Jessica Wakefield has gotten a taste of her own medicine. That was what went through my head as I read Playing with Fire, SVH Book 3. If you've been reading my reviews of the Sweet Valley High series originally written by Francine Pascal, you'll know that I've not been thrilled with Jessica. Initial Thoughts Playing With Fire began with action right away. The girls prepared for another dance. Jessica still had her eyes set on Bruce Patman. Her crowning of Homecoming Queen with geek Winston ...
Secrets, Book 2 – a Sweet Valley High Review
Secrets is the second book in the Sweet Valley High series. I reviewed the first novel, Double Love, and any subsequent reviews of the series can be read {here}. Beautiful and ruthless, Jessica Wakefield is determined to be chosen queen of the fall dance at Sweet Valley High. If she can win the contest, she's sure to win Bruce Patman, the most sought after boy in school. The only person standing in Jessica's way is Enid Rollins. When Jessica discovers the truth about Enid's past, she knows ...
The Melody of the Soul – Giveaway & Facebook Live
The Melody of the Soul Series: Music of Hope (Book 1) Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Gilead Publishing (January 16, 2018) Language: English ISBN-10: 1683700406 ISBN-13: 978-1683700401 Introduction Violinist Anna Zadok and her grandmother were the only ones remaining in their family who hadn't been transported to a labor camp. Their being Christian didn't matter, because by birth they were Jews, so their fate was sealed. Eventually, they would get their deportation ...
Hope Travels Through – review and giveaway
Introduction While looking at the description of Hope Travels Through, I was interested when I found out that it is based on real events that took place in December 1977--a tragic plane crash of the University of Evansville men's basketball team. I had never heard of that tragedy, and I'm surprised since that happened around the time that I was born. So, intrigued, I wanted to read this novel. Hope Travels Through is cut from a different mold from other stories I read, and I like that. Loni ...
The Gift of Christmas Past – a Litfuse Review
Introduction Cindy Woodsmall is well-known for her Amish fiction. I used to read Amish fiction regularly, but I've taken a break from the genre. When I saw that she and her daughter-in-law co-authored a contemporary novel, I was interested! The Gift of Christmas Past quickly introduces the reader into the worlds of teenage foster child Hadley and rich teen Monroe. Hadley finds herself in a position that no foster kid wants to be, and she relies on Monroe to help her escape. When the situation ...
A Box of Awesome Things Matching Game Review
Last month, we received A Box of Awesome Things Matching Game by Wee Society. My three-year-old has had a wonderful time with this game. He loves matching games, so I knew this game would be right up his alley. Introduction The premise of this game is like any other matching game. Lay all cards (or choose a smaller amount if your child isn't quite ready for all 40) on the table, then everyone takes turns turning over pairs. Whoever achieves finding the most matching pairs wins the game. The ...
Acing the ACT – a review
Acing the ACT--a perfect, catchy phrase for this tool book! Is the ACT approaching for someone in your family? If you're a homeschooler like I am, you're likely familiar with ACT preparation. If not, you soon may be. The ACT can seem daunting to parents and kids. Parents likely remember having taken it themselves. Some take it multiple times, while some are lucky to take it once-and-done. If you're like me, you likely have multiple ACT prep books at your disposal. The big, huge guides with ...
True To You – a Netgalley Review
True to form, Becky Wade has utterly drawn me in with another ridiculously well-written story. She amazes me. I've long been a fan of Becky Wade's writing, and in the past I've checked out her books at the library. She's an author whose books I eventually want on my bookshelves. :) Introduction First, I have to tell you that True to You is part of a series called the Bradford Sisters. Prior to this novel, there's a prequel/novella entitled Then Came You (which is CURRENTLY--as of ...
The Writing Desk – a Rachel Hauck Team Review
This summer has been insane. This review is coming late, late, late, late. I had everything in the world happen at the time I was supposed to review The Writing Desk. Car accident happened. Then Ocular rosacea--corneal inflammation, affected vision--couldn't read without getting a migraine. Both vehicles needed repairs (not at once, though!) and went to the shop. Braces for one child. Four wisdom teeth surgically removed for another child. In five weeks. The last two weeks, I've been working on ...
The Duke’s Dilemma – a Celebrate Lit Review & GIVEAWAY
Introduction I like a good who-dun-it novel. The Duke's Dilemma is one of those. Aaaand it also contains one of my other favorite genres--history! The setting is London in the year 1815. I enjoy a good Regency novel, and this one was no disappointment. I'd never read one of Elaine Manders' books before, and I hope this is not my last! Lady Cassandra Wayte married into her title. Born a farm girl, Cassandra found herself in a horrible situation, and Lord Wayte took in her and her godmother. ...
Love’s Faithful Promise by Susan Mason – a review
Riveting! Loveβs Faithful Promise is Book 3 in the Courage to Dream series by Susan Anne Mason. In this novel, there are two stories presented: that of Deirdre O'Leary and Matthew Clayborn, and Connor O'Leary and Josephine Miller. When Deirdre O'Leary's mother has a stroke, she is driven to find the best help for her mother. A nurse aspiring to become a doctor in the early 20th Century, Deirdre knows that her mother needs the best of help for her recovery. Deirdre takes on the task of ...
Zebra on the Go – a Kids’ Book Review
A thrill for 3-6-year-olds! Zebra on the Go is a fun kids' book by Jill Nogales that will entertain your preschool and early elementary children. Zebra on the Go is a story about a circus in town. To begin the story, Zebra accidentally steps on Lion's toe, and Lion becomes furious! As a result, a chase through the town ensues. Zebra desperately runs from Lion through the town, past townspeople, onto the dock and aboard a boat where the story comes to a climax. Illustrations by Lorraine Rochas ...