DNF at 50% I had high hopes for Ribbons of Scarlet, an ambitious novel about seven women pivotal to the French Revolution. With six celebrated authors contributing, I expected a richly layered tale of courage, sacrifice, and upheaval. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations. This historical novel unites seven real women from all walks of life, including aristocratic Sophie de Grouchy, fruit-seller Louise Audu, pious Princess Élisabeth, and determined Charlotte Corday. Each one fights for her beliefs—Sophie educates peasants, Louise storms Versailles, and Charlotte seeks to rid the Republic of bloodshed. Their stories intersect in intriguing ways as the revolution intensifies, from gilded salons to the crowded streets. While the […]
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A Whimsical Retelling of the Christmas Story
I recently read The Christmas Promise with my granddaughter, and it was a delightful experience. This charming picture book retells the Christmas story in a way that captures young hearts and minds, emphasizing how God kept His promise to send a new King—one who would rescue His people and reign forever. Alison Mitchell’s writing style is simple and engaging, making it perfect for children aged 3 to 6, while the vivid illustrations by Catalina Echeverri bring the story to life. As fans of the “Tales that Tell the Truth Series,” we found this book to be another excellent addition. The series consistently provides faithful, Bible-centered storytelling paired with artwork that […]
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Stepping into the Spotlight: A Review of Emily Was So Embarrassed
While she was staying with us over the weekend, my granddaughter and I dove into Michelle Olson’s charming tale about Emily, a little girl with a secret talent for ribbon dancing. However, Emily’s biggest challenge isn’t her dance moves; it’s her fear of performing in front of others. She worries about making mistakes and being laughed at, preferring the safety of her room where no eyes are on her. The illustrations in this book are just as engaging as the story, filled with cute and expressive drawings that perfectly capture Emily’s emotions—from her joyful twirls in solitude to her anxious expressions at the thought of public performance. My granddaughter adored […]
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To Mimi’s House We Go
I recently shared To Mimi’s House We Go with my eight-year-old granddaughter, hoping for a delightful read-aloud experience. This book, written by Susan Meissner, pairs rhyming text with illustrations aimed at capturing young imaginations. She thought it was fun that the book title uses my grandma name, but she found the pictures and rhymes to be just okay, suggesting that the content might not have fully resonated with someone her age; perhaps it’s better suited for younger kids. From my perspective, the book has a nostalgic, sweet vibe that I appreciated. I liked how Susan shared what Christmas looks like in different climates and cultures. However, reading it on a […]
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And So I Roar is a Masterpiece
Abi Daré returns with a breathtaking sequel to The Girl with the Louding Voice, delivering a powerful and poignant story that cements her place as a master storyteller. And So I Roar reunites us with Adunni, whose determination remains as inspiring as ever. This time, Daré weaves a gripping tale of secrets, courage, and the resilience of women facing extraordinary challenges. Adunni’s dream of education seems within reach until a knock at the door sends her and her guardian, Tia, spiraling into a web of danger and tough choices. The author’s alternating narration brilliantly juxtaposes Adunni’s raw, vibrant voice with Tia’s urbane perspective. Together, they unravel long-buried secrets while confronting […]
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Secrets, Subplots, and Strange Skies: Cornwell’s Latest Scarpetta Mystery
3.5 stars for the eBook, 5 stars for the narration. Identity Unknown takes Dr. Kay Scarpetta into two chilling cases: the suspicious death of 7-year-old Luna Briley and the bizarre murder of Nobel-winning physicist Sal Giordano, who was once Scarpetta’s lover. The story begins with intrigue, from a tragic child abuse case to a haunting murder scene in an abandoned theme park, complete with crop circles and eerie clues. The forensic details are sharp, but the novel feels overloaded. With countless subplots and references to past events, I struggled to keep track. This isn’t a standalone—new readers will probably feel left out. The UFO angle was weird, though it ironically […]
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Amy’s Picks and Pans, Issue 34
Welcome back, book lovers! This month, I traveled through time, solved mysteries, and even peeked into other people’s lives—all from the comfort of my favorite reading nook. From gripping thrillers that kept me up past my bedtime to heartwarming children’s tales that brought a smile to my face, I covered a wide terrain. I dove into some Christian fiction that stirred my soul, wandered through the rich tapestries of historical settings, and pondered over profound literary works. Not all books hit the mark this month, but each brought a unique flavor to my ever-expanding library. So, whether you’re in the mood for a tale that tingles your spine, a […]
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Turow’s Latest Legal Thriller Delivers Tension and Insight
Scott Turow proves once again why he’s the king of the legal thriller with Presumed Guilty. This book pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go. Rusty Sabich, now retired, finds himself back in the courtroom defending his fiancée’s son, Aaron, against a murder charge. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the tension is palpable as Turow expertly navigates themes of racial bias, small-town dynamics, and the complexities of the justice system. The courtroom drama is riveting—Turow obviously has courtroom experience, but he also has a delightful sense of humor. Rusty’s internal conflict adds emotional depth, and the layered characters make them authentic and relatable. Aaron’s struggles […]
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A Love Triangle on the Prairie: Louise Erdrich’s Tender and Powerful Tale of People, Land, and Loss
Pulitzer Prize winner Louise Erdrich’s The Mighty Red took me back to the fields and skies of rural North Dakota, where my mother grew up. This novel, set during the 2008 recession, captures the soul of a prairie town—the people, the land, and the struggles that tie them together. The characters are vividly real, especially Crystal, a sugar beet hauler trying to give her daughter Kismet a better life. Kismet’s love triangle with Gary, the high school quarterback, and Hugo, a dreamy outsider, adds emotional depth, though their angst occasionally veers into YA territory. The humor—like a chaotic town book club—balances the heavy themes of fracking, climate change, and economic […]
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Our Take on Indescribable Atlas Adventures
I recently read Indescribable Atlas Adventures with my grandkids, who are smack in the book’s target range (ages 5–10). While I found the atlas charming and packed with potential, it didn’t quite hit the mark with our little explorers. The kids perked up for the animal sections—who wouldn’t love learning about the Amazon or the Arctic? But when it came to the country overviews and cultural details, they lost interest fast. I don’t blame them; the information felt more like a lecture than a lively adventure. My daughter, who homeschools them, agreed. While the concept is great, the execution lacked the pizzazz needed to captivate curious young minds. That said, […]
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