Bug on the Rug by Sophia Gholz

July 18, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Bug on the Rug by Sophia Gholz
Illustrator: Susan Batori
Publisher: Sleeping Bear
Genre: Fiction, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Pug is snug on his rug. But what happens when along comes BUG?! With a claim to the rug?! The two engage in a hysterical, rhyming battle of wits and strength until Slug asks the necessary questions and helps them find common ground. Rhyming is an important developmental reading skill. It teaches phonics (decodable text) and helps young readers infer content. This is a fun story to build those skills–and is an epic read aloud!

I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl who is going into first grade this Fall. Of all the book covers to choose from and she chose Bug on the Rug. I must admit that I love the cover as well. The pug’s face is priceless.

This is a rhyming read-aloud story that is absolutely hilarious and heartwarming. Pug is snug on his rug when a bug comes along. The bug comes along to claim a piece of the rug. The two begin a battle over who owns the rug. In the midst of the battle a slug comes along and helps the two through conflict resolution. Where and why the bug comes along on his rug is the ‘oh bless his heart’ part of the story.

The little girl that I nanny for, and I loved this story. We read it a multitude of times and laughed out loud every single time. As an adult I enjoyed the happily ever after between two unlikely friends.

Happy Summer Reading 2023!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times by Lowell Klessig & Lukas Klessig

July 17, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times by Lowell Klessig & Lukas Klessig
Publisher: Medley Park Press
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

THE DRAMATIC STORY OF A PIONEERING MAN, HIS MERCURIAL MIND AND A SOCIETY IN LIMBO.

Lowell Klessig’s posthumously-released story, infused with reflections by his son Lukas, provides an intimate window into one man’s life in flux with bipolar disorder. As the author narrates a postwar upbringing and describes the manic-depressive travails of developing his identity, he offers us a view into the turmoil of the times – and of his mind.

Through mania- and danger-filled months fighting for Civil Rights, protesting the Vietnam War and furthering the Conservation Movement, we see the purpose that sustained him. Through darkened panes, we witness the isolation and malaise of depressive winters that nearly took his life. This masterful chronicle allows us to peer into a restless and kinetic existence in one moment and a chasm of fatigue and hopelessness on the next page.

It’s a bipolar journey that you won’t ever forget.

Diagnoses don’t determine your destiny, but they are still important things to have.

This was a detailed and honest description of German-Americans who are either farmers or live in farm country. As someone who grew up in that culture, I smiled and nodded along as countless details about it popped up that only someone who grew up in that community would think to include or as I realized what unspoken cultural expectations the authors were probably going to talk about next. There were plenty of explanations of the nuances of it all for readers who aren’t from that background, too, so don’t worry if it’s not something you’re familiar with yet. It will all be made clear as the story advances.

Not everyone is able to be diagnosed with their mental or other illnesses early in life. The social stigma and misunderstandings surrounding certain diagnoses can be just as difficult as the diseases themselves, especially decades ago when doctors knew so much less about bipolar disorder than they do today. I was impressed by the coping mechanisms the Lowell family came up with and how hard they worked to overcome the disruptions that the elder Mr. Lowell’s illness brought not only to his own life but also to the lives of those who loved him as he cycled between mania and depression. You never really know what’s going on behind the scenes in other people’s lives, but this was a fascinating glimpse into the private matters of one such family.

It takes courage to admit one’s mistakes. Some of the most memorable chapters in this memoir were the ones that talked about things the elder Mr. Lowell did and said that he later regretted. He explained why he made those choices not to defend them but to explain how his childhood affected the assumptions he made about the world and how his later experiences encouraged him to rethink some of his previous opinions. Meeting people from other walks of life is a fantastic way to take note of the things we might not fully understand at the moment and work on what our families and communities may not have taught us earlier in life. I liked the graceful and humble way the elder Mr. Lowell discussed these topics.

Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times was excellent. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Once Upon a Kiss by Selena Robins

July 14, 2023 By 2 Comments


Once Upon a Kiss by Selena Robins
Publisher: Self- Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

A survivor. A corporate shark. And a case of mistaken identity to warm the heart.

