Kit Spenser wants to get away from the city. Somewhere quiet, where she can write her next novel. She finds a small, charming village in the Ottawa VaKit Spenser wants to get away from the city. Somewhere quiet, where she can write her next novel. She finds a small, charming village in the Ottawa Valley and buys a stone mansion with the name, Moon Hall. She soon realizes, that the village, the people, and the mansion are not what they seem. For starters, there is said to be a ghost in Moon Hall.
Her name was Violet and she grew up in Moon Hall and lived there her entire life. It holds all of her secrets until happens to find her diary. Kit develops a strong bond with Violet, through her words and the shattered life she lived.
Kit also is visited by her new neighbors , some who want to be friends and some who want to work for her. She becomes good friends with the hippies that live in a commune, just down the road. In turns we learn more about Kit and Violet and the era that she lived it.
I loved both the historical and modern-day plots! Wills is an excellent story teller and her characters come to life. They grab the reader and won’t let go! She captures place and time in poetic prose. I felt like I was there, in both time periods, bearing witness. In fact, I would love to see it be developed into a movie!
I became a fan of Wills’ writing from the first novel I read of hers. It was ‘The Summer Before The Storm’, book 1 of her ‘Muskoka’ series. I highly recommend the series and ‘Moon Hall’. If you love historical fiction and excellent character development, you will love Gabriele Wills! ...more
It is no secret that I love Khanh Ha’s novels! However, when I was asked if I wanted to read his short stories, I did not hesitate to accept.
Each storIt is no secret that I love Khanh Ha’s novels! However, when I was asked if I wanted to read his short stories, I did not hesitate to accept.
Each story is excellent, not a bad one in the bunch. They all touch on the Vietnam war or the aftermath. There are several stories about Mrs. Rossi, her adopted Vietnamese daughter, her son who died in the war, etc. These stories are like companions to the novel. It was so wonderful to see these characters again!
The first story, ‘Uncle Chung’ reels the reader in and lets them know what may be to come. At times sadness, relief, gruesomeness, and shock. All beautifully written by the writing master, Ha! His characters leap off the page and reach out to the reader! You can’t help but be reeled in! The landscape is inviting yet fraught with danger and sadness.
The Vietnam war was devastating for families in the U.S. and Vietnam. There were no winners and the purpose was never really clear, even to the leaders. Men, women and children died senseless deaths! Ha, not only gives a sense of this carnage but also the humanity.
If you have not read Khanh Ha before, ‘A Mother’s Tale and Other Stories’ would be a great book to begin with. Even if you generally don’t care for short stories, these are sure to change you opinion! I also highly recommend Ha’s novels, ‘Flesh’, ‘The Demon Who Peddled Longing’, and ‘Mrs. Rossi’s Dream’! I don’t give out 5-star reviews lightly but I have done so for all of these novels....more
I moved to Canada from the U.S.A. in January 1993. First on a work visa, then as a landed Immigrant, and eventually became a citizen. I first learnedI moved to Canada from the U.S.A. in January 1993. First on a work visa, then as a landed Immigrant, and eventually became a citizen. I first learned about Canadian politics from Peter Mansbridge, CBC News Chief Correspondent and anchor of The National on CBC. His news style/personality, felt like a personal welcome to Canada, even though I have never had the opportunity to meet him in person.
I was so sad when he retired. So, when I was invited to read his new book, ‘Off The Record’, I jumped at the chance. In it, he recounts his start in Churchill, Manitoba to his leap to The National. Through his stories, he introduced me to Knowlton Nash, who was the anchor of The National before Mansbridge.
He wrote about our past prime ministers. Being interested in politics, I had read about them but he shared antidotes that I did not know which made them even more human to me. He wrote about some of our national treasures like Jann Arden.
He recounted his coverage of the Berlin Wall coming down and 9/11. In turns he had me laughing and crying with his serious stories and the fun he had, such as the time he was asked to play the role of Peter Moosebridge in the Disney movie, ‘Zootopia’. LOL! There was his poignant interview with Gord Downie before he passed away. I saw that interview and he made me cry again, as he recounted it.
