March 3, 2020
Work It, Girl: Inspiration from Michelle Obama and Mae Jemison
Work It, Girl is an empowering series of biographies featuring modern women in the world of work, from designers and musicians to CEOs and scientists.
About the Work It, Girl Series
Work It, Girl is an empowering series of biographies featuring modern women in the world of work, from designers and musicians to CEOs and scientists. Each of these illustrated books tells the story of a remarkable woman in ten chapters that highlight transformative moments in her life, following the ups and downs that she faced on her road to success. At the end, ten key lessons show what you can learn from these moments, and self-reflection questions help you apply these lessons to your own life.
Brightly colored photo illustrations of 3-D cut paper artwork featuring inspiring quotes from these amazing women bring their stories to vivid life. Learn how to work it as you lay the foundations for your own successful career.
Work It, Girl: Become a Leader Like Michelle Obama
In this imaginatively illustrated book from the Work It, Girl series, discover how Michelle became an inspirational leader, FLOTUS, lawyer, author, and role model in this true story of her life. Then, learn 10 key lessons from her work you can apply to your own life.
Michelle Obama grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a little bungalow with a close-knit family. She loved going to school, and she knew that, one day, she would use her voice to empower other young girls, just like her. Young Michelle was a brilliant student and wonderful daughter. With hard work and talent, she propelled herself into the universities of Princeton and Harvard. She qualified as a lawyer and life was going smoothly…Then she met a guy named Barack.
My Thoughts
Wow – this is an incredibly powerful and inspirational book. When I first opened it, I thought it would be geared towards younger children but this is an excellent book for individuals of all ages (I felt empowered reading it). It tells Michelle’s story from childhood up until her time in the White House. We learn about her family, how she was raised and how she got to where she is now. The road was not easy for her but she never gave up. One of my favourite parts was – ‘when someone says you can’t: prove them wrong!’. This is a lesson that I have tried to instill in my kids, that there will always be people who tell us we are not enough, but we always need to fight back and push for what we want. We don’t have to be mean to others but we have to know that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to, regardless of what others think of us.
My favourite quote from this book: “The lesson I learned from that is that as women and girls, we have to confront those negative voices – the ones in our head and the ones from people in our lives – telling us what we can’t do”.
It is sometimes hard to tell what is worse – the voices from others or our own self-doubt that can eat destroy us. As women, we need to lift each other up and know that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to.
I think this is a must have book for all youth – to understand, appreciate and relate to the struggles that Michelle went through and how she was able to rise above them. She shows compassion, understanding, kindness and resilience. All of the things that we want as parents to teach our children. This is a definite must have addition in your child’s library.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Work It, Girl: Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison
In this imaginatively illustrated book from the Work It, Girl series, discover how Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space in this true story of her life. Then, learn 10 key lessons from her work you can apply to your own life.
When Mae Jemison was a little girl, she loved science, dancing, and dinosaurs. She watched the Apollo moon landings and wondered why none of the astronauts were women—and she just didn’t buy the answers she was given.
My Thoughts
Another powerful and inspirational book in this series, featuring Mae Jemison. Mae teaches everyone to dream BIG. She grew up in a time where women had limited opportunities and she could have let a teacher’s comment throw her off her dream but she didn’t (imagine how she must have felt when a teacher told her she should be a nurse instead of a scientist). Instead, she decided to work harder and dream for the stars – because everything is in your reach if you are willing to try.
She was an incredibly bright student (entering university at the tender age of sixteen!) and dancer – both careers quite demanding on an individual. She went on to become a doctor, joined the Peace Corps and was the first black woman to go into space. She re-invented herself time and time again, always focusing on her goals and what her heart desired. She never let what others thought about her determine her future – something I truly admire and hope all children realize. We should never ever let others define us, instead use this to push ourselves further.
My favourite quote from this book: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations”.
This is so important for our youth – we should never allow other people to determine our future. We are capable of accomplishing anything we put our mind to with determination and strength.
Another excellent, must have book in this series. It is powerful, telling the story of a woman who defied society and set an example for others. She was a trailblazer, full of compassion, strength and determination. She would set goals, accomplish them and set new ones. A definite must read book for youth of all ages.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 25, 2020
Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas
In Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas, New York Times bestselling author Emily March presents a brand new arc set in the Lone Star State that features a family-linked trilogy within the author’s romantic series.
About Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas
Meet Gillian Thacker. Her business: Bliss Bridal Salon. Her passion: Weddings. Her own wedding: It’s complicated. Life isn’t turning out like she’d planned. The last thing she wants is for a real-life hero to ride to her rescue when an unexpected event puts her entire future in Redemption, Texas, at risk. So what’s a broken-hearted bridal expert to do? Maybe a new set of survival skills is exactly what she needs.
Tucker McBride has been proud to call himself a U.S. Army Ranger. But now that his days of service are over, he’s decided to put his expertise to use by founding a wilderness skills training school. He sets up shop in Redemption, next to Bliss Bridal, and so begins life: Part Two. Marriage has been pretty low on his agenda, but as soon as he meets Gillian, Tucker can’t help but contemplate the ultimate challenge: Convincing the reluctant bride to take his hand and leap into the adventure of a lifetime. . .until death do they part.
My Thoughts
I really enjoy the way that Emily writes and this novel does not disapoint. She has a way of drawing you in to the story and becoming attached to our characters and their story.
In this novel, Tucker’s days of service are over and he is struggling on how to put his expertise to good use. He sets up in Redemption and begins to build a new life for himself. He is the type of person that you can’t help but love – he is patient, kind, thoughtful and knows what he wants but does not hurt others to get his way. He falls for Gillian the minute he meets her but puts his own feelings on the back burner as she is engaged. Gillian is a wild, breath of air. She owns the bridal store next to him and is engaged to a selfish man. She has allowed herself to settle in a relationship and move forward into a marriage even though she is not happy. Everyone around her can see this but deep down she knows but cannot quite admit it to herself.
When her fiance walks out on her in a monumental, shocking way, she is forced to examine her life and decide what is important to her. She struggles like anyone else would – she is hurt, angry and confused. Tucker is there for her to support her but you can see that he wants more and how perfect he would be for her. She is attracted to him but is terrified of a relationship. We watch the two grow in maturity and their relationship, constantly rooting for them to find their way to each other but understanding their hesitancy.
This is an excellent romance from start to finish, it was sweet, funny and kept you on your toes (not to mention adventure!). A great read from start to finish.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a “master of delightful banter,” and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 25, 2020
Wild, Wild Rake Book Review
Wild, Wild Rake, the next sweeping, emotional, witty, and sharp romance in the Cavensham Heiresses series from beloved author Janna MacGregor.
About Wild, Wild Rake
Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry—that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.
Devan Farris—charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian—is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation—even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside—a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?
My Thoughts
In this story, Avalon had a marriage that was a nightmare. Her husband was downright evil and hated her. He went out of his way to make her life miserable while at the same time he played the victim to any one that would listen. He made Avalon out to be a monster and most of society believed him (you have to love how society treated women!). Avalon was left with many emotional and physical scars from her marriage after he passed away. The only happiness that she had from the marriage was the birth of her son.
Devan was one of her husband’s friends and also one who believed the lies. He even had a not so nice nickname for Avalon. When he becomes the vicar of the town she is now living in, they are both suspicious of each other. He was sent to spy on her and she knows this.
I loved Avalon’s character – she had been through so much but was still a fighter. She never gave up nor backed down, even when the weight of what she was carrying was too much. But this strength was also at times her weakness – she did not want to allow others to help her, even when she needed it. I loved watching our two characters grow in maturity and understanding. There was a feeling of healing and hope throughout the novel. That despite all of the bad that had happened, maybe just maybe those wounds could be healed and they can move forward (although both individuals want to heal and move forward).
This is a beautiful story of healing, forgiveness and second chances.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Rating: 4.5/5
About the Author
Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She is the author of the Cavensham Heiresses series, which begins with The Bad Luck Bride. Janna credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 20, 2020
The Wonders of Nature Book Review
Every page in the Wonders of Nature, reveals a surprising story from the natural world that you just won’t forget.
The Wonders of Nature
Discover the wonders of planet Earth and learn about some of the most amazing animals, plants, rocks and minerals, and microscopic life that live here.
The storybook descriptions and close-up images let you discover the myths and legends of living creatures and minerals, as well as key facts about their natural history. Find out how the prowling jaguar uses spots to avoid being spotted, why a sticky sundew means big trouble for insects, and what on Earth a radiolarian is. From opals to orchids and tapirs to toadstools, this beautiful collection brings more than 100 remarkable items from the natural world to life.
My Thoughts
This book blew my mind away – it is absolutely gorgeous when you pick it up. I loved the texture of the cover and the beautiful design and golden trim. It gives the book an almost whimsical and fairy tale feel to it. I was almost too nervous to open the book as I didn’t want to damage the outside. I would find myself tracing the design on the cover and back over and over as it is just stunning.