Hell on a stick. Is thirty-three too young to lose your mind? Sabrina Monroe is a survivor, but this epic streak of bad luck has worn her thin. Lately, she swears she’s seeing and hearing things.

With everything on her plate, she doesn’t have time to riddle out these oddball, mystical happenings. Corporate vultures are circling Maple Manor, the inn that’s been in her family for generations. And her new handyman looks like he’s better suited for the cover of GQ than Popular Mechanics.

Jason O’Neil can barely tell a Phillips from a flathead, but when Maple Manor’s stubbornly sale-resistant owner mistakes him for the new Mr. Fixit, he doesn’t hesitate to trade his Guccis for work boots. It’s the perfect chance to bag the lush mountain property for his company’s next five-star golf course. What could possibly go wrong?

He quickly discovers that not only is Sabrina no pushover, but he’s also enjoying the push and pull between them way more than he should. And when a new threat emerges, Jason finds himself risking everything to follow his heart—and convince Sabrina he’s her ally.

This was a captivating romance from beginning to end with all the ingredients necessary to be produced into a movie. I finished reading at one AM and should have been exhausted but I’m wide awake, filled with the desire to continue reading except Sabrina and Jason’s love story already has reached their HEA. I’m still on cloud nine so it’s the perfect time to write a review, reliving what I enjoyed most about this novel.

The heroine, Sabrina, is an exceptionally strong character considering all that she has endured in her lifetime. She has tried hard not to let her past define her future. Her wit and sense of humor made her an endearing leading character to me.

The hero, Jason, is as charming as could be. He has the looks, the career and the qualities of a gentleman that made me swoon just imagining being in the same room as him. Jason has his own baggage of issues to contend with before he could open up his heart to love.

Together, Jason and Sabrina’s journey to love made me experience a mix of feelings ranging from sad to laughing out loud, to feeling all gushy inside. It was the perfect combination resulting in a book glow. The author did a wonderful job creating relatable characters that came to life on the page for the reader to resonate with.

A few characters were purposefully undesirable which enhanced the plot throughout the story by creating a tense atmosphere causing me to be concerned for the hero and heroine. I enjoyed that bit of drama. This story sure did have some unpredictable twists that gave me a few surprises. I appreciated how the author took her time to tie up all loose ends in the story, leaving me with a satisfied smile on my face.

I was fond of the location where this story took place since I have been to Vermont on many occasions. I enjoyed reading the detailed scene descriptions written throughout the story. It made me feel more connected to the story.

Once upon a Kiss has the magical touch I look for in a book that leaves me wanting to read it again. I fully encourage others to read this heartwarming story.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Not That Pet! By Smriti Prasadam-Halls

July 12, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Not That Pet! By Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Publisher: Candlewick Press, a Walker Books imprint
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

It’s time to get a pet! Will Mabel find the perfect one for her family?

Hooray! Mabel and her family are getting a pet! There’s no time to lose! But which kind of animal should they choose? Not the snake – it’s too scary. The elephant’s too big. The worms are too wriggly and the hyena too giggly. Then Mabel has the perfect idea. But will her family agree? A laugh-out-loud rhyming story about finding the perfect pet – with plenty of hilarious twists along the way.

The third book we chose to read for our summer reading program was Not That Pet! I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl going into first grade. It’s fun seeing a child’s eyes light up when a book or story engages their imagination. This story was another hit.

This was an entertaining read! This is a rhyming read-aloud story that had us both giggling from the beginning of the story to the end. The main character, Mabel, is allowed to pick the family pet. She is determined to find the perfect pet. Her choices had us groaning, ‘oh nooo’ while shaking our heads and laughing out loud. We couldn’t read fast enough to see Mabel’s next choice. Her final decision was unpredictable. We couldn’t believe the final choice was a…. well, you’ll just have to read the story yourself to find out.

The illustrations themselves had us smirking. We took the time to really look at the pages and discovered small details that really added to the enjoyment of the story. We read this story several times which is an indicator that this book is a keeper.

