Love's New Beginnings ( Wyoming Sunrise Prequel) by Penny Zeller [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781957847030
Purchase @ Amazon

My thoughts:  I read book #1 in the Wyoming Sunrise series, "Forgotten Memories," prior to reading the prequel, "Love's New Beginnings." The reason being that the author had many requests to know the story of the mature couple, Lydie Beauchamp, the town's new teacher, and Rev. Solomon Eliason, the town's new pastor. So a short prequel was written and what a touching, sweet, delightful read it is.

In today's world, the chance of finding good clean fiction that is sweet and a joy to read is rare indeed. Author Penny Zeller is known for her faith based stories that give glimpses into the lives of historical people as well as some contemporary stories. "Love's New Beginnings" has a teacher and a reverend new to the town and new to their professional callings. There is a delightful loquacous boy in the story that steals your heart. And the adults in the town are warm and supportive of both of these newcomers.

The sweet romance is tender and delightful. I highly recommend this book and series.

About the book: Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly. When Lydie and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon's story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

Prequel: Love's New Beginnings
Book One: Forgotten Memories
Book Two: Dreams of the Heart (March 2023)
Book Three: When Love Comes (Late 2023)

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 29

Ends January 28, 2023 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by the author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

"The Very Bad Day" & "Everywhere With You" demonstrate overcoming obstacles and bad day happenings [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Everywhere with You  by Carlie Sorosiak & illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Ages 3 - 8 | Hardcover
ISBN: 9781536214970

My thoughts:  This is a sweet "girl meets dog, girl and dog love each other" story; but if you want to dig deeper into the story's meaning, you'll see a lonely little girl (she is old enough to read) and a lonely dog. Separated by an impenetrable fence, they bond by the little girl reading nightly while seated by her side of the fence whilst the dog listens on his side.

Adults can envision neglect or abusive  loneliness of both dog and child. And one can wonder what a young girl is doing reading outside at night when it is dark by a fence.  But I prefer not to wonder at their loneliness or possible abuse - this IS a children's book. I'll just delve on the story and illustrations.

We have a little girl that reads to a dog and they venture far and wide in their imaginary world of Everywhere With You and I shan't tell how it ends.

The book has sweet illustrations that flow vividly across the pages and a nicely written prose story. I think children will enjoy this story.

About the book: The heartwarming friendship between a girl and the dog next door tenderly evokes the power of stories to bring—and keep—us together.

Two houses stand side by side: one is home to a dog, the other to a young girl. Though a fence divides them, girl and dog build a sweet and sturdy friendship rooted in make-believe . . . and are lonely no more. Paired with moving illustrations and based on a true story, this endearing tale from the author of I, Cosmo testifies to the transformative power of creativity and inter-species friendship.

Author info: Carlie Sorosiak is the author of several books for young readers, including I, Cosmo—an acclaimed middle-grade novel told from the point of view of a golden retriever—Leonard (My Life as a Cat). She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Illustrator info: Devon Holzwarth is the author-illustrator of Found You and the illustrator of Papa, Daddy, and Riley by Seamus Kirst. She grew up in Panama with the jungle as her garden and parrots and iguanas as pets. She currently lives in Germany.

The Bad Day by Frann Preston-Gannon

Ages 2 - 7 | Hardcover
ISBN: 9781536223781

My thoughts:  This is a delightful story. Each critter proclaims how his day is bad and is, in fact, worse that theirs. Told in delightfully rhyming lines with a nice cadence and illustrated in a cheerful woodland, the story will resonate with the young child.

Though the critters are each having a bad day they find they can pull together to help each other overcome their difficulties. A superb lesson in community helpfulness.

I highly recommend this delightful book.

About the book: Squirrel is left hanging when a search for a tasty nut goes wrong. Meanwhile, Bird has his beak buried in a tree trunk, Snake is tied in a knot, Tortoise is upside-down, and Fox? Well, Fox has a suspicious stomachache. These animals are all having a VERY BAD DAY!

