Little Sara Crewe is wealthy heiress, and she is treated like a princess at Miss Minchin's boarding school for girls. Her father loses all his money and dies abroad, so Sara is forced to work as a servant. But she never stops behaving like a noble princess with kindness and generosity to everyone.

I always love rereading this book. Sara has such a gentle personality, and she's so intelligent and adorable. I love how imaginative she is and how she is always making up stories and living inside her head. She has a marvelous intuition about people around her, and she can see through their facades right to their heart.

I love the amusing supporting characters. Ermingarde, Becky, and little Lottie are all starving for acceptance and love, and Sara gives them the loving friendship and loyalty they are craving.

The plot is wonderful too. There is never a dull moment, and I enjoy reading about all the details of the story as Sara adjusts to her new life as a poor drudge in the kitchen. It's exciting to meet Ram Dass and the Indian gentleman next door to the school, and all the magic they create for little Sara.

I love the writing style and the light tone of the story. It deals with somber themes of poverty and death, but the story is bright and funny too. This book is always a delight!

I love seeing more stories from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It's so exciting to see Team Avatar growing up, dealing with bigger problems, and learning new things.

The ending of this story was a little loose, and not everything was resolved. That sort of annoyed me, but I also like that it was left open for future stories.

I love seeing more stories from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It's so exciting to see Team Avatar growing up, dealing with bigger problems, and learning new things.

Katara and Sokka go home to the Southern Water Tribe, where their father has just been declared the Head Chieftain of all the Southern tribes. Their little village is gone, replaced by a huge and bustling city. Katara only wants to preserve the old traditions of her people, while Sokka is excited about the future progress that the tribes could achieve.

I love how this comic blends harmony and conflict. There are a lot of happy and nostalgic moments for Katara and Sokka as they come home, but there are also so many things that have changed and there is a lot of conflict because of that.

They get thrown into the adventure, and they have to call on Aang to come help them avert yet another war. I love the plot and the characters and the excellent story-telling! The art is wonderful too!

I love seeing more stories from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It's so exciting to see Team Avatar growing up, dealing with bigger problems, and learning new things.
The conflict really gains momentum in this second volume, and the stakes are higher as Katara and Sokka discover that their father is not quite the same as they remembered. They have all grown and changed over the years, and that's not a bad thing. It's just different, and Katara has trouble adjusting to the new dynamics in her family.

I'm loving this story!

This book gives instructions for how to prepare your family to survive an emergency situation. There are sections for:
Calculating how much water and food your family will need during an emergency.
How to plant your own garden, and store and cook the food you grow.
How to handle garbage, laundry, and sanitation in an emergency.
Protecting your electronics and having enough batteries.
Making an evacuation plan, or creating a safe room.
Talking to your children about emergency preparedness.
Survival tips on staying warm or cool in extreme weather.
AND a dozen other things that are helpful for not just surviving an emergency, but handling it with poise and intelligence.

I love the cool design of this book! There are a lot of photos and design elements that make it colorful and enjoyable to read. The text is divided into smaller sections on each page that make it easy to read, and the chapters make it easy to find the subject you are looking for.

There are step-by step-instructions, lists, charts, and recipes that give all the details you need to be confident that you are prepared for any emergency crisis. You have shopping lists for a first-aid kit, a tool box, kitchen pantry and cookware, and even an inventory of clothing for cold weather. Everything is organized in the book to help you make sure your family is safe, and it's a great tool to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything important.

There's just so much good information in this book!

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.

This book has everything you need to know about living in the country, and some things that city folks could learn about too.

There are sections about repairing your home, cultivating your garden, cooking in the country kitchen, and caring for your barn, livestock, and fields. Those sections are divided into smaller chapters with detailed information about installing windows and plumbing, cleaning rugs, harvesting vegetables, composting, keeping rabbits out of your garden, how to build a shed, how to keep chickens and dairy cows, and how to butcher your own meat and freeze it properly. These are only a few of the things included; there are dozens more with excellent advice and instructions.

There are recipes for saltwater taffy, homemade ice cream, and homemade cheese. All the dozens of recipes look so good! There are even instructions for canning and freezing your own produce, and tapping maple trees for your own maple syrup.

