Category: book review

July 15, 2017

Appointment with Yesterday Book Review

Appointment with Yesterday is, ultimately, the story of hardships overcome and a determined boy’s journey toward finding his destiny.

About Appointment with Yesterday

A poignant and compelling first novel, Appointment with Yesterday tells the story of Yanni, a cheeky and delightful Greek boy growing up in a small town on an island in the eastern Aegean.

Left in the care of his loving grandparents, Yanni endures the deprivation and terror of the German occupation during World War II and finally leaves his beloved homeland and family to rejoin the parents who had left him behind to make a better life for themselves in America.

Filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming stories of love, devotion, disenchantment, and dashed dreams, Appointment with Yesterday is, ultimately, the story of hardships overcome and a determined boy’s journey toward finding his destiny.

My Thoughts

Appointment with Yesterday is a beautiful story that follows the life of Yanni from his youth growing up in Greece to his teenage and adult years in America.

His story is one that I am sure so many older adults and their children can relate to. His parents left him in the care of his grandparents just before the war erupted in Europe. They left him in order to find their way in America and make money. A struggle that so many people found themselves in, leaving their old country to come to the new country to make their fortune. What they find instead is a bit shocking, it is not the life that they expected and they struggled with this new life and leaving their son.

When it is time for Yanni to join his family, he faces his own struggles – he is leaving everything he has ever known in his young life to be with parents he does not know in a culture that is so very unlike his own. We watch him struggle to get used to the culture, the people and their way of life. Throughout the story you feel so connected with Yanni and his journey. You want him to succeed but at the same time to never lose his roots and where he came from.

I fell in love with this special book and have re-read it several times already. I cried (and I was reading this book at the soccer field when this happened!), I laughed and my heart went out to Yanni and his family. You feel as though you are a part of him and his family. You are with him as he struggles and you can fully appreciate every step, every happy moment and every moment of pain.

Appointment with Yesterday is a beautiful story of a young man who comes into his own in a new country and in a new way of life. It is full of hope, perseverance, strength and faith. It is a definite must read for young adults and adults alike.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository and Books a Million.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Christopher Stratakis was born and raised in Greece. After moving to America, he graduated from Drexel University in 1951 and New York University School of Law in 1955. Shortly after joining the law firm of Poles, Tublin & Patestides in 1960, he became a partner, specializing in admiralty and corporate law.

He has written and published several articles, lectured on professional and historical subjects, served as Legal Advisor to several non-profits (pro bono), and was an arbitrator in maritime disputes. He is the author of Mnimes “Memories” (2010), a book of essays, short stories, and poems that he wrote as a teenager. In 2015, he co-edited Chains on Parallel Roads, a book published by Panchiaki “Korais” Society of New York. In recognition of his extensive community involvement, he has been the recipient of several awards from religious, governmental, and educational institutions.

Mr. Stratakis lives with his wife in New York City. He is the proud father of three and grandfather of three. This is his first novel.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

July 14, 2017

DK Readers: Our Great Prime Ministers

Celebrate our Canadian history with discovering more about our government, how it works and our Prime Ministers.

About Our Great Prime Ministers

What is a democracy? How does Canada’s government work? What’s the difference between the Senate and the House of Commons? And just what does a Prime Minister do, anyway?

Discover the answers to these questions and more in DK Readers Our Great Prime Ministers.

This Level 4 DK Reader will build reading skills and teach vocabulary while telling the story of Canada’s government, how it is formed, how it works, and profiling 12 of Canada’s Prime Ministers throughout history, including Sir John A. Macdonald, Louis St. Laurent, Lester B. Pearson, Pierre Trudeau, Stephen Harper, and more.

Perfect for 9-11 year olds reading independently, reading becomes a fact-discovering adventure with these Level 4 readers. Supporting and encouraging a lifetime love of reading, nonfiction subjects are clearly explained, described vividly, and brought to life with true stories, fascinating statistics, and photographic images. Additional information boxes are full of extra fun facts, and topics are developed with additional maps and charts.

My Thoughts

The DK Reader Our Great Prime Minister, which is a level four, is the perfect book for summer time learning (and learning throughout the year) especially in the context of celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. In school, we learn the basics about our government but there is only so much that teachers can teach in the amount of time they are given.

This book gives both children (and adults – I needed the lessons again!) an excellent overview of the history of democracy in Canada, the divisions of our government and how these work and how it is formed (from campaigning to election day). The book also contains a history of some of the most notable Prime Ministers in our history. It gives an overview of their time in office and some of their key milestones, whether they be positive or negative.

The book is very easy to read out loud for beginner readers and well written for more advanced readers. The font, size and page breaks with photos is well-balanced for readers who are advancing towards novels. I really enjoyed learning the history (some of it I had forgotten) and we would spend some time after each chapter quizzing each other. While a smaller book, it is jammed backed full of important information and facts for children and adults. It makes a great accompanying book for the education that children receive at school.

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

Rating: 5/5

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

July 14, 2017

Grounded Hearts Book Review

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

About Grounded Hearts

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond. But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

My Thoughts

I fell in love with Grounded Hearts! In this novel, we have a strong female lead who lives on her own after the death of her husband. In the midst of the war, a soldier comes to her door. Against the rules, she takes the Canadian soldier in and nurses him. She does so even when she could face huge consequences. She knows in her heart, that caring for this young man is what God would want her to do. It is under these circumstances, the pair develops a strong friendship and mutual respect.

