About my blog


When I was a little girl, I struggled to read. Reading did not come naturally to me; however, over the last 30 years I have become an avid reader, I love books. I love LDS (Latter Day Saint) Historical fiction, I love romance, I love biographies, I love stories of hope, and ways to help. I will post books that I have read, ones that have warmed my heart and given me hope!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Beau and the Beanstalk

 About the Book:

Beau and the Beanstalk is being released as a revolutionary Interactive App. Children will be able to read along with the text as Lee Baker narrates the story as well as hear the characters speak as they interact on their PC, Mac, ipad, iphone, Android pad, Android phone or Kindle Fire.

Author Lee Baker created a fun new book for children of all ages to enjoy. A reverse on the classic tale, Jack and the Beanstalk, Baker's Children's book Beau and the Beanstalk is about an adolescent giant who is ridiculed in a magical kingdom in the clouds and climbs down a beanstalk to meet Jack, a hack-magician with a love of fire tricks, who will do anything to be the star of the circus.


This book is an instant hit with parents and educators. The book teaches values like overcoming difficulties, taking care of mistakes, standing up to bullies and choosing the right friends. The illustrations will immediately draw the reader into the story.
About the Author:

Lee Baker is the President of Paralight Films, a film development company and Sandman Studios a visual effects and animation company. Lee has taught courses at UCLA Extension, Loyola Marymount University, the University of Utah and the Utah Education Network in the subjects of English, Writing, Educational Technology and Digital Video Editing. He is a producer of the upcoming film Lundon’s Bridge and the three Keys and is the author of the novel Speed of Light and the illustrated books Humbug, A Christmas Carol and Beau and the Beanstalk. Lee earned a degree in English at the University of Utah and currently lives in Utah with is wife and their five children.

My Review:

I received a copy of this book for my iPad, it was a fun interactive book that my children each took turns reading and playing with. The illustrations were clean and crips on the iPad. Each page has interactive characters that talk and then also an interactive reader. I didn't actually read the book I listend to it beign ready to me. I wanted to enjoy it as my children did. I believe that everyone should be read to at some point in their life.

The story a take on the old Jack and the beanstalk, but with a twist...a modern day twist. The story life was good and showed that everyone has choices in life.

My children loved this book and I would recommend this book for anyone who wishes to learn about others and how to handle life situations. Mr Baker found a purpose and reason for doing what he did. For allowing the reader to take a journy with Jack and Beau!

I would recommend this book with a 4 star. I was given a free copy of this book to review from Media Guests and was not paid in any way for my comments.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Summer of Anger, Summer of Peace

 About the Book:

Summer of Anger, Summer of Peace is an inspirational story that will make the reader laugh, cry, and examine just how precious life really is. Written by Rick Dean, Dennis’s brother, this true-life story comes alive with firsthand accounts of Dennis’s struggles and triumphs while living with Muscular Dystrophy. It is doubtful that you could read this story and not be changed and encouraged to make a difference. If you are looking for a story that has all of the elements of life, and one that will give you a new perspective on what you may be currently going through, do not miss this uplifting biography.


About the Author:

Rick Dean was born in Denver, Colorado and spent his youth exploring the adventures of life side by side with his brother, Dennis. Dennis, because of his disease, required someone to be with him at all times, from the time he was eight years old. Much of that responsibility fell to Rick who was grateful for the assignment to always tag along with his older brother.

Having spent a lifetime as a caregiver and as an observer of personal trial, he offers insight on daily life with loved ones afflicted with a devastating disease. Rick was much impressed with Dennis and his ability to overcome just by making the decision to better his life and then work at improving it on a daily basis. Rick learned that people can change. He learned that helping hands are needful and appreciated. Most of all, he learned that life can be a wonderful thing even in the most dire situations if we allow ourselves the blessing of enjoying the journey.

Rick Dean lives with his sweetheart on the Wasatch Front in Utah. He loves every opportunity to share the inspirational story of his brother, Dennis. Rick is currently working on other inspiring life stories.

My Review:

Summer of Anger, Summer of Peace is a true story of two brothers, the main character Dennis has Muscular Dystrophy. As the story evolves the brothers Rick who wrote the book and Dennis go through many of life's challenges by each others side.