But soon it becomes clear that little Mouse is having the worst day of all, and his friends can only help him—and one another—if they work together.

Author/Illustrator: Frann Preston-Gannon is an illustrator, designer, and award-winning author-illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of By the Light of the Moon and Dave’s Cave and the illustrator of Sing a Song of Seasons and Out of the Blue. She was the first UK recipient of a Sendak Fellowship and spent a month learning from renowned illustrator Maurice Sendak. Frann Preston-Gannon lives in London.

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 24

Ends January 23 @ 12:00 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Candlewick children's books acclaimed titles 2022 [Review & Giveaway]

Check out some of Candlewick's most acclaimed titles of 2022 that critics recommend! Critics agree – these titles are not to be missed.

Concrete: From the Ground Up by Larissa Theule & illustrated by Steve Light 

ISBN: 9781536212501
Age 7 - 10 Years

My thoughts:  This is an interesting book about the history of concrete. Frankly, I didn't know the difference between concrete and cement or how it is used or its varied uses. I found the text interesting and educational. The little asides (a bit of chuckle fun) nicely put and placed to break the "educational" aspect of the text a bit.

The evolution of building skills and of the building materials such as concrete are quite interesting. I like how the book ends saying that the concrete of 50 years from now will be different from that which is used today. This is based on how the substance has evolved historically and how man's mind conceives building, engineering, and uses for concrete.

I think this would be a grand book to have on hand for parents involved in construction, engineering, and architecture to share with their children.

About the book: A stylish, eye-opening, utterly engaging, and often wry look at one of the marvels of the material world, from the ground up.

From a lowly mixture of stone, sand, water, and cement have sprung sidewalks, streets, and skyscrapers, sturdy lighthouses and magnificent palaces, long bridges and massive dams. In ancient building practices, in modern engineering, and in the architecture of the future, humble concrete plays a mighty role in the creation of the human-made world. Brimming with facts and spiced with clever running narrative in the form of repartee-filled speech bubbles, Concrete is as intimate and entertaining as it is informative and visually sweeping. Curious readers of all ages—from would-be engineers to science and history buffs to retro-design lovers—will delight in this bold, one-of-a-kind guide to the (literal) bedrock of civilization, amplified by a bibliography in the back matter. 

Big Truck, Little Island By Chris Van Dusen

ISBN: 9781536203936
Ages 3 to 7 Years

My thoughts:   This is a delightful and beautiful story of cooperation and trust. It is based on a real island, the island's folks, and their trust and sharing with one another. The author has created a sweet, well done bit of storybook prose to tell the tale of the big truck that blocked the island's traffic, and of how the people solved their problem of getting to their destination on time.

It is beautifully illustrated with bright colors and delightfully drawn pictures that visually tell the story and blend just as the text does.

I highly recommend this book and share in agreement with critics who rate it as an acclaimed title for 2022.

About the book: That big truck is stuck! How will the island residents get where they’re gong? A tale of community and ingenuity from the celebrated Chris Van Dusen, inspired by a true story.

When a big truck and its big load get stuck on a narrow road, traffic on the little island comes to a halt. Some cars need to go south and some have to travel north. How will Meg get to her swim meet? What about Barry’s ballet class? Luckily, the kids come up with an ingenious solution: why not just swap cars? Inspired by an incident that happened on Vinalhaven, Maine, Chris Van Dusen tells a fun tale of resourcefulness and community through clever, rhyming wordplay and whimsical illustrations, sprinkled with plenty of cars and trucks for transportation-loving readers.

What are Words, Really? by Alexi Lubomirski & illustrated by Carlos Aponte 

ISBN: 9781536219807
Ages 4 to 8 Years

My thoughts:  Oh my! This is such a beautiful book! I don't mean beautiful as in lovely, classic illustrations done in soothing colors of pastel shades. No, I mean in it's value, it's worth, it's message. It teaches in a wonderful method that words we use matter so much to everyone, everything in the world. 

I love the bold, splashing, dashing bursts of color that deliver the message on each page. I love the adequate yet sparse text that gets the message across so effectively.

