Tag: Family Life

Two Stones and The Orb, Books 1 & 2 of the Fantasmagorical Forest Series by Sharon Dwyer

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A three-time winner of the indieBRAG Medallion.

Two Stones, Book One of The Fantasmagorical Forest Series

Katelin and Simon are devastated. Not only has their father passed away but now they are being sent to stay with their grandmother in the middle of nowhere! Angry and bored, Katelin wants nothing more than to be home with her friends. Simon embraces the stories their grandmother tells and is eager for an adventure.

Katelin and Simon soon discover that there is more in the forest near their grandmother’s house and even more than they can see! Together they must rescue grandmother from the evil creature that holds her while also discovering the mysteries and other inhabitants of the magical forest.

 

 

The Orb, Book Two of The Fantasmagorical Forest Series

Katelin has found some peace and finds she looks forward to returning and spending the summer with her grandmother. Alone, without Simon, Katelin not only finds her own adventure but encounters a young man who sends flutters through her stomach. Through the journey, Katelin and her elfin friends discover how deeply her loyalty, fearlessness, and determination runs. Together they must overcome the tyrant of the Elfin world and keep the Orb out of his grasp. The only question is, is Katelin strong enough or will she bite off more than she can handle?

What a fantastic fantasy! I enjoyed the first book but was blown away by the second. Sharon Dwyer set the “worlds” up very well, the characters were very well developed; Katelin was perfect! Dwyer captured Katelin’s “attitude” and emotional well-being accurately. Dwyer skillfully wrote the stories so that her readers do/will connect with Katelin in one way or another. The connection between the worlds was realistically done – meaning the characters had believable crossover and purpose. The first book was excellent!

The second book, I LOVED! I enjoy reading books where the female character is strong without knowing it. Piney, while not a cute character in real life, became adorable and perfect for Katelin. Dwyer expertly built up the suspense between the two books building stronger characters. I am intrigued to find out how Nana and the other worlds play out in Katelin’s birthright … I suspect a twist somewhere!

Dwyer’s The Fastasmagorical Forest series is exciting, inviting and mesmerizing. Once you get into the books, there is no stepping away. Lots of fun, plot twists, and adventure.

Very well done! While a book for young adults, those of us who enjoy fantasy, magic and adventure will love this book as well! I cannot wait for the series to continue!!!

Don’t miss these books – they are … magical!

Click here to purchase Two Stones.

Click here to purchase The Orb.

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Bad by Accident by Henry Blumenthal

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Bad by Accident by Henry Blumenthal is a light, fun read, doused with mystery and moral lessons that are very poignant yet not overbearing.  Joe Green, a lawyer, tells the story about a couple of his court cases as well as the deadly stalking he is experiencing – someone is out to get him!  The book is well developed with character development rich.  Readers cannot help but connect with Joe Green and several of his clients.  Clean, fast-paced, and well written!

Blumenthal gives his readers issues to ponder and how they intersect – sexuality, violence, medication, lies and as parents, how can we define why our children are different.   I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys conflict of laws, light thrillers, mysteries and a touch of romance.   Easy fast read that you won’t be able to put down!

I hope Blumenthal grows a Joe Green series!

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Some Kind of Superstar (Series One Book 3) by C.A. Greagen

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WordsAPlenty was given a copy of this series in exchange for an honest review.

 

Sylvia, Joel’s wife has added some ground rules to their adult play; dad has an art show; and, the war with the PTO mom is coming to a head … oh, and his superstar status on social media is NOT suffering … well, not really; it’s just after the dick pic he sent out accidentally – well, things have grown in ways he never suspected …   Overwhelmed with the way his life has spun out of control and the new sexual stuff his wife is guiding him towards … one has to wonder whether Joel can handle all this with grace or if he will fail epically and become a recluse ….

Creagan masterfully continues the story of an accidental social media posting, search for rekindling a marriage and one’s search for himself using comedic relief and vivid imagery.  This is a rare book where an author successfully portrays real-life adventure and occurrences in an entertaining but poignant manner.  For all it’s fun and “real life” examples, there are some very explicit sexual scenes.

I cannot wait to finish this series!  I am loving poor Joel!

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Some Kind of Superstar (Series One Book 2) by C.A. Greagen

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WordsAPlenty received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Joel has hit a major stumbling block – in his incessant facebook, twitter and other social media checking – he has posted a shocking picture!  Now his new found career of helping people as a council member at the school has come to a dead stop, nearly ostracized by everyone, and now his wife wants him to step WAY out of his comfort zone??  Joel has to decide – hide and cower, or stand up and fight.

Hilarity ensues as Joel’s week just becomes worse and worse.  Just when he thinks he’s cool, ZAP again! Rekindling his now super-hot marriage and seeing his father become a greater presence on social media is more than he can handle most of the time. But like a trooper, Joel takes it in stride but not without making the reader laugh until their body hurts!

