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Book Review: The Home Wind

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Another poignant novel by author Terri Martin, set during the 1870s. "T he Home Wind", written by Terri Martin , is an earnest exploration of family, love, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against vivid physical and emotional landscapes, the narrative weaves together themes of resilience and healing. Martin's writing is evocative, with rich descriptions that bring the setting to life. The characters are well-developed, each with its own struggles and growth arcs, making them authentic. The narrative effectively captures the intricacies of family dynamics, particularly how past actions can reverberate through generations and roles of solidarity and collective actions that build resilient communities. A notable strength of the book is its ability to balance moments of tension with scenes of tenderness. The pace is well-managed, allowing readers to engage with the characters' journeys without feeling rushed. The author here has done a f...

Book Review: Voodoo Shack

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When mystery spawns around teenage gangs, the Voodoo Shack becomes the place to unravel every entanglement. "V oodoo Shack: A Michigan Mystery" by Terri Martin is a delightful children's mystery novel. The story follows 11-year old Iris Weston and her friends as they discover a dilapidated hunting cabin deep in Hazard Swamp. They turn it into a secret clubhouse, named the "Voodoo Shack." As they explore the cabin, they uncover clues about a mysterious death and an unsolved crime, sparking their curiosity and leading them on an adventure filled with suspense and intrigue.   Click HERE to buy the book This book is perfect for young readers who enjoy a good mystery with a touch of the supernatural. It is bound to captivate young teenage readers. Firstly, the principal character, led by the adventurous Iris Weston, resonates well with young teens who see bits of themselves in the fearless, curious, and tenacious group of friends....

Book Review: Katana Gets A Family

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Embark on a Heartfelt Journey with Katana, the Labradoodle: A Tale of Resilience, Belonging, and Enduring Love "K atana Gets a Family ," written by Ashley Christine and Maggy Williams , is an adorable children's storybook delineating the journey of Katana, a charming Labradoodle pup. It offers a poignant narrative of resilience, love, and acceptance. With tender warmth, the story unveils Katana's initial return by a family due to his unique quirks, only to be embraced wholeheartedly by another family who cherishes him with unwavering love and compassion. The story eloquently underscores the intrinsic significance of familial belonging and the enduring impact of empathy and love. Click HERE to buy the book Enhanced by captivating illustrations, this narrative presents itself as an endearing and immersive experience for our young readers. The story of Katana positively impacts the tender minds of y...

Book Review: What I Hope for You

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Each page in this book effortlessly embodies an endearing wish from a grandmom's heart. 'W hat I Hope for You' by Jennifer Bonn is a heartwarming book that captures the world of joy and blessings a grandmother desires for her grandkids. The book further weaves in the happiness by manifesting vibrant illustrations by Bijan Samaddar. Many of us might not have our grandparents with us anymore, but this book takes us down memory, where we find solace in the author's words. She has numerous direct-action thoughts that set the spark in a young mind. Something like 'dream-big' tells a kid to set audacious goals and never look back. To believe in oneself and achieve! Such a wish can only come from dear grandma! Click HERE to buy the book The bond a grandmother has with her grandchildren is of abundant love, care, and everlasting hope. This book is a treasure trove of delightful memories that will warm your heart a...

Book Review: Baby Bandage and His First Aid Family

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Introduce your kid to first-aid in a gentle and engaging way with the " Baby Bandage and the First Aid family " book. Dr. Laurie Zelinger has once again done a remarkable job! This book is a perfect tool to teach your little ones about first-aid and the importance of caring for themselves and others. They learn essential first-aid skills that nurture their sense of care and empathy. The book starts with an introduction to the first-aid aisle, a big step forward for young toddlers and preschoolers to understand how and what they need to do to heal their wounds. Questions smother their mind as to how each item can help them, and they quickly learn to use them when needed. Click HERE to buy the book In addition to learning about different items that can assist with first-aid, young children also learn important values through this book. They learn values such as waiting patiently for their turn and the importance of f...

Ribbons from Anna

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Trying to find the motif in good deeds, I suddenly stumble upon this remarkable lineage that keeps me hooked on the stranger I confront. I n a small town where good deeds are accountable, I obsess about uncovering the hidden motives behind people's seemingly altruistic actions. I had become somewhat of a cynic, always searching for the ulterior motives or the hidden flaws in even the noblest gestures. One day, while waiting for the bus on my daily commute, I noticed a stranger - a woman with an air of mystery about her. She was handing out sandwiches to the homeless people who gathered at the stand, her smile genuine and her demeanor warm. As I watched her interact, I couldn't help but wonder, what was she gaining from this act of kindness? I approached her, my skepticism pricking at the back of my mind. "Excuse me," I said, "I couldn't help but notice you've been here every day, helping out. What's your story?" She turned to me wit...

Book Review: The Perfect Gift

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Who wouldn't love coloring, and that too, coloring one's perfect world? I t's a simple compilation that is unrestrained by its simplicity! "The Perfect Gift" allows readers to personalize the book to cater to their imagination and solace. That is where Lauren Persons has tingled the sense of wonderment for kids that can otherwise leave us adults clueless. What we love about this book is that it's not just about drawing and coloring. It also features a cue on every other page to tap into your imagination as you color your way through the story. It's a fun and engaging way to keep your kid evoked as she unwinds and unfolds. Click HERE to buy the book You can also by the book in L.H. Press How would you address those who argue that coloring books are marketed primarily to children, and that adults should engage in more intellectually stimulating routines? Well, you can hand them this book that lets a grownup ...

Book Review: Harvey the Hippo meets Mickey Mandarin

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What a radical and riveting way to present an extremely relevant yet sensitive issue to its targeted audience! I ndeed, Abby Pete’s book, Harvey the Hippo meets Mickey Mandarin thoughtfully rules out exclusivity to embrace inclusivity with a tenderness that is apt for young minds. Acceptance of the fluidity of gender and a non-binary approach towards others are the fresh perspectives that this engaging read offers. Click HERE to buy the book You can also by the book in Barnes and Noble and L.H. Press The story is about Harvey, the hippo , who being a “he” and a “him”, lives in the zoo with his family and friends. They are Zo, the Zebra, who likes to be called “they” and “them”, Ginger, the giraffe, whose preferred pronouns are “she” and “her” and other animals too. However, their differences in identities do not affect their friendship but rather strengthen their bonds. In fact, the animals accept their friends as they are and engage in pl...

To Dread Midlife

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They say that the 40s is midlife, and it's a crisis! H aving recently stepped into the fussy yet fascinating Forty Club, there is one thing I get to hear from friends and familiars alike. It is called a "Midlife Crisis"! Yes, you read that right. Be it someone not getting her long-deserved promotion and sulking over it or someone becoming quiet in a relationship (I bet the years of togetherness often render one speechless!), it is the midlife crisis that has to shoulder the blame. On the other side, if a so-long introvert suddenly starts churning out recurrent reels on her reinvented self and revamped life, again the clueless crisis is held culpable for it. Even a parent reacting to the tireless tantrums of her teenager (that's me!) is labeled as going through that particular phase of life. Every change physical, mental, financial or social, for the better or the worse (depends on the beholder) is callously yet confidently pushed within this b...