I highly recommend this book and agree with critics that say it is a highly valued, acclaimed title for 2022.

About the book: A renowned photographer and a Pura Belpré Honor–winning illustrator join forces for a playful and stylish picture book that’s destined to make the world a better place, one word at a time.

Perfectly pitched to the youngest child, Alexi Lubomirski’s whimsical text is a gentle reminder that words have power—the power to hurt or to heal, to make someone feel small or feel tall. Carlos Aponte’s buoyant illustrations, in dazzling primary colors and bold black line, pair with a dynamic text design to create a visual symphony. An eye-catching appeal to our better natures, this inspired meditation on the purpose and power of words encourages children to choose them well—and use them wisely—to spread kindness, joy, and love.

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 21

Ends January 20 @ 12:00 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Veil of Anarchy (Kessler Effect, #1) by Vannetta Chapman

Purchase on Amazon
Kindle or Print copy

My thoughts:  I have been a fan of Vannetta Chapman's books for several years. Her cozy mysteries, Amish fiction, and earlier dystopian series were real winners as far as I'm concerned. This newest dystopian series, "The Kessler Effect," piqued my interest when I first heard of it.

Most of Chapman's books are Christian and faith based. Not "preachy" but just have characters strong in their Christian faith. They are always clean reads with no foul language or "R-rated" scenes. The Kessler Effect series is not a faith based series but is basically a clean read. No "R-rated" scenes but it does have a small scattering of off-color words. The prequel and book #1 are, in my opinion, very good reads and are not offensive. The "expletives" are very few and on a lighter vein.

Now about the story line...... Set in lower Texas where it's hot and dry, the folks in the small town of Alpine notice sporadic electrical failure. Then failure of the cell service. About the same time, there is a horrific train collision nearby. They expect the government officials to come running because of the train collision, but much to their surprise it doesn't happen. Then the realization sets in that life as they have know it has ceased - no electricity, no water, no incoming food, nothing to depend on.

The local police, firemen, and officials gather with the townspeople to set a plan in motion. Soon they realize that the problem of survival is real.

I totally enjoyed reading Veil of Anarchy and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

About the book: Can law and order survive in a world without rules?

As police chief, Tanda Lopez has vowed to protect the people of Alpine. But how do you protect a town against itself?

Perched on a high mesa in the Chihuahuan Desert, no one is coming to help the citizens of this remote Texas town. When the entire array of lower orbital satellites crash, they are instantly catapulted into a world without communication, power, or resources. Tanda is determined that law and order won’t be the next casualty of the apocalypse. But how can she fight a corrupt mayor? Can she stand between those who wish to uphold the law and those who are intent on annihilating it? And what will she do about the neighboring communities who are preparing to attack?

As a Veil of Anarchy blankets the world, will Alpine and its people be annihilated?

Veil of Anarchy is book one in a new post-apocalyptic survival thriller series from USA Today Bestselling Author Vannetta Chapman. An exciting contribution to the genre of disaster fiction, this is one book that will literally keep you up all night. 

About the author: With over 1 million copies sold, Vannetta Chapman is a USA Today and PW Bestselling author of over 40 books. She has written for Abingdon Press and Harvest House Publishers, and she currently writes for Kensington Books and Harlequin/Love Inspired. She's received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and she was a Christy Award finalist (Anna's Healing).

Chapman has a BA and MA in English literature from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has taught for numerous writing groups and colleges. She speaks around the country on writing, how to publish, and steps to finding an agent and landing a publishing contract. Chapman’s releases include Amish romance, cozy mystery, novellas, romantic suspense, and dystopian/disaster fiction. For more information, visit her at webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Critical Threat (Extreme Measures #3) by Lynette Eason Launch Team

My thoughts:  Lynette Eason has just produced another fast paced suspense bringing mind-grabbing mystery and romantic vibes to eager readers. While the story moves swiftly along, readers should be as vigilant as the FBI agents are in identifying the person behind the disappearance and death of women.

