A cute little story told by a turtle who claims to have met the famous Super Fish, with her purple cape and her super-strength and super-hearing. She helps sea creatures in trouble, and the turtle tells the story of how Super Fish saved him.

The illustrations are cute! The story is funny and snappy! This would be a good book to read aloud to children and make funny voices for the characters.

Adorable children's book with lovely pictures, about an awkward owl who doesn't have the confidence to fly well until a little girl shows some love and believes in him! I love the cute artwork and the sweet little story about believing in yourself. It's really funny too, because the owl goes crashing into things sometimes!

This is the story of Susie the shark and her friend Rachel, who go to the amusement park, but Susie is too scared to go on the roller coasters. Susie learns that you don't have to be afraid because courage comes from God! As part of the Adventures of the Sea Kids series, each book of the series has a definite Christian message.

The illustrations are colorful and beautiful, and on every page there is a hidden Christian symbol that you have to look for in the pictures! This is the perfect book to read aloud to children!

My only problem with this book was that after Susie the shark learns not to be afraid of the roller coasters, she goes home and then comes back to the amusement park another day and goes on the roller coaster again. It feels like there are two endings to the book. I didn't really understand why she had to leave the amusement park and then come back at a different time. It didn't really flow with the rest of the story.
Other than that, a fantastic and fun book!

Addendum: The author sent me a very kind email explaining that when the characters go back to the rollercoasters again at the end, it's a different water park and a different roller coaster to show that the character is not afraid to try new things. So that helps to explain why I thought there were two endings, but it's actually a continuation and reaffirmation of the lesson the character learns. Many thanks to Lee Ann for explaining this to me!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the thoughts and opinions here are my own, and are not influenced by anyone.

This sweetly quiet story of a little girl who slowly falls in love with the Pacific Ocean brought me a sense of wonder! At the beginning the girl is reluctant to get in the water, but she gradually comes to love playing in and around the ocean. Her dreamy observations and imaginings around the seaside are just lovely, and bring the reader immediately into the story. You can taste that salt air and feel the waves pulling at your feet!

The writing is absolutely brilliant! Every word is tailored perfectly for that sentence to say exactly what it should, but it never feels forced or like it's trying too hard. Each sentence flows to the next with the rhythm of ocean waves.

The words are so rich and vibrant too! "Grumping down the path" perfectly describes a child walking grumpily, even though "grumping" is not actually a word, I think. No matter, because it is just the RIGHT word, whether it exists or not. There are perfect words like that on every page of this book!

What a delight it would be to read this book aloud! The sounds of the words roll off the tongue and down the lips like drops of water splashing off a wave... "Shine, shimmer, gleam, glow..." and with four words, I can see the seashore in my mind's eye.

I love that the girl mistakenly calls it the "specific ocean" instead of the "pacific ocean", but decides that the former name is more appropriate after all. I have heard kids say it wrong all the time, so it rings true and touches my heart. Details like that are what make this book so special!

The illustrations fit the story like a glove. Calming colors and smooth lines leave me feeling soothed and dreamy. Warmth and light shine from every page!

There is magic in this book! Undeniably, this is a masterpiece of children's literature.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. The opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

This activity book has 10 beautiful designs, and hundreds of stickers in little mosaic shapes! It's so easy to put the stickers into place, and the finished product looks wonderful. It's very relaxing and helped me to get creative. You really feel a sense of accomplishment when you finish!

The stickers are sturdy and easy to remove from the sticker sheet. The colors are vibrant and it's simple to follow the instructions to find the right placement for each sticker. I really loved that the pages are perforated, so that you can tear out the sticker sheet or the design or both. That way you don't have to keep flipping back and forth in the book.

I love the clever designs and beautiful colors! This is perfect for anytime you have some anxiety and need a calm activity.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

Fanny Price goes to live with her rich relatives, who make her feel inferior and criticize her. She befriends her cousin, Edmund, but is belittled by her cousins, Maria and Julia. When the Crawford siblings arrive as new neighbors, Maria and Julia compete for the attention of Mr. Henry Crawford, while Edmund gradually falls under the spell of the beautiful and wicked Miss Crawford. Only Fanny is undeceived by the Crawford's pretty manners.

Marvelous story! Each time I reread it, I find something deeper in the story and the characters. But I always want to slap some sense into Edmund, until he realizes how delightful Fanny is.

Jane Austen's writing never fails to amaze me. She has such a perceptive way of laying bare every thought and action of each character with exquisite insight into the little vexations and desires of human nature.

The funniest line in the entire book is when Miss Crawford, Fanny, and Edmund are walking through a wood and arguing over how far they have come. Miss Crawford insists they must have walked at least a mile, and Edmund pulls out his watch and says, "We have been exactly a quarter of an hour here. Do you think we are walking four miles an hour?"
Miss Crawford responds, "Oh, do not attack me with your watch! ... I cannot be dictated to by a watch."
haha! I always laugh my head off at that scene!

The first time I read this book I was very frustrated with Fanny's character. She is so timid and shy that she annoys me. Why doesn't she get some backbone and speak up for herself?! But when rereading it years later, I think I begin to understand her personality a little better. She has a quiet strength that gives her the endurance and fortitude necessary in her circumstances.

I counted nine times in the book when she stands up for herself, and will not let anyone bully her into doing something she doesn't want to do. When it is important to her, she DOES stand up for what she believes is right. She does ask for the things she needs or wants. She knows how to pick her battles, and only shows her true strength when it is really needed.

At one point, Fanny says, "I was quiet, but I was not blind." (pg.318) The other characters tend to overlook Fanny because she is quiet, but she sees everything that goes on and understands what is really happening behind the scenes. And that is why she is able to stand firm in her principles and see the true character of people like the Crawfords, even when others are deceived.

Another part of the book says that Fanny's "gentle manner concealed the sternness of her purpose."(pg.288) And another paragraph says that "She had all the heroism of principle, and was determined to do her duty." (pg.235) I think that is the key to Fanny's character. She is quiet and timid until she is called upon to do battle for what is right and good. Her strength is in her dutiful attitude and her constant devotion to honor and truth.

When the rest of the family are all taking part in a questionable play and flirting through the improper lines, Fanny is the only one who is consistent in her disapprobation of the play. She is the strongest one of them all. Even Edmund is roped into participating in the play, even though he knows it is wrong. Fanny is the only one who remains true to her principles and beliefs.

Fanny's mannerisms and conversation are gentle and quiet, but her decisions are strong. Her emotions are easily upset and her temperament is nervous, but her mental agility and spiritual courage are what make her an amazing person who eventually gains the respect and admiration of everyone who knows her. The fact that she can have so much fortitude despite her anxious thoughts, sensitive personality, and constant fears is truly an act of heroism.

The best thing in this whole book is seeing Fanny's character development, and especially the way the other characters gradually begin to realize just how sweet and good Fanny really is. "Her disposition was peculiarly calculated to value a fond treatment."(pg. 319) They finally begin to appreciate her for who she is and treat her accordingly with respect and affection.


The scenes that I love best in this book are the scenes between Fanny and her brother William. William is a midshipman in the Navy, and these two siblings rarely get to see one another, but their family bond is so powerful. I love to see how Fanny comes alive when she is with William. She is sure of his brotherly love and has no fears. She is completely comfortable and secure, and she lights up from inside with a radiance that her aunts and cousins can never see because of their criticism and emotional abuse.


Another character that baffled me the first time I read this book is Lady Bertram. She is so lazy and indolent. She doesn't seem to care about anything or have any actual opinions on anything. How can she be so lazy and stupid all the time? But then I considered her sister, Mrs. Norris, is always bustling around doing everything, bossing people around, planning and organizing with her finger in every pie. No wonder Lady Bertram is lazy! Mrs. Norris does everything for her, so there is no need to lift a finger.
Fanny even says of Lady Bertram that "[Fanny] felt how unprofitable contention would be," and that "Nothing could be hoped from attacking her understanding." It's no use trying to explain anything to Lady Bertram. Her mental powers won't even register what you are saying to her.

I love the Crawford siblings because they are such a delightfully wicked duo. The thing that makes them so interesting is that they both have good qualities. Both the reader and the characters in the book are ready to believe that the Crawfords could be reformed, but we are left wondering around every corner of the plot whether they will end up evil or good by the end. Just when one of them seems to be leaning towards good, the other one does something nasty and selfish. They influence each other dreadfully, and it is a fascinating train wreck to watch.

Edmund is a wonderful character full of goodness and affection. He is kind and generous to Fanny from their childhood, but it annoys me how the narrative often refers to his molding her character and training her mind. Certainly, it seems that he gave her some advice and help along the way by recommending books for her to read and talking with her about life and duty and godliness; but the narrative makes it sound like he single-handedly made Fanny who she is. That girl was already lovely and sweet before you came along, Edmund!

And then Edmund is fooled by Miss Crawford. He is blind to her faults, and equally blind to Fanny's merits. What an idiot! He gets on my nerves sometimes, but I love the depth of his personality and how he goes through a lengthy character development to realize the truth. I love that he makes mistakes and those mistakes have consequences. I love the internal struggle Edmund goes through as he tries to sort through the nuances of his duty to his family and the gray areas of social morality versus true religious morality.

On that note, I love the deep moral themes in this book. Ideas of right and wrong and Christian ethics are explored through the lens of desire or duty. Every character has a choice to make. Do they choose to follow their own wayward emotions, or do they follow a higher ideal of righteousness? Austen was a preacher's daughter, and as a preacher's daughter myself, I always love to see these beautiful Christian themes celebrated in her books.

Spoilers:
.
.
.
.
.
.
I was very disappointed in Edmund's resolution and how he falls in love with Fanny. I mean, we spent half the book with Fanny being hopelessly in love with Edmund, and going on that journey with her as she begins to realize the depth of her feelings for Edmund. And then when Edmund finally gets his head on straight, we get ONE PARAGRAPH about how he realized that Fanny is pretty great after all and he might as well marry her. I needed more of a journey for Edmund to gradually explore his feelings for Fanny. I feel like there needed to be more of a denouement at the end of the book. Edmund should have had some catalyst that suddenly made him realize his true feelings for Fanny. Something she did or something someone said to him could have sparked a new train of thought and made him think of Fanny in a different way. It was all too quick and boring after such a long build-up.

Sinda has grown up as a princess, but on her sixteenth birthday she is told that she was only a decoy. She was a commoner baby switched with the royal baby to shield the real princess from a murderous prophecy. Sinda has to leave the only life she has ever known to live in a poor country village with an aunt she has never met.

I loved this book so much! Sinda is a wonderfully complex character, and goes through really intense character development. She is shy and awkward in the beginning, floundering around in fear and anger. But she gradually learns to trust her own strength, and she begins to fight to build a life of her own.

The plot is really interesting with brilliant magic and plot twists. I loved the history of this magical land, and how the ancient wars and prophecies were woven into the plot. There is an old map from centuries before that tells of a mystical doorway in the castle, hidden from anyone not of royal blood. I loved the puzzles and runes that had to be solved to finally locate the magic door.

The supporting characters are amazingly well-written. They are memorable and complex, and all their personalities are so different and sharp. Sinda's aunt is prickly and strict. Sinda's best friend, Kiernan, is warm and kind and always joking around. The princess who replaces Sinda is sweet and thoughtful. They all have their own background, motivations, and desires that fuel the plot and push Sinda into further character development.

The writing is excellent, and it pulled me into the story. There are many intensely emotional scenes where the writing moves with energy and power. Just a few well-crafted words will push the reader into the minds and hearts of the characters. Several times there would be a perfect turn of phrase that strongly captured my attention.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I only wish there were more works by this author.

In 1922, Catherine married Lord Porchester, and eventually became the Countess of Carnarvon, and Highclere Castle was her home. This book follows the family living at Highclere, and their neighbors and staff, through the roaring 1920's and the devastation of WWII. During this time, Highclere Castle was used as a children's nursery school for children fleeing the bombs in London.

I loved the mixture of history and personal anecdotes in this book. The book is completely non-fiction, but the writing feels like fiction because it pulls you into the story.

I was expecting to skim through most of this, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it extremely interesting and readable. I didn't skim any of it, and I truly felt connected to the beautiful history and the Carnarvon family.

Lady Catherine goes through such heart-ache, and there are so many changes at Highclere through the years, but she remains courageous through it all. I loved learning about her family, her children, and her beautiful legacy.

Ingrid solves a murder mystery while auditioning to be Alice in a theater play of "Alice in Wonderland".

I did not enjoy this book. The writing style is full of fragments. I don't mind a fragmented sentence every once in a while for emphasis or to draw the reader's attention to something specific. Sometimes there is a pacing that needs a fragment or a run-on sentence to achieve a kind of pattern in the narrative, but this was just excessive. So many fragments that it got really tiresome.

The main character, Ingrid, wants to be like Sherlock Holmes and trains herself to notice every detail around her. So the reader has to slog through paragraph after paragraph of the details of every scene. We have to read what people are wearing, what the building looks like, what expressions people have, how they crinkle their eyes, how they hold their coffee cup, how they smell and move and talk. It is exhausting! A few details can be really powerful to set a scene, but it was just too much, and it was ALL the time.

And there is some profanity which I did not like. This is a middle-grade novel! The main character is in seventh grade. Why would there be profanity included in a book for young people? This baffles me, and I did not appreciate it.

There is also a scene where Ingrid practices shooting a gun at some targets with her grandfather even though she knows her mother disapproves of her using a gun. Why would she go behind her mother's back and disobey her about such a major issue like using a weapon? I did not like what that said about Ingrid's character.

Then Ingrid's big brother comes home late one night and he has been drinking. He manages to hide it from his parents, but Ingrid notices the smell of alcohol. He is only fifteen or sixteen, I think. Ugh. This horrible book.

The final straw was a scene where Ingrid says something snarky (but not really mean) to her big brother, and he hits her. He just hits her right in the face and yells at her and storms out of the room. I don't know what kind of nasty book this is, but I DNF'd it right then.

I'm done with this hateful book. I read up through page 105, and Ingrid had still not auditioned for the play, one of the main plot points that I cared about in this book. At that point in the story, she has only just found out when the auditions will be held. Way to drag out the main story line.

Everything in this book is horrible.