Category: book review

April 23, 2018

Sass, Smarts and Stilettos: How Italian Women Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

Learn how to live fully within your own philosophy of living in Sass, Smarts and Stilettos: How Italian Women Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

About Sass, Smarts and Stilettos: How Italian Women Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

Ah, that inimitable Italian style. It’s embedded in an Italian woman’s DNA. Fashion doesn’t define her. She defines herself. She knows an extraordinary life is not about status, money, or achievement. The only mastery it requires is one her heritage has given her, the irrepressible passion to make art of life itself.

Ask an Italian woman where she gets her sense of style and she will tell you it’s not about labels. It’s tethered to humble roots; humanity, community, conscious consumerism, and a profound appreciation for art in all its forms.

Sass, Smarts and Stilettos takes the reader on a journey from the humble hill towns of Abruzzo to the revered fashion capitals of Milan and Rome, into the artisan workshops of Florence, and the humanistic business practices of Luisa Spagnoli, Brunello Cuccinelli, and Alberta Ferretti, from the emergence of Italy’s fashion industry after WWII, to slow food and sustainable fashion initiatives taking root around the world.

Life lessons echo in the words of the author’s mother and grandmother, in the voices of Italian film divas, designers, tastemakers, writers, and artisans across generations, from the first Sala Bianca in Florence to the game changing design ethic of Franca Sozzani, Miuccia Prada, and Donatella Versace.

Learn how to live fully within your own philosophy of living. Say good-bye to mindless consumerism, emotional clutter, and others’ expectations. Create a personal style that fits like a custom blazer by Ferrè and enchants like the colors of a Sicilian sunset. Then go on to craft an extraordinary and empowering life made-to-measure for you alone.

My Thoughts

This is a wonderful book of the power, confidence, leadership and intelligence of women. While the title is about Italian women and focuses on this culture, women of all cultures can relate to this book through similar experiences.

I was moved by this story as I thought of my family and the women who came before me. My family is from Venice and I still remember when I was sixteen and landed for the first time in Italy and how in awe I was. The buildings, the relationships, the food, the fashion and the people were incredible and larger than life to me. I fell in love in that moment and was already planning my trip back. This book renewed my love for Italy and all things Italian.

While the book is a celebration of the power of women, it is also a reminder about what life really is about – family, good quality items and love. Gabriella provides us with the key to how the Italian women described in this story (from her Mother to herself to actresses to fashion designers) live their lives and how to follow in their steps. To embrace life with all of its emotions – to love fully and to never be afraid to show these feelings (tears are not weakness!). Quality over quantity – Western culture can be consumed with buying things for the sake of buying them but this book reminds us that it is better to live life uncluttered with things and to buy one quality item that will last over many items that will be thrown out. Everything in moderation is key – Italian women are happy because they don’t deny themselves the joys of life like food, wine and desserts but moderation is key.

I loved every moment of this book that celebrates the Italian woman but also the power of women in general. It made me want to hop on the plane and go home, yearning for something more!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters and Kobo.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Gabriella Contestabile is the author of the novel, The Artisan’s Star, and owner of Su Misura (Made to Measure) Journeys; a boutique travel concept for the female traveler who relishes off-the-beaten-track adventures that celebrate the Italian way of life.

The book/travel initiative has its roots in her pre-writer life as a foreign language teacher, later as Executive Director and Vice President of International Training in a number of global companies (including Estee Lauder, Shiseido, and Prada Beauty) where she would create immersive and unconventional learning experiences in unique settings around the world.

One of her favorite pastimes, wherever she is in the world, is to scout out the best, and most ‘Italian’ espresso in the hood. It requires multiple tastings, but that’s the idea. Gabriella was born in Italy, and raised in Ottawa and New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, her mother, and a furry Shih Tzu named Oreo.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

April 19, 2018

What’s Weird on Earth #DKCanada Book Review

After reading What’s Weird on Earth, Earth will never seem the same again to your child and to you as the parent!

About What’s Weird on Earth

Find weird and wonderful facts about our extraordinary world, like all the wind patterns on the planet or each country’s national dish or the bizarre rock formations on each continent. These are shown visually on world maps, making them easier to understand and breath taking to behold.

