July 2018 ~ Nighttime Reading Center

July 31, 2018

Monthly Wrap Up: July

July is now ending with rain and thunderstorms. July was a nice break with some rain, you got some sun as well. How you enjoy your Fourth of July holiday? I know it was hot that day. Hope you got a lot of reading done or a some fun in the pull and family time.

I hit a rough spot as for i was either enjoying the summer sun or a little buy not much, I was also a bit more tired at night. I have just could not get into reading. I went to concert and was outside for a bit. I even watched most of Shark week which is one reason that book is on the review list this month and during the week of Shark Week. I love Shark week and enjoy watching it. I also had the may Finleyville Fireman's Fair that same week. It almost time for those that children or child to get ready to back to school.

Books Read in July:

A Widows Hope by Vannetta Chapman
The Hope Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Sharks: A 400 Million Year Journey by Ted Rechlin
The Small Chandelier by Mary Lynn Plaisance

So for the month of July, I have read a total of 799 Pages. You can see what my total for the month by book below.

Total Pages by book for July:

A Widows Hope - 219 Pages
The Hope Jar - 320 Pages
Sharks: A 400 Million Year Journey - 96 Pages
The Small Chandelier - 164 Pages

So Far for the 2018, the Total Pages Read is 8,641 Pages. That is a total of 6 months of this year or we call it half a year. Take look at the total per month below.

Total Pages Per Month:

January - 1,135 Total Pages
February - 1,359 Total Pages
March - 1,834 Pages
April - 1,558 Pages
May - 304 Pages
June - 1,346 Pages
July - 799 Pages

So Far as of 2018 the Total Books Read are 36 Books.

Total Books Per Month:

January - 4 Books
February - 7 Books
March - 5 Books
April - 7 Books
May - 3 Books
June - 6 Books
July - 4 Books

What was written and posted in June. Some of the books were read in 2018 and that is way you are see them posted in later months of 2018 as for I choose those dates for the tours. You will that I have Reviews that will be posted this year that go to book that were read before or during the previous month of 2018. Though I am trying to keep up with current reviews with book read this year there are some from back log. I just did not get to write the review. They will be marked.

Want to see all the wraps so far. Take a look Below at the list.

2018 Monthly Wrap Up:

January
February
March
April
May (this is a book off and I miscalculated when i did the wrap up. Sorry, Should have 3 book but only has two)
June

How was your week or month been going? What are you planning on reading for August?

3:33 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Review: The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Vol 4: The Double Dog-Dare

Book Title: The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Vol 4: The Double Dog-Dare
Author: Tony Penn

Genres: Children, Adventure, Social Skills

Series: The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Book #4

ISBN: 1944882219

ISBN 13: 9781944882211

Publisher: Boys Town Press

Publish Date: March 1, 2018 (96 Pages, Paperback)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of each book in the series from the publisher and for an honesty review.

Description: When wealthy new student Zeke moves into the neighborhood, he threatens to steal away Michael's best friend Kenny. Green with envy, Michael challenges Zeke to crazy double-dog dares just to prove he's still top dog and Kenny's best bro. But when harmless dares escalate into bad jokes that hurt others, Michael has to figure out how to make things right again]] or if he even can.

If you are looking for a book that will last a lifetime for your child or children? The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels is a good series to put on their bookshelf or bookshelves? This time I have read “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels, The Double Dog-Dare”.

It about learning what is a true friendship is? It also about respect. It will also teach your child or children about open-mindedness and value of friendships. It talks more about what happens when a dare goes to far.

There are lessons on respecting and what is a true friendship. Michael is faced with this? What to do and how to go about it. It

This book teaches you that lesson. It as teachable moments for your child or children. It also mentions about “The Borrowed Bracelet” and “The Angry Alligator” and “The Creepy Campers”. Those three are books 1, 2 and 3 from this series “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels.”

Children will enjoy the pictures throughout the book. These books are good for younger readers. Parents can read them to your child. This book is a fast read. The lesson is taught through the book.

July 30, 2018

9:26 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Review: The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Vol 3: The Creepy Campers

Book Title: The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Vol 3: The Creepy Campers

Author: Tony Penn

Genres: Children, Adventure, Social Skills

Series: The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Book #3

ISBN: 1944882103

ISBN 13: 9781944882105

Publisher: Boys Town Press

Publish Date: February 15, 2017 (96 Pages, Paperback)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of each book in the series from the publisher and for an honesty review.

Description: The taste of victory becomes so sweet for Michael that he can't stop bending the rules to win the camp challenges even as his guilty conscience grows heavy. Written for children in grades 1-5, The Creepy Campers forces readers to think about their own ethical choices. Is winning at any cost worth it? Tony Penn's expertly-crafted plot twists and sharp dialogue help children clearly see the many real consequences of cheating and deception.

