Do you mourn the end of one season, or do you happily await the arrival of the next. Colleen over on Silver Threading gives us a last glimpse of fall.
Author: macjam47
I am an avid reader who loves to share my thoughts about the books I read. Other activities I enjoy are doing things with my grandchildren, baking and cooking, gardening, Pilates, and deep water exercise.
Christmas Board Books for the Very Young #2
Reading Christmas stories to my children when they were young was part of our Christmas tradition. Who can resist a cute Christmas board book for their little one?
A Bright Baby Touch and Feel book
This little Christmas picture book identifies various winter pictures for the youngest reader. There is a snowman, Santa, reindeer, sleigh, and many more to delight a child two and under.
By Hannah C. Hall
Illustrated by Steve Whitlow
GOD BLESS OUR CHRISTMAS is a beautiful book about Christmas time activities and ends by reminding children that Christmas is the day Jesus was born.
“The baby Jesus has been born!
A star shines big and bright.
Through Jesus’ birth, God came earth/
God bless our Christmas night.”
I recommend this book for all preschool and toddler aged children.
By Charles Reasoner
This is a cut-out board book, with shaped pages and cut-outs or peek-a-boo holes. I didn’t find the story to be very engaging, but the illustrations are colorful and the cut-outs are fun. It is definitely a book for the very young to page through and explore the shapes and peek-a-boos. With Santa, snowmen, reindeer and other forest creatures, the book is well suited to Mom or Dad to embellish the story.
By Charles Reasoner
This is another cut-out board book, by Charles Reasoner. Once again the pictures and the cut-outs will engage young ones is a cute story. I preferred this story to the PEEK-A-BOO REINDEER. The elves are making toys and packing up Santa’s sleigh for the big night.
Please Share On Social Media:
Christmas Board Books for the Very Young #1
Christmas stories are always a popular to prepare for Christmas. Children love the magic of Christmas and enjoy reading the many Christmas story books available. Still looking for a gift for a little one? Check out the books on this blog. There will be two more postings on this topic this week.
By Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson
Illustrated by Rebecca Thronburgh
Who doesn’t remember listening to FROSTY THE SNOWMAN. Whether reading the story or singing the song, or watching the video Frosty has brought smiles to children’s faces over the years.
“Frosty the snowman was alive as he could be,” are magical words to a young child. This beautiful little book with its colorful illustrations is just the right size for toddlers to handle.
HAVE YOURSELF A FURRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
By Naomi Kleinberg
Illustrated by Louis Womble
Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street gang are getting ready for a Christmas celebration. Each of them attends to different tasks until all the work is done and they are ready to party. The boldly colored illustrations of the Sesame Street characters will positively delight all little Sesame Street fans.
By Sandra Magsamen
OUR LITTLE DEAR is absolutely darling! Not only are the illustrations attractive to a very young child, the book has soft antlers sticking out the top. It is just too cute! The story is full of warmth and love for a little deer/dear.
“You fill our home with so much love.
You’re an angel sent from up above.
We love, love, love you, little deer.”
I would definitely recommend this for children 2 years old and under.
By Lily Karr
Illustrated by Jay Johnson
MY SANTA CLAUS is a cute book in verse about Santa and his elves delivering presents. The illustrations are boldly colorful and Santa is depicted as the traditional Santa children know.
By Sarah Albee
Illustrated by Maggie Swanson
Elmo and the Sesame Street gang sing The 12 Days of Christmas with a Sesame Street spin. This book is filled with lots of pictures of children’s favorites, most especially of Elmo.
Please Share On Social Media:
No Wasted Ink Writer’s Links
Wendy Van Camp on No Wasted Ink has compile an outstanding list of resources for writers.
Please Share On Social Media:
MY WHISPERINGS By Just Patty (Patty van Delft)
This is the second book of poetry written by Just Patty. Patty delves into deepest emotions in her poetry. MY WHISPERINGS is a collection of dark poetry, though some of her poems have a more positive note.
