THE THANKFUL UNICORN: DREAM

Author: Hayley Rose

Publisher: Flowered Press

Pages: 132

Children’s and Teens’ Coloring Journal

 

 

Synopsis

 

The Thankful Unicorn is a groundbreaking and uplifting coloring journal designed to build confidence, improve self-esteem, calm anxiety, and inspire creativity!

You and your kids will love this 132 page, glittered, hard-bound book filled with whimsical unicorn scenes, positive actions, and motivational quotes that will be sure to delight even the young at heart, leading to a more confident, kind, and creative human.

A great activity to unwind before bed and awake refreshed with a positive attitude. Perfect for ages 5 to adult.

 

 

Amazon * Author’s Website

 

 

 

 

Review

 

Who doesn’t love a journal, especially when it has unicorns throughout?

This journal is perfect for anyone at nearly any age. This would be a great way to start a child off at a young being thankful for what occurred during the day, sharing their dreams and goals, what they love about themselves, and an affirmation for the day. I think for the younger children (say under 7) this would be good to do once a week with them, and for children 8 and older, they could do this a few times a week or daily. Teens and adults could do this daily or as often as they feel they should express their gratitude.

This is also an excellent way to decompress after a long day. The pages are begging to be colored and given life.

So pick up this journal, some coloring pencils or crayons, and remember what to be thankful for in these crazy times.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Hayley has been entertaining and educating children across the country since 2002.

Her range of educational, interactive concept books has earned over 50 national and international book awards and cover subjects ranging from manners and kindness to math and geography, to music and emotions. School presentations include curriculum for teachers grades K-4th. Over the years Hayley has been invited to speak at book stores including Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Bookmans, and for the last few years, Hayley has been a featured author at the Children’s Learning and Play Festival which garners crowds of 10,000 and up.

Hayley was recently interviewed on the Author Learning Center alongside authors Stan Lee and R.L. Stine, and she had the honor of presenting keynote presentations for the Readers Favorite International Book Awards and the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference among others.

Hayley is an active member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, and the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.

 

Twitter * Goodreads * Facebook * Website

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Freedom Speakz and her friends have a fun filled day in the park, as she recounts the story of how her infamous “Generations” speech came to be. In this true tale, she relives the moments from where it all began. As a tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King it was on that day she stood and proclaimed FREEDOM for all to see. No one could have ever imagined that the voice of this little girl in a pink dress would forever change the world!

 

 

Amazon  * B&N

 

 

Review

 

Freedom recounts her experience speaking about Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr’s wife, in an annual event held in Atlanta. She was chosen from her classmates at the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy. The story is told to her classmates and despite having heard the story several times, they ask her to share her experience as if they had never heard what happened that day. Freedom obliges and weaves the tale and teaches us all a little bit about the woman behind the man that called for change.

Her strength and confidence jump off the page and despite being a little nervous, Freedom was thrilled with the opportunity to share information about Mrs. King and everything she did in her life and to support her husband. I learned from this book that Mrs. King was also a singer and an author.

The illustrations are colorful and depict the Kings and Freedom throughout the book which adds dimension to the story.

This book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom of young readers for them to learn a little more about this time in our history.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Authors

 

Freedom Speakz, born Freedom Jah’an Archie, is the petite but larger than life, multi-talented artist and Atlanta, Georgia native. She is a seventh-grader currently attending Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

As her name suggests, Freedom Speakz is a free-spirited young lady, who never misses an opportunity to fascinate audiences both big and small.

Freedom’s love for the arts parallels her love of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). At just twelve years old, she is young yet fierce and confident.

 

Chizelle’ T. Archie, is a native of Mobile, Alabama. She bursts on the literary scene in 2010 when she penned her debut novel, “The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond, in which the sequel shortly followed. “His Grace, His Blood, His Mercy! ”Chizelle’ is a mother to the joy of her life Freedom Jah’an A.K.A. Freedom Speakz, as well as a Registered Nurse. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Freedom Speakz Facebook * Chizelle’ T. Archie Facebook * Website

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

A bride with three grooms? What could possibly go wrong?