Trained as a behavioral analyst, Grace Billingsley has a critical role to play in finding out who the person is and what their reason is behind the killings. She, herself, gets targeted by this person, too.

An interesting and fast paced story that will keep the reader on edge right to the end. Looking forward to another in the series.

About the book: FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn't mean they're not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer--in prison but certainly not out of Sam's life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter's MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They've met before--and though Grace thought they'd made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They'll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case--especially because it's about to get personal.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary ARC to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

The 12 Days of Christmas by Jane Cabrera (board book)

My thoughts:  Children age appropriate for board books would typically not get into the 12-days-of type song or storyline. Author illustrator Jane Cabrera has endeavored to bring it to this young audience in an animal grouping of critters leaping and prancing through this cute book.

While not my favorite adaptation of this song, I do think the book has real kid-appeal in the illustrations and the animals that are involved.

Study board pages, sized just right for small hands, and bright cheerful illustrations will win over the younger set. Well worth the $7.99 list price.

About the book: Seven squirrels skiing, six bears a-snoozing. . . A best-loved Christmas song gets a lively adaptation in this board book.

Story-hour favorite Jane Cabrera brings her signature style to the classic Christmas carol, giving it a friendly animal twist. Cheerful illustrations of skiing squirrels and magic mice in an imaginative winter wonderland invite readers to join the festivities and sing along to the reworked lyrics. Children will enjoy laughing at this clever new version--from the 12 penguins skating all the way down to party in a pear tree!

Jane Cabrera's Story Time gives favorite nursery rhymes and songs a new toddler-friendly twist. These interactive favorites feature bold, bright, illustrations and catchy refrains. Don't miss other fun titles including Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Kitty's Cuddles, and Over in the Meadow. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

How to Speak Animal by Aubre Andrus & Gabby Wild - learn about the secret language of wild animals (NGKids Book Blitz & Giveaway)

Buy | Goodreads

Learn about the secret language of wild animals in this exciting and informative guide from the experts who brought you How to Speak Cat and How to Speak Dog.

We know animals can’t speak and express themselves in the same way as humans … but even the smallest and quietest animals have incredible ways of communicating with each other. With wildlife veterinarian expert Dr. Gabby Wild as a guide, How to Speak Animal helps kids understand how animals communicate through sound, body language, and behavior. It’s full of expert insights and real-life stories of humans exploring ways to “talk” to animals, from teaching great apes sign language to speaking “dolphin.” Packed with super-engaging animal photography that helps illustrate key concepts, this fascinating bookprofiles more than 60 different creatures―from birds to mammals to reptiles and more―and their amazing ways of communicating with each other.

If you’ve ever wondered why gorillas beat their chests and make hooting noises, what it means when chameleons change color, or why some elephants twist their trunks together, this is the book for you!

 

About the Authors

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

DR. GABBY WILD earned her bachelor of science and doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degrees at Cornell University. She completed her veterinary internship training at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio, and received her master’s of public health (MPH) from the University of Minnesota. She is a published genetics researcher and uses her research background to screen zoonotic disease transmission among wildlife, domestic animals, and people. To help maintain a healthy planet, she monitors herd and individual health for rising epidemics. Dr. Wild balances her Western medicine practices with traditional Chinese medicine in an effort to blend both methodologies. Acclaimed for her role as “the veterinarian” on Animal Jam, the world’s largest online “playground,” with 54 million players, she creates educational videos and teaches children internationally about wildlife conservation and medicine. When not in the wild, Gabby works as a Wildlife Health Program veterinarian for the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo and is a training veterinary surgeon at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island. She lives in New York City.

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

AUBRE ANDRUS is an award-winning children's book author with dozens of books published by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, American Girl, Disney, Scholastic, and more. She has also ghostwritten books for young YouTube stars. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her family. 

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GIVEAWAY

• Three (3) winners will receive a copy of How to Speak Animal
• US only
• Ends 12/18 at 11:59pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the featured book in exchange for posting this book spotlight and giveaway for publicist. I received no monetary compensation. Giveaway is hosted by publicist who will provide and ship prize directly to winners. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.