April Wrap Up

April was a good reading month for me. Between the “Shower Me with Flowers” Readathon going on for the entire month, as well as World Book Day and it being Poetry Month, there were a lot of books read. Let’s dive right in!

Children’s Books

Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” are two classics that Little One and I enjoyed. We both like the movie versions and these book versions stay true to those stories pretty well. “Peter Pan’s Day in the Snow” is a rhyming story that went great with Poetry Month. Have you seen these vintage Disney Rhyming Reader books? They have stood the test of time!

Sleeping Beauty- ***

Snow White- ***

Peter Pan’s Day in the Snow- ****

Last month we planted seeds indoors to begin our vegetable garden. What better way to pair that than to read “Gracie’s Garden”? This is such a fun, sweet story of sibling learning patience and the value of reward from what grows from your own honest work. A little fun in the dirt never hurt!

We read “The Berenstain Bears Go Green” as part of Earth Day. A good reminder of the three R’s- Recycle (check your local area for the proper way to do so), Reuse, Reduce.

Gracie’s Garden- ****

The Berenstain Bears Go Green- ***

Reading “Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?” was a trip into my childhood for me. I received this book when I was nine at a RIF Fair. My copy of this book is well-loved, a little floppy at this point, but still brings joy to its readers. Have you ever read Jesse Bear? I highly recommend. This was Little One’s first experience with Jesse Bear and the reaction was- loved it!

“The First Strawberries” and “Bunny’s Book Club” were both read on World Book Day. The illustrations in the stories were so pretty. To learn a little bit about a Cherokee story was fun. Bunnies are a big hit with us so “Bunny’s Book Club” is a winner! Overall, they both were enjoyed.

Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?- ****

The First Strawberries- ***

Bunny’s Book Club- ****

Middle Grade

We finished another chapter book for school. Little one is really enjoying the American Girl books. This time we read about Molly, a young girl growing up during World War Two. Her dad is off to war, her mom works for the Red Cross, her brother, Ricky, plays tricks on Molly and her friends, all while the housekeeper is trying to get Molly to eat turnips! We had a lot of fun learning about life during the 1940’s as well as laughing at some of the tricks that happened.

Meet Molly: An American Girl- ***

Graphic Novel

I was excited to find out a graphic novel had been made of the first book. The storyline stays true to the novel, leaving nothing important out. The illustrations are done in black. I had a lot of fun revisiting this first book. My only con is that I wish they had continued graphic novels for the rest of the series (hint hint).

Redwall: The Graphic Novel- ***

For my full review, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/04/24/redwall-the-graphic-novel-adapted-from-brian-jacques/

Fiction

The story of Angel will always hit my heart. The emotions are raw and strong and real. I highly recommend reading this with tissues on hand.

Click here for full review and trigger warnings, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/04/13/redeeming-love-by-francine-rivers/

This is a generational story filled with mothers and daughters, as well as a commonplace book, an old house, peacocks, and the chance to heal from the past. And I have to say, the cover is so pretty!

Click here for full review, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/04/17/the-lost-book-of-eleanor-dare-by-kimberly-brock/

This Disney story is based on the Cate Blanchett and Lily James movie. The illustrations in this book are really pretty, colorful. I liked that it is not just Ella’s POV but also Kit’s the prince. It was a comfort read that I really enjoyed.

For more of my thoughts on this book go here, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/04/20/have-courage-be-kind-the-tale-of-cinderella-by-brittany-candau/

Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of Cinderella- ***

A marriage on the rocks, a new house to renovate, a hidden room, a journal from the 1860’s. All ingredients for one of my favorite books of the year, and my favorite Tamera Alexander novel to date. This was a hidden gem on my TBR bookshelf and am so glad I finally picked it up.

To read my full review- https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/04/22/a-million-little-choices-by-tamera-alexander/

A Million Little Choices- ****.75

Fourteen books read in April! That is my biggest reading month so far. How did your April go? Did you find any new favorites? I would love to hear what you discovered last month.

