From the Reading Corner: In an Instant

A review of In an Instant for moms with full days and more books to read than time to read them – this one is worth it! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Busy Mama Book Review: Anxious People

From one “busy” mama to another, here is a light read about serious topics that will offer some levity to your days (or nights). Read on for more about how Backman makes that magic happen!

Coffee Break with Padma Venkatraman

The Coffee Break Spotlight this month goes to none other than Padma Venkatraman, author of Climbing the Stairs, A Time to Dance and Island’s End. I had the pleasure of meeting her and listening to her speak at the James River Writer’s Conference in Richmond, VA this past October. She gave the welcome address and spoke on many panels,…

Book Review: Climbing the Stairs (Venkatraman)

Climbing the Stairs Author: Padma Venkatraman Publisher: Speak Genre: Young Adult Subgenre: Historical Fiction; Military; Lit & Fiction Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at writer’s conference Synopsis: Life for fifteen year-old Vidya holds tremendous promise. Despite living in British-occupied India during the 1940s with a rigid caste system in place, she aspires to attend…

Book Review: On Call in Hell (Jadick)

On Call in Hell Author: Cdr Richard Jadick © 2007 with Thomas Hayden Publisher: NAL Caliber (Penguin) Genre: Non-fiction, Autobiography / Memoir Subgenre: War – military, Medical, War Memoir, History Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at book fair Synopsis: The memoir of Commander Richard Jadick tells the story of his time in Iraq during…

Book Review: Otis (Long)

Otis Author / Illustrator: Loren Long © 2009 Publisher: Philomel Books Genre: Children’s Books Subgenre: Farm life, Cars, Trains & Things That Go, Friendship Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Gift Synopsis: Otis the tractor loves his farm and the work he does there. His beloved farmer brings home a calf one day who…

Book Review: I’m a Dirty Dinosaur (Brian)

I’m A Dirty Dinosaur Author: Janeen Brian © 2014 Illustrator: Ann James Publisher: Kane / Miller Book Publishers Genre: Children’s Literature Subgenre: Picture book, dinosaurs Book received by: Purchased through Usborne consultant Synopsis: Adventure some time with a dinosaur who loves to get dirty, and has a blast doing it. Review body parts relevant…

Book Review All Fall Down (Weiner)

All Fall Down Author: Jennifer Weiner © 2014 Publisher: Simon and Schuster Genre: Literature & Fiction Subgenre: Women’s Literature, Domestic Life, Family Life, Contemporary Fiction Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased at book fair Synopsis: Mother, domestic engineer and paid blogger Allison Weiss has the picture-perfect life. She left full-time work to stay…

Book Review: Mockingjay (Collins)

Mockingjay Author: Suzanne Collins © 2010 Publisher: Scholastic Press Genre: YA literature & fiction Sub-genre: Self-esteem & reliance, self-respect; Action-adventure & sci-fi Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased by husband Synopsis: The revolution that President Snow eluded to in his threats to Katniss has come to life. District 13 is thriving and ready…

Book Review: Call the Midwife (Worth)

Call the Midwife Author: Jennifer Worth © 2002 Publisher: Penguin Books Genre: Memoir Subgenre: Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Belonged to family Synopsis: A young nurse in 1950s England embarks on a career move that moves her into a convent for her nurse-midwife training and early career. It takes her to some of…