Geography, history, STEM concepts, sociology, reading, technology, and more all come together in this exciting and educational atlas that presents the world’s weirdest facts visually on maps page by page. See hidden underground waterways and ancient patterns carved in the desert sand. Learn how 29,000 rubber duckies helped scientists trace ocean currents after a shipwreck. See where lightning strikes the most on Earth, and where it never strikes at all. See maps from previous centuries to understand how people perceived our planet thousands of years ago. Planet Earth will never seem the same again!

Our Thoughts

What’s Weird on Earth is a beautiful, hard cover 160 page book full of everything that you wanted to know or didn’t even know you wanted to know. Man eating trees? Red snow in Russia? All of the bizarre and spectacular things you didn’t even know will come to life in this amazing book.

This visually stunning book is divided into several sections; nature, supernatural, people, places, history and fun facts with sub-topics in each section. I am a visual learner myself and this book is perfect for children and adults alike as the stories and facts pop to life. You are immersed in a brilliant colorful display of history and facts as you take a trip around the world. You want to touch the pages and take it all in at once. The illustrations are bright and bold which helps to capture and hold your child’s attention.

Like many of their books, this one is colour coded so you know which section you are in allowing you to skim through to find exactly what you are looking for based on interest. Each two page spread contains a map of the world with pop up images and captions of interesting facts over their location on the map. They do a great job of capturing a wealth of information into a short blurb (which is no easy task). They give you just enough information to spark an interest in a new area which you can use to help them dive deeper into their educational journey by doing more research and discovery together, whether it be in the library or at home through Google. How can you resist not learning more about something as interesting as man-eating trees or monsters spotted in the ocean? Your imagination will soar with all of these new and somewhat bizarre facts about the world around us.

We could not put this gorgeous book down. We have read it several times already as we seem to pick up on new bits each time. It comes in hard cover format which is great for young readers who are not always as gentle as we like them to be and they can bring it everywhere with them. It is a great read for young and older children who love to learn and explore the world around them but who also appreciate the bizarre and different things in the world which makes it special.

You can purchase a copy of this book on DK Canada and Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

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

April 19, 2018

The World’s First Tooth Fairy…..Ever Book Review

Have you ever wondered how the tooth fairy tradition started? In The World’s First Tooth Fairy….Ever we find out!

About The World’s First Tooth Fairy….Ever

Have you ever wondered how the tooth fairy tradition started? Join Abella, a precocious little fairy on her journey through Tulip Hollow with her friend Darcie. Abella finally has the chance to venture out of the castle and fly to a party with Darcie when she is snatched by a big old bee and flown out of Tulip Hollow. Find out how Abella frees herself from the bee and discovers children for the first time. Follow along as she shows great courage and resourcefulness to solve an unexpected problem and return home to Tulip Hollow. It is during this challenge that Abella accidentally starts the tooth fairy tradition. The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever is a delightful book about adventure, bravery and how being curious is often a very good thing.

Our Thoughts

As parents, how many times have you been asked about the tooth fairy? Where did the tooth fairy come from? Why does she take our teeth? What does she do with them?

I am sure I am not alone in saying, my kids stump me when they ask these questions. I am not really sure what to tell them about how the tooth fairy began her task of collecting the children of the world’s teeth and leaving them a token of surprise in exchange. The World’s First Tooth Fairy….Ever helps you to explain the legend of the tooth fairy in a fun and exciting new way.

In this book, we have sweet Abella who longs to explore the world but her parents are cautious and don’t want her to leave the walls of their home. Fair enough – the world is tough when you’re the size of a fairy! She finally convinces them to let her out on an adventure to a party with her best friend with very strict instructions. Which she follows but a big grumpy bee catches her on her way and puts her completely off her path! We had quite a few giggles at this point in the book especially with how Abella escapes the bee. While she escapes the bee, she is now in a world that she does not know, her dress is ruined, she has lost her pearl and feeling sad. She comes upon two children – one of whom has just lost a tooth. The tooth reminds her of her lost pearl and voila! An idea of how she can solve her problem and make it home to her parents is born. Not to mention the legend of the tooth fairy but you have to read the story to find all the exact details as the first tooth fairy encounter doesn’t go quite as expected!