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

“Redwall: The Graphic Novel” Adapted from Brian Jacques

Illustrator– Bret Blevins

When the peaceful life of Redwall Abbey is threatened by the arrival of the evil rat Cluny and his villainous followers, Matthias- a young mouse- becomes determined to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior, hoping it will help him to defeat the enemy and save his friends.

I have become quite a fan of the “Redwall” series, slowly making my way through the novels (I recently finished book 4). I was excited to find out a graphic novel had been made of the first book. The storyline stays true to the novel, leaving nothing important out. The illustrations are done in black and white and at first I was bummed- I was looking forward to seeing the abbey, the woods and its inhabitants in full color. And then I realized I can- my imagination! Silly me! The black and white illustrations gave me the chance to see the pictures of what was happening but still imagine the scenes in whatever colors I wanted. I had a lot of fun revisiting this first book. My only con is that I wish they had continued graphic novels for the rest of the series (hint hint).

*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year– 2007

Pages– 148

Parental Guidance– Battle Scenes; Murder; Kidnapping; Swearing

Link to Purchase– https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/redwall-brian-jacques/1110894459?ean=9780399244810

Rating– 3 Stars

“A Million Little Choices” by Tamera Alexander

Sometimes Secrets Just Won’t Stay Hidden.

Claire Powell is happy in her marriage, until her husband admits to a “near affair”. Her world now turned upside-down, Stephen decides it is best for them to move from Denver to Atlanta. This pushes their marriage to the breaking point. Claire finds herself in both a marriage and a new house she does not want. What choice will she make?

In 1863, Charlotte Thursmann is pregnant and trapped in an abusive marriage. She struggles to protect her unborn child and the enslaved members of her household, determined to right the evils around her. Can Charlotte put an end to the injustice in her house?

This was an absolute win for me! I picked it up for the April “Shower Me with Flowers” Readathon and am so glad I did! This is the first time Tamera Alexander has written in a contemporary setting and she has done a fantastic job. You would think she has been doing it for years. I hope Ms. Alexander gifts us with more of her contemporary tales. The emotions in this story are raw and I felt as if I were there in the Atlanta house, living side by side Claire and Charlotte. The discoveries that were made, both past and present, are heart-wrenching, shocking, and at times made me pause to absorb what I had just read. This book goes to the top of the list as my favorite Tamera Alexander book I have read to date. This is a story not to be missed!

*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year– 2023

Pages– 400

Parental Guidance– Mentions of a “near affair”; Mentions of a death of a child; Mentions of deaths of parents; Mention of a woman’s shirt being unbuttoned; Mention of infidelity; Spousal abuse (physical); Mentions of stillborn babies; Slavery; Difficult labor and delivery; Murder; Stalking

Link to Purchase– https://www.christianbook.com/a-million-little-choices/9781646070558/pd/07055X?product_redirect=1&search_term=A%20MILLION%20LITTLE%20CHOI&Ntt=07055X&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

My Rating– 4.75 Stars

“Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of Cinderella” by Brittany Candau

Once upon a time there lived a girl named Ella. She befriended every animal she met and she believed in the power of kindness. However, when faced with tragedy and hardship, Ella’s kindness and goodness will be put to the test.

Kit has always been deemed “a dreamer”, something that can become problematic for a prince. Will he choose to conform to what is “normal” or will he hold onto what he knows to be good and true?

Growing up, I watched Disney’s 1950’s Cinderella so many times that the VHS box fell apart and the tape started skipping. Yes, I said VHS. I grew up in the 1990’s. Cinderella was a comfort for me, like a favorite blanket. When I was gifted this book I was quite a happy girl. Reading it was like visiting a dear childhood friend. This book is based on Disney’s remake of the cartoon movie (the remake has Cate Blanchett and Lily James and is a treat to watch) but don’t worry, it holds to the magic of the original Disney classic. I enjoyed reading both Ella’s and Kit’s POVs. I liked that this story fills in a few blank spots, weaving together an even sweeter tale, which I did not think was possible. I may be a “grown up” (in age only, lol) but this girl still loves her fairy tales.

