilation of faith-filled stories! The author provides wonderful examples of everyday people demonstrating extraordinary faith, and does so in an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow way. I enjoyed reading these examples of how God intervenes in people’s lives and reveals His love and mercy—loud and clear. Each story is short, yet it’s difficult to stop reading. After finishing one story, I found myself scanning pages to see how long the next story was and decided to read another…and then another…and another… Until I finished the book in one sitting. God is as dynamic in people’s lives today as he was durin

I pick a new word to focus on each year, and this next year I'm focusing on POSITIVITY. Sharing positivity on social media, doing kind acts and deeds, praying more...These are all things I want to center my thoughts and actions on in 2020. But there's more to positivity than being a positive person. Namely, self-care. I love that this book emphasizes that self-care is not selfish. It's so important to refill our reservoir. This book guides us to not only spread positivity to others, but to make the right choices that will refuel our energy, how to set boundaries, and so much more. This is an easy-to-read book that I found inspiring and motivating! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

If it weren't for my love of Chicken, I imagine I wouldn't have a difficult time becoming a vegetarian. I love vegetables and soups, which is my favorite part about this cookbook. And of course having a dessert section doesn't hurt, either. The Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo (page 19) and  White Bean Soup (page 22) are similar to recipes I already make...but I have to say, cooking them in a slow cooker is much more appealing and allows faster clean up. I haven't tried any of the desserts yet, but I MUST make the Zucchini Bread recipe! (page 136) It sounds so easy--and I love zucchini bread. As with most cookbooks, I wish there were more illustrations. I'd prefer one per recipe, actually. They provide great inspiration and presentation goals. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 She Laughs  is a delightfully entertaining and edifying book! I love the witty conversational style the author uses as she shares her personal stories of becoming a Proverbs woman.  As Ms. Miljavac states in her introduction, we as women sometimes find ourselves running in circles confused, conflicted, overwhelmed, doubtful, worried, anxious, and afraid. But scripture says,  “She laughs.”  These two words hold so much power. I have to say, I laughed out loud during the initial story (as well as the others.) Any woman can relate to her unfortunate  Aunt Flow  events. But the author doesn’t relay these stories only for laughs. She shares these funny, embarrassing, and impactful stories in hopes of helping readers find their laughter and inspiring them to live life with more joy. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no o

Big Dreams & Powerful Prayers  is a powerful title--exemplifying the sentiments within. Covering thirty stories from both the Old and New Testaments, young readers and listeners will get a brief overlook of some of the most impactful people and events in Bible history. The full-page illustrations are intricate and beautiful, and at the conclusion of each story a  Prayer Point  section is included, encouraging readers to apply what they’ve learned in their daily lives. A short example prayer and Scripture verse is also included. I love that the illustrations are ethnic, detailed, and interesting. And although the stories may be too difficult for the youngest of readers to digest, the pictures help them understand with a little guidance from Mom and Dad.  This is a delightfully inspiring and edifying hardback Bible storybook. I loved reading books like this when I was young! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Zblog Squad.

I love Love LOVE this book. These sentiments are invaluable for little ones to learn. Our words are important and affect our daily lives as well as change the lives of others. The full-page illustrations are adorable, illuminating the power our words hold. I love the various words and phrases used.  I believe in you. You’re going to be great. Do you need help? Would you like to go first? I’m sorry.  The book also emphasizes that we should be careful about negative comments as well because we cannot get our words back.  Leave me alone. This book is more than entertaining. It’s inspiring and effective. Words to Love By is meaningful and impactful. Sometimes it’s best not to speak at all. Sometimes it’s better to just listen. But always keep in mind… The words you choose today can change your life… And someone else’s too. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Zblog Squad.

With delightful rhymes, illustrations, and sentiments—what’s not to love?  Love You, Love You  displays sweet snuggly love between numerous animals and family members. Mama mouse, Daddy bear, Nana snake, Papa dog, Aunty Chicken, Uncle duck, Sister cat, Brother frog all tuck in their loved ones with fun read-out-loud rhymes. The full-page illustrations are so cute and the love all the characters share is so evident. The animals are playful, yet obedient, and all cuddle together and become quiet for a good night’s rest. Love You, Love You is the perfect bedtime board book geared toward 0-4 year-old little ones.  Love you, Love you, Mama squeaked. Into her nest she quickly peeked. Sleeping babies softly snore. I couldn’t love you any more. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Zblog Squad.

What a delightful story about two very wild but very good dogs!  Piper and Mabel  are disappointed when they can’t go on a beach vacation with their owners but are somewhat relieved to learn they’ll be staying at the  Happy Tails Ranch  instead. But the ranch isn’t what they expected, so the determined dogs escape and their sense of adventure results in  getting lost, trekking through mud, and becoming hungry. I’m a dog lover so I can relate to Piper and Mabel’s adventuresome and wild ways, and I’m sure young dog lovers and famlies will appreciate how these very good dogs want to be with their people more than anything else. This sweet story is a wonderful display of friendship, adventure, family, and being thankful. The illustrations are entertaining and colorful, and Piper and Mabel are memorable and lovable characters. I enjoyed the entertaining Haikus and the goodnight prayer of thanks. The hardback cover is identical to the protective dust jacket, depicting the two happ