When jilted grooms from the bride’s first two weddings show up at her beach wedding to groom number three, there’s definitely trouble on the horizon. Someone won’t be leaving the wedding alive.

A Beach Wedding To Die For is the second standalone mystery in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series. The series follows Beck O’Rourke and her grandmother, Miss Alice, who own Beach Reads bookstore and coffee shop, a gathering place for locals and tourists a block off the ocean in Manatee Beach, Florida. They live above the bookstore with Beck’s feisty younger sister, Lizzie, a lifeguard.

Beck is determined to follow her lifelong dream of being a detective, but the amateur sleuth keeps butting heads with handsome Manatee Beach Police Department detective Devon Mathis. Will she have to give up one passion for the other?

 

 

 

 

Review

 

Beck is back in this new cozy set in Manatee Beach, Florida. Beck has always wanted to be a police detective but is a bit shy when it comes to public speaking. Instead, she runs a book shop and cafe with her grandmother. Her sister, Lizzie, also lives with them but she is a lifeguard on the beach. And I can’t forget to mention Cocquita, their Great Dane, that has a nose for who is good and who is not so nice.

The story opens and Beck has been roped into being a bridesmaid (yet again) for a childhood friend, Amelia. Now what is unusual is that this is Amelia’s 3rd wedding in about 3 years. Don’t get me wrong, she never actually married the guys in the first two weddings, she dumped them at the altar. So here she goes, perhaps 3rd time is the charm? All goes well until Amelia is stabbed at the wedding reception with the cake knife. The pool of suspects is not large and I have to admit, I really didn’t know who to suspect so when the killer was revealed I was surprised. I suppose I shouldn’t have been all things considered (motive etc) but it was a character that wasn’t on my radar.

I enjoyed the story and following the clues to try and unearth the killer. As I said, I was surprised at the reveal but also what happened after that. I obviously am not going to tell you, you’ll have to read the book to find out. Let’s just say I thought it was a bit out of the ordinary.

I was happy to see that Beck and Devon were still trying to work out a relationship of some sort. I’m sure Beck’s involvement did not make his job easier as the detective on the case. I have to admire that Devon kept his lips sealed when it came to information regarding the case, but that in turn made Beck dig her heels in and more determined to figure out who killed Amelia.

There are many light-hearted moments that made me laugh, especially with Jason, the best man. He is quite the flirt but Beck is having nothing to do with him….but it does make a certain police detective a bit jealous.

Overall, we give this book 4 paws up and can’t wait until the next book is out in early 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Judy Moore is the author of the popular thriller, “The Mother-in-Law,” as well as three mystery novels: “Somebody in the Neighborhood,” “Murder in Vail,” and “Murder at the Country Club.” She has also written numerous novellas, including the Christmas anthology “Christmas Interrupted,” which contains three novellas: “Airport Christmas,” “The Holiday House Sitter,” and “The Hitchhiker on Christmas Eve.” She has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida and worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine feature writer, and publications editor for several years. A former tennis pro, Ms. Moore’s writing background also includes sports writing, and athletes from various sports are sprinkled throughout some of her novels. A lifelong resident of Florida, she currently resides in Vero Beach.

 

Goodreads * Amazon

 

 

Synopsis

 

A bond so strong that the gate to Rainbow Bridge can’t hold it back.

 

As veterinarian Michelle Catalano helps other people’s ailing animals earn their angel wings, she tries not to think about the empty cat perch in her own home. Or the empty side of her bed, grown cold since her boyfriend left town.

Then a pet psychic’s uncannily accurate reading leaves Michelle with more questions than the answers she thought were set in stone. And warnings so dark, she wishes she still had her cat at her side to cuddle the fear away.

When a brutal murder devastates Michelle and her family, the detective working the case is her only anchor. And soon, she’s turning to Bruce for the comfort that could heal her broken heart.

But there are too many unanswered questions about the killer, causing Michelle to secretly investigate on her own. Will Michelle’s search for answers spell her doom, or deliver help from the animal afterlife above?