*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year- 2015

Pages- 279

Parental Guidance- Deaths of Parents, Bullying, Imprisonment

Link to Purchase- https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/have-courage-be-kind-the-tale-of-cinderella_brittany-candau/9499932/?resultid=3ec81d45-dcbe-4055-8f34-67bbcf1ce65f#edition=8869110&idiq=9991099

“The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare” by Kimberly Brock

On Eleanor’s voyage to the New World she brings along her treasured commonplace book. She and her family settle in what will become known as the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Generations later, Alice and her daughter, Penn, have returned to Evertell- the abandoned family home- in Savannah. Penn is curious about the family she comes from and as she unveils secrets long buried, she and her mother both are faced with seeing what being Eleanor’s descendants really means.

Kimberly Brock’s style of writing swept me right down to 1940’s Savannah, Georgia. I could hear the shells crunching under my shoes, hear the peacocks, see the family house. She did an amazing job bringing me into the story. The bonds between mothers and daughters (mostly seen with Alice and Penn) were what really made this story work. For indeed it is a story of mothers and daughters, of teaching and learning- not just in a classroom but from the land as well. It is a story of showing what we have to offer one another, not to hold back but to give. And this is a story of healing. The ending is not what I expected, however, the more I sit with it the more I appreciate it. This book will go on my shelf along with the rest of the other female-strong tales I have enjoyed.

*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year– 2022

Pages– 464

Parental Guidance– Mention of a child born out of wedlock, Smoking, Swearing, Fade to Black Scene

Link to Purchase– https://www.christianbook.com/the-lost-book-of-eleanor-dare/kimberly-brock/9781400234271/pd/0234271?product_redirect=1&search_term=eleanor&Ntt=0234271&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

“Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers

1850 California. Angel expects nothing from life and people except betrayal. She was sold into prostitution as a young child and has learned to survive on her hatred. When Michael comes around she sees him as just another man who bought her time. However, Michael wants more than that. He wants her thoughts, her fears, her true name. Can he break down her walls and find a way into her heart? Can Angel learn to trust and perhaps, even love? Or is the darkness she has always known too powerful?

This is the third time I have read this book. The story of a young girl becoming trapped in a predator’s web- for that is exactly what it is- never gets easier to read. I weep. Every single time, as any person would for a helpless child. As Angel grows up we see the solid wall grow around her, and I do not blame her one bit for it. Even seeing the lack of emotion- except hatred, she holds onto that like a weapon. So many times I wanted to have the ability to jump into the story and rescue Angel but I couldn’t. And that was so hard.

Michael showed a patience not many have. At every turn Angel fought him and he also learned something- perhaps she needed more than only himself to save her.

What all Angel went through in her young life, and how she learned to turn the hatred into something beautiful, is a story that will stay with me for a long, long time. It is also one that I will turn to for a fourth, fifth, and so on, read. This story is not for the faint of heart. It is raw and gritty and covers very real and sad situations. Situations that are happening even now in our day. Let that sink in….

*Please read the Parental Guidance for possible triggers*

*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year- 1991

Pages- 479

Parental Guidance- Mention of wishing a child had been aborted, Prostitution, Drinking, Death of a Parent, Murder, Child Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Rape, Mention of Suicide

Link to Purchase- https://www.christianbook.com/redeeming-love-francine-rivers/9781590525135/pd/525132?product_redirect=1&search_term=redeem&Ntt=525132&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Books with Pets

Do you have a pet? I do, I have a dog who is equal parts tomboy and grumpy senior citizen, lol. I also have a cat who is so sweet but throws daggers with her eyes when it is cleaning day. And when the vacuum comes out, all you see is a flash of fur fly up the stairs. You know where she hides? In my Victorian dollhouse I am renovating. Yep. Thankfully, there are no interior walls up or furniture in there yet. But I can see her staring at me with slitted eyes through the miniature windows, lol. So, for the love of our furry, or not so furry, friends, here are some of the books I have read with my favorite pets.