Greagen continues the story of Joel with comedic twists and vaudevillian type situations that are all too real.  How many of you have met the “PTO woman?”  You know the one – the one who rules the roost and God forbid if you tread on her toes in any way … Yeah, that one.  Greagen painfully puts Joel to the test as struggles to survive HER.

Again, Greagen does not disappoint with laughs on each page and vivid descriptions of characters in action.  Short and funny; do not miss this series!

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Some Kind of Superstar (Series One Book 1) by C.A. Greagen

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This book series was given to WordsAPlenty in exchange for an honest review.

 

Like most stay at home parents, Joel is struggling to find himself again once his son heads off to school.  Joel’s career as a blogger is kinda cool, lots of freebies with the potential of becoming famous or have “superstar” status.  Living in denial about son’s possible autism, having to deal with his suicidal dad, and now his sexless marriage – Joel’s life is upside down.  That is until his father discovers the internet … OMG … and Joel takes the responsibility for being his wife’s dick assistant.  Just imagine how this one is going to play out!!!!!

Short, but full of laughs … we see ourselves and our family/friends in each of the characters that C.A. Greagen carefully creates.  Greagen is vivid in his descriptions and creates wonderful, realistic characters that you can love, hate or just admire because they are sooooo real!  The constant checking of his “social media status” OMG – so true!

I practically read this book to my husband one night, it was not only hilarious but so … us! Awesome series!

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To The Stars Through Difficulties by Romalyn Tilghman

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In To The Stars Through Difficulties, Romalyn Tilghman brought together three women who in their own right are strong.  Their story centers around the funding of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation responsible for over 50 libraries built at the turn of the century in Kansas through the hard work of the women.

Traci was a baby thrown into the trash she makes her art from; Angelina seeks happiness through her Ph.D. dissertation on the Carnegie Libraries; and Gayle, a woman who survives a deadly and highly destructive tornado.  Each of them come together in their strength and discover their effect on others and the change within themselves once they are allowed to grow.

A wonderful coming of age story about these women and the people in this small town of Kansas where Hope is a verb. Tilghman creates a delightful story that captures the imagination and hearts of her readers.   Her story line flows well and each character whether major or minor are well developed.  She speaks through strong women and the men who support them.

A light read with some very poignant moments. I have a librarian friend I am going to recommend this book to because it is a moving book that shows the passion of women and demonstrates that there are no boundaries to a woman’s desire.

Tilghman also provides historical information that is well woven throughout her story.  A master storyteller, Tilghman captivates her audience and is inspirational.   This is a book that I would highly recommend reading.

 

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Bartholomew Buggins: A Zombie with Different Cravings by Crystal Marcos

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Bartholomew Buggins: A Zombie with Different Cravings is a delightful children’s book that will leave your children wanting more!  Bartholomew is a zombie; a young, fun and quiet zombie who demonstrates the skills and focused attention that parents encourage in their children.  He studies, he plays, he’s quiet, friendly and non-threatening.

The prose is smooth, easy to follow, rhymes cleverly – not forced.  The rhythm of the rhyming flows easily.  Crystal Marcos has laid the story out in a clever manner, making the story relatable and genuine.  Given today’s interest in zombies and the walking dead, Ms. Marcos has created a character that small children (and their parents) will love and never fear!  It also teaches them good behavior (no rowdiness or bad manners), being studious, everyone is different and being kind.  All attributes we want to see in our children.

In a team effort, Marie Marcos has illustrated the story of Bartholomew Buggins with cute and attractive artwork with hidden “eggs” throughout the story.  Marie’s artwork brings the story to life making the team work of both Crystal and Marie Marcos a brilliant collaboration accomplishment.

Over the weekend, I read the story of Bartholomew Buggins to two of my small grandchildren – a granddaughter who is two and her brother who is four.  They sat and listened to the story and looked at the artwork – combining the vivid imagery with smooth rhyme and they were bewitched!  They kept touching the pages fascinated with the artwork.  The children kept returning to the book, wanting to hear and see it again and again.

This book is a piece of magic!  Any book that can take two overly active children and hold their attention for any period of time is impressive.  I personally found the rhyme charming and fun.  The artwork was also stunning.  The combination of the two created an outstanding piece of reading and visual pleasure.

WordsAPlenty gives this book a well-deserved five-star rating for its combined effectiveness as well as its whimsical verse and amazing artwork.

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Autism Belongs: School Daze Book 3 by Dr. Sharon Mitchell

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WordsAPlenty received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Autism Belongs deals with several different issues – denial, cultural traditions, autism and violence.  Tomas has lost his job because Manny has been violent with his mother again; now jobless Maria and Tomas must face more difficulties each day.  On one of Manny’s good days they walk downtown and stop at a bakery where life for them changes.  There they discover they are not alone.  They find encouragement and a supportive system that understands and knows how to help them.