One that struck me as being particularly dark and deeply painful is “PTSD”. The last verse is a good example of the entire poem.
Silently drowning
In a sea of unshed tears I shout
I am chocking
I’m hurting!
Just want to end it
But… I can’t find a way out
“Vengeance” is another of her poems that is very dark as illustrated by the following verse from it. In this poem Just Patty explores revenge.
Ruthless
Ice cold justice got served
In my heart, there’s no compassion
You got what you deserved!
One of my favorites of her poems is “The Warrior” which is more uplifting as Just Patty portrays steadfastness and positive thinking.
Times are hard, life is tough
I know that you think you had enough
Don’t give up, you can still win
Bring out the warrior from within
Though my first choice in poetry is to read uplifting and joyous verse, I enjoyed reading this collection of poetry very much, especially when the poem spoke of redeeming qualities rather than ending just as dark as it began.
About the author: Just Patty is the poet name used by the Dutch writer Patty van Delft. She has also written another book of poetry, MY WINGS.
Just Patty is a very talented poet. She is a staunch supporter of suicide prevention and anti-bullying. You can follow her on her blog Petite Magique, on Facebook Just Patty Author Page on Twitter Just Patty, or on Google+ at Just Patty.
You can buy MY WHISPERINGS on Amazon.com.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Please Share On Social Media:
PASSING THROUGH PERFECT by Bette Lee Crosby
In 1946, the war has ended and Benjamin Church is headed home to Grinder’s Corner, Alabama and his father. He arrived home to find his father unable to run the farm properly by himself, and being a dutiful son, he stayed to run the farm.
Then he met Delia, a preacher’s daughter, and fell in love at first sight. Her father disapproved of the relationship, disowned her, and forbade her mother to visit their only child. Benjamin and Delia got married by a justice of the peace and settled down in Grinder’s Corner. When their son Isaac was born, Delia was determined they should leave Grinder’s Corner and move north where a black child had better opportunities and could go to college. Benjamin refused. He was happy with his life, until a horribly tragic event occurred on one rainy night – an event that changed life as he knew it, forever.
When Benjamin finally decided to leave and head north he passed through Wyattsville, Virginia, where he met Sidney and Carmella Klaussner and their boy Paul Jones, and his sister Jubilee, all people we met in JUBILEE’S JOURNEY. The Klaussner’s showed their gratitude to Benjamin for rescuing Paul from a burning auto by helping him get on his feet and making the right connections for him.
This is an intensely moving story of a Southern black man and his quest for a happy life for himself and his family from his Southern roots to a promising future away from the racism he encountered in the South.
The third book in the Wyattsville Series, PASSING THROUGH PERFECT did not disappoint me. Bette Lee Crosby’s storytelling ability has never shown brighter. A Southern gal herself, Crosby had an insight into the trials and tribulations of Southern living, and therefore her depiction of the towns and life situations were believable. PASSING THROUGH PERFECT, with characters that jump right off the pages and into your heart, is a book you don’t want to miss.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby’s books are “Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances.” – Midwest Book Review
The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby’s writing is, “A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures.”
Samantha from Reader’s Favorite raves, “Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down.”
“Storytelling is in my blood,” Crosby laughingly admits, “My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.”
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win nineteen awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.
Crosby’s published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee’s Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be available in January 2015.
Please click the link to visit the author’s website Bette Lee Crosby Words Wit and Wisdom.
Follow Bette Lee Crosby on these websites:
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads
To pre-order PASSING THROUGH PERFECT or buy any of Crosby’s other novels please go online at iBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Please Share On Social Media:
Hump Day Blog Hop on Julie Valerie’s Book Blog
Julie Valerie is hosting her blog hop, so click the link below and hop on over to check out today’s bloggers.
Please Share On Social Media:
A Thankful Heart
Some inspirational words from my dear friend Morgan of BooknVolume
A Thankful Heart is Open to Blessings
because it is closed to worry, doubt, and wailing.