To me, Peter Mansbridge is a national treasure! To me, he is the Canadian equivalent to Walter Cronkite. He also wrote about Cronkite and other U.S. anchors. This is a book that I am sure I will revisit. I am sure Mr. Mansbridge has many more stories to tell and I hope he writes another book. I will definitely read it! Perhaps covid will not be an issue and he will tour with the next book and stop in Vancouver so, I can see him in person and get his books signed. Even that very brief interaction would mean so much to me!
Thank you, Peter Mansbridge, for welcoming me to Canada and teaching me about the many facets of the Canadian Way! ...more
Sallie H. Weissinger divorced her first husband and then found the love of her life, Matt through the personal adds. However, 24 years later, Matt dieSallie H. Weissinger divorced her first husband and then found the love of her life, Matt through the personal adds. However, 24 years later, Matt dies of cancer and she is devastated. She actually suffers several losses over just a 4-year span. As she picks up the pieces of her life and learns to cope with loss, after some time, she wants to find another life partner.
She is in her 70’s and there are no longer personal ads in newspapers. In ‘Yes’ Again’, she shares her experience navigating dating websites. She does this honestly and with a lot of humor. Fed up with online dating sights she decides to try something new, she creates herself, she named PASTRAMI. It is an acronym for the traits she wants in a partner, for example; physically fit, adventurous, spiritual, traveler, etc… She then enlists the help of her friends to find men that fit the mold and even offers a $5000 reward to the charities of match makers choice if she stays with the man for one year. She even enlisted assistance to set up a PASTRAMI website.
After going out with men that sounded promising but didn’t work out, she was about to give up but then a friend told her about a guy, Bart that lost his wife about a year before. It was practically love at first sight for both Sallie and Bart.
In this heartfelt memoir, we learn the details about all of Sallie’s losses and heartaches and how she overcame the obstacles they formed. I think many people who suffer the kind of loss she did, give up on life and just go through the motions. Instead, Sallie throughs herself into life with traveling, volunteering, and eventually dating. Especially for a woman in her seventies, she is an inspiration. We can all learn a lot from her.
The thought of loosing my husband, now of 25 years, is my worst nightmare. If it were to happen, I will certainly need to read this book again to get reinspired. ‘Yes, Again’ gets all 5 stars from me!...more
Wow! A memoir that is both powerful and heartbreaking. I’m not ashamed to say that this one made me tear up more than few times.
Rachel Michelberg had Wow! A memoir that is both powerful and heartbreaking. I’m not ashamed to say that this one made me tear up more than few times.
Rachel Michelberg had been married to her husband, David when both of their lives were suddenly changed forever. David was flying a plane over the California countryside when he was involved in a crash that left him and his friend badly hurt. After being rushed to the ICU, it was determined that David had suffered massive brain injuries that would result in memory loss and other complications.
Now, David was deemed unable to care for himself and likely to remain that way for the rest of his life. Rachel had to decide if she was up to caring full time for her husband as well as taking care of their two young children and dealing with her own health issues and work as a cantor.
I put myself through university, working in group homes with adults with developmental disabilities. Some of the people I worked with were also in wheel chairs. I know first hand what back breaking work that is, even for well trained staff. I loved what I did because I knew I was making a difference in peoples lives. I was also gaining valuable experience that I knew will help me after I graduated with my social work degrees. However, I understand that not everyone can do this type of work and that is okay. Now, in my 50’s, there is no way I could do it but am so glad I got to do it when I was younger!
At home caregivers are people that are too often ignored or forgotten about in our society and this memoir is an excellent example of that. The difficulties that Rachel faced and the decisions about her husband’s care that all fell to her were affecting and upsetting. I can’t imagine having to face questions like that about a loved one and I hope that I never have to.
On top of everything else, before the accident, Rachel and her husband were going through a rough patch in their marriage and she was considering asking him for a divorce. Of course, after the accident, this question seemed impossible to bring up and Rachel had to decide if she wanted to remain married to this man and provide constant care for him.
I won’t spoil the ending, because this is definitely one that you should read yourself, but I felt such a hopeful and light feeling after reading this. I want to thank Rachel Michelberg for her bravery in sharing this very difficult time in her life and her honesty. I think it could help others in similar situations.
5 stars for a beautiful and moving story and I hope Rachel is in a happier place now!...more
Dane Cooper turned in his police badge to open his own private detective agency in New York City. He accepts a case to find a man’s missing 20-year-olDane Cooper turned in his police badge to open his own private detective agency in New York City. He accepts a case to find a man’s missing 20-year-old son, Elvis. The twist? The father claims that his son in the real Elvis Presley, reincarnated.