The inside of the book is just as beautiful as the outside. It has the same feel to the illustrations and the colours are soft, which suits the theme of the book well. I loved the introduction – ‘this book celebrates some of the millions of living things that call it home, as well as the rocks, fossils and other natural marvels that make up our world’. And this book truly is a celebration of all things in nature.
The book has four sections: rocks and minerals, microscopic life, plants and animals. We loved each section – my personal favourite was the plants section (loved learning about Dragon’s blood tree and Traveler’s Tree – both that I had never heard of before) and my son loved the animals (even learning some new animals like the porcupine fish and Gharial). Each featured item in each category had two pages devoted to it. I loved the large image contrasting with the smaller illustrations and factual quotes. Each item had two to three paragraphs dedicated to it and it blended in well with the illustrations, your eyes naturally followed both the story and imagery. There was a lot of thought put into the design, layout and theme in this book and it was well worth it.
This is a stunning book that you will love as an adult to have in your collection and perfect for the older child as they begin to appreciate nature and want to learn more. This would make an excellent gift for those who love the arts. I found myself wanting to sketch out the plants that were featured – they are just too beautiful for words. The Wonders of Nature is truly a celebration of the beauty and wonder in the world around us.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
About the Author
Ben Hoare is an editor and author of books on nature and natural history, including Eyewitness: Endangered Animals, Trees and Leaves, and Pond Life. A fellow of the Zoological Society of London, his work can also be seen published in BBC Wildlife and Birdlife magazines, and on several BBC websites.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 12, 2020
Mom Genes: Book Review
The meddling moms of Forest River live for a good scandal in book two of the Forest River PTA Mom series.
About Mom Genes
The meddling moms of Forest River live for a good scandal. Speculation surrounding Claire Conroy’s sex life has fueled the rumor mill for years. Now, when Claire returns home from a trip to Italy separated from her husband of thirteen years, the imaginations of the Lululemon-clad ladies’ who lunch spin into overdrive. As the gossipmongers create their own scandalous backstory for the separation, blaming Claire’s infidelity, she learns the hard way just how mean mommies can be.
Eager to begin her new life as a single mom of three Claire puts her trust in Jackie Martin, the president of the PTA, to help tell her truth and free her of the false accusations and scandal. But the plan backfires, and Claire is put further into the spotlight when an embarrassed mom declares war.
As Claire dusts off her resume, fights the daily urge not to strangle her ex-husband and his new girlfriend, and dips her toes into the dating world one dud at a time will she find the happiness she craves or succumb to the pressure of the mean girls?
My Thoughts
Mom Genes is the perfect follow up to Hilary’s first book. I could not put this book down – I love the characters, the plot, the humour – just about everything in this story!
We return to Forest River and the lives of the PTA Moms that live there. These Moms really only want the best for their children but will stop at nothing to ensure this, some are downright mean. We have elaborate parties, gifts, school trips, vacations and more. This novel is centred around Claire, who is trying to recover from a recent separation. While she is trying to move forward with her life, she is faced with rumours of an affair, her ex moving on quite quickly with one of his co-workers, an ex that doesn’t want to be there for their kids, her children’s mental health all while trying to find a job and get back out there in the dating world. No easy task for anyone is it? Now throw in a crazy ex-PTA mom and life just gets turned upside down.
Claire is the perfect example of a person who takes the high road, she receives multiple emails and texts of the rumours about her but doesn’t let herself become hateful. She doesn’t get vicious although she does let karma work its own magic. She recognizes her own flaws and embraces them. Her dating experiences make you laugh out loud but you are constantly rooting for her to find that one person that really cares for her, because she deserves it. She will do anything for her kids and family and her goodness shines throughout the novel. We are given this intimate look into her life and become so attached to her family that are going through so much while still trying to maintain some normalcy. Throw in the PTA moms and Jackie and you get a fantastic plot.
This is a hilarious, heart warming novel from start to finish that you can easily relate to as a Mom. At times you laugh with Claire and at other times you feel her pain. I became really attached to her character and just wanted her to keep pushing through. Mom Genes is an amazing read from start to finish, you will not want to miss this one!
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
By day, Hilary Grossman works in the booze biz. By night she hangs out with her “characters.” She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She’s been known to walk into walls and fall up stairs. She only eats spicy foods and is obsessed with her cat, Lucy. She loves to find humor in everyday life. She likens life to a game of dodge ball – she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. She lives on Long Island.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.