Showing posts with label LibaryThing Early Readers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LibaryThing Early Readers. Show all posts

July 3, 2025

Book Review: Too Hurt to Stay

Book Title:
 Too Hurt to Stay
Author: Casey Watson
Genres: Nonfiction, Fostering, Biography, Memoir, Based on a True Story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publisher Date: 23 April 2013 (304 Pages, Paperback)
Series: 
Eight-year-old Spencer takes himself to social services and demands to be taken into care. It’s a desperate act, a cry for help, but his parent’s reaction – good riddance – speaks volumes. Casey’s hackles are immediately up for this poor child. Spencer is the middle child of four siblings. His parents claim all their other kids are ‘normal’ and that Spencer was born ‘vicious and evil’. Casey and her family are disgusted – kids aren’t born evil, they get damaged. Although when vigilante neighbours start to take action and their landlord threatens eviction, Casey is stretched to the limits, trying desperately to hold on to this boy who causes so much pain and destruction. Casey is determined to try and understand what Spencer is going through and help him find the loving home he is so desperately searching for. But it’s only when Spencer’s mother gets in touch with social services for the first time that gradually everything starts to make sense.
Disclaimer: I purchased the book because I had not received it from the publisher, although I won it through LibraryThing Early Readers for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want To Buy: Amazon | BH Publishing Group | Lifeway |
Add To: Goodreads

We are introduced to Casey and her family at the beginning, and we learn that she was on a break when she received a call.
That call seems to be from John, who is a link to some of the children who need help. 
But will Casey and Mike take on this little boy?
We see a boy named Spencer and his way of life. We see he is polite and friendly. However, that may not be all it seems. 

We see Spencer having a side, but he seems to be stealing and taking. However, there is a hole in their bedroom where he is sleeping. What is the cause of Spencer's behaviour?

We see a bit more of Spencer and his behavior. He seems to follow the rules. However, he also has a habit of stealing and taking things that belong to others. 

What could be causing the home to do this? And Why? We see more of Riley and her two children. We also see Kerion and his girlfriend Lauren. Kerion seems to have Asperger's. I'm not sure if we can find that out in one of the author's earlier books. It was a surprise mention in this book.

When Spencer School calls and finds that Spencer may be stealing, I can understand Kieron when he is a bit upset. 
Well, we see what Spencer is up to, and he gets a little weekend away. However, its antics and behavior seem to come to a sudden halt.

When he goes to visit this family, something is off about his mother. And when they come back to get him. He's gone, where did he go, and what about his mother not stopping him? Though Casey may have found something of interest when they came to the door. They want to talk to Kerry's husband. What's going to be like?
 

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August 15, 2024

Book Review: Saved by The Matchmaker

Book Title:
Saved By the Matchmaker
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House.
Publisher Date: 2024-8-6 (352, Pages, E-book)
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction
Series: A Shanahan Match # 2
After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family's reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.

Sullivan O'Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.
Disclaimer: I received this book from LibraryThing Early Readers and this is my own honest review.
Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub |
Add To: Goodreads
Upon discovering this book, I was immediately drawn to its description. I have a penchant for history, especially when it's presented in a way that's not overly serious but still retains a hint of fiction. Having enjoyed the author's previous works, I was eager to delve into Saved by Matchmaker, fully anticipating the same level of personal enjoyment from her unique writing style that I've experienced before.

It is the way it starts, and we meet a daughter named Enya, her father, and her brother. However, when Enya mentions that she is holding a secret that will harm her family's reputation, things get pulled into action when her brother rushes to meet the matchmaker named Bellemy.

We are also introduced to Sullivan O'Brien and his livelihood. Will Sullivan take his father's ultimatum and lose his life? Will I love Enya, and will they indeed find love with each other? Will Enya learn to trust Sullivan, or will she fall back when she compares her new husband to Brian? Will he overcome her trust issues and fall in love with Sullivan?

We see that Sullivan loves to free enslaved people, but will the enslaved person catch him captured? Enya seems to see and want to help her husband, or she has found an enslaved person while on her way back from New Orleans.

There was a fire that caused some boats to be lost. But will Sullivan save him and the enslaved person, or will he be lost to see when he daringly moves to have his boat floating away from other boats? Will he help save another boat so the fire does not spread, or was it someone who started fires? Was it an act of nature?

What does the matchmaker see in Enya? Why does he think Sullivan is a good match for Enya? There seems to be something Belmy sees in Enya, and she is able to see Sullivan as a match. Will it work? Belmy appears to have a knack for matchmaking to have them marry and fall in love.

 
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March 25, 2024

Book Review: Would You Rather?

Book Title:
Would You Rather? Book for Kids 8-12: 350 Challenging Questions, Silly Scenarios, and Hilarious Situations
Author: Anna Avelino
Publisher: Independently Published
Publisher Date: 2023 (144, Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Questions, Silly, Fiction, Children, word games
Series:
Why settle for a boring day when you can sprinkle it with the magic of laughter?
This fantastic book will turn even the gloomiest day into a sunshine-filled fiesta. It will transport readers to a world of bizarre choices and hilarious scenarios that will have both kids and adults snorting, laughing and debating mind-boggling dilemmas.
Within these pages, you'll find over 350 questions that will challenge kids to make imaginative choices while sparking their creativity and sense of humor. It's a gateway to unforgettable family bonding moments, fun sleepovers and memorable road trips. It's an opportunity to get to know your children in a whole new light.
"Would You Rather Book for Kids 8-12" is a must-have for every family:
  • Provides hours of family-friendly fun that sparks children's creativity and challenges their imagination.
  • Stimulates their decision-making skills and critical thinking.
  • Creates cherished family memories filled with laughter and lighthearted fun.
  • Improves intellectual abilities with brain-teasing questions.
  • Expands children's vocabulary.
  • Gives a host family an easy way to engage young guests.
  • Gives the adults a chance to introduce a new family tradition.
  • Serves as a perfect ice-breaker for big parties and events.
  • Encourages multigenerational engagement.
While the wild and wacky choices are sure to provide side-splitting moments, there is more to this book. These scenarios are not just your average run-of-the-mill queries, this hidden gem has plenty of research behind it. Without even realizing it, kids will learn about other countries and cultures, fun destinations, and historical events. Packed with thought-provoking choices, this book is the boundless playground for curious young minds, the ticket to the galaxy of endless opportunities
Disclaimer: I received this book thought LibaryThing Early Readers for an Honesty Review. It is my own.
Want To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bam | Bookbub |
Add To:Goodreads
This book is a collection of silly questions that present two options and ask you to choose one. It is structured into ten chapters, and the author provides some questions that are easier to answer.

Children will enjoy this book as they can ask others their responses. The author also includes some ridiculous questions you may or may not want to choose between.

I enjoyed this book and believe it's not just for kids. While some silly questions provoke thought and can lead to exciting discussions with your children. There's also plenty of laughter to be had with this book.

Some questions made me think, and I explained the reasoning behind my choices. Other times, I would explain why I wouldn't choose either option. While there were some questions I liked, there were also some that I wouldn't say I liked either answer for.

This book is perfect for fun holidays and other occasions. If you're having a dull day, you can pick up this book and ask someone around you what they would choose.

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