Mr. Dean took great care to make sure that this story was authentic of his relationship with his brother Dennis. The story not only is about Dennis accepting his reality of Muscular Dystrophy, but the story is also about a brothers love, struggles, and all that two people can go through. As we the reader watches Rick take on the role of caretaker to his older brother, we are taking on a journey unlike any journey I have ever had the pleasure of taking. This story sometimes feels more than just a story of Dennis, it also feels like a story of Rick who is a devoted brother, who by no fault of his own has a myriad of feelings as well.

This story will pull on the heartstrings, and cause you to laugh, smile and break ones heart. I cried, I laughed, and I took in what this story had to offer. Once anyone reads this book they are a better person for having taken this journey with the author and his brother Dennis from childhood to adults. I highly recommend this story of great courage and brotherhood. I realized as I read about Dennis' change of heart in his summer of peace, all the ways that Dennis had chosen to do for others. This only made me rethink what I am doing in my life to be more helpful and accepting of others. I enjoyed this story so much, I will recommend it to my book club for next years reading.

I recommend this book for anyone. I give this story a 4 start. Thank you to Ballyhoo Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. I was not paid for my review. The comments are mine.

Sandie

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise

Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise

 What a fun time of year to review books, I am thankful to Media Guests for allowing me the opporutnity to review this book. The words are my own, I was not paid for the review, instead I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review.

About the Book:
You are meeting one of the greatest secrets in my toyshop: an Els Mere elf! His name is Kirby Puckernut, and he’s full of Christmas Magic…        – Santa

Kirby Puckernut is Santa’s cleverest little elf. While dreaming up marvelous toys for good girls and boys, Kirby has his best idea yet – a real elf in every home, all through the holidays, spreading Christmas Magic! Santa finds the perfect family and allows Kirby to serve as the test elf for the first momentous
visit.

From December 1st through Christmas Eve, Kirby travels each night to Els Mere to make toys and bring news to Santa, and returns to the family each morning with notes from Santa and other surprises.
Fun and adventure are at every turn, but not everything goes as planned…  Will Kirby’s idea be a success?
Bring the character and warmth of author Alicia Richardson’s holiday creation into your home this Christmas season. Kirby is a tradition the whole family will adore. Celebrate Christmas this year, and for many years to come, with Kirby Puckernut and the Els Mere elves!

About the Author:
Alicia Richardson has created a new Christmas classic with her children’s book, Kirby Puckernut and the Christmas Surprise.
Alicia Richardson resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and four children. She has always had a flair for storytelling, and has given life to a special little elf named Kirby Puckernut.
From Alicia:

This magical story came about when Santa sent one of his elves, Kirby Puckernut, to live in our home at Christmastime. Kirby was creative, very fun and persistent. It wasn’t enough for him to simply observe our family and help deliver my children’s gifts – he wanted to get to know them. Our family has enjoyed the magical days of Kirby’s visits year after year.
Come share in our tradition – invite Kirby and the Els Mere elves into your home this Christmas season!

My Review:

The story of Kirby is a heart warming tale about an Elf who spread Christmas magic. Going between Els Mere and the home of a family the Harborsen's who needed to be reminded of what Christmas is all about, especially their 13 year old daughter Izzie. The storyline is a fun creative way to bring magic into any home that reads this book. This book with the beautifully illustrated pictures, glossy pages is an wonderful book to add to any Christmas reading Collection. I read this to my children ages 11, 10 and 6, they thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I would highly recommend this book with 4 stars, because the story is that well done. I would recommend this book to any family young or old. Grandparents should also have this book in the home to read to their grandchildren. 

If you would like to know more, you can go to Kirby's website here. Or Like the Facebook page of Kirby here.

Additionally, Alicia Richardson, author of Kirby Puckernut, hopes that you will share in another of her family traditions. Support Kenya Keys as they build educational opportunities in rural Africa. For every book sold $1 will be donated to Kenya Keys.  Kenya Keys provides scholarships, builds schools and libraries, and creates leadership opportunities in an area where learning is as treasured as water. Kenya Keys has been helping African youth via educational outreach since 2005.