A Thankful Heart is Filled with Love
because it empties itself of loathing, greed, and envy.
A Thankful Heart is Overflowing with Peace
because it does not Share itself with lies, distrust, and negativity.
A Thankful Heart Touches Others with its Blessings and Love
because it is Ever in the Presence of Love and Blessing.
A Thankful Heart Speaks in Kindness, Patience and Empowerment
because it does not Speak of hate, intolerance or to incapacitate.
A Thankful Heart Chooses its Path Each Day with Diligence and Joy
because it does not Concentrate on what it cannot do.
A Thankful Heart Walks in Hope, Love, Peace and Joy
because it Knows nothing else.
A Thankful Heart Shares its Purpose
because it is Incapable of Withholding All that Pours from its Abundant Profusion.
Embark upon Each…
View original post 19 more words
Please Share On Social Media:
Friday Fantasy – Spark
A magical moment from my dear friend Morgan of BooknVolume.
Magic Spark of Breathless Treasure,
Immortal Promise of Labyrinthine Pleasure,
When the Portal is Opened Wide
When Dreams Evoke the Child Inside.
.
~Morgan~
.
.
.
Beautiful Artwork found on Facebook at: Fairies, dragons and other mythological creatures. Credit Acknowledged to the original Artist. Thank You.
Please Share On Social Media:
Jubilee’s Journey By Bette Lee Crosby
Paul and Jubilee Jones grew up in the mountains in Coal Fork, a coal mining town. A few years after their mother Ruth died of tuberculosis, their father Bartholomew was killed in a mining accident. Paul, though still a teenager, was left to care for his sister. When the mining company told them they could no longer live in the house owned by the mining company unless someone worked in the mines, Paul remembered his father adamantly making Paul promise to never step foot in a mine. He took his seven year old sister and walked off the mountain to find their mother’s estranged sister Anita in Wyattsville.
When they reached Wyattsville, Paul directed Jubilee to wait on a bench across the street from a store with a sign advertising “Help Wanted”. They needed money and he was willing to work for it. They would look up their aunt after he got a job. Neither he nor Jubilee could have known what events would follow. Jubilee showed strength in her unwavering belief in her brother’s good character. Her journey through the next weeks was difficult, but the people she met formed a protective circle around her, until she could be reunited with her family.
I loved the characters in the story. They were well developed and exhibited the best side of humanity. The plot was outstanding and kept me turning pages in anticipation of what was to come. I couldn’t put the book down.
This award winning novel is the second book in the Wyattsville series by Crosby. (I read and reviewed SPARE CHANGE, the first in the series – my review is here). Though I had come to know and love Ethan Allen Doyle, Olivia Westerly Doyle and her wonderful circle of friends, and Officer Jim Mahoney when I read SPARE CHANGE, I was delighted to meet up with them again, as well as new members of the Wyattsville community, in JUBILEE’S JOURNEY.
Though you don’t have to read SPARE CHANGE first, I would recommend that you do so you can follow the flow of one book into the second. (PASSING THROUGH PERFECT, the third book in the series will be out January 2015).
Bette Lee Crosby writes in the colloquial of the setting. She doesn’t just write a novel, she tells a story. I think that is what draws me back to her books. They are comfortable, well crafted, beautiful stories. JUBILEE’S JOURNEY is unforgettable.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby’s books are “Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances.” – Midwest Book Review
The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby’s writing is, “A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures.”
Samantha from Reader’s Favorite raves, “Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down.”
“Storytelling is in my blood,” Crosby laughingly admits, “My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.”
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win nineteen awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.
Crosby’s published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee’s Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be be available in January 2015.
Please click the link to visit the author’s website Bette Lee Crosby Words Wit and Wisdom.
Follow Bette Lee Crosby on these websites:
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads
JUBILEE’S JOURNEY and Crosby’s other novels can be found online at iBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
Would I recommend JUBILEE’S JOURNEY? Positively!
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK CHAT 
You must be logged in to post a comment.