Finishing a book is bittersweet. You spend days getting to know the characters. Learning their nuances, their faults, their loves, their lives. They become your friends, acquaintances, enemies. And after the story ends, you miss them. You look for them in your own life, wonder where they’ve gone, you forget that they aren’t real. You fall in love with the hero and dream of him at night. The strange girl becomes your best friend. Their heartaches become your heartaches. You laugh when they laugh. And cry when they die. Eventually you realise they aren’t a part of your world, you were just briefly visiting theirs.
Michael’s Reviews
The Sundown Kid
August House
The Sundown Kid
A Southwestern Shabbat
Author: Barbara Bietz
Illustrated By: John Kanzler
Published By: August House, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-939160-94-2
Reviewed By: Michael Keeton
“The Sundown Kid” By: Barbara Bietz is an interesting tale about one small Jewish family moving out West. As the story progresses Sundown Kid’s Mom starts missing her family and friends back home. However, The Sundown Kid has a brilliant plan to bring a smile to her face.
Barbara Bietz paints an exquisite picture of family in this fun little story. The words flow seamlessly to the end. The illustrations are extraordinary and satisfying. I really enjoyed this book. “The Sundown Kid” is richly crafted with a beautiful conclusion. I recommend this book to all ages.
The Baker's Dozen
August House
The Baker’s Dozen
A Colonial American Tale
Retold By: Heather Forest
Illustrated By: Susan Gaber
Published By: August House, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-939160-70-6
Reviewed By: Michael Keeton
“The Baker’s Dozen” Retold By: Heather Forest is the enchanting American tale of a great baker named Van Amsterdam. One day before the holidays Van Amsterdam created a new St. Nicholas cookie. People started flooding into his bakery for those delicious cookies. Unfortunately, over time Van Amsterdam became greedy. He began Cutting ingredients from those delicious cookies and not giving back to his customers. However, one day an old woman enters his bakery and teaches Van Amsterdam a valuable lesson.
“The Baker’s Dozen” is an educational, delightful, and clever tale about greed. The witty illustrations capture the conflict perfectly. The story flows beautifully with ease. I recommend this American Tale to all ages.
August House
August House
Received these cute review books in the mail from August House today! So excited to jump in!
Winter Garden
Noelle
Noelle by: Greg Kincaid
Convergent
ISBN: 978-1-5247-6119-6
Reviewed by: Michael Keeton (10-17)
Noelle by: Greg Kincaid is a beautifully written novel about the power of family, friends and our furry companions. A warm, magical, and uplifting holiday favorite of mine.
This Novel is the forth novel in the lives of the McCray family. However, can be enjoyed as a stand-alone as well.
The novel follows the challenges of friends and family members of Mary Ann McCray. Mary has a kind, loving and warm hearted nature. And she is determined to make a new surprising tradition this Christmas. Get a warm blanket, and cuddle up by the fire because you won't want to put this charming novel down.
Author Bio:
http://www.randomhouse.com/author/81608/greg-kincaid
More Info:
http://www.randomhouse.com/book/557080/noelle-by-greg-kincaid
Please note, this book was a review copy from BloggingforBooks; all opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
The Promise of Breeze Hill
The Promise of Breeze Hill
Author: Pam Hillman
Tyndale House Publishers, INC.
ISBN: 978-1-4964-1592-9
Price: $14.99
Publication Date: August 2017
Reviewed by: Michael Keeton for Reader Views
Invigorating Spiritual Historical Novel
Star Rating ***** (5 Stars)
Isabella Bartholomew is in desperate need of a carpenter to repair the damages from the suspicious fire that devastated her family’s plantation and almost killed her father. Isabella purchased an Irish carpenter named Connor O’Shea from an auction in Natchez, MS. Connor’s only concern is to finish working out his contract for two more years until he can successfully bring his brothers to America. He doesn’t want to make previous mistakes so he tries to stay clear of the beautiful Isabella. However, it proves to be harder than he had thought. The more time Connor spends with Isabella the more he falls in love with her. But, because of a prior relationship he keeps pushing Isabella further away.
The responsibilities of Breeze Hill had fallen on Isabella after her brother was murdered on the Natchez Trace. Isabella’s father believes some mysterious cutthroat/highway man is after the family’s plantation after several suspicions incidences occur. Isabella and her father are determined to save their family’s plantation.
One of my favorite parts of this novel is when Isabella’s faith is tested. I enjoyed watching her spiritual journey back to God. I was touched by the author’s ability to capture the essentials of the human soul. This novel is bold, entertaining, and brilliant all at once. I was completely engulfed in this novel from start to finish. I praise Pam Hillman for her wit, style and intelligence. She has become one of my favorite authors after reading this novel. The novel has great pace and balance. The Characters were well-developed. “The Promise of Breeze Hill” is a mesmerizing novel you won’t be able to put down.
Please note, this book was a review copy from Reader views; all opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Rosie The Pig
Rosie The Pig
By: Rebekah Hartfield
Illustrated by: Sarah Haug
Rosie The Pig by: Rebekah Hartfield is a brilliant interactive children’s book about a pig named Rosie and her owner Abby.
When Abby finds Rosie sick she calls Dr Hartfield. Dr Hartfield give Rosie a complete check up.
In this book readers will learn what Veterinarians do to care for our animals. I loved this book!
The Plan
The Plan
Author: Kelly Bennett Seiler
Publisher: Infinite Words
ISBN: 978-1-59309-670-0
Price: $16.00
Publication Date: September 2016
Reviewed by: Michael Keeton for Reader Views
Emotionally Elevated and Beautifully Crafted Novel
Star Rating **** (4.5 Stars)
The Plan by: Kelly Bennett Seiler is a heart wrenching novel of a women named Claire and the devastating loss of her husband and three small children in a hurrific car accident the day after Christmas. Claire struggles to find a reason to keep moving and breathing. The devastation of her loss becomes too overwhelming. After 18 months Claire’s best friend Gia forces her to get out and start living again. However, it wasn't Gia’s intention for Claire to travel across the globe with complete strangers.
Irishman Callum Fitzgerald was born a trilateral amputee. Life hasn't always been easy for him however, he stays focused on his career of empowering others. He inspires listeners to find power in their own pain and use that power to become blessings for others.
When Callum hires Claire to be a vocalist on his siminar tour it takes them both on a remarkable emotional journey of love and exceptance.
Kelly Bennet Seiler’s novel “The Plan” is fluid, captivating, and real. The emotions in this novel came to life and jumped right off each page. The author knows how to reflect the power and importance of human strengths, weaknesses, and foibles. This beautifully crafted novel left me a better person than I was before reading it.
Please note, this book was a review copy from Reader views; all opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Sleeping Bear Press
Sleeping Bear Press
I absolutely LOVE these books from Sleeping Bear Press. They are absolutely gorgeous books! Perfect Holiday gifts for children. Go check them out!!!
http://sleepingbearpress.com/
Small Medium & Large
Sleeping Bear Press
Small Medium & Large
Author: Jane Monroe Donovan
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN: 978-1-58536-447-3
Reviewed by: Michael Keeton
“Small Medium & Large” by: Jane Monroe Donovan is a magical picture book with gorgeous illustrations. In this wordless book readers follow a little girl named Sammy as she writes a letter to Santa and receives some playful new friends. With the turn of every beautiful page you jump into the journey of decorating for Christmas, sledding, building snowmen, baking cookies, and just being together.
Jane Monroe Donovan captured my heart in this book. The illustration is exquisite, captivating, and brilliant. The flow of this picture book is well-crafted and satisfying. I recommend ”Small Medium & Large” to all ages. I really look forward to seeing more books from this author.