This was a precious book that was fun to read out loud to my son. Zane puts a clever take on words and the story flows so nicely which is a must for children’s books. It was both silly and serious which allowed us to have fun reading it. The tooth fairy legend blossoms out of her adventure in such a unique way that we were not expecting. The illustrations are beautiful and suit the story and Abella’s character.

Abella is full of courage and determination. She never gives up hope in any part of the book even when she was feeling alone and discouraged. She would just get right back up and figure out how to solve the problem she was in (which is such an important message for children).

This is a special book that will make a great addition to your home library and perfect for bedtime reading. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Zane and her husband Brady reside in Houston, Texas. She is actively involved in the Houston Grand Opera, Houston SPCA and the Discovery Green Conservancy.

In addition to owning Carson Marketing, LLC, Ms. Carruth is a certified etiquette professional and has published articles in several high-profile magazines. Both she and her husband are avid thoroughbred horse racing enthusiasts. When not traveling, she cherishes spending time with her 3 grandchildren, Chloe, Carson and Truett.

Ms. Carruth has recently completed her second hardback book going to publication next week. The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever Presents: The Adventures of Abella and Her Magic Wand. After years of fantasizing and months of studying, Abella finally receives her magic wand. This precocious little fairy vows to take the responsibility of wand ownership seriously and all the power that comes with it. It is a delightful book about facing challenges and accepting responsibility – even when you make mistakes. Luckily for Abella, her best friend Darcie, is with her every step of the way, doing what best friends do best.

You can connect with her on her websites: Carson Marketing, Etiquette to Excel and World’s First Tooth Fairy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

April 12, 2018

Seekers (Mud, Rocks and Trees Book Two) Review

We all want to save the world. But who is willing to pay the price?

About Seekers (Mud, Rocks and Trees Book Two)

We all want to save the world. But who is willing to pay the price? Forced outside their village homes, the three chosen youth must find their way to Tzoladia along paths wrought with danger. All that was once safe has become perilous. Evil is on their trail.

Amanki arrives in a city of islands which seems like paradise. But death rises from the mud.

Moshoi weaves his way through caves and cliffs. But treachery lurks in the rocks.

Brina’s flight passes through a lush green forest. But lethal secrets fill these trees.

Will the star guide them to their destiny or lead them to their doom? Who will survive?

My Thoughts

Book two in this series is just as exciting and everything I hoped it would be!

In Seekers, Amanki, Moshoi and Brina, continue on their journey to Tzoladia to unite under the guidance of their elder. Simple task right? Fate will not make this a simple journey for them as they are constantly tested with situations that make question the ideas they have grown up with and their own morals. Each character brings with them their unique upbringing and skills with the modifications that happened naturally to their bodies (learn more here).

Amanki travels through what should feel like home to him with his web-footed people. What he finds is that the evil has touched them there too in the form of an evil priestess and royalty who serves themselves. He must do everything he can to protect and save the life of his friend and possibly the girl he has come to fall in love with? Brina finds herself caught in an extreme betrayal situation when they finally make it to the ship to learn that they have been sold. Moshoi, whose story I had a harder time to get into in book one, comes alive in this installment. His bravery and morals saves the lives of innocent people in neighbouring tribes.

Seekers is a well written novel with an exciting plot. I found the plot exploded in this book and I did not want to put it down out of fear of missing what was going to happen next. The ending left me craving for more – what will our characters do in the face of such betrayal and evil?. It is perfect for both young adults and adults a like.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

R.A. Denny started writing epic fantasy novels when, after watching the first Hobbit movie, she began excitedly spouting off information about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s writer’s group called the Inklings and how their greatest fantasy novels were created. One of her sons commented, “We could do that.” She laughed. Then, he turned it into a challenge.

Her unexpected journey had begun. For several years, she continued her day job as a criminal prosecutor and escaped by night to the world of the Tzoladian Empire. Then, she decided to just do what she loved.

She completed writing her six-book epic fantasy series: Mud, Rocks, and Trees. The series should be read in this order: Refugees, Seekers, Captives, Warriors, Visionaries, and then Deliverers.