This has an adorable, comically judgmental cat who Liam, the MMC, is allergic to. Sorry Liam, the cat stays. And will sit on your lap knowing you will sneeze. Cats can be like that.

Maisy was a sweet, protective, lovable dog who, although was not a registered therapy dog, showed every sign of taking care of those who needed it.

Scooter, a very friendly Dachshund, goes everywhere with Maryellen, and tends to get into disastrous results because of it. Would you like some red paint in that nice coat of yours, Scooter? (You will have to read the book to find out exactly what I am talking about)

“That’s some pig.” A classic tale of a girl and her pet pig, and a love that knows no bounds.

Another classic, the true story of Laura Ingalls and her faithful dog Jack are beautifully recaptured in the audiobook performance. It even has Pa’s fiddle playing at times. However, let’s take a moment to imagine being a young child, not afraid at night because we have our trusty dog Jack sleeping near us. The comforts and protections he provides. How much love Laura Ingalls Wilder must have had for him.

Did you have any pets as a child? Do you have any now? I would love to hear about them.

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

Happy National Sibling Day

As the title of this post says, today is Sibling Day. In honor of that, we are going to take a look at some books that, while focus on a mystery or specific event, there is a sibling relationship woven in. Grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee and let’s take a look….

“Alaskan Courage” series by Dani Pettrey

Adventure, danger, and romance follow these siblings as they navigate life in the unforgiving Alaskan territory. I do recommend reading them in order. I accidentally read them out of order and read some spoilers because of it.

“River of Time” series by Lisa T. Bergren

One of my favorite series, this is a tale of sisterhood through time, discovering who they really are while trying to stay alive, and help each other. What better adventure could you have than to travel back in time with your sister? Again, I highly recommend reading this in order, otherwise you will be completely out of the loop.

“Bradford Sisters” series by Becky Wade

Mystery, romance, chocolate, a love for reading…. These sisters have it all. I love their relationships with each other and how they are always there for one another.

“The Chronicles of Narnia” series by C.S. Lewis

Once there were four siblings and a wardrobe…. Can you imagine, stepping into an old wardrobe and stepping out of it from the other side into another world? Oh, the adventures these children have! The choices they have to make, the friends they discover they have along the way. A classic, for sure.

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

The Civil War, or as it was known at that time- The War Between the States, was raging strong, but in the March house the sisters were determined to keep as much of a normal routine as possible. They still put on plays, Jo wrote stories, Beth played the piano, Meg helped Marmee, and Amy dreamt of a slimmer nose. This is a sweet, cozy, tale of friendship and sisterhood that stands the tests of time.

Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain

These are one of my all-time favorite series-ever! I have been reading The Berenstain Bears books since I was a kid, and I still collect them anytime I see a book I do not have. My collection is getting quite large, lol. The everyday adventures Brother and Sister (and eventually Honey Bear) come upon are so fun. Yes, they have their squabbles, but they always work it out at the end and they are always there for each other.

These are my take on a few sibling books. I hope you enjoyed taking a look, and perhaps this inspired you. Have you read any good books with sibling relations in them? Give them a shout-out, I’d love to hear about them.

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

Garden-Themed Books

Last week was National Garden Week. Little One and I celebrated by setting up our fairy garden. The weather celebrated by snowing and sleeting. Excuse me, weather, but it is spring according to the calender now. That usually means no more winter weather…. Oh well. The crocuses and daffodils are popping up anyway, so there is that.

