Review: It's Good to be Me! (Children's Book)

The key word in Suzy Liebermann's It's Good to be Me! featuring Hugo the Happy Starfish is appreciation.  Hugo finds himself to be unhappy with himself and focuses solely on his looks in this underwater children's book.  The Magic Manta offers 6 wishes to his friend in an attempt to make him happier.  Hugo changes his eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and grows larger but when he looks in the mirror, he's more disappointed with himself than he was before.  He uses his last wish to turn himself back to himself.

You can purchase your copy of this book here.  This is by far my favorite of Suzy Liebermann's books.  I think this is probably the most important message that she sends: you're beautiful the way you are.  My little one certainly struggles with image issues which is horrifying to me given that she's eight.  We read this book and discussed the importance of appreciating what you have.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: One Step at a Time (Children's Book)

In Suzy Lieberman's One Step at a Time, the story focuses on Hugo the starfish's commitment to getting to the top of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.  He is required to follow a number of steps and instructions on a list in order to meet his goal.  His persistence is rewarded with the accomplishment of reaching the top and getting a helicopter ride back to the ocean thanks to his friend Manta.

The illustrations were a little crazy but the story and the message are good.  My 8 year old enjoyed the story and looking up both Switzerland and the Matterhorn on a map.  It was a little geography lesson paired with encouragement to stay focused and proceed one step at a time to meet a goal.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: The Secret to Happiness (Children's Book)

The Secret to Happiness by Suzy Liebermann is a children's book about Hugo, a small starfish.  He's sad and disinterested in his life and goes looking for something that makes him happy.  After a few attempts at fleeting happiness, Hugo discovers with the help of a friend that the secret to true, lasting happiness is to share with others without expecting anything in return.

I think in today's society, this is not something embraced by our children.  Our children are spoiled and expect something in return.  We are trying to teach Gabby to be responsible and respectful and have to bribe her with the promise of  a pet.  For her, it keeps her on track and gives her a goal.  I think this book has an important message that is gently taught with a sweet story and cute pictures.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: Woolzies Eco-Friendly Dryer Balls

Woolzies eco-friendly dryer balls made of 100% pure New Zealand wool.  They do everything conventional fabric softeners do (except add scent) and reduce drying time by 25%.  The company states that if their dryer balls don't last at least 1,000 loads, they'll give you your money back!  These have no chemicals and are hypoalergenic for all those sensitive skin types and are safe even for people that are sensitive to wool.

You add all six balls which are the size and shape of tennis balls when you put the clothes in the dryer and they bounce around in there adding lift.  It works very well-- there are no adverse odors and they take up minimal space.  I do continue to throw a dryer sheet in with every load.  It's not at all necessary but it helps keep my clothes smelling fresh.  You can purchase your own set of Woolzies here and interact with the company on both Facebook and Twitter.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Gabby's 8th Birthday Part 1

My mom likes to take each of her grandchild for a special birthday celebrant only birthday adventure when they turn 8.  The boys were taken to Medieval Times and the girls were taken to the American Girl store.  this year was Gabby's turn and just like the other girls, she made her inaugural trip to Chicago for the American Girl store.  Nanni spent the night the at our house so that we could ride the Metra train in to the city with her.  We got up bright and early to see my honey off to work and then the girls got ready for their big adventure.  Jack was not invited and spent the day with the nanny.

The train ride was spent shopping the American Girl catalog-- a whole hour of pre-shopping before we even got downtown.  Upon arrival, we took a taxi to the store and let Gabby have two whole hours of exploring and admiring the displays.  Then, we had a lunch reservation-- it was a one hour and four course affair.

After lunch, Gabby had two hours to make her final selections-- she had $40 and Nanni and I had both promised her a birthday present.  Needless to say, we boosted the economy with our shopping day.  5 hours later, we sent the picture on the bottom right to Felipe (in part to scare him) and headed back for our train.

I'm so thankful for this wonderful experience and the opportunity to make memories with both Gabby and my mom.  Fantastic day!  Thanks, girls!

Review: Hidden Under Her Heart by Rachelle Ayala

Maryanne Torres is a compassionate nurse who fails at relationships.  After a string of losers, she swears off premarital sex, hoping to land a marrying type of man.

Lucas Knight, a law-school dropout, moves to California to train for the Ironman Triathlon.  He's smart, sweet, and everything Maryanne wants in a man, but their relationship suffers from his dedication to the sport.  Seeking consolation in the arms of a handsome preacher's son, Maryanne attends a church party where she is raped.

Maryanne is pregnant from the rape and plans to abort.  But the identity of her rapist is hidden in her baby's DNA.  Lucas asks Maryanne to seek alternatives and pledges to support her through the pregnancy.  When Lucas becomes the prime suspect, Maryanne must clear his name and make a life changing decision.

The rapist has other ideas.  In order to destroy the evidence, he offers Maryanne an illegal offshore abortion.  With Maryanne's life in danger, Lucas races to save her and her baby.  However, Maryanne hides a secret that threatens to tear them apart forever.

 A 99,000 word women's fiction, Hidden Under Her Heart deals with the consequences of rape and abortion. 

[Content Advisory: This book has a pro-life slant.  There are a few swear words.  The rape is not shown, but there is one mild sex scene between Maryanne and her boyfriend.]

Whew!  Still with me after all of that?  I sincerely believe that Rachelle Ayala is a fantastic writer with great potential.  I really enjoyed another book written by her.  This book was a little bit of a difficult read.  Maryanne and Lucas were on again and off again way too many times for my liking.  Otherwise, the characters were likable-- both were educated people with dreams and plans not unlike yours truly.  They were both dedicated to their beliefs, except for their beliefs about each other.

The story line was very easy to follow but heartbreaking to read.  I can't imagine going through what Maryanne went through-- she found someone she liked, found another guy she was interested in and ended up getting raped.  And, the rape led to an unwanted pregnancy.  Then, to imagine carrying a baby, feeling it kick and move and grow and know that the father was a rapist and a monster but not know who he is would   be devastating.  I couldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

The pro-life spin on the book is neither overdone nor steeped in religion.  The religious aspect of this book is significantly more toned down than in the other book which is surprising given the topic.  I liked it though.  The story line was good, the author writes very well, but the characters just need to make up their freaking minds already.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Review: Crime & Passion by Chantel Rhondeau

A decorated police officer, more intent on justice than following the letter of the law, lands in trouble when a schoolteacher finds a dead body on the beach.

Officer Donovan Andrews knows how to have a good time--ask any woman in town.  But when it comes to men abusing their wives or children, Donovan takes it upon himself to make them regret it.

Madeline Scott is unlucky in love.  All she wants is a quiet place to heal, away from cheating, womanizing men.  However, her life is far from peaceful once she stumbles across the body and witnesses someone fleeing the scene.

Terror spreads in Pleasant View when the small community hears a killer is on the loose.  All evidence points to Donovan, and he realizes someone is trying to frame him.  When troubling suspicious from past surface, even fellow officers believe he's guilty.  Madeline might be the only person who can clear his name, but first he has to win her trust.  

The body count rises and no one is safe.  The murderer makes it clear Madeline is next.  Soon, Donovan's whole world is focused on protecting her and keeping himself out of prion.  The more time he spends with her, the harder it is to fight his growing attraction.  Since she's been burned by love, convincing Madeline he's interested in something more than hot sex may prove harder than keeping her alive.

This book surprised me.  I honestly assumed that I'd breeze through it and it would be some corny romance. It really wasn't bad.  That being said, it was a quick read-- I received a copy in digital format and Jack and I read it at bed time every night.  Ok, so he drank his bottle and I read after we read his story first.  

The characters were realistic people in a small town.  Madeline was a nice girl who was liked by all who unintentionally got caught up in more than she thought while walking some dogs as a side job.  Donovan is a charismatic man who is well known around town especially to the female population.  As a small town girl, this sort of thing happens in every small town.  

Chantel Rhondeau set up a very good story.  I really didn't guess the twist at the end until I nearly reached it. She set up the story very well and kept me guessing for a very long time.  I did suspect nearly everyone as the town murderer.  Either I'm a very poor guesser or she's a very good writer-- I'll say it's a little of both.

In the end, I enjoyed the book.  I probably won't read it again, but it was an enjoyable read that I found to be more suspenseful than passionate.  Or, perhaps, that's just because I enjoyed the suspense portion more than the passion.  It was better written.  I hope Miss Rhondeau continues with her talent of suspense writing.

Disclaimer:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.