Enjoy reading Summer 2023!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

When Glitter Met Glue by Karen Kilpatrick

July 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment


When Glitter Met Glue by Karen Kilpatrick
When Pencil Met Eraser
Illustrator: German Blanco
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Glue loves making art with her friends―especially pasting on googly eyes!―but sometimes she feels invisible. Instead of always being stuck in the background, Glue wants to be noticed like Pencil and colorful like the Markers! How can she find a way to stand out?

When a new friend named Glitter arrives in a swirl of sparkles, Glue and Glitter team up to make something completely original and help Glue shine like the star she truly is.

Karen Kilpatrick & Germán Blanco’s When Glitter Met Glue spotlights art’s unsung hero―a glue bottle―in a hilarious and clever story that encourages self-acceptance and spurs us all to recognize our inner shimmer. A perfect gift for teachers and the first day of school.

I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl going into first grade. This book was chosen for our summer reading program from the books listed is, When Glitter Met Glue: (When Pencil Met Eraser) by Karen Kilpatrick.

We loved this book all fifty times that we read it. Full disclosure, when I’m asked to read a book more than once, that speaks volumes. I must say that this story was quite clever. I would have never thought to give children art mediums friendly personas. However, that is just what Karen Kilpatrick did and my six-year-old student absolutely loved it.

Imagine, glue has feelings that we as humans can relate to. It’s true. Glue sometimes feels invisible! Glue wants to be noticed like the pencil or colorful markers. Glue meets a new friend, Glitter, and that is when the story really comes to life. We all want to be noticed by others for one reason or another. We are all special in our own unique ways and sometimes we just need to let our light shine. Sometimes it takes a friend to show us our true colors. This story reminds me of the song by Cyndi Lauper, True Colors. Her song was about looking below the surface to see what a person is really like.

When glue dries it disappears. However, when mixed with Glitter, we can really see Glue’s inner sparkle shine. I’ve read years ago that grandmothers are the glue in the family. This story really hit home with me regarding the importance of Glue and how it’s just taken for granted.

We borrowed this story from the library, but I am contemplating buying it and putting it in our book library. It’s that good! Happy reading summer 2023!

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

A Mouthful of Minnows by John Hare

July 5, 2023 By Leave a Comment


A Mouthful of Minnows by John Hare
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

At the bottom of the pond, Alphonso the snapping turtle opens his mouth wide, wiggles his worm-like tongue, and waits patiently for breakfast. He barely notices a measly minnow, but he’s thrilled when the entire school shows up. Alphonso’s perseverance has paid off! But when a whole family of minnows arrives to celebrate together, Alphonso’s true character emerges, and he has second thoughts about the breakfast he’s been waiting for.

Acclaimed author-artist John Hare’s artwork is textured, playful, educational, and energetic, bringing the depths of the underwater setting to life. A Mouthful of Minnows is a surprising and heartwarming picture book that is a great choice for story time and bedtime.

Each summer the State of Florida releases a list of approved books for students to read while on summer break. I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl going into first grade. The first book we chose to read was A Mouthful of Minnows because we love of fishing in the inter coastal waterway.

We didn’t read the synopsis, so we assumed the story was about fishing based on the title and the book cover. We were surprised that the main character was Alphonso, an alligator snapping turtle. The plot was about Alphonso waiting for his breakfast to come.

Our attention was caught immediately when we read that he sits on the bottom of the pond with his mouth wide open, wiggling his worm-like tongue. He stays like that waiting for a fish to swim by so he can capture it. We paused reading the story because we were both questioning if this was true. So we Googled “turtle with worm-like tongue”. Sure enough, this was true! I appreciated learning a new fun fact.

We resumed reading the heartwarming story about Alphonso patiently waiting for his breakfast when a school of minnows swam near his mouth. Alphonso overhears what the minnows were saying, and this is where the reader learns about generosity, empathy and friendship.

The illustrator for A Mouthful of Minnows is also the author, John Hare. I found each page to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I enjoyed perusing each page as I read the story out loud.

If the little girl that I nanny for asks for me to read a book a second time, then I know it is a good book. We read this book multiple times before we had to return it to the library. That testimony speaks volumes.

Our Summer 2023 reading log started with a great book. We easily recommend reading A Mouthful of Minnows.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

32 Days – A Memoir of Love and Death by Deborah Sabin

July 3, 2023 By 4 Comments


32 Days – A Memoir of Love and Death by Deborah Sabin
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating 5 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Mitch and Debbi were beshert. Soulmates. She knew it from the first day of law school. He came to the same conclusion just a few months later. From that day on, they were rarely apart. Debbi made one, five, and ten-year plans for their future. Mitch always replied, “Yeah. Maybe someday.” Someday came too soon.

A terrible freak accident put Mitchell in a hospital remote from home, with a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Alone in the ICU with her husband, away from her children and family, Deborah struggled to manage their days and find a way to keep their love and their marriage alive. Every night, she wrote him a note of news, hope, and love. But, thirty-two days were all they had. Mitch died and Debbi was left with two small children. With the help of family and friends, she struggled to make a life for three seem as good as the life they had when they were a family of four. All traces of her time in the hospital with Mitchell were stored in the “sad” box, stuffed high on a shelf in the back of the closet.

Twenty-five years later, the notes resurfaced in an unlikely space. Deborah knew it was time to share the letters with family, friends, and the world. 32 Days is the story of a wonderful man, taken from this world much too soon. A husband, father, son, brother, friend, lawyer and advocate, and the courageous battle he fought to stay alive. Until someday. Mitchell and Deborah’s story is one of love that transcends time and space. Of faith that grows stronger even in the face of the unimaginable. Of the healing strength given by family and friends. Of hope that life will go on. Of someday.

Two people, one love and one future.

I knew when I picked up this book I’d have moments of levity, but that I’d cry, too, and I did. Deborah Sabin, aka the author Morgan Malone, writes about the thirty-two days in which her life changed. Her husband, her beloved Mitch, was hurt in an accident and this is the story of what happened over the course of those thirty-two days.

The writing moves along at a great clip, despite the not so fun topic. I felt exactly the way she did when writing it—her heart breaking, her soul dimming just a bit, but the fight growing stronger in her. Oh and her love for Mitch. I can’t say I’m glad the author went through this, but I’m honored that she was willing to share her story. Share her heartbreak. It resonates on every page.

If you’re ever loved someone and lost them, then this is a book that will speak to you. If you’ve had a soulmate who was gone too soon, then I recommend this book. It’s a keeper.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

* Remember Me by Mary Balogh

June 28, 2023 By Leave a Comment


* Remember Me by Mary Balogh
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? Discover the passionate and heartwarming new novel on the redemptive power of love from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.

Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton. She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.

The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.

Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.

Remember Me is a delightful and entertaining historical romance set in the 1800’s. This story has all the elements I love in historical romance. The two main characters have large families who love to meddle and offer unsolicited advice. Also, we are thrown into the glittering world of the London season and it is fun imagining what it would be like living during these times. The story is well written and easily transported me into their world and the two main characters, Lucas and Philippa are likable and easy to relate to.

Things do not go well the first time Lucas and Philippa meet and there is confusion and misunderstandings between them when they meet again, several years later. However, when Lucas and Philippa are continually thrown together during the London season, their feelings for each other slowly change. Lucas tries to show Pilippa that he is a nice guy, but Pilippa can’t forgive him for the harsh words he uttered years ago. I enjoyed all Lucas and Philippa’s encounters and I could feel the sparks igniting between them whenever they were together. I thought they were perfect for each other and wanted everything to work out between them.

What I love about Mary Balogh is she knows how to paint a picture and write an intriguing plot and a beautiful story. She does a great portrayal of the characters in this story and was able to make them sympathetic, vulnerable and easy to connect with. This story is full of richness and depth and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Devin Drake and the Family Secret by R. M. Clark

June 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Devin Drake and the Family Secret by R. M. Clark
Publisher: Pen It! Publications
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Another day, another birthday, right? Not quite for Devin Drake. A few days after his twelfth birthday, he loses his new drone in the creepiest place on earth, a cemetery. While retrieving it, he realizes he cannot only hear, but see ghosts. Devin soon finds out that necromancy runs in the Drake family. However, before he can learn everything about his new-found power, a classmate begs him to find out why her deceased grandfather keeps contacting her through cryptic texts, random pennies, and birds of all things. Thinking it’ll be a quick case; Devin agrees to help her. However, he soon learns that spirits don’t always make things easy and just when he thinks he’s solved one clue, another one pops up creating at least ten more questions than the last. Will Devin get the hang of his new-found gift before time runs out? Or will Eva’s grandfather continue to lead Devin on what could be considered a wild goose chase?

Food brings everyone together.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that described all sorts of delicious Greek dishes. While I’ll leave it up to other readers to discover for themselves why it was important to include these passages, there were clues about that to be found fairly early on in the plot. They simultaneously made me hungry and made me wonder how they were connected to everything else that was going on. Figuring that all out was one of several reasons why I gave this a perfect five-star rating.

The mystery storyline was well written and exciting. I enjoyed coming up with various theories about why Dmitri’s spirit was trying to communicate with his granddaughter and what he might have wanted her to know or do. There were exactly the right number of clues to keep me guessing while still leaving plenty of room for plot twists later on.

Mr. Clark put a lot of effort into character development in this book, and it showed. Devin was such a quintessential twelve-year-old who was happy to play with his drone one moment and deeply irritated with his talkative and sometimes hyper eight-year-old sister the next. He felt like a real person to me, and I loved seeing him slowly mature as a result of his experiences. This was a pattern that was subtly repeated with a few of the people closest to Devin, too, in ways that were perfect for its tween audience, and it reminded me why middle grade fiction can be so rewarding.

Devin Drake and the Family Secret was one of the best mysteries I’ve read so far this summer. I highly recommend it to kids and adults alike.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

*Truly, Madly, Deeply by Erika Kelly

June 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment


*Truly, Madly, Deeply by Erika Kelly
Publisher: Self Published
Genre:, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

What’s the worst thing that can happen to a single dad trying to avoid temptation? Crossing paths with the sexy runaway bride who’s looking to get as far away from her ex as possible.

When runaway bride Grace Giordano needs somewhere to regroup, groomsman Jaime Dupree offers her a guest house on his ranch. It’s no skin off his nose—she’s only in town a few days. Besides, between his daughter and his professional hockey team, he’s got his hands full. Surely, their paths won’t cross.

But when Grace gets the opportunity to run a food truck at the town’s annual music festival, she decides to stay all summer long. The singing baker’s a hit—at the festival and on the ranch.

Jaime might want to focus on his kid and his team, but the singing baker proves to be a mighty big distraction.

One he’s not sure he can resist.

Truly, Madly, Deeply is an emotional and heartwarming romance story about a broken man and a runaway bride who are unexpectedly brought together. I enjoyed reading Jamie and Grace’s story and thought they were perfect for each other. They are both on a journey of self-discovery and it was fun reading their story as they learn more about themselves and slowly fall in love. I really connected with them, and I wanted everything to work for these two, so they could find their HEA.

Jamie is a hockey team owner who loves everything about the game, including playing goalie. Although it looks like Jamie has everything, he is a broken man and when he meets Grace it shakes up his world.

Erika Kelly is one of my favorite authors because she knows how to write stories about tough alpha males who fall hard when they meet the right woman. In this story, Jamie fights to resist Grace but he just can’t help himself, he loves being with her. Grace isn’t intimidated by Jamie’s dour demeanor, and she isn’t afraid to give him her opinion, she is just what he needs.

Jamie and Grace deserve to be happy, and I was rooting for them throughout this story. I enjoyed reading this delightful story and I think you will too.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,
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