Category: book review

March 3, 2015

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton #bookreview

Betting on Hope follows the story of a bet gone wrong, a small town community and their meddling and a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

About Betting on Hope

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give and it is beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer, Tru Monahan, the on camera chemistry between the two of them is undeniable. Maggie’s bosses see this as the opportunity she has been looking for to launch her career and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. In the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he would like but he knows it is the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing Grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru’s fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows that he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs but she also invades his heart and that is something he cannot let any woman do – for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.

My Thoughts

I love a good romance and Betting on Hope delivers this and so much more! It is a story of grace, trust and believing in yourself. Both characters have to look past their past experiences and misconceptions that surround us. Each character was believable and have internal conflicts that many of us can relate to on some level. They have each tried hard to move forward from their past experiences but somehow they each keep catching up with them.

There were quite a few twists in this novel which added to the suspense of this fairly light read. I loved how easy it was to get into Betting on Hope and it was a perfect read at bed (or in my favourite reading spot – my bubble bath!). This novel will be the perfect addition to your romance collection!

You can find more reviews of Betting on Hope on the Litfuse Blog tour page. You can purchase your own copy of the book here.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Debra Clopton is a multi award-winning novelist and has written more than twenty-two novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra’s goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words. You can find Debra online on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

March 2, 2015

A Life of the Twentieth Century by Irene Even #review

A Life of the Twentieth Century is the story of Aya, a young girl alone in the world after the death of her parents who must face the horrors of the Second World War.

About A Life of the Twentieth Century

Aya loses her parents at the tender age of three. At the age of twelve, she was sent to a boarding school in Budapest that was forced to close after one year due to the Nazi army marching into the city.

Aya was left alone to face the Nazi occupation and to experience the horrors of the war. She faced many life threatening situations, such as prison, bombardment or even the possibility of execution on the spot without really comprehending the gravity of it all.

The end of the war was supposed to mean liberation, the return of hope and freedom for most people however this did not happen for Aya, who was part of a youth group on their way to Palestine. The destination of this youth group was to reach Italy and the Jewish Brigade. They crossed the Alps on foot from Austria to reach Italy.

As they reached their destination Aya met a solider from the Jewish Brigade who was supposed to be her hero, her Saviour but who turned out to be the devil incarnate. From day one this solider of the Jewish Brigade took control of Aya’s life when she was only fifteen years old.

After divorce, destitute and once again alone, she had no direction and almost no hope. From deep inside her she heard a voice telling her to go back to school. It took all her courage to apply to university where she was accepted and after five years was granted a B.A. and a Diploma in Teaching. She spent the rest of her life teaching and as she contemplated her life she said to herself that is she had had all the choices in the world, she would have chosen teaching.

My Thoughts

It is hard to know where to start with such a powerful book. Even more so when the story is a true story of the struggles a young girl faced during the Second World War right through to adulthood. I felt humbled and honoured to read her story as Irene draws us into the story of Aya.

At such a young age, Aya could hardly understand the complexities and the dangers around her during the war but she faced them bravely and without fear. She describes events that gave me goosebumps and a strong sense of appreciation of how brave she was despite being so young (can you even begin to imagine crossing the Alps on foot to reach Italy??!). It is hard to believe that she accomplished so much before the age of sixteen but she did as many like her did as well out of necessity and the need to survive.

I was heartbroken for her as she struggled with depression and a marriage that was unhappy. Like many that suffer from depression it is hard to accept and reach out for help. I was glad to see her pull out from the fog of unhappiness and depression and reach for her goals of teaching. I was even happier when she left the dangerous marriage that she was in. Her marriage only put additional strain on her as a person both mentally and physically.

A Life of the Twentieth Century is a memoir that reads like an unpredictable novel with the beauty of being a true story. A truly lovely memoir of a powerful, brave and determined young lady who grows into an even stronger woman as she struggles on the journey of life. A definite must read especially for young women who will most likely identify with many parts of this memoir.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon or Book Locker.

Rating: 5/5

About Irene Even

Irene Even was born in Hungary. As a child she lived through the Second World War using false papers to survive. After the war, she immigrated to Palestine and lived in a Kibbutz. She then later married and immigrated to Canada with her family. She returned to Israel to teach English and remained there for twenty-two years. After writing her memoir, she now lives in retirement in Montreal.

The Giveaway!

You can now enter to win one of ten e-book copies of A Life of the Twentieth Century. This giveaway is open internationally and ends March 21st. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 27, 2015

Pants! No Chance! by Susan Lanyi #girlswholovedresses

Pants! No Chance! by Susan Lanyi follows the tale of Lulupop, a dress loving young girl who refuses to wear pants.

About Pants! No Chance!

Lulupop rarely puts up a fuss for her Mother. Except for when it comes to pants.

Dresses, dresses, dresses is all she will ever wear! With time, a little drama and no lack of imagination, Lulupop realizes that wearing dresses is not always the best idea.

My Thoughts

Lulupop is an incredibly imaginative young lady that sure does love her dresses! She loves her dresses so much that she does not listen to her Mother’s sound advice and compares wearing pants to the most extreme situations.

Lulupop and her imagination had us giggling throughout the book with her comparisons and even reminded us of someone in our own little family with her ‘I would rather”. In Pants! No Chance! we are able to follow along with Lulupop as her Mother tries to make her understand that sometimes even when we don’t like something it may be the best solution for a problem.