R.A. enjoys ancient history, board games, and LEGO. That’s the nerd in her. She rides horses, raised flying squirrels and lives with two cats. That’s the animal lover in her. Oh, and did I mention that she loves a challenge? That’s the adventurer in her.

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

April 11, 2018

A Witch’s Concern Audiobook Review

In A Witch’s Concern, Michelle finds that her problems are larger than one clan of witches, and is forced to choose between the people she holds dear and the way of life she loves.

About A Witch’s Concern

Michelle has been figuring out what her life is like now that the demon has been killed, and Sylvia and Varro are dead. Even the clans of witches trying to attract her to their way of life have backed off and given her a chance to grieve. Her relationship with Elron is stronger than ever, but there are things left unsaid.

On the way to her parents’ wedding, the delicate calm she’d been living in is broken. Witches are out for her blood, her family is caught in the crossfire, and friendships are threatened. Work doesn’t let up either, and she partners up with Elron to deal with magic gone wild. Michelle finds that her problems are larger than one clan of witches, and is forced to choose between the people she holds dear and the way of life she loves.

My Thoughts

I loved the first set of audiobooks in this series and this one doesn’t disappoint at all! This audiobook starts with a bang with Michelle’s kidnapping and stays intense throughout the whole novel.

Michelle is an independent, strong witch who feels no alliance to any clan and wants to keep it that way. Her Grandmother feels differently. I love that we were able to learn quite a bit more about her family history and the line of strong female witches in her family. Her Grandmother does not want to see this line end and goes to extreme measures to get Michelle to consent to her wishes, almost shocking at times!

I have always loved Michelle’s character throughout the first set of books and in this book she still remains my favourite. She has such a kind heart and just wants to do what is right and help others but she just can’t get a break. I loved that the focus of this book is her – no extra big case, just Michelle. Her character deserves it, she is just one of those individuals that gives of herself with no expectation of something in return. Her relationship with Elron is blossoming (yay!), they both deserve a loving relationship and not to mention some time to work on it.

The narration in this audiobook is excellent and adds to the drama and flair of the writing. I couldn’t stop listening as I just wanted to hear what was going to happen next with her. The plot is fantastic and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is by far my favourite book in this amazing series. This series constantly leaves you guessing on who or what will show up and happen and leaves you wanting more.

You can purchase a copy of this audiobook on Audible.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

N.E. Conneely lives in northern Georgia with her dog and a mountain of books. They sweat through the summer and freeze through the winter, and life as they know it comes to an end when so much as a single snowflake falls out of the sky. For fun, N.E. plays with her dog, reads, knits, crochets, paints, and does tie-dyeing and origami. She makes a great pizza and is currently negotiating with her husband about raising sea monkeys and growing a vegetable garden.

About the Narrators

Jeff Hays has made a name for himself in the audio book world by creating immersive experiences out of his productions. His versatility and authenticity in voicing characters, expressive low-impact narration, and dedication to offering the highest quality audio possible has earned him a loyal following of listeners. Having been fascinated with sound since he can remember, Jeff takes his background of composing and producing music, and his continual consumption of the avalanche of fictional media we all experience in these modern times, and uses it to inform his style of story telling in the audiobook realm.

And now, having produced more than 80 audio books and perfecting his craft, using the namesake of his live streaming narration show, the Soundbooth Theater shingle has been hung. Soundbooth Theater is dedicated to applying Jeff’s production methods to new audio books with other budding narrator talent, and expanding his scope from audio books, to voicing and producing animation.

Laurie got into voiceover by studying with the legendary dialect expert Paul Meier and hosting the teen program for a nonprofit for the blind, Kansas Audio Reader. She speaks French fluently and, before diving into audiobooks, lived and performed for some time in France. She’s racking up some bizarre credits, playing a range of characters onscreen from Disney princesses to horror scream queens, and proving her audio versatility by narrating everything from cowboy romances to action-packed GameLit fantasy trolls. You can also catch her in a few VR video games. Her favorite is playing confident, power-hungry, whip-smart anti-heroines.

Like Jeff Hays, she hails from the Kansas City area but currently lives in Atlanta.

Audio Excerpt

The Giveaway!

A Witch’s Concern Giveaway: $50 PayPal Cash

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