I thought it might be fun to do a post on books with gardens in them. I know I am a little late to the party but, better late than never, yeah? In no particular order-

How can you have a post about garden-themed fiction books and not include Beatrix Potter’s works? Her tales are classics. I still read them, and listen to the audiobooks. There is something calm and soothing about them. And the names she gave her animals are absolutely adorable. Jemima Puddleduck, Mrs. Tittlemouse. Just to name two.

Anyone who grew up on fairy stories, I think, will enjoy these. No matter your age, they appeal to our imagination and the wonders of nature around us. And I have to mention the illustrations, they are absolutely beautiful!

Another classic I cannot forget is “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Finding a hidden door in a wall? A key? A secret garden? That is a dream. And for those who enjoy graphic novels, Mariah Marsden did an amazing job recreating the story.

This story holds a precious piece of my heart. This is from my childhood and I still have my worn-out very well-loved copy. Mandy is a young girl who just wants a place to call her own and discovers a small cottage. Two words- shell room. But oh, the garden she plants and tends to, as shown on the cover, is woven into this delightful story. And yes, this is the copy I have and will keep for as long as I am able.

Come play in the garden with Gracie! Join the garden tea party with her sister Sarah, taste tomatoes right off the vine with her crunchy munchy brother Joshua, and plant seeds! But will the seeds grow fast enough or do the young ones have to learn a little bit of patience?

These are just a few books that I myself have read and enjoyed. I hope I have inspired you to step into a garden, literally or through the pages of a book. If you have any recommendations for me I would love to hear about them.

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

March Reading Wrap Up

March was a good reading month. I went on vacation to the beach (sunshine!) and enjoyed some great reads. I discovered a new to me author that I am hooked on. Starting with….

Fantasy

“Mariel of Redwall” by Brian Jacques is the fourth book in the “Redwall” series. This one’s theme is pirate rats and a motley band of animals. My particular favorite was the squirrel who did the “dodge-and-weave” move. Reminded me of someone I know…. As always, I finished another “Redwall” book satisfied and looking forward to the next.

Mystery

“Never Fall Again” by Lynn H. Blackburn begins a new series for us, the “Gossamer Falls” series. This story has mystery, romance, a sweet caring dog that I adored. For me, the mystery was not much of a surprise, but it was still a fun read.

Link to full review here, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/03/27/never-fall-again-by-lynn-h-blackburn/

“The Mysterious Affair at Styles” by Agatha Christie was a reread for me. I received it in my March Literary Book Box. Oh, what fun I had! Ms. Christie is a bestselling author even to this day for a reason. To the very end I still was not sure (I had forgotten who the perpetrator was) who to accuse. This is the first Hercule Poirot story and I enjoyed it so much I went out and immediately bought book two.

Fiction

I have discovered Rebecca Yarros contemporary fiction stories. Do I need to say more? I have had “The Last Letter” on my TBR bookcase (yes, bookcase. That will be a topic for another day, lol) and I finally decided to read it. Read it on the beach, bawled, immediately went to Barnes & Noble, dealing with crazy Spring Break traffic, lol, and picked up “Great and Precious Things”. I finished it in a day. So what did I do? What any normal reader would do. We braved the crazy traffic again and went back to Barnes & Noble a second time and I picked up “The Things we Leave Unfinished”. This book did not get left unfinished (Okay, bad attempt at a joke). Needless to say, Rebecca Yarros is on my radar. She writes about tough topics but I love the family dynamics and that her characters talk things through. Due to some content, please check before reading them.

Denise Hunter’s new release, “Love, Unscripted” is a fun Summer read filled with lighthearted moments, a FMC and MMC that work great together, and a cute judgmental cat that you can’t help but adore. I did have one of my least favorite tropes in it, the miscommunication/lack of communication but overall it was enjoyable.

Full review here, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/03/31/love-unscripted-by-denise-hunter/

All in all I would say my reading went well last month. Did you find any reads that stuck with you? Do any on my list inspire you to pick up a book?

Happy Reading,

Kymberli