Due to the quirky nature of the case and the boy’s father’s delusion of his son being Elvis Presley, Dane is reluctant to take on the case. However, he needs the money, and is offered a lot. As he further investigates, he goes deeper and deeper down a rabbit hole. For one, he falls for the woman Dane believes will lead him to Elvis, Darcy. She has lots of secrets plus she had an affair with Elvis when he was in high school and she was his teacher.
Dane soon finds out that there are men out to find and kill Elvis as he has broken up marriages and left teen girls pregnant. As he races against time to find and save Elvis, the walls close in. Will he save Elvis and will he survive himself? You will have to read it to find out.
I have read many books by the husband-and-wife author team, Elyse Douglas. They write across many genres and my favorite are their time travel novels. However, I have enjoyed their other’s, including this one, ‘City of Deadly Dreams’. The characters are their quirkiest ever and there are surprising twists and turns the keep the reader turning the pages. I highly recommend it and give it 4 stars. ...more
‘Lighting the Stars’ is book 4 of ‘The Muskoka Novels saga’. Gabriele Wills has brought WWI to the end of WWII in this beautiful series. It is from a ‘Lighting the Stars’ is book 4 of ‘The Muskoka Novels saga’. Gabriele Wills has brought WWI to the end of WWII in this beautiful series. It is from a Canadian perspective with a vast and lively cast of characters.
In ‘Lighting the Stars’, the next generation has to step up and go to war, as their parents did in WWI. Most of the men either train pilots to fly and fight in areal combat and the women join The Royal Canadian Air Force, Women’s Division in various positions. Elyse Thornton becomes what was known as a “Spitfire” girl, delivering airplanes for combat and Merilee Sutcliffe, with her skill as a photographer is sent all over Great Briton to photograph the aftermath of bombings from the Germans and other war interests.
The story opens right before Canada enters the war. We are introduced to the character’s while they enjoy their annual summer at Lake Muskoka in Ontario. Merilee is a 17-year-old girl and spends mot of her time with her best friend Peggy. Through their eye’s as well as the other characters, we see a carefree summer turn to getting ready for battle. As their older male friends and relations go off to Europe to fight and some of their female friends go to fly planes, nurse, and other duties also in Europe, German POW’s move in to a prison camp, right in Muskoka. In fact, right next door to Peggy and her parents’ house! Now the two girls can no longer swim there.
‘Lighting the Star’s is teeming with friendship, romance, action, adventure, heart breaking loss, and of course history. I have rarely read an entire book series but The Muskoka Novels saga’ is irresistible! After each book ends, I miss the characters so much! They are so well written that they come to life, grab the reader by the hand and yank them right into their lives. I wish someone would buy the rights to this series. It would make an amazing move or television series!
I don’t know if Wills will be writing a fifth book for the series but I hope so! This is my favorite book series of all time! I give it 5 plus stars!
Note, ‘Lighting the Stars’ can be read without reading the other books in the series however, there are a huge cast of characters and you may feel a bit lost at first when the older characters appear. It is best to start with book,1. Once you read that, you will want to read the entire series!...more
I was first introduced to Kaia Alexander’s writing from reading her amazing historical fiction novel, ‘Written in the Ashes’. It was written under herI was first introduced to Kaia Alexander’s writing from reading her amazing historical fiction novel, ‘Written in the Ashes’. It was written under her name K. Hollan Van Zandt.
II was intrigued when I saw the title of her new book, ‘Mockingbird in Mark Twain’s Hat.’ I am a Mark Twain fan and I thought it would be great to introduce younger children to him. I didn’t read any of his works or learn about him until Jr. High School.
Kaia Alexander brings Mark Twain to life in a story about a young mockingbird, Wynne, who wants to be a writer but must first learn to fly. One day some crows attack and he falls out of the nest. This sets him on adventure far from home. As he tries to get back home, he meets new animal friends along the way. He also encounters danger. Eventually, he even meets his hero, Mark Twain himself.
‘Mockingbird in Mark Twain’s Hat’ is a delightful and beautifully rendered story with glorious black and white illustrations. It introduces children to the era of Twain and post slavery America. At the same time entertains with Wynne’s adventures and thirst for learning.