My very favorite chapter is the one with detailed instructions on how to build a treehouse! I always wanted one when I was a kid. I was forever climbing trees with an apple and a book in hand.

I love how this book is designed with illustrations, graphs, and lists that help you to navigate all the information and visualize the final results of your labor. There are drawings that can help you identify plants and insects, follow a blueprint for construction, or hang up your curtains at the right height.

The sections and chapters make it easy to find exactly what you are looking for, and that's good because this book is huge! It's really quite heavy and full of good information.

I'm just amazed at all the things you can do with the help of this book from making your own soap to sheering sheep.


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.

Caroline and Shirley are dear friends, but their friendship is tested when they both appear to have fallen in love with the same man. They never speak of it, but they each suffer alone with their hearts in anguish until the truth can be known.
Robert Moore, a mill owner, is threatened by his ex-employees when he brings in new machinery to replace their jobs. A riot ensues and the mill is attacked. Robert must act swiftly and decidedly to save his business in the face of violence, but he leaves no room in his heart to show compassion to the poor. He struggles to find a balance between charity and justice.

Setting:
I love that this book uses industrialization as a major theme and setting in the story. It provides excellent action and drama for the plot, and I love the actual history that is represented. (I find the setting similar to "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell, which is one of my favorite books.) However, I wish that the industrial theme had been explored even further. It is very important in the beginning of the story and then kind of peters out. I wish there had been more about the relationships between masters and workers, and even the politics and pride that would keep these people at odds with each other. However, the scenes that do explore this, do it very well!

Themes:
The theme of unrequited love is explored extensively in this book. Just like in Villette, there is a deep psychological analysis going on about the condition of heartbreak, and how suppressed emotions can tear your health apart and affect every area of your life. And it's not just romantic love. Caroline longs to know her parents whom she doesn't remember. She is craving family connection, but is left alone, loving the memory of people who cannot return her love.

There are strong themes of being lonely in the middle of a crowd. Caroline especially finds it difficult to approach people or find friends with whom she can truly connect. There are many scenes where characters are looking for connection on a special level, but they find only small minds and meager hearts in their social circle. I loved the parts of the story where Caroline really begins to look closely at the people around her and finds that many people that she had previously dismissed actually have extremely good and amiable qualities that she had overlooked. She begins to cultivate friendships with them, and finds that her loneliness and depression lessen.

I really loved the scenes where Caroline and Shirley are longing to be able to take action in their lives with the kind of freedom that men have in their society. Caroline wishes she could go out into the world and do something useful, but her only respectable or viable option would be to become a governess, which would be too difficult for her. Therefore, she is left with no options at all, and must stay where she is. "I believe single women should have more to do - better occupation than they possess now." I love how Charlotte Bronte approaches the subject that there is something wrong in a society that has no scope of independence and respectable work for educated single women. The characters contemplate their options for self-reliance in a logical but passionate way that is very compelling even today. It's especially meaningful considering how the Bronte sisters' own options for an independent life were constricted.

Writing Style:
I love the vigorous writing style, and all the engaging dialogue. Each scene has humor and drama beautifully balanced. There are many serious subjects, but it's blended wonderfully with fun and laughter too. I love the rich vocabulary and the metaphors that bring new perspectives to life. It's truly genius writing on so many levels!

I was surprised to find the romance so flowery and sentimental. I didn't think the "Oh my darling, your eyes are like the stars" type of stuff would be Charlotte Bronte's style, but somehow I liked it. It felt in keeping with the characters and the expression of their personalities. And it had a sharp Bronte flavor to it that kept it from being too sappy or silly.

(Like many classics, there is some French dialogue, so have a translator app handy.)

Characters:
Caroline has such a gentle personality. She is definitely an introvert, and has to really call on all her courage to teach a class at church, or attend an event where she will have to talk to lots of people and serve tea. However, she does. She teaches the class. She attends the event. She makes conversation and selflessly puts aside her own wants and needs to meet the expectations and needs of others. She sometimes appears weak, but I think in many ways she is the strongest character in the entire book. She suffers quietly, never asking for help. She is meek in the sense of having self-control, and she is humble in the sense of thinking of others before herself. She is intelligent and innocent, but also wise and mature in some ways while being a little childish in others. She is wonderfully complex. She seems to understand people in a deep way, and has an instinct for knowing just how to talk with them on their level. She can be shy, but she speaks out strongly when she is confronted with injustice or censure. I loved one scene where she picks a fight with an old mean gossip, and doesn't care if she offends the lady because Caroline knows she is in the right. It's that high moral sense of what is fitting and right that gives her social courage. She comes close to being angelic, but it is her internal suffering that gives her a steely resolve and gives her character a little bite. I was so impressed with her intelligent thoughts and feelings through the ups and downs of the plot. Her generous heart never wavered.