If you are looking for a book that will last a lifetime for your child or children? The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels is a good one to put on their bookshelf or bookshelves? This time i have read “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels, The Creepy Campers”.

It about learning that cheating is not always the best to do. Kids feel the pressure sometime to win and then guess what happens. Sometimes kids start thinking that winning is everything. They may end up cheating from the pressure or the need to always win. Winning is not everything. It fine if you win fairly.

There are lessons on lying and bullying and intimidation. Michael is faced with this? What to do and how to go about it. Lying and bullying and intimidation is not all great either when it all winning and getting prizes.

This book teaches you that lesson. It as teachable moments for your child or children. It also mentions about “The Borrowed Bracelet” and “The Angry Alligator”. Those two are books 1 and 2 from this series “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels.”

July 25, 2018

11:51 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Review: Sharks: A 400 Million Year Journey

Book Title: Sharks: A 400 Million Year Journey
Author: Ted Rechlin
Genres: Nature, Sharks, Animals, Graphic Novel, Science, Action, History
Publisher: Rextooth Studios
Publish Date: 2018-01-02
Disclaimer: I received this book from a publisher of the author for an honesty review. My opinions on the book are my own.
Description: Action! Science! Amazing Art! Epic Showdowns! Experience the history of planet earth as seen through the eyes of the coolest sharks of past and present in this thrilling graphic novel adventure!

From the mind of Ted Rechlin, author and illustrator of Jurassic and Dinosaurs Live!comes the thrilling new epoch-spanning adventure Sharks, a life-science graphic novel adventure. Sharks have been cruising our planet's waters for millions of years. They were here long before humanity and even pre-date the dinosaurs. Rechlin weaves a captivating history of strange and ancient shark species while sharing insights into the distant past of life on Earth. The amazing and action-packed art teaches readers of all ages how these legendary ocean dwellers got their start - and how they developed into the sharks we know today. Educational, fascinating, and beautifully produced, this is the perfect book for budding marine biologists, comic fans, and enthusiasts of these ancient apex predators of the deep.

Sharks: A 400 Million Year Journey, is a fascinating book. Ted does wonderfully with the illustrations. I enjoy the pictures. This teaches about us about sharks and the history of them and the planet. This is an educational book and good to have on your children bookshelves.

This is wonderful graphic novel for children. It got a little bit gore in it but it mild. It shows the behavior of sharks. I like the fact that the book teaches about past sharks and present sharks. It also shows how sharks survived over the past 400 million years.

There are facts about sharks throughout the book. We also learn some new names for some sharks. Some are hard to pronounce the name of them. We get to see the adaptations and different kinds and shapes of sharks throughout the years.

The graphics are done well. It good for those that like graphic novels. Young children and little boys are will enjoy this book. If you are in to the history or sharks or like sharks alone. Boys and girls will enjoy learning about sharks along with their parents with this book. It will keep them entertained for sure.

Author and illustrator Ted Rechlin has been drawing pictures and telling stories since he was three years old. While his drawings have gotten much better, his stories haven't really changed much. They're still about superheroes, bears, wolves, sharks, monsters, and lots of dinosaurs. Ted feels very fortunate to live a life where he now gets paid to draw his pictures and tell his stories. He has contributed his work to many museums, zoos, and publishing companies like DC Comics and Dover Publications. With four of his own educational children's books under his belt, Ted is excited about his newest release distributed by Farcountry Press, the epic earth history of Sharks.

Check out his Facebook I Twitter I Website

July 9, 2018

8:20 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Review: A Widow's Hope

Book Title: A Widow's Hope
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Genres: Christian Fiction, Amish
Series: Indiana Amish Brides (#1)
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publish Date: 2018-07-17 (288 Pages, Paperback)
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author free and for an honesty review.
Description: His scars are visible.Hers are hidden...An Indiana Amish Brides matchAfter tragedy claimed her husband's life and her son's ability to walk, Hannah King doesn't want a new man. She has her family, a home and mounting debts. Scarred Amish bachelor Jacob Schrock offers Hannah the job she desperately needs. But while Hannah helps Jacob resolve his accounting issues, can she and her little boy also heal his wounded heart?

Ever feel like god let you down? Well Hannah seem to think this a little bit when a tragedy take away her husband and her son ability to walk. Hannah not only has to deal with her loss but also her son’s disability.

It really like the way Vanetta Chapman did this. Not a lot of books talk and deal with disability including the Amish. I really do like that. We see how it is with Hannah and we go along for a ride with Hannah as she learn to deal with the emotionally and physical disability.

We see that Amish got to deal with the same problems as those that were Englishers. You should be able to fall back and see the that family and friends will be there to help. We also meet Jacob. Will there be love once again for Hannah and Jacob?