Buy this book for your children but be sure to read it yourself. It is sure to become a timeless classic for children and adults. I hope this isn’t the last we hear from Wynne, his family, and friends. I give it all 5 stars! ...more
“While traveling abroad, have you ever strolled down a cobblestone street, passed an open window, and heard laughter flowing out to greet you? Have yo“While traveling abroad, have you ever strolled down a cobblestone street, passed an open window, and heard laughter flowing out to greet you? Have you ever stopped to listen to the banter while wondering what it would be like to live there? In that house? That village? And, oooooh! What are those wonderful aromas? Well, you were not alone. I have too.”
I swear, this book should be officially endorsed by the Italian tourism board. I have never wanted to take a vacation to this beautiful country so much as I have after reading this memoir! Where else are you going to get locally grown olive oil, colorful festivals and historical buildings and sites that date back thousands of years?
I'm assuming that Carole Bumpus asked herself the same questions and it was this interest in Italy that led her and her husband, Winston to take a trip there in 1998. That very trip is immortalized in this memoir, 'A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table.' This is a true tale with historical settings, wonderfully friendly people and food that is absolutely to die for, if it were veganized, of course).
If there is anything that the Italian people do better than everyone else, it's probably food and Bumpus proves this by not only describing delectable meals, but also including many of the recipes for these meals in the end of the book. Luckily, some of these recipes can be easily be made vegan but be ware, some cannot. This way, you can sample some of them for yourself and decide if they are everything that she describes. If you're like me, you won't be disappointed.
This memoir has much to love and salivate over, without dragging on like some others do. I loved Bumpus' writing style and I plan to read more from her in the future! I actually read her novel, ‘A Cup of Redemption’ back in 2014 and loved it as well. You can read my review here.
Nothing says love quite like food, and Carole Bumpus has hit on that perfectly in this one-of-a-kind memoir. I highly recommend that you read it. Great arm chair traveling, especially during a pandemic.
Note: For my fellow vegans, I found several vegan friendly restaurants in Itally via a Google search and there is also a vegan tour company to help you plan your trip there. ...more
'Birth of a Unicorn: Six Basic Steps to Success,' by Heather Wilde is a blend of two beautiful worlds: memoir and self-help guide.
Wilde and her husba'Birth of a Unicorn: Six Basic Steps to Success,' by Heather Wilde is a blend of two beautiful worlds: memoir and self-help guide.
Wilde and her husband, Leon are two of the foundational members of a team that is responsible for Evernote, a note-taking app that has become wildly successful in recent years, and now has a user base of over 200 million people worldwide. But how did they do it? How does anyone take an idea in their head and turn it into a billion-dollar company?
Well, before Evernote, Wilde already had some experience with this, having worked on teams at several other successful start ups, including a security company called Corestreet, that worked with the government.
In order to figure out the steps that lead to Wilde's success, you must read this book and really pay attention, not just to her story but to her advice. I really enjoyed every tidbit of wisdom in this book, because it seemed like it was coming from a good place and a really smart person who was very experienced with this industry.
At the end of the book, there is an 'assessment' or a little quiz that helps you determine what things matter most to you in life and how you can help fulfill those needs to manage your life. This is all part of Wilde's emphasis in the book of balancing your work life and personal life in harmony, and how to make sure that one doesn't take too much from the other. definitely something I personally need to work on! Personal life and self-care are essential to becoming a success in any industry that you choose and Wilde's understanding of that really makes this book something special.
I can see myself thinking about this one for a long time and referring back to it. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, inspiring read! ...more
‘Muskrat Ramble’ is the continuation of the story about Hannah Owens Barrington in the first book, ‘A Sparrow Alone’. You can read my thoughts on book‘Muskrat Ramble’ is the continuation of the story about Hannah Owens Barrington in the first book, ‘A Sparrow Alone’. You can read my thoughts on book 1 here. It picks up her story in 1913 after the school she teaches African American children, closes in Kansas. She moves with her “daughter,” Alice, to New Orleans. She hopes to re-connect with her birth daughter, Emma and to find a job. She does get to re-connect with Emma, who is now 13 years old. Note, Emma does not know that Hannah is her mother. Emma aspires to be a Jazz singer and is friends with Kid Ory the jazz trombonist.
Hannah also finds a variety of jobs including working in a cigar factory and seamstress work for an opera house.