 

 

 

 

Praise

 

“When the Time Is Right is a women’s fiction murder mystery filled with heartbreak and hope. Perfect for fans of A Street Cat Named Bob, The Art of Racing in the Rain, and animal lovers who have experienced the powerful connection between themselves and their furry friends.” ~ bestselling author Deborah Brown

“A story for people who believe our pets watch over us after they are gone.” ~ K.Phelps/Reader

“Our book club loved When the Time Is Right. It was a unique tale of tragedy, healing after loss, with a sprinkle of the supernatural. It totally stole our hearts!” ~ J. Nelson/Reader

 

 

Review

 

If you are looking for a light read, do not pick up this book. But if you are looking for a book that will punch your soul then by all means read this one.

This book is billed as a mystery, and while there are some mystery aspects, I really felt like it was a book about family and surviving a tragedy. You can really feel the grief from the various characters and the various stages. I appreciated that they sought solace in each other and in a support group too.

Michelle is a veterinarian that has decided to move into home euthanasia for those pets that are ready to cross the rainbow bridge.  I wish I had someone like her a few years ago when it was time for ours to cross. Each story is heartbreaking but cathartic at the same time. I like how she eventually asks them to share a funny story about their pet. What a great way to bring back some happy memories for the pet owners. I think it also helps her miss her cat a little less. I found it interesting that she spoke to a psychic that shared some details with her about her cat, Blackjack, and how he was going to help her. Granted it was a little vague because if we knew exactly how life was going to turn out it wouldn’t be interesting. Anyway, I say this because I spoke to a psychic when my first dog passed. It was quite an interesting experience.

I enjoyed the closeness of Michelle to her mom and twin sister. They only had each other after her father passed away when she was younger and despite all, they remained close even to the present. A tragedy could have easily torn them all apart, but it actually brought them closer.

I was intrigued by the mystery aspect and wondered if the crime would be solved. It was hard on everyone in the family and I appreciated the grief support group that they attended to try and get through what happened. Now, I have to say when the perpetrator of the crime was uncovered, I don’t know that it was really known if this person was guilty or not. Events occurred that don’t allow us to truly know the answer. But Michelle did receive some closure to the crime.

There is even a bit of romance for Michelle and I appreciated that they took it slow and took the time to get to know one another especially after the crime threw them together.

This was a very enjoyable book but definitely sad and perhaps a bit heavy considering the subject matter. But we still enjoyed it and give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kim Cano is the author of five women’s fiction novels: A Widow Redefined, On the Inside, Eighty and Out, His Secret Life, and When the Time Is Right. Readers say her books are about strong women who struggle but survive, hard-won second chances, family life, and friendship.

Kim has also written a short story collection called For Animal Lovers. 10% of the sale price of that book is donated to the ASPCA® to help homeless pets.

Visit her website to download a free copy of The Rescue.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis

 

A sweet and sassy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson!

Captain Ava Capp has been flying from her past for a decade. She’d much rather leave it, and her home state, behind forever. But when she finds herself back in Minnesota, against her better judgment, everything goes sideways in a way she never expected it to.

M.E. Dr. Tom Baker has never forgotten Ava and the cold case she ran away from. When she shows up unexpectedly in town, in spite of himself, sparks fly. Which is terrible because he can’t stop his growing attraction to her. Can these two Type-A’s let their guards down and work together to put Ava’s tragic past behind her for good? And keep their hands off each other at the same time?

 

 

Amazon * B&N * BAM * Kobo

 

 

Review

 

This book made me giggle with all of the tropes and kept me enthralled with the mystery of who killed Danielle ten years ago and why was it resurfacing?

I had read a previous book in this “series” that was ok, not horrible but not great. So I was a little hesitant to read this book but am glad since I was pleasantly surprised. I loved Hannah, the precocious niece of Dr. Tom Baker, the ME for the town in Minnesota. She is just a little too smart for her own good, but she helps keep Tom grounded…most of the time. I loved the nerdy talk from Tom and Hannah and even Ava.

The tropes are what kept me in stitches – yes everything was expected when it came to the characters, but it all worked in my mind. G.B. and India are two hoots on top of everything else.

The romance between Ava and Tom took time to grow but when they finally came together, sparks galore.  They had some missteps but it worked well into the storyline.  It was interesting that they were both interested in the macabre of Minnesota.

 

“Who knew the capital of Minnesota was such a hotbed of exotic/weird murders?”

 

There are remnants of the previous book at the beginning and the end involving Blake from the 2nd book. I like how it was tied together to create a flow from one story to the next even though they were not intertwined.

We give this book 4 1/2 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

MaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular Undead series and is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

When Hayden was a child, she lost her cat. Adults told her the cat ran away, but she knew the truth. The mirror had taken her. She knew because the mirror had given her a glimpse of an alternate world and had nearly pulled her in, so she was certain the cat had suffered that fate.

Twenty years later Hayden discovers the secret of the mirror when she is thrust into it. She learns of a world she never knew existed, and a family she never knew she had. But danger brought her here, and it followed her. Now, Hayden is on a mission to remove the threat, so that she can begin her magical, meaningful new life in this enchanted world.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This is a new series that is bound to be a smashing success for this author. It may be her first foray into fiction writing, but she definitely shows us what she can do in the fictional world.

The book starts off somewhat eerie and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the prologue other than I was intrigued. We are tossed into Hayden’s world where we learn she is not a morning person (don’t talk to her until she has had her first cup of tea), has a love for cats, and an amazing support system with her best friend and grandmother and great grandmother. Her parents are long gone, or so she thinks until she is pulled into a magical world that introduces her to her brother, father, and his parents. What a crazy day that was for her to find out the true story of what happened to her father. On top of that, she can communicate with her cat, Sassy, who now wants to be called Princess Latifa.

Destiny Falls is a world unto itself and her family, the Caldwells, are the keepers of this town. The town is magical and continually rearranges itself to fit what Hayden, or anyone else, needs. All is going well until someone is murdered and Hayden is determined to discover who the killer is and why. There is a lot of effort displayed throughout the book to portray the town, the Caldwell family, and the other citizens. Quirky is probably an understatement to describe the Caldwell family. Outside of Hayden’s brother, her half-siblings are all named after shades of blue – Indigo, Sapphire, and Cobalt.  Their mother is Jade and that might have played a part in their names.

Caldwell Manor is another interesting facet of Destiny Falls. This is where Hayden is staying while she adjusts to the town. The house seems to sense what each person needs and provides it to them. Now if we could all have a home like that! The staff is rarely seen but there is one person, Cleobella, that is fascinating and I loved the descriptions of her each time Hayden saw her. The outfits and the glitter made me giggle.

The mystery itself kept me guessing and just when I thought I knew who the killer was, BAM, a twist. I was quite surprised at the reveal and never would have suspected this character. The author did a good job of keeping this character out of the spotlight and while I thought this character was a bit odd, I would never have thought them possible of the crimes. Shows you what I know!

The mystery does seem like a minor part of the story until near the end. With the magical aspect, it does take a lot to build up this world because it isn’t like going to another small town. Well, it is but it isn’t. There is a couple of potential love interests for Hayden and while there is a peek into what might happen in future books, we still don’t know what will occur since it would seem that Hayden would want to return to our world and her friends and family. I’m sure you are wondering where they think she is….Denmark, on a research trip. This does seem a little farfetched that Hayden would take off on a moment’s notice for another country and not tell anyone where she is going until she gets there. But, Hayden had to come up with something because she cannot tell them where she really is at that moment. In fact, the computer servers won’t let her spill those details.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and do recommend it. I am curious to see what is in store next for Hayden.  We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives near Seattle and is the mother of four and nana to one. This is her first work of fiction.

 

NoCrySolution​.com | Facebook | Pinterest

 

Instagram |  WordPress | Amazon

 

 

Synopsis

 

A fresh exploration of American feminist history told through the lens of the beauty pageant world.

Many predicted that pageants would disappear by the 21st century. Yet they are thriving. America’s most enduring contest, Miss America, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2020. Why do they persist? In Here She Is, Hilary Levey Friedman reveals the surprising ways pageants have been an empowering feminist tradition. She traces the role of pageants in many of the feminist movement’s signature achievements, including bringing women into the public sphere, helping them become leaders in business and politics, providing increased educational opportunities, and giving them a voice in the age of #MeToo.

