Tag: reviews

Tummy Rumble Quake by Heather L. Beal

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Author Heather L. Beal has another hit children’s book in the book, Tummy Rumble Quake, a fun and education story that focuses on the danger and cause of earthquakes. Here’s the synopsis:

Lily and Niko Rabbit’s childcare class learns about the Great ShakeOut™ and about earthquakes. They learn what causes earthquakes and how an earthquake feels like shaking and sounds like a really loud tummy rumble. They practice the three safety steps of drop, cover, and hold on. At the end of the day they know how to be safe during an earthquake.

Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about earthquake safety in a non-frightening way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe and be prepared should an earthquake happen.

What another fantastic children’s book from the author. Filled with beautiful artwork once more, the story does a great job of educating children on what causes earthquakes and how to stay safe in the event one occurs. It allows children to open their minds up and educate themselves on the way nature works and how our planet functions on a basic level. The comparisons made in the book will be sure to delight parents and children alike, and the writing is beautifully crafted to highlight the best of this genre.

Overall this was another great read in the children’s book genre. Filled with incredible imagery and a great cast of characters children will be able to relate to, parents will not want to miss this opportunity to educate their children in such a creative and fun way on earthquakes. It will keep them better prepared and will also delight them with the fantastic images. If you haven’t yet, but sure to pick up your copies of Tummy Rumble Quake by Heather L. Beal today!

Rating: 10/10

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Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal

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Author Heather L. Beal delights parents and children alike with her education and fun read, Elephant Wind. Here’s the synopsis:

Lily and Niko Rabbit’s childcare class is at the elementary school science fair when a tornado warning happens. They learn how a tornado looks like an elephant trunk and sounds like a train. They also learn where they can go to be safe. When they find out the tornado damaged a neighbor’s house, they come together to help in their own charming way.

Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about tornados in a non-scary way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe should a tornado happen.

The beautiful artwork combined with the educational look at the dangers of tornadoes blend perfectly in this quick read. Parents will love the fun way the book teaches children about the natural disaster, utilizing an elephant to showcase what a tornado does. I also enjoyed seeing the students banding together to help those in need, giving children a lesson not only in how to handle a dangerous situation, but in helping their fellow man. The writing was fantastic, illustrating both literally and figuratively the life lessons children need in order to be prepared, and educating them for the future.

Overall this was a great children’s book! A quick paced yet well developed story filled with educational moments parents and children alike will love, this is a must read for any parent out there for their children, and it’s clear that the author has a firm command of this genre. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal today!

Rating: 10/10

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State of Emergency by Mary Hallberg Review

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A teen concert goes horribly awry when a shocking zombie virus is unleashed, and one teenage girl must lead her friends towards safety with only a pizza cutter as a weapon. Can the teens survive the zombie apocalypse? Find out in author Mary Hallberg’s State of Emergency. Here’s the synopsis:

17-year-old Dallas Langdon is fighting off zombies with a pizza cutter.

Dallas has always loved zombie movies. But when she catches a real live (erm, dead) musician eating a man’s intestines backstage after the show, she knows her movies have become a reality. And what do characters in zombie movies do? Seek shelter. Fortunately, Dallas’s eccentric uncle owns a farmhouse in Chattanooga, an eight hour drive from New Orleans. It’s on top of a steep mountain, surrounded by electric fences, and cut off from the worlds of the living and the dead.

Dallas’s parents, still safe at home, laugh at her idea over the phone. Her friends only agree to join her because it’s fall break and they could use a mini vacation anyway.

But then Dallas’s best friend is killed by a zombie horde when they’re attracted to her ringing cell phone. Civilians think their reanimated loved ones simply have the flu, leaving them alive (well, undead) and rapidly increasing the zombies ranks. And since minors can’t buy guns, Dallas’s only weapon is a giant industrial pizza cutter she swipes from a gas station. George A. Romero never mentioned anything like this. With one friend dead and no zombie survival guides to help her, Dallas and her friends must get to Chattanooga before joining the ranks of the undead themselves.