Although Caroline is really the central character, Shirley is the titular character because of the effect she has on everyone around her. She is the focus of so many of the other characters, and the catalyst of their own stories and character arcs. Even when Shirley is not in a scene, the other characters are often talking about her. When Shirley is in a scene, she leads the tone with her witty dialogue and quick thinking.
Shirley's personality was partially modeled after Charlotte's sister, Emily Bronte. She is wild and passionate, unruly and unconventional. She is physically courageous, and mentally tortured, and absolutely willful. I love that Charlotte Bronte doesn't shy away from Shirley's faults, so that Shirley is a well-rounded, realistic character, who feels larger than life and bigger than the words that describe her. She is a good person, but she is not an angel. I feel like she is a tigress holding herself in check, pulling herself back by her own leash. She has so much potential for extreme good or extreme evil, and she makes the choice. No one chooses for her. She has the power to choose who she will be. She consistently chooses good. I adore her for it!

Robert Moore is a complex character as well, and I loved seeing his character development. He goes through more changes than anyone, and is almost like a different person by the end. In the beginning, he can be quite harsh and cold. He's very solitary and unwilling to form any strong attachments of friendship with anyone. However, he goes through the fire, and stares down at destruction, and his life is changed. It's powerful writing and so engaging to read about. I don't know that I really like him though. I found him infinitely interesting, but somehow I don't quite trust him. He's a little too calculating and careful. A man like that might do anything, anything at all, and find some logical reason for his wickedness and walk away without remorse. Hmmm... that's why he needs a good romantic arc and a good woman to keep an eye on him. He can be kind and soft-hearted, but he needs balance in his life to keep his baser tendencies in check. He can be quite noble and high-minded, and I was glad to see him humble and penitent in the end. He changed, and learned, and grew into a new person. I love that about him.

Robert's brother, Louis Moore, is even more of an enigma. I don't think I quite like him either. I'm fascinated by him, enchanted with his charm and poise and strength, but I don't think I quite trust him either. He's so very calm and collected. I was delighted the one time he lost his cool and acted without thinking. Finally, the REAL Louis without his carefully constructed façade! If he would just let down his guard a little more, then I would have room to like him plenty. I was captivated by his romantic journal entries, but he would insist on saying chauvinistic things about "taming" Shirley. Boy, that girl has tamed her own wild nature with no help from you! Get off your high horse and leave other people to learn their own life lessons without you 'teaching' them from your high pedestal of perfection. Humph. And again I say, Humph. Still... he is fascinating. Ah well. ...humph.

One of the great things about this book are the fabulous side characters. Half the time, the author introduces a new side character, and takes the time introduce their family, their background, their appearance, their personality, and their demeanor. By the time I've read five pages about this new side character, I am impatient. "Get back to my beloved main characters!" I think. "I don't have time for these insignificant side people."
And then... oh and then... somewhere along the line, later in the story, that little side character pops up again, suddenly important to the plot, doing things and saying things and making a difference. Aha! So that's why I needed to know their relationships, their family, their education, and their boring daily habits. Now it makes sense. Now I care. Now I desperately care! Now I am totally in love with this adorable side character. How could I have ever called them insignificant? Was I blind? Was I heartless? You darling side character, you have stolen my heart, you little rascal!

Mrs. Pryor is an interesting and enigmatic side character. Her personality is eccentric, and she has a quiet emotion about her that makes the reader think she is hiding things. I loved her story arc where we gradually, little by tiny little bit, get to know her and understand her, and eventually learn her secrets.

