About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Monday, December 2, 2024

Rediscovering Christmas (Hope Crossing, 6) by Mindy Obenhaus

Rediscovering Christmas: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Hope Crossing, 6)
ABOUT THE BOOK

She feels she’s lost everything…

Will love give her hope?

When a wildfire destroys her home, widowed schoolteacher Tori Stallings finds herself unexpectedly living with her mother- and brother-in-law—and struggling with her faith. With everything Tori owns consumed by the blaze, Micah vows to help his late brother’s wife and son rebuild their lives. The two of them have always been friends, but living under the same roof has their friendship turning into something more. Can love bloom amid tragic loss and shaken beliefs, and give them a fresh start for Christmas?




MY THOUGHTS.....

Loss and grief had visited Tori Stallings before but seeing her family home burn to the ground seemed to be the final straw. Her faith was shattered, her anger burned strong, and she seemed uncertain how to go on!

Author Mindy Obenhaus takes us back to Hope Crossing for a touching story of hope lost and joy regained. I loved the support that Tori received from her late husband's mother and brother, the special bond that grew between Tori's son, Aiden, and his Uncle Micah, and Tori's realization that God hadn't deserted her...she had deserted Him! Rediscovering Christmas is a heartwarming story filled with hope, faith, and love! It is a perfect Christmas read!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer, and the occasional coyote, mountain lion, or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, and watching the Hallmark Channel.

Connect with Mindy





Sunday, December 1, 2024

Rosie's Wild Ride: Chasing Big Rodeo Dreams by Paige Murray

ABOUT THE BOOK

Meet Rosie, the big horse with even bigger dreams! In Rosie’s Wild Ride, Clydesdale horse Rosie and her cowgirl friend Oakley want to be rodeo stars, but what happens when the competition doesn’t quite go as planned? In this beautiful, inspiring picture book, readers?will learn the importance of teamwork, chasing their dreams, and daring to ask, “What if I can?”

Rosie the Clydesdale is a BIG horse. She likes her life on the ranch and helping the farmer with his chores, but she also has a secret she wants to be a rodeo star. She finally gets her chance when she teams up with a plucky cowgirl named Oakley, but the rodeo events aren’tdesigned for a big horse like Rosie. When a rogue bull disrupts the competition, though, Rosie and Oakley might be the only ones big and brave enough to stop him.

From debut children’s author Paige Murray comes a rodeo adventure complete with roping, riding, and racing—based on real animals from her own Texas ranch.

This picture book for ages 4–8:

  • Is an inspiring, animal-filled story of resilience and self-confidence
  • Features beautiful, engaging artwork and photos of the real-life Rosie and Oakley
  • Includes fun horse and rodeo facts in the back matter
  • Is written by Paige Murray, debut author and wife of nine-time World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray


MY THOUGHTS.....

Do you know a little girl who dreams of having her own horse? A little boy who wants to be a rodeo rider? Here's a delightful book that reminds them that all things are possible! Author Paige Murphy shares the story of a Clydesdale horse named Rosie and a little girl named Oakley who both have the same dream: they want to be rodeo stars! Rosie thinks she's too big and Oakley's mom won't let her ride just any horse. Oakley believes it can happen, and her determination and encouragement help convince Rosie that together, they can make it happen. Are there two rodeo stars waiting to be born?

Easy-to-read text, vibrant illustrations, and Rosie and Oakley's unique teamwork make this a charming choice for children. Rosie's Wild Ride targets children ages 4-8 but it's a perfect book for families to read together. What better chance to impress upon your children that achieving their dreams may not be easy but working hard and working with others will help them get there? This would also be a fun book for children's librarians to share in Story Hour or special programming!

I received a copy from FrontGate Blogger's Network. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my opinions.



My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"The ground shook wherever Rosie ran---

her hooves were as big as frying pans"


I love this description! 

Horse Thunder!!





"Rosie rode as fast as she could around the barrels." 


Can't you feel the excitement? Will they make it??

Horse Thunder!




When Rosie first had doubts... 

"What if I can't do it?" Rosie thought.

Oakley whispered, "Rosie, what if we can?"


I loved that Oakley didn't stop believing and she continued to encourage Rosie!

"What if we can?"



ROSIE! ROSIE!

The crowd stomped so loud it sounded just like Rosie's horse thunder! 


Such a happy ending! Hard work, faith, and teamwork can make it happen!

Isn't this what we want our children to learn?


Want to know more? Check out this book trailer!


 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paige Murray, a Southern belle from South Carolina, lives on a Texas cattle ranch with her daughter Oakley and husband, 9X World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray. A Clemson University Animal Science graduate, Paige began her career in modeling and TV reporting. She’s been NASCAR Miss Sprint Cup, appeared on CMT’s Sweet Home Alabama, FOX Sports, and hosted Southern Fried Skinnyfied. Passionate about fitness and cooking, Paige self-published a healthier cookbook and now writes children’s books inspired by ranch life.

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