This was a quick yet action packed read. Think of it like the Walking Dead meets the Young Adult genre, and you’ll get an idea of what State of Emergency is all about. The book was very well written, with a memorable group of characters and a unique take on the zombie apocalypse narrative. What really drew me into the story was the fact that unlike most books or movies, the story focused on the beginning of the outbreak rather than a world already ravaged by the virus. It did an excellent job of showcasing how people react differently to the events of the novel. Some communities are oblivious to the virus, while others are ravaged by the horrors of the undead. It reminded me a little bit of Stephen King’s The Stand, which the first few hundred pages focused on the virus that left most of the world dead, (except this had way more zombies and less good vs. evil stories).

Overall this was a wonderful read. Full of a complicated narrative that explores the beginning of the zombie apocalypse from a teenagers point of view, the story is relatable and full of heart that fans of both zombie stories and YA fans will connect with instantly. This is a book not to miss, so be sure to pick up your copies of State of Emergency by Mary Hallberg today!

Rating: 9/10

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Forbidden by F. Stone REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

A shocking massacre. One witness. A complicated conspiracy.

This next incredible book I had the pleasure of reading is a high octane action-adventure story set in a future where the middle east has united under one nation, and one woman learns that the lines between friend and foe blur easily. This novel is called Forbidden by F. Stone and here is the synopsis:

Year 2047, City of Samarra, capital of the Republic of Islamic Provinces & Territories

Fifteen American travelers have vanished. Surrendering to Mayor Aamir’s demands, a devout Muslim and police captain becomes the reluctant keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, Eliza MacKay. Captain Sharif is horrified to discover that if he exposes the cover-up, his family will suffer dire consequences.

The CIA has the lying Sharif in their cross hairs. Sharif’s only hope is to prove his country’s government is free of guilt. Secretly, he hunts forensic evidence. Cryptic messages, backstabbing informants, and corruption threaten Sharif’s resolve to see justice served. When he discovers the shocking truth, he and MacKay become the targets of a ruthless killer.

Sharif is tortured by his attraction to the impetuous Eliza MacKay. In spite of her struggle with PTSD, he’s drawn to her vivacious personality. Islam forbids the intimacy he craves. In desperation to save Eliza, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.

This was a fantastic thriller! The story was incredibly unique, as we got an in-depth glance at the influence and power that the Muslim faith has on people. Not only that, we got to see how the religion is incorporated and infused into society as a whole, and the complications that arise in both social and political situations as a result of that faith. We also got an incredible cast of characters, venturing into the complicated lives of a police captain at war with a complicated conspiracy and with himself and his beliefs, as well as the tormented past of Canadian paramedic trapped in a country fraught with danger. The unlikely duo must look for clues to help save themselves and the captain’s family, who are put in the cross hairs of the conspirators in mysterious ways.

The story was well written, with little grammatical mistakes and an even paced narrative that made the story gripping and engaging. The cover promised intrigue and mystery, and the unique setting gives a glimpse into the world of the middle east respectively and showcases how every religion and nation is filled with complications and hardships.

Overall this was a fantastic read that fans of the thriller genre will not want to miss. Author F. Stone is a fantastic writer with a firm grasp on the genre, and the story ends in a way where you as the reader feels an overwhelming need to read yet another installment. If you haven’t yet, be sure to pick up your copy of F. Stone’s Forbidden today!

Rating: 10/10

Frede and Santa by Leen Lefebre Review

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A child’s journey to help his family takes him on a perilous adventure through elf infested woods ruled by the mysterious Elf King, and only Santa can help save the day. This is the story of Frede and Santa by Leen Lefebre, and here is they synopsis:

In a faraway village there lives a farmer with his wife. The summer harvest has failed and winter already arrives. So, how should they feed their three sons? The idea arises to fetch wood in the northern forest. They could dry it, sell it from door to door and earn some money to buy food.

Frede knows that his parents are doing their best, but is it enough to withstand the most barren period of the year? Together with his brothers, Rhune and Folke, he wants to visit Santa and ask him for help. But, first they must travel through that extensive forest where the evil Elf King lurks.

This was a fun read. It reminded me of an old and classic fairy tale, fraught with monstrous creatures and a child’s will to save those closest to him. Frede wants nothing more than to help his family, and the story allows children to see what happens when you put others before yourself, and go above and beyond to protect the ones we love. The story of the evil Elf King and his people reminded me of a Grimm Fairy tale, while the story of Santa and his village was a heartwarming story that when blended with Frede and his adventure makes for a modern day holiday classic that parents and children alike will love to read.

Overall this was a fantastic read. It was short yet sweet and to the point. A wonderful children’s book filled with adventure and a heartwarming tale of one child’s hope of helping his family, this is something parents and children alike won’t want to miss. If you haven’t yet, pick up your copies of Frede and Santa by Leen Lefebre today!

Rating: 10/10

Loving Ordinary Life by Anastasia Petrenko Review

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Are you tired of the typical “self-help” books? Then this might be for you. Rather than focus on experimental treatments from around the world or a surreal look at the ins and outs of the self-help world, author Anastasia Petrenko introduces readers to Loving Ordinary Life: a self help book for people who are tired of self-help books. The short and easy read is a simple guide on how to be your best self without changing yourself and learning to accept who you are in the most loving way possible. Here is the synopsis:

Loving Ordinary Life is written for us: living, emotional people.

We all want to live a happy life, but we can easily fall into a state of despondency. We prefer to smile, but more often we frown.

We like being inspired, but most likely, we can’t recall the last time when we were.

There are many books and courses about self-motivation and inspiration. You might have heard hundreds of platitudes and affirmations. Each of them sounds valid but their utility is limited when you actually find yourself stuck in a pit of pain and despair.

Loving Ordinary Life is meant to make a functional difference. It’s not a treatment for depression. It is about living a life where depression has no place.

Loving Ordinary Life is your guide. It is designed so that you can open any page and find the inspiration to act and improve your life when you’re feeling down.

Each chapter in Loving Ordinary Life is a tool for moving from a negative idle state to a positive proactive state. It displays to you the art of being present, free, and genuine every day.

If you want to be more fulfilled and enjoy life more, if you’re open to quality changes, Loving Ordinary Life will become your loyal companion.

Everything is within your power. You are the master of your life. How you experience it depends only on you. Take the lead.

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
Marcus Aurelius

This was a great and quick read. From start to finish you felt a sense of calm take over as you allowed yourself to absorb this book fully. It allows readers to examine their own lives and find happiness not from any external source, but rather from within themselves. Putting a stamp on the reliance of the self over the reliance of society, this book does a great job of creating an air of ease and an atmosphere of relative calm.

Overall this was a wonderful book. Filled with passion, compassion and genuine care, this non self help book does a marvelous job of showing the power we all have within ourselves, and how to embrace it wholeheartedly. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of Loving Ordinary Life by Anastasia Petrenko today!

Rating: 10/10

Travel as Transformation: Conquer the Limits of Culture to Discover Your Own Identity by Gregory V. Diehl Review

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Travel can be fun. It can be a step onto the road of self discovery. It can also be a scary road filled with self doubt and financial woes. Trying to go into the world of travel and live your life on the road can be a daunting task, and yet in Gregory V. Diehl’s novel Travel as Transformation, you get to see first hand the trials, tribulations and wonders that travel can offer you, and how you can get started today. Here is the synopsis:

A daring, intelligent, and unapologetic call to find yourself in wanderlust.
When you travel to a foreign place, do you experience this new life as your old self? Or do you become a new self?

From living in a van on the streets of San Diego, to growing chocolate with indigenous tribes in Central America, to teaching in the Middle East and volunteering in Africa, bestselling author Gregory V. Diehl has followed a worldly and unconventional path. Leaving his home in California as a teenager, he went on to live and work in 45 countries across the globe by age 28. In Travel as Transformation, he uses his diverse cultural experiences as a world traveler to ask the reader to question how their identity has been shaped by the lifestyle they live.

As you delve into Travel as Transformation, you will learn how travel can profoundly influence your perception of yourself. Diehl teaches aspiring travelers to let go of their internal inhibitions and former sense of self. He shares his own moving experiences of transformation across Costa Rica, China, Morocco, Armenia, Iraq, Monaco, Ecuador, and more to encourage travelers to embrace change. He takes the reader on a nomadic journey that examines all of humanity through unbiased eyes.

To travel with a truly open mind is to forget who you were when you started. It is to be constantly born anew, and identify with ways you did not know others could exist. What affirms you most? What would it take to destroy you? Travel as Transformation will give you the wisdom, the inspiration, and the resources to conquer the limitations of your home culture. It’s time to take advantage of everything the world has to offer and become everything you can be.