Using her unique perspective as a NOW state president, daughter to Miss America 1970, sometimes pageant judge, and scholar, Friedman explores how pageants became so deeply embedded in American life from their origins as a P.T. Barnum spectacle at the birth of the suffrage movement, through Miss Universe’s bathing beauties to the talent- and achievement-based competitions of today. She looks at how pageantry has morphed into culture everywhere from The Bachelor and RuPaul’s Drag Race to cheer and specialized contests like those for children, Indigenous women, and contestants with disabilities. Friedman also acknowledges the damaging and unrealistic expectations pageants place on women in society and discusses the controversies, including Miss America’s ableist and racist history, Trump’s ownership of the Miss Universe Organization, and the death of child pageant-winner JonBenet Ramsey.

Presenting a more complex narrative than what’s been previously portrayed, Here She Is shows that as American women continue to evolve, so too will beauty pageants.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * IndieBound

 

 

Review

 

If you grew up watching the Miss America pageant, or even the Miss USA pageant, then this book might be of interest to you. The book is chock full of history about how the pageants came to be, their predecessors, and what has been achieved through the decades to improve the pageant and the women that participated. The pageant world is not without scandal or the whims of what men wanted or expected from such shows. But, as with most everything else, the pageants have improved and are not simply a beauty contest. They focus on real-world issues and the women have had to move along with the times to improve themselves and the society around them.

I vaguely recall the small town that I attended for high school having a pageant. I don’t know if the winner actually went on to compete in Miss Texas or not and since I know a past winner, I should ask her if she competed. I remember the fancy gowns and the talent portion from my attendance at the event and even though I was the same age as these women, I had no desire to be a part of this world. That didn’t stop me from enjoying watching it on television growing up, trying to guess who might be chosen, and being amazed at the talents these women possessed.

The author did a wonderful job of researching the book. There are many notations for where the information was gathered and you could spend hours just looking up the articles and other information. There are a few spots with incorrect information, some I noticed and others I learned from other reviews, but overall I thought the history was intriguing and never would have guessed that P.T Barnum had beauty contests as part of his show.

The book is not fast-paced due to the amount of information presented within its covers. But the look into feminism and how it got its start, women seeking something better, and even the #MeToo movement references are mind-boggling. I enjoyed all of the stories and how this all played into our history.

Overall we give this 3 1/2 paws and if you were ever in a pageant or just curious how it has progressed to what we have today, then this book will definitely fill in the gaps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Hilary Levey Friedman is the author of Here She Is: The Complicated Reign of the Beauty Pageant in America. She is a sociologist at Brown University, where she has taught a popular course titled “Beauty Pageants in American Society.” She is a leading researcher in pageantry, merging her mother’s past experiences as Miss America 1970 with her interests as a glitz- and glamour-loving sometimes pageant judge, and a mentor to Miss America 2018. Friedman also serves as the president of the Rhode Island chapter of the National Organization for Women. Her first book, Playing to Win, focused on children’s competitive afterschool activities.

 

Website * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook

 

 

 

 

Second chances start when a hardened criminal crosses paths with a precocious little girl who is helped by an angel to change hearts during the holiday season.

 

I was asked to watch and review this movie. What they should have said, is to have a box of tissue by your side because you will be blubbering like a baby.  This story is gut-wrenching and touching all at the same time. It is a perfect movie for the holidays because it reminds us that life is about faith and where that faith can take you if you will only believe.

The actress that plays Lucy Shimmer is darling and she is full of faith that her parents have taught her. Her faith is incredibly strong and she sees only the good in people and wants them to know that they are loved.  This is especially true of Edgar, the prisoner in the hospital with failing kidneys.

Lucy is loved by her family but they don’t always believe her especially when she tells them she can see Grandpa Jackson who died the previous year. He is definitely an angel watching over Lucy. He is even her partner in crime when she is hospitalized with pneumonia and Lucy realizes that the sad man in her dreams is none other than Edgar. Grandpa Jackson helps create diversions so that Lucy can get into his room and talk to him and encourage him to not give up on life, even though she doesn’t realize that is what she is doing.