Some of my favourite aspects of this novel is that it is based during World War II and in Ireland – we learn a lot about life in Ireland during this time. I didn’t realize they had internment camps for soldiers during the war and this was eye opening for me. I LOVED the strong female characters that are found throughout this book. We have a female physician, midwife and a mechanic – all of whom are more than capable of taking care of themselves, business and more. This was probably a lot more common then most novels give women credit for during this time period, so it was really nice to see this focus in this novel.

Nan is a very special woman who is plagued by a dark secret, one that should not even be hers to carry. My heart broke for her throughout the novel as she deserves so much more but it is her past that holds her back. It is Dutch and their friendship that helps her to understand, let go and have hope for her future. The road to this discovery is long and difficult though and you watch as they both struggle with their past and their futures.

Grounded Hearts is a beautiful story of hope, trust, letting go and faith during an extremely difficult time. We have amazing characters who never give up and inspire you the reader. I could not put this novel down – I loved every moment.

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer’s conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

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

July 13, 2017

Top 10 Montreal & Quebec City #DKCanada

This year, as a family, we have decided to explore more of our beautiful country. We have been to Ottawa and Gatineau but other than that as a family we haven’t traveled much throughout our province and neighbouring provinces. We really want to change this starting with a trip to the beautiful areas of Montreal and Quebec City.

About Top 10 Montreal & Quebec City

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Montreal & Quebec City covers all the region’s major sights and attractions in easy-to-use “top 10” lists that help you plan the vacation that’s right for you.

This newly updated pocket travel guide for Montreal and Quebec City will lead you straight to the best attractions these cities have to offer, from walking around Old Montreal to visiting Notre-Dame Basilica to the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Find the best hotels, food, and attractions for every budget.

This revised edition includes:

Brand-new itineraries help you plan your trip to these areas of Montreal and Quebec City.
Expanded and far more comprehensive, new laminated pull-out map now includes color-coded design, public transportation maps, and street indexes to make it even easier to use.
Maps of walking routes show you the best ways to maximize your time.
New Top 10 lists feature off-the-beaten-track ideas, along with standbys like the top attractions, shopping, dining options, and more.
Additional maps marked with sights from the guidebook are shown on inside cover flaps, with selected street index and metro map.
New typography and fresh layout throughout.

A free pull-out map is marked with sights from the guidebook and includes a street index and a metro map.

About DK Eyewitness Travel

For more than two decades, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides have helped travelers experience the world through the history, art, architecture, and culture of their destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers provide independent editorial advice, recommendations, and reviews. With guidebooks to hundreds of places around the globe available in print and digital formats, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides show travelers how they can discover more.

My Thoughts

The DK Eyewitness Travel guides are the perfect books to help you not only plan out your trip but to also carry with you while you are traveling. The book is slim and fits perfectly into a purse or a backpack. You will only need this book when planning and visiting in Montreal and Quebec City.

This book itself is colour coded and broken down into the following sections: Top 10 Montreal and Quebec City Highlights, The Top 10 of Everything, Montreal and Quebec City Area by Area and Streetsmart. You can find moments in history, historic sites, parks, performing arts and even children’s attractions and festivals and events. The Top 10 highlights helps you pinpoint the main stops you should make if you are limited with your time. I would absolutely love to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame and Musée Pointe á Callière. Each section also contains ten important facts and must see at each location, for example at the Basilique Notre-Dame they explain about the stained glass windows and Daudelin sculpture.

I really enjoyed the Streetsmart section which contains important information like how to get in and out of the city, getting around, hotels, customs as well as containing phone numbers, addresses for each location. There is even a useful phrases at the back of the book in case of emergencies and basic conversation! This guidebook is a definite must have for those traveling or are planning to travel to Montreal and Quebec City.

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

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

July 13, 2017

The Dragon King Book Review

In The Dragon King, evil is spreading across the Western Continent. One by one, kingdom, king, and wizard are falling under its influence.

About The Dragon King

Evil is spreading across the Western Continent. One by one, kingdom, king, and wizard are falling under its influence.

Dragon King Bakari, Battlemaster Alli, and High Wizard Roland are now powerful leaders in their own right. Differing missions and responsibilities have separated them; Bakari flies north to find the last Dragon Rider, Alli goes south to find the source of the evil, and Roland, leader of the Citadel, finds himself stuck in the magic stream without his body.

The Dragon King and his riders always emerge in times of great need – but will their powers be enough? Or will they succumb to the temptations of evil? Each wizard and Rider will be tested – not all of them will pass.

My Thoughts

The Alaris Chronicles series comes to a stunning conclusion in the third book in this series by Mike Shelton.

In this novel, the evil that had begun to spread in the first two novels begins to become overpowering. The darkness and evil magic is everywhere our young heroes turn. Friends become foes and slowly the trust that had been built up between leaders is questioned. Our heroes, though great in their own magic are continuously tested in their strength, their faith and hope. It becomes quickly clear within the first few chapters, that great sacrifices must be taken in order for good to overcome evil.

The Dragon King was fast paced, exciting and full of even more adventure! Our heroes, while so young, are full of faith, strength and courage. You are drawn into their amazing personalities and faith in good triumphing over the evil that is quietly trying to take over the land. In this novel, Bakari and Roland make huge sacrifices to aid in their cause and it left me on the edge of my seat. I was not expecting quite a few of the plot turns in this book!

The Dragon King is an excellent, well written novel for young adults and adults alike. You will love the fast pace and adventure filled plot. A definite must read!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Mike has recently released the first book in a new YA/Teen fantasy series – The Alaris Chronicles, following his 2016 trilogy of The Cremelino Prophecy. Please join his mailing list at www.MichaelSheltonBooks.com to continue to get information on these stories and any future publications.

Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn’t reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn’t put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.

Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.

Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys – writing!

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