This was an incredibly powerful book. Filled to the brim with insight and wonder, this book did an excellent job of highlighting the highs and lows of travel. As someone who is interested in travel, it was interesting to see the way the author approached the subject, diving into the differences in cultures, political and societal divides between nations and the impact travel has on you as a person. It allowed me to see what I want for myself in the future and embrace the idea of change.

A book with heart, emotion and a sense of excitement, Travel as Transformation was a fantastic read that will speak to the inner traveler in all of us. A fast yet evenly paced read, author Gregory V. Diehl does an amazing job of showing the paths we take both externally and internally as we step out of our comfort zone and embrace new and unknown adventures. If you are a budding travel enthusiast, be sure to pick up your copies today!

Rating: 10/10

Exodus ’95 by Kfir Luzzatto | REVIEW

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Biblical stories blend with international espionage and high-stakes spy thrillers in author Kfir Luzzatto’s Exodus ’95. Here is the synopsis:

Claire, a young graphic designer, learns a secret that her dying New York neighbor has kept for twenty years: the whereabouts of Moses’ Biblical staff.

Claire needs the help of an Israeli engineer and the money of a Russian oligarch to recover the staff before her body betrays her. But first she needs to stay alive in a race with fanatics, who will do anything to keep the staff from coming to light.

Then the LORD said to Moses: Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

While I’m not the kind of reader or reviewer who gravitates towards religious based books, this book actually does a great job of making the story of Moses and his staff more of a driving force for the main plot of the book. The story is rather focused on the story of Claire and her harrowing journey across the world. Thrust into a high stakes game between two powerful and deadly enemies, Claire seeks the help of an Israeli engineer with a special skill set to help her along the way, and there is a surprising twist halfway through the story that will leave readers floored.

The novel was well written, with little to no grammatical errors that I could spot. The story has a great narrative that takes the readers across the world and into the past. Be ready to explore the way the world ran back in the 90’s, and see the political landscape between nations and those who run the countries amongst the shadows. It’s a wonderfully high-octane adventure where no one is loyal and everyone is in danger. With no one to trust, Claire and her confidant must traverse foreign lands and seek allies in order to survive a truly deadly adventure.

Overall this is a wonderful read. The author as a great command over the thriller genre and has created some fantastic characters that make you really feel. The line between hero and villain can easily blur in this story, and soon you will be questioning whether the person closest to you is really on your side. An edge of your seat espionage thriller, this is a fun and adventurous read that everyone should sink their teeth into, so be sure to pick up your copies of Exodus ’95 today!

Score: 9/10

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WWG6LYL/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06WWG6LYL&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

The Day My Fart Followed Me To Soccer by Ben Jackson, Sam Lawrence and Danko Herrera Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

The adventures of Timmy and his little fart continue in the hit children’s book series Timmy and the Little Fart. In the newest book, The Day My Fart Followed Me To Soccer by Ben Jackson, Sam Lawrence and Danko Herrera, children are given an important look at the way we’re supposed to treat one another and how friendships are made, all the while using a living fart to bring humor into the story. Here is the synopsis:

Timmy and his best friend the Fart are back again!
If your child loves soccer and playing sport, then you’re going to love reading along with Timmy and his best friend the Little Fart!

The Day My Fart Followed Me To Soccer is a beautifully illustrated journey of Timmy and his imaginary best friend the Little Fart as they attend Timmy’s soccer match, and meet his new friend Sophie. Chaos and laughter ensue as the Little Fart tries to help Timmy and Sophie the only way he knows how!

If you enjoy reading funny books with beautiful illustrations and love having your child read along with you, then make sure you grab The Day My Fart Followed Me To Soccer!

Discover and giggle along with Timmy, Sophie and the Little Fart on their exciting day at the soccer field!

It’s another cute and humorous adventure for Timmy and his little fart. Exploring the message of friendship and supporting one another rather than tearing them down, this important children’s story blends hilarity with a wonderful message. The artwork is wonderfully bright and does a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters to fill in between the lines of the main story.

Overall this is a wonderful addition to the growing children’s book series. A fantastic look into the bonds of friendship and teamwork, this story continues to show a new franchise in the works in the children’s book genre. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of The Day My Fart Followed Me To Soccer today! It’s the perfect read for parents and children alike!

Rating: 10/10