While I suspected how the movie would end, it still didn’t stop the onslaught of tears running down my face.

Definitely, a must-watch for the holiday season, or really any time of the year.

We give this movie 5 paws up!

 

 

 

 

IMDB

 

Free to watch on Amazon Prime

 

Purchase the DVD on Amazon

 

 

 

 

Press Release

 

ROB DIAMOND’S NEW FEATURE FILM LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE ANNOUNCES RELEASE

-Film debuts on Amazon Prime on Black Friday, Nov. 27 and Living Scriptures on Dec. 4

 

Salt Lake City – Writer, Director, and Producer Rob Diamond announced today that his new film, LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE will be released on Amazon Prime on Black Friday, November 27, and then on Living Scriptures on Friday, December 4.

LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE is Diamond’s 15^th feature film and was produced completely in Utah early in 2020. “I can truly say that this is my favorite film I’ve ever made,” said Diamond. “The inspiration for the film came from a dream I had and then the story and the entire production came together absolutely seamlessly.”

LUCY SHIMMERS tells the story of five-year-old Lucy and the incredible influence she has on those around her, especially hardened criminal Edgar. Lucy, with the help of her guardian angel, create miracles that change his heart and inspire a second chance in his life.

The film features mostly local talent, including Shawn Stevens as Grandpa Jackson, Adam Hightower as James Shimmers, and Florencia Stevens as Isabelle Shimmers. In addition, the film stars well-known actor Vincent Vargas (THE MAYANS) and newcomer Scarlett Diamond in the title role of Lucy.

Scarlett Diamond just so happens to be the granddaughter of filmmaker Rob Diamond.
“Granted I’m biased, but Scarlett was absolutely incredible. She is only five-years-old and this was her first major speaking role and she proved she’s a natural!” proclaimed Diamond.

In addition to writing, directing, and producing, Diamond also operates an acting studio and many of the actors in the film are current and former Diamond students. The film was shot entirely on location in Salt Lake City and Heber, Utah early in 2020. “Our last day of filming was literally the day before Utah shut down in March because of the pandemic,” said Diamond.

 

 

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

From author Kia Abdullah, Take It Back is a harrowing and twisting courtroom thriller that keeps you guessing until the last page is turned.

One victim.

Four accused.

Who is telling the truth?

Zara Kaleel, one of London’s brightest legal minds, shattered the expectations placed on her by her family and forged a brilliant legal career. But her decisions came at a high cost, and now, battling her own demons, she has exchanged her high profile career for a job at a sexual assault center, helping victims who need her the most. Victims like Jodie Wolfe.

When Jodie, a sixteen-year-old girl with facial deformities, accuses four boys in her class of an unthinkable crime, the community is torn apart. After all, these four teenage defendants are from hard-working immigrant families and they all have proven alibis. Even Jodie’s best friend doesn’t believe her.

But Zara does—and she is determined to fight for Jodie—to find the truth in the face of public outcry. And as issues of sex, race and social justice collide, the most explosive criminal trial of the year builds to a shocking conclusion.

 

 

 

Macmillan * Books-A-Million

 

Barnes & Noble * Amazon

 

 

Praise

 

“Riveting, thought-provoking legal thriller… Abdullah is definitely a writer to watch.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review

 

“Abdullah has done an exemplary job of character development and is especially good at ratcheting up suspense as the trial proceeds.” – Booklist, starred review

 

“A thought-provoking and sparklingly intelligent novel, with the welcome bonus of an unguessable ending.” —The Telegraph

 

 

Review

 

This book hits a number of “hot” topics and if you are afraid of reality then this isn’t the book for you. But if you are willing to take a dive into a hotbed of topics then you just might like this book.