The backdrop of the book is the Jazz Age in all it’s glory and pitfalls, especially racism. I love the part Kid Ory plays in the story as he was a real-life jazz performer. There were also references to Louis Armstrong. I especially love the Jazz age part of the story, it was like a character, itself. I also loved how Hannah evolved as she aged. I would love to write more about that but don’t want to risk spoilers.
If you are an historical fiction lover, like myself, you should read ‘Muskrat Ramble’. Be sure to read ‘A Sparrow Alone’ first. This is a rich historical two book series that is well developed and researched. The character come alive in a way that you feel you are there, seeing their lives unfold first hand. These are unforgettable characters that I will not forget! ...more
”The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse,” is not just a self-help guide but a manual for helping the ones you love the mos”The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse,” is not just a self-help guide but a manual for helping the ones you love the most. If you begin to suspect that your child is addicted to drugs, it can be difficult to know where to turn next. Of course, you want to get help for your child, but where do you even start?
The author of this book, Richard Capriola wants to answer that question is a short, easy-to-read guide that will leave you with a plan of action and some peace of mind. Every page of this book contains valuable information that can help you get your child back on a better path and steer them away from an addiction.
Of course, young people are the most vulnerable to addiction. Between peer pressure and the fact that their brains are not yet done developing, it is easy for them to fall prey to a drug that might make them think they are better, stronger or cooler. In this book, Capriola, who is a mental health and addiction counselor, clearly outlines basic steps to take if you suspect that your child may be addicted to a drug.
From marijuana to harder drugs, there are so many different types of drugs to get addicted to and Capriola outlines every one in stunning detail that informs the reader while also making sure not to bore with too much information. This book is a simple and quick read for parents that might not have the time to delve into anything too long.
As a mostly retired social worker in adult mental health myself, I think that this book could be a light in the darkness to those that need it most and a helping hand to parents everywhere. Anyone can make bad decisions, but, as the book says, it doesn’t have to be a lifelong mistake.
I will certainly recommend ‘The Addicted Child’ to my colleagues who work with parents and children! ...more
At the end of Book one, Clive proposes to Henrietta and she takes him to meet her family. He knows that she comes from a very poor family but loves heAt the end of Book one, Clive proposes to Henrietta and she takes him to meet her family. He knows that she comes from a very poor family but loves her just the same. However, when he meets her mother, you would think he would have second thoughts. Luckily, he does not scare easily.
In ‘A Ring of Truth’ he brings Henrietta to meet his family. He has not told her anything about then but since she knows he works for the police; she assumes he comes from a working-class family. Certainly, a step above her family but not wealthy. Why Clive didn’t prepare her ahead of bringing her to meet his family is anyone’s guess but when the house comes into site from the car, she is shocked. He comes from a very wealthy family.
It seems she is leaping out of the frying pan and in to the fire. She can relate to the servants way more than she can relate to Clive’s parents. She has her doubts, as do Clive parents. However, Clive’s mother decides she can work with her and invites her to stay so they can plan the engagement party and wedding. However, she really wants to shape Henrietta into a proper lady. While staying with the Howards, Henrietta also stumbles into a mystery that she gets caught up in trying to solve.
Wow, this was even better than book one! Watching Henrietta try so hard to fit in with her soon to be in-laws was heart breaking at times. Michelle Cox is so good at creating her character and the new ones introduced in this book are so different from the first. The mystery brings lots of spice and develops Henrietta into a real problem solver. Even though as a woman, she is not taken seriously.
The romance between Clive and Henrietta seems realistic and not forced as in some novels and their fights are just as realistic. I tend to read a lot of historical fiction but not romance and mystery but this series has a fine balance that I can’t seem to get enough!...more
Henrietta and Clive can barely contain their passion for each other but it being the 1930’s they will not consummate their love until they are marriedHenrietta and Clive can barely contain their passion for each other but it being the 1930’s they will not consummate their love until they are married. So, they decide to move up their wedding. The wedding planning has problems complicated by Clive’s mother who won’t shorten the guest list and will spare no expense. Further complicating not only the wedding but Henrietta’s family is her newly found grandfather, Oldrich Exley. It turns out that Henrietta’s mother kept a huge secret from her children. She comes from wealth but was disowned when she married Henrietta’s father.
After the wedding, Henrietta and Clive ship off the England for their honeymoon. They stay AT Linley Castle where Clive’s father grew up. Once again the become wrapped up in a mystery. Henrietta also fears for her sister, Elsie after receive an alarming letter from her. Then as they get ready to leave Castle Linley for the rest of their honeymoon, the couple are called back home for an emergency.
It took me a bit of time to warm up to the new characters in book 3 but they were well written as all of Michelle Cox’s characters are. I loved how she wove in the landscape of Castle Linley and the surrounding English countryside. It seemed to be a character of its own. The mystery wasn’t quite as riveting in the past books but that is because I was able to guess at least part of Wallace’s secret. Wallace is Clive’s cousin. However, I still enjoyed it!...more
Book 3 ended with Clive and Henrietta cutting their honeymoon short after finding out the Clive’s father died from a freak accident. When they arrive Book 3 ended with Clive and Henrietta cutting their honeymoon short after finding out the Clive’s father died from a freak accident. When they arrive home, they attend to his grieving mother. However, the more Clive thinks about it, the more he convinces himself that his father must have been murdered. His mother tries to convince him that he is just crazy with grief but he knows he needs to listen to his gut. It takes awhile for Henrietta to believe him as well but she comes around to his thinking, especially after he question’s his father’s business executive.
At the same time, Henrietta is relived to learn that her sister, Elsie was saved from causing a scandal that would have ruined her life. Their Grandfather put’s their Aunt to work trying to make a lady out of Elsie and get her wed into a wealthy family fast, as to avoid rumors or a relapse into the near miss scandal. However, Elsie being so young doesn’t know what she wants but she sure knows she doesn’t want to be groomed and paraded in front of men at balls!
Henrietta gest the idea that Elise should go to an all-women’s college to help her from further problems. Finally, Elsie agrees and she enrolls and lives in the dorm. However, she meets a young German custodian, Gunther who encourages her to live the live she herself wants. She wants to do just that but is struggling to figure out how to get around her Aunt and Grandfather. Meanwhile, Gunther has secrets of his own.
I loved the introduction of Gunther in this book. He is was a teacher in Germany and he is very knowledgeable about literature which makes for nice conversation between him and Elsie. The mystery was especially nail biting in book 4 and we once again experience more of the seedier side of 1930’s Chicago. Michelle Cox’s writing really shined in ‘A Veil Removed’!...more
Henrietta Von Harmon is the oldest daughter of a large family in 1930’s Chicago. Her father committed suicide leaving his oldest daughter to support hHenrietta Von Harmon is the oldest daughter of a large family in 1930’s Chicago. Her father committed suicide leaving his oldest daughter to support her mother and younger siblings. She is a teenager. Luckily the barkeeper, Mr. Hennesy, who’s bar her father frequented took pity on her and hired her to clean. He later promoted her to a 26 girl. 26 was a game, men gambled on. Mr. Hennesy soon became a father figure for her.
Around the age of 17 she was persuaded by a friend to get a job as a taxi dancer. She knew her mother wouldn’t approve but her mother also complained that they didn’t have enough money and blamed Hennrietta. She bought one nice dress for the job and hid it at work to change into. While there, a very handsome man paid to dance with her. Not long after, the woman who ran the place was found murdered. When she appeared at work she was told. She however, met her dance partner again, he turned out to be a police detective, Inspector Clive Howard.
Now out of a job, the inspector offer’s her undercover work that becomes dangerous.
I loved this book. I hated the way Henrietta’s mother treated her but had a lot of respect for Henrietta herself. She was the only one in her family who stepped up to support the family. The romance between Clive and Henrietta was nice and understated so it didn’t detract from the mystery and rest of the story. Michelle Cox made 1930’s Chicago come back to life, with all of it’s grit, glitter, and grime! By the time the book ended, I was addicted and bought the next in the series....more
Cleo has a obsession for bows. Lots of little girls love bows but not like Cleo! She wears them in her hair, on her dress, and they are all over her rCleo has a obsession for bows. Lots of little girls love bows but not like Cleo! She wears them in her hair, on her dress, and they are all over her room.. She also knows how to tie her own bows. With the help of Cleo, a rabbit, and a fox, she wants to teach all children how to tie bows.
‘Cleo Can Tie a Bow’ is a fun book to read with children. It is both entertaining with vivid illustrations but it can help you teach children how to tie their shoe laces. Award winning author, Sybrina Durant also has a Youtube channel to help children learn the task. However, I would have liked the video to have shown how to do it step by step. The book has arrows pointing to how to tie a bow but I think children will find that confusing. I think the parent will have to give the step by step instructions.
I think ‘Cleo Can Tie a Bow’ is a great introduction to young children on bows and make them interested in learning how to do it themselves. Of course, shoes would be a perfect place to start! It just doesn’t have to end with shoes, parents can get some ribbon and do a art project with their children. During this crazy time with the pandemic, it could be hours of fun.
I give it 4.5 for excellent story and illustrations!...more
Alli Spotts- De Lazzer is therapist who specializes in family therapy and eating disorders. In this book she has collected 23 stories from people abouAlli Spotts- De Lazzer is therapist who specializes in family therapy and eating disorders. In this book she has collected 23 stories from people about their struggles with weight and body image issues.
From the day we are born, society inundates us with the message that we must strive for perfection. Supermodels, movie stars, even today’s internet sensations begin programming us from a very young age with the idea that we must fit into a certain mold in order to be acceptable. And that mold is one of a thin, shapely young women. There is a reason Barbie dolls looked the way they did. Girls grow up striving to have that kind of figure. Sadly, many with do anything to try to achieve it.
But a supermodel’s body is, obviously difficult to achieve and as such, many of us will spend a lifetime struggling with our weight and body image, desperate to obtain a standard that is almost unobtainable. Some of us may only toy with dieting occasionally, but the people in this book made dieting into an everyday (and sometimes every moment) war on themselves.
Reading these stories, I felt such sympathy for these people who have struggled so much to achieve what they believe to be their own ideal look. For the woman who gained weight during her pregnancy only to fall back on food as a comfort when her baby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and her husband left her. For the woman who started a business at a young age and became so obsessed with achieving perfection that she began drinking Ipecac to induce vomiting. For every story that represented another life and another hand over hand climb out of the rock bottom pit of misery.
Every story is concluded with a note from Spotts-De Lazzer analyzing the story and providing a therapist’s viewpoint, which was very welcome.
I personally grew up with a family struggling with weight issues. Most of my family must have tried every diet out there. I was the only one who had trouble actually gaining weight. Besides my family, I have known so many people struggling weight and body image issues, especially in my work as a social worker in mental health.
I am giving 5 stars to this moving look at diet culture and body image. This is the kind of self-help book that we need more of in the world! I am mostly retired from social work now however, I will recommend this book to my collogues, for their clients in the struggle....more
Sometimes there is a fine line between simply walking away and possibly going missing. Liesal Klinkhammer leaves a German boarding house in the 1930’sSometimes there is a fine line between simply walking away and possibly going missing. Liesal Klinkhammer leaves a German boarding house in the 1930’s on a quest to find a better life in America. Surprising everyone, she also leaves behind her little daughter, Anna. Anna is soon brought to America by the boarding house owner’s son, Gunther, in order to find her mother, but Liesal left no clues to her whereabouts and the trail has gone very cold.
Enter Clive and Henrietta Howard, a husband-and-wife detective duo who take on the case after being asked by Henrietta’s sister, Elsie. Elsie, has recently begun a budding romance with Gunther.
This being the fifth book in the series, Clive and Henrietta are well used to solving crimes that others have deemed unsolvable, but this case leaves even them scrambling for leads and following enigmatic clues. And, after suffering a recent tragedy of their own, will the couple be able to find Liesal and keep their marriage intact? You’ll have to read ‘A Child Lost’ yourself to find out!
This was a superb addition to Michelle Cox’s ‘Clive and Henrietta Howard’ series and a beautifully written historical piece. The level of detail and world building that Cox employs here is stunning. I felt fully immersed in the story from page one and I didn’t want it to end! It is my favorite book in the series.
If you pick up this book, you feel as though you are reaching back in time to a 1930’s Chicago, where the romance is sizzling, the mysteries are unpredictable and justice is served with a side of noir. Joining Clive and Henrietta on this ride is a must for fans of detective mysteries and historical romances. The twists and turns will be enough to keep you guessing until the very last page.
Each book in this series can be read on there own however, they are even better reading them in order to get all of the back story. This is a series not to be missed! I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!...more