Diagnosing Manny with autism is confusing and devastating but now Tomas and Maria and Manny have a lifeline – they have knowledge and people to help them through the process of learning and teaching Manny.  But first, they must cross other concerns before they all work together – cultural traditions that stand in their way as well as fear.  Ben, Mel, Kyle, Ellie and others carefully guide Tomas and Maris through the frightening parts helping Manny to become interactive and an active member of life.

Dr. Sharon Mitchell clearly understands what parents, family and friends go through when living with and working with children diagnosed as autistic.  She carefully weaves a fictional story around the harsh facts of autism, providing answers, guidance and a lifeline to those who face this disorder every day.

Well written, Mitchell recognizes the importance of showing characters with the same fears, lack of experience/knowledge and feelings of denial.  Furthermore, she shows us the darker side of the disorder in this installment.  She promotes, successfully in my opinion, the need for more education and support for children and their families who suffer with Autism.

Mitchell carefully develops each character and interaction with care and attention.  One cannot help but feel the emotional tug of Tomas, Manny and Maria.  Not to mention seeing the growth of Kyle and Ben from book one.  Amazing book!

WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star review for Mitchell’s ability to weave fact and fiction together in an educational and thought provoking book series.  This book is highly recommended for everyone, all ages.  The layers within this book is awe-inspiring.

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Autism Goes to School – Book One of the School Daze Series by Dr. Sharon Mitchell

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This book was submitted to WordsAPlenty for an honest and objective review.   Dr. Mitchell is a B.R.A.G. Medallion winner.

 

Autism Goes to School – Book One of the School Daze Series is an easy to read book that follows the trials and tribulations of Ben and Kyle.  A new and single father, Ben is given sole custody of his son and is learning how to care for his son Kyle, a young child with autism.  A quiet workaholic CPA, Ben has to rearrange his work schedule, his home, his entire life to provide the care and attention Kyle needs.

Entering into school was a shock for Ben, seeing the teacher responding to her students and the dangerous furniture.  Through the patience of the teacher and Ben’s growing love of Kyle, they both find the right tools, help and commitment to raise Kyle in an atmosphere that promotes his growth.

Dr. Sharon Mitchell lays out, in a fictional story line, different issues and styles for dealing with autism spectrum disorder.  Dr. Mitchell presents several different scenarios that those with autism face and their caregivers (parents, family, friends, teachers) as well.  Further she offers different tips and tools for coping.  Her attention to feelings and being “alone” in situations such as this is insightful and supportive.  The fears that parents and the children face with this disorder can be overwhelming, love and tenderness along with patience and changing one’s perspective is important.  Having never met anyone with autism before, I feel this book series has offered me a number of insights that will prove useful.

This is the first in a series of books addressing the issues surrounding autism and it is an easy read, no medical or professional terminology; it is clearly well written and in a clear and concise style.  Dr. Mitchell builds each character giving them depth and a personality that the readers cannot help but love and feel passionately about as they each find their way through their struggles.

This is an excellent book in a series about autism and one I look forward to reading more.  Dr. Mitchell is a B.R.A.G. Medallion winner as well as a Gold Winner in the Realistic Human Relations Fiction Book category of the Human Relations Indie Book Awards.

It is obvious that Dr. Mitchell is well versed in the subject matter and has much to share with her readers.  WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star rating for its creative writing style and sharing of valuable information.

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Muffy and The Medicine Cat by Devra Robitaille

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This book was submitted to WordsAPlenty for an honest and objective review.

 

Muffy is a Goldendoodle puppy with several siblings; all different breeds, backgrounds and ages but they have one thing in common – they were adopted by a loving family.  Muffy gets herself into trouble with a porcupine and meets the Medicine Cat.  From there the adventure is just beginning.

Muffy and the Medicine Cat is the third book in a series for children, grades 2-7.  Devra Robitaille takes the experiences, fears and emotions of children and brings them to life in her book.  The fear of acceptance, being alone, being lost, having to fit into a group and more.

Robitaille meticulously crafted the story allowing children of all ages to relate.  All too children’s emotions are poo-pooed or ignored and adults don’t always recognize the importance of children’s fears or emotions and thus they are left struggling alone.  Robitaille does an excellent job of putting the fears and emotions into a context that children can grasp and learn from.

The story line is simple and well written, the characters are developed and are perfect as well.  Demonstrating how differences are not always scary but can be comforting is key to her story line.  I feel the story and the writing style was perfect for this age group.  I look forward to sharing it with my grandchildren when they are a little older.

WordsAPlenty awards this book a five-star review for Robitaille’s perceptiveness and capturing the essence of children’s emotional fears and doubts and presenting them in an easy to read and non-threatening manner.  It is a fun and light read, one I highly recommend.

 

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