The one thing I have never liked about someone accusing another of sexual assault or rape is that it is a woman and no one seems to believe her. She must have “done something” to encourage the attack which is never the case. In this novel, Jodie is a teenager with a deformity that is attacked by four boys from her school. She is white and they are brown and Muslim on top of that. What shocked me was how much the boys’ community assumed they were innocent. Yes, it is a case of he said, she said, but why would one girl accuse four boys if it didn’t happen? But perhaps their community is no different than any other in presuming innocence of their own.

Zara is the advocate for Jodie and supports her in her quest for the truth. But is everything that Jodie tells her the truth? There are many half-truths that come to light in the course of the investigation and the trial. It is hard to know who to believe and what actually happened that night. Zara believes Jodie, but there are times where she wonders what might have really happened that night. Zara has her own demons to battle including drug dependency, a failed marriage, a dysfunctional family from an outsider’s point of view but what culture seems to dictate as normal for them.

As I traversed this novel and learned more at every turn, I too wondered what was the truth and how the trial would play out. Only in the end do we really discover the truth of what happened that night to Jodie but the journey there is hard to endure.

I think I felt sadness for Zara and her life. She was forced into a marriage she didn’t want due to the culture of her family and when she wanted out it was nearly impossible to move on and garner the support of her family. On top of that, when they discover she is working on this case they feel like she is turning her back on her community by supporting someone that is accusing four Muslim boys of rape. I was a little surprised that they thought she should believe the boys innocent just because they were like her, brown and Muslim.

The Muslim community was brutal to Zara because she fought for the truth. She was attached and belittled at every turn. I can’t even imagine how I would feel in her shoes.

This is a powerhouse novel that hits so many hot topics at once. It will keep you in its grips until the very end.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

KIA ABDULLAH is an author and travel writer. She has contributed to The Guardian, BBC, Channel 4 News, and The New York Times. Kia currently travels the world as one half of the travel blog Atlas & Boots, which receives over 200,000 views per month.

 

Author Website * Instagram * Twitter

 

Facebook * GoodReads

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Inspired by family stories.

Ming wishes for three things at Christmas. First, to sing in the school Christmas choir. Second, to have a Christmas tree like the one in the department store window. And third, to feel she belongs somewhere.

As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is often treated differently than other children at school. She’s pointedly not invited to sing in the Christmas choir. At home, when Ming lobbies her parents for a Christmas tree, her mother scolds her for trying to be American. Ming doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere: she’s not quite American enough at school, not quite Chinese enough at home.

Seeing his daughter’s unhappiness, Pop takes her into the mountains to visit a wise old friend. Always happy for an adventure with her kind father, Ming hopes to persuade Pop to bring home a mountain pine to be their Christmas tree. But he has something else in mind, something that will help Ming draw strength from nature, from their Chinese heritage, and from deep and enduring family ties.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

I love stories that are aimed towards children to teach them about history but end up teaching adults something as well.

This story is set in the 1930s and features Ming, a Chinese girl, set in a town in California. She doesn’t fit in and has very few wishes, but what she wants more than anything is to sing in the choir at school and have a Christmas tree. However, Mom says no, and Dad agrees with her. But what Ming doesn’t expect is to take a trip with her dad to meet some friends of her grandfather and learn about her heritage. There is even a surprise for Ming at the end of the journey.

The story is educational and inspirational as we follow Ming throughout her day.

Let’s talk about the illustrations. The illustrator does an amazing job of portraying Ming’s story and the 1930s. I like that the inside front cover reflects the town of Merced City, California, where this story is set. There are even key landmarks of what the town looked like in those days.  The back inside cover shows the route that Ming and her father take to visit the family friends in Mariposa Grove.  Each picture that graces the pages of the story is full of life and color. There is one page that depicts intricate carvings in the cabin at Mariposa Grove.

This is a wonderful story to educate young minds about other cultures and history.  We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Susan L. Gong is a former teacher of Mandarin Chinese. She holds a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing. She and her family have lived in Asia, Europe, and North America.

 

About the Illustrator

 

Mashario Tateishi is a professional artist who specializes in digital and traditional painting and illustration. He also does calligraphy, graphic design, and mural painting. He was born and raised in Sasebo, Japan, next to a beautiful mountain and waterway. He lives in Fukoka, Japan.

 

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