Jakob has to deal with tragedy of his own and his own scars. Will he realise that god loves him as he is. The scars and what he was doing is not his fault. He not only have to deal with his loss and mistakes but leaning on family may help. He seems to hide himself from others. Will Hannah and her son help him find love along with Hannah.

July 5, 2018

4:28 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Review: The Hawaiian Discovery

Book Title: The Hawaiian Discovery
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter
Genres: Christian Fiction, Amish, Romance
Series: Hawaiian (#2)
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Publish Date: 2018-06-01 (256 Pages, Paperback)
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Barbour and from Wanda Clippy Clappy Club for an honesty review
Description: Ellen Lambright mourned when her best friend, Mandy, moved from Indiana to Hawaii. But now Ellen has received the Amish church’s permission to go to Hawaii and help Mandy through challenging times. Rob Smith works on the Williams family’s organic farm, far from his past mistakes and burning regrets. When Ellen befriends Rob, the attraction is mutual, but her commitment to the Amish faith stands between them. Could a heartfelt discovery lead to forgiveness, reunion, and love? Or is Ellen’s destiny waiting for her in Indiana?

Find out in this sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter

Ever wonder what it like to run a bed and breakfast? Well we learn about it a bit though the book of The Hawaiian Discovery. This is only at the beginning. This is where we start out at. Mandy and her husband Ken are the owners of the B and B. Their friend Ellen works there. Ken’s mother calls and we get where they fly back to Hawaii.

We are left Ellen managing the B and B. There are some tragedy and a few surprises along the way. We meet up with Ron and Tavi. We start to learn about Ron. This take place mainly in Hawaii and I do not want to give away the ending.

Ellen get to fly to Hawaii for Emergency and spend time there. What happens and what develops while there is really sweet and surprises all. What find out and discovery will be the reason of the title.

Wanda does a wonderful job writing this book with her daughter in law Jean. What a story this and will Ellen get her wish? Ellen seem to be wanting what all Amish want but will she find it in Hawaii or will she not? You fall in love with the characters as you read the book. This book focus on Mandy and Ken and Ellen mostly.

Is Ron who he says he is or is he someone completely different? What could Ron be hiding, if that even his name. All these mysteries. What happens to Ken?

July 4, 2018

1:27 AM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Spotlight: Liberty Landing by Gail Vida Hamburg

Book Details:

Book Title: Liberty Landing by Gail Vida Hamburg
Category: Adut Fiction, 344 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Mirare Press
Release date: March 2018
Tour dates: July 2 to 20, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 + M (This book contains love scenes, one explicit love scene, and some profanity)

Book Description:

Liberty Landing -- a 2016 Finalist for the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction -- narrates the American Experience of the 21st century through the lives of a polycultural cast of natives, immigrants, and refugees in Azyl Park--a town in the Midwest.

After Angeline Lalande, a journalist and historian, unearths the real meaning of the name, "Azyl," conferred on the town in the 1800s by immigrant-hating politicians, the town elders begin the act of renaming it. During the course of the renaming, we meet the intriguing denizens of the town--survivors, strugglers, and strivers of every race and nationality, see the intersection of their lives, and the ways they find home, heaven, and haven in each other. We learn about the singular journeys that brought them to Azyl Park--a place that both transforms them and is transformed by them.

The larger story of the American Experiment is told through the personal story of Alexander Hamilton, the essential immigrant among the Founding Fathers, as Angeline writes a book about him. By the end of the novel, after Azyl Park is renamed, each of the characters has lost or found something essential.

Liberty Landing is about the personal and the political, family and loss, memory and migration, finding new love and a new home, and about history and the American Experiment. Seminal moments of the American Experience figure in this literary and historical fiction. Inspired by John Dos Passos' USA Trilogy about early 20th century Americans, Liberty Landing is a sweeping, lush, layered saga, set in a vibrant community, with a cast of Americans marked by neuroses, flaws, secrets, unspeakable pasts, humor, warmth, vulnerability, and humanity.

Liberty Landing is Gail Vida Hamburg's love letter to the American Experiment--the first in a trilogy.

To follow the tour, please visit Gail Vida Hamburg's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Audible

Add to Goodreads

Watch the trailer:

Meet the Author:

Gail Vida Hamburg is an award-winning American journalist, author, and museum storyist. She is the author of The Edge of the World (Mirare Press, 2007), a novel about the impact of American foreign policy on individual lives. A nominee for the 2008 James Fenimore Cooper Prize, it is a frequent text in undergraduate post- colonial studies, war studies, and creative writing programs. Born in Malaysia, she spent her teens and twenties in England before migrating to the United States. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Literature and Creative Writing from Bennington Writers Seminars at Bennington College, Vermont. Liberty Landing, the first volume in her trilogy about the American Experience, is her love letter to the great American Experiment.

She lives in Chicago—the setting for Liberty Landing, a finalist for the 2016 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook