lindz's reviews
966 reviews

Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

 Home on the Range was a nice change for me to read. It had little romance. It did it through family then set it all on romance like normal romance books. Ruth Logan Herne doe a wonderfully good job with her book.
 
 This book is based on a single father raising his two daughters. Will he better than his father Sam Stafford. Nick wants to outdo his father and learn it hard to do. Being there for his girls is more important than it is being a ranch hand or owner.
 
 Nick got to deal with this oldest daughter anger and to do that he goes to start therapy to help his daughter. He learns a lesson as well as help out a woman named Elsa as well. There seems to be secrets and twist and turns that ever page turned from binging to end. There seems to be forgiven and courage throughout the book. Will they get what needed or will it all fall apart? 

North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson

4.5

North! Or Be Eaten is the second book of this Wingfeather Saga series. Though we start in Glipwood forest it seems like we get a bit about Tink and Janner and the Igiby family. I would suggest reading book 1 first. Though, I only got book 2. It was just as good without needing to read book 1. Though, I think it would be best if you want to know how and why we start where we do in “North!, or Be Eaten.”
 
 We seem to be following Janner the most throughout the book. Though we get glimpses Tink. It seems that both Tink and Janner are what this book is about. Though the way Igiby family acts will they be able to survive.
 
 What will happen to Janner and Tink and Leeli? Will they be able to stick together. Will they be killed by the Fang of Dang or the Stranders? I got the feeling something is up with their grandfather. Who wants the Igiby grandfather?
 
 Will the sibling embrace their special talent or gifts? Will they allow Fangs and Gnag the nameless and others to betray them. It was an enjoyable read. Though a bit of it made me take a while to read. Once you get into the book it adventure of a ride.
 
 The images that are drawn are wonderful. I love them. The author does a wonderful job of writing the story. I was more surprised at how it ends. There are quite a few twisted and turns throughout the book. Young adults and children will enjoy this book/ series. Good for middle-grade children and up.
 
 The book is really clean and teaches some lessons as well as throughout the book. You would be surprised that this teaches about the importance of family, grace, friendship, trust, and sibling rivalry 

Gertrude and Toby Meet the Wolf by Shari Tharp

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

This story is sweet. I reminds me of the story “The Boy who Cried Wolf” when Gertrude and Toby see a little boy. The boy say he see a wolf. If you know that fairy tale story. The moral of the story you think this story is going be somewhat like that.

It also features another story or fairy Tale which is called “The Three Little Pigs”. The author does wonderful with mixing it a bit with the two starting with “The boy who Cried Wolf” scenes and then somewhat changed it to add the “The Three Little Pigs” scenes. The ending is done cute as well.

My favorite is the artwork that is done. The pictures are drawn well. I really like that. They look like some took the time to draw the scene and the the wording was put together after. Who will win their fishing contest?

Would You Rather? Book for Kids 8-12: 350 Challenging Questions, Silly Scenarios, and Hilarious Situations by Anna Avelino

challenging funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

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.

A Small Case of Murder: A Joshua Thornton Mystery by Lauren Carr

emotional lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

We are introduced to Joshua Thornton and his five children in chapter 1. The prologue brings Lulu Jefferson's view and a little bit about his parents. We are also introduced to Tad. There is a catch as Joshua moves his family to his former hometown.

He seems to get caught helping someone who tried to kill his cousin Tad in a church, and it seems to bring more to be involved. All when he goes to the state attorney general. It is more as his murderer with his arrangement and ends up murdered along with Beth Davis.

There is a twist when things get more complicated, and the state attorney general decides to ask or request Joshua to become a Special Prosecutor for the case of Vicki Rawlings and Beth Davis. They think he got the trust of the citizens of his hometown. Will he take the offer, or will he not?

Joshua is working with a police officer and a local reporter. What appears to be one thing is that his children are so like him that they want to join in and protect him. Does Joshua wish to be a dad and raise them, or will he hide from them and not send this child to live with their extended family? How will he decide to deal with the life he was chosen for?

Lauren Carr's Mysteries and stories are good. However, this one is less dense when it starts at the story's beginning. However, the action is improving, with this one being when Joshua and his five children are introduced. They are about school age. This book gets better as it goes along.

This is probably when she was starting to write these kinds of stories. This is their second series, so it has improved dramatically since. I love this one. I only wish I knew more about what happened to Valerie and what caused her to pass away. Then Joshua moved and settled in his hometown with his lovely five children. But other than that, it