Through humour and gorgeous drawings, Susan brings home this message in a way that children and adults can relate to. How many times have you had the conversation with your child – do you remember what happened the last time you made this choice? I know we have many times! This story had us giggling and saying, ‘oh Lulupop!’.

A fantastic story line that is easy to read out loud and gorgeous, bright illustrations make Pants!No Chance! a family favourite that you will enjoy reading with your child over and over again.
Rating: 5/5

About Susan Lanyi

Susan lives in Montreal with her husband, three children and their family puppy. Susan is a writer who has been previously published in Globe and Mail. When Susan is not busy writing or doing Mom stuff she is busy shopping for pants for her daughter who refuses to wear dresses! You can connect with Susan on Twitter and Facebook.

Giveaway Time!

Susan is giving away five copies of her book, Pants! No Chance! This giveaway is open internationally and ends March 6th. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received a copy of Pants! No Chance! in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 22, 2015

Aoleon The Martian Girl: Part Two by Brent LeVasseur

Part Two of Aoleon The Martian Girl is here!

Aoleon The Martian Girl Part Two by Brent LeVasseur is jam packed full of adventure and fun that does not disapoint.

About Aoleon The Martian Girl Part Two:

Aoleon and Gilbert receive a special mission from PAX, a wanted criminal and leader of the Martian resistance movement to investigate the Luminon of Mars who he believes is planning an invasion of Earth to steal it’s cows. Gilbert has an encounter with the Luminess and discovers something strange about her and the pair are chased by the Royal Guard.

At Aoleon’s home, Gilbert meets her family: her sister Una, her mother Phobos and her father Deimos as well as her pet Zoot. Gilbert also meets Bizwat, an undercover Procyon Commando who uses his job as a pizza delivery boy as a cover.

Gilbert is able to visit the Martian Space Academy where he encounters Aoleon’s nemesis Charm Lepton. He also receives a history lesson of the Martian people.

My Thoughts:

As a family, we loved book one in the Aoleon The Martian Girl series and could not wait to dive into part two. Brent did not disapoint with this book!

Both Aoleon and Gilbert find themselves in even more adventures than the first book but this time on Mars! Science fiction fans will love the technology and aliens while readers of all kind will fall for the adventure and friendship that forms between this unlikely pair.

In Aoleon The Martian Girl Part Two we are exposed to more of the maritans including Aoleon’s family and friends. We find that martians are just like us and some can be unfriendly and unkind to others. They feel, think and act just like humans do!

The illustrations in part two are incredible in this series. The illustrations are bright and large drawing you right into the story. They help to break up the novel making it easy to read for all reader levels. This book is perfect for the recommended age group of 8-18. Both my son and I loved reading it!

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author:

Brent LeVasseur enjoys crafting stories based on lovable characters designed to translate into multiple media platforms. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition and space travel. You can connect with him online through Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 16, 2015

Baby Comes Home: A Parent’s Guide

Baby Comes Home by Dr. Paul Roumeliotis is the ultimate parenting resource guide to ensure your baby is happy, healthy and feels loved.

About Baby Comes Home

In Baby Comes Home, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, an expert pediatrician takes a unique approach to baby care by emphasizing what scientific approach already has proven – that what happens early on in a child’s life will affect their overall health later down the road.

Baby Comes Home communicates the latest science that explores how positive or negative early childhood experiences can have lifelong consequences. The book begins by describing the vital changes that occur in a child’s brain in the first eighteen months of life. The book then goes on to explain the Science of TLC – that shows that tender, loving and caring relationships will help to positively shape a child’s brain. The book then presents more practical information on safety, baby patterns, immunizations, injury prevention and more. Dr. Paul also describes common illnesses in the first few years of life.

My Thoughts:

Bringing a new child home is hard whether or not you are a new parent or a seasoned parent. Each child is unique and different and you face new challenges with changing opinions and differences in parenting styles.

What I like the most of Baby Comes Home is that Dr. Paul presents child care in an open way with no links to certain parenting styles or condemns certain styles. His basis is on loving and caring for your child. That is what counts the most – our children need to know they are loved and cared for. This will help them to become stronger and independent adults.

Dr. Paul breaks down each section and highlights the important parts. The information is useful for not only baby but also for older children as well making this a book you will cherish for years to come and not just for the first twelve months of life (ex. pool safety, petting zoo safety,etc.). Dr. Paul also adds practical points that are easily appreciated by many parents to give you real life examples (how to mix cereals and introduce solid foods).

One of the biggest concerns I have as a parent is questioning whether or not my child is meeting important developmental milestones. The sooner this is recognized (if they are not achieving these milestones) the sooner you can help your child. Dr. Paul breaks these milestones down and gives you clear developmental milestones by age. Remember if you have a concern to openly speak to your family doctor – they are so important for caring for your child!.

Baby Comes Home will be one of the best investments you make in a parenting resource. A perfect guide for parents and grandparents alike this book will last long into their childhood. You can find the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Rating: 5/5

About the Author:

Dr. Paul is an expert of early child health and wellness and a health communications pioneer. His education content has reached millions online as well as being featured on television and radio. Dr. Paul believes that the future of health care is in communication of health information in a variety of media formats. This vision inspired him to become a writer/publisher/publisher of multi format health and wellness resources.

You can connect with Dr. Paul online, on Twitter and on Facebook.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.