Penguin & Moose  is such a sweet story about limitations, relationships, and positivity. It promotes teamwork, friendships, and the importance of finding the bright spot of every situation.  Penguin wants to fly. He makes numerous attempts, but just can’t seem to get airborne. His friend Moose tries to help and encourages him along the way. Ultimately, Penguin realizes that even though he didn’t succeed at flying, Moose still loved him just the same. I love how this story focuses on Proverbs 17:17. ‘A friend loves at all times’ is a wonderful verse and spiritual lesson that Penguin takes to heart. This is a book to treasure, with colorful illustrations, fun adventures, and a heartwarming friendship. It makes a meaningful addition to any child’s library. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

The pictures alone make me want to eat healthier! They’re colorful and inspiring. With recipes ranging from smoothies to sandwiches, this book is chock-full of healthy recipes that don’t take a lot of ingredients or time to make.  I received a complimentary copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. I was under no obligation to post a review.

I can’t say I know much about palmistry, but I can say I find it intriguing and even fun. I haven’t delved too deeply into this book yet, but what I have read seems straightforward and easy to understand. I’m learning about this ancient art and I’m having fun analyzing the lines and patterns in my hands.  I received a complimentary copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. I was under no obligation to post a review.

What a fun, entertaining, and inspiring book for first time moms! I love the humor, the organization into age categories (0-3 mos, etc.) and most of all—the emphasis on taking care of Mommy (self) as well as Baby. Self-care is important, and a happier, healthier mommy makes a happier and healthier baby. The tips are spot-on with today’s mom, with focuses on so many aspects of baby’s first year, like milestones and teaching baby sign language. Every mom could use this kind of encouragement!  I received a complimentary copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. I was under no obligation to post a review.

Another fun puzzle book – and it doesn’t hurt that it’s in large print.  These are fun, entertaining, and challenging puzzles of various kinds and difficulty levels. With wordplay, logic, math, card puzzles, teasers, riddles, and more, it’s fun to exercise the brain! I especially enjoy the ones testing your logic. And if you just can’t ‘get’ a particular puzzle, there are clue sections to help you out. I received a complimentary copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. I was under no obligation to post a review.

I'm enjoying this book even more than I'd hoped, and this is partly due to the confidence I have in the author. She really knows her stuff, with extensive experience growing and using herbs. I’m a novice, so I find the info in this book interesting. I mean—a salve to help my plantar Fasciitis? Yes!  The herbal world is fascinating, and I’m learning a lot about salves, tinctures, teas, and other remedies. The recipes are easy to understand, and the photos are artsy and appealing. I received a complimentary copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. I was under no obligation to post a review.

I love puzzle books, whether they are crosswords, trivia, or word searches. This one is pretty neat, with puzzles of varying difficulty--with each one focusing on things of the Bible. My mother-in-law loves word searches so I got this with her in mind. The large print is helpful and the puzzles are simple to read and fun to do. I received a complimentary copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. I was under no obligation to post a review.

On Tour with  Prism Book Tours We hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into these sweet contemporary romance books and grabbed some for yourself or as gifts for other romance lovers! If you missed any of the stops, you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below. And don't forget to enter the fantastic giveaway... December 11th:  Launch December 12th:  Julie Coulter Bellon  -  Truth or Dare Follow the Author:  Website  |  Blog   |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram Find the Book:   Goodreads  |  Amazon Snippet from the  Excerpt (find the full post  here ): Being here brought back so many warm memories for her, like sunshine chasing away all her shadows. The reality was, though some things seemed the same, their lives were very different than what they had been. She needed to keep that in mind.  Kami ran a hand through her damp hair and suppressed another shiver. She caught chills easily; th

On Tour with  Prism Book Tours The Suite Life (The Family Stone #1) By Brooke St. James Christian Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages August 14th 2018 by Blue House Press I was completely exhausted when I first laid eyes on him. I had been traveling, and for the last twenty-four hours, sleep had evaded me. I knew I looked terrible, and I was relatively sure I didn't smell so great, either. It was not the most ideal moment to make a first impression. On a normal day, I wouldn't be so torn up about it, but today was different. This was the day I met Taylor. He was a gentleman in every way. I was instantly taken aback by his vintage look and charm. It was almost like he had stepped out of the past. I would only be in Boston for two days before traveling again, and I was determined to get a second chance at a first impression. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  | Book Depository Excerpt People a

On Tour with  Prism Book Tours Meet the members of Oregon Mountain Search and Rescue and watch them fall in love in Hood Hamlet with a little help from Christmas magic. In His Christmas Wish , Jake Porter is burdened by guilt, believing he could have saved two friends during a climbing accident and kept Carly Bishop from the heart-wrenching loss of her fiancé and brother. When she arrives in town for the holidays, Jake wants to make amends so they can both move forward with their lives. As he helps Carly experience the magic of Christmas, will he also be able to open her heart to…love? In Her Christmas Secret , Sean Hughes asks snowboarder Zoe Flynn to pose as his girlfriend at Thanksgiving dinner, which will take the pressure off him from his meddling family, who enjoy matchmaking. But when an injury occurs, the two are forced to continue their one-night ruse until the line between make-believe and reality blurs. Zoe, however, has a secret…a big one. Is their new rel