The pastor Mr. Hall only has a few good scenes and some lovely dialogue, but I found myself wishing for more scenes with him. No wonder all the characters love him. He's wise and good and kind. He is cheerful and encouraging and a steady rock of faith. He reminds me of my Dad! No wonder I like his character so much.

The Yorke family are strange and astounding. Each of their personalities are forceful and stormy in different ways. I think if I knew them in real life they would make me tired. They are so energetic. I completely fell in love with that hooligan Martin Yorke. What a selfish little rascal with a heart of gold!

I found it interesting that when little Jessie Yorke is introduced, it is immediately revealed that 'unbeknownst to the characters' she will be dead within a few years. (This isn't a spoiler since it is revealed in the very beginning of the Yorke family's introduction.) The fact that Jessie is going to die years later doesn't have any bearing on the story at all. She doesn't even die within the timeline of the story. I suppose it makes the reader more sympathetic to her, but she's already a sweet and lovable character. I'm not sure why it was added, other than for a chance to digress about childhood death and grief. It is meaningful though, when you consider that Charlotte Bronte lost her two older sisters to tuberculosis when they were only 10 and 11 years old. Maybe the author is working through some of her grief by having little Jessie die at a young age too.

Overall, I loved this book so much. Even the bits that I didn't exactly like, still fascinated me.

Maylie is finding it difficult to write a story, any story. She has plenty of ideas, but keeps second-guessing herself when she starts to write. Hoping to find inspiration, she goes on a trip to London with her aunt, her grandmother, and her twin brother, Camden.

Maylie is a great character. I liked being inside her head and seeing all her fears and anxieties, and how she manages to overcome those things. I liked Aunt Layla because she is always encouraging and inspiring. Camden got on my nerves (just like he is supposed to) as the annoying brother character, but I could also see hidden depths in his personality reminding me that he is more than just an immature class clown. There is some good character development for both Maylie and Camden.

The writing is okay, but not amazing. The plot and pacing are fine, but there are a few boring scenes before it gets into some better action. A young reader would probably not notice any problems with the writing or pacing. This would be good for ages 7-12.
The illustrations aren't that great. They don't look professional, but they are okay. Again, a child probably wouldn't notice anything amiss.

I loved learning about London and Leeds Castle and the interesting maze! The setting is really well described, and you can tell that the author has visited those places. It puts the reader right into the scene with the characters.

Overall, an interesting and fun book for young readers!

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

Claris dreams about moving to Paris, and she takes a leap of faith to make her dreams come true. She meets a mean cat in Paris, and has to use all her fashion wiles and personal compassion to win the day.

I just adore Claris! She is such a sweet and lovely little mouse. I love stories about mice anyway, but this little mouse takes the cake. I love all her pretty clothes. She is the epitome of elegance and refinement, but with a heart of compassion and humility.

The text is in rhyme, and it works pretty well. The rhymes aren't always the best, but they are fine. The rhythm of each line doesn't always exactly match, but it was okay. It's not Milton or Shakespeare, but it does a good job of telling the story. (I have a pet peeve with children's books being written in bad poetry, so I'm overly critical of this aspect of the writing. Other people would probably not notice it at all.)

I loved the beautiful illustrations in this book! The colors are bright, and the lines are delicate. I love all the pretty fashion designs!

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

Claris and Monsieur Cat have to return a lost invitation to Fashion Week's greatest show. They go on an adventure across half of Paris to track down the fashionista who has lost their important invitation.

I loved the beautiful illustrations in this book! The colors are bright, and the lines are delicate. I did feel like some of the artwork is just cut and pasted from one page to the other with only a wardrobe change to make it different. I would have appreciated separate art for each page, instead of copies of the same facial expressions.

Sweet little Claris is adorable, and I love all her pretty clothes. She is the epitome of elegance and refinement, but with a heart of compassion and humility. She’s so cute!

The story kept my interest and made me laugh! The text is in rhyme, and it works pretty well. The rhymes aren’t always the best, but they are fine. The rhythm of each line doesn’t always exactly match, but it was okay. It’s not Milton or Shakespeare, but it does a good job of telling the story. (I have a pet peeve with children’s books being written in bad poetry, so I’m overly critical of this aspect of the writing. Other people would probably not notice it at all.)

This book is so adorable! I can’t wait to read more Claris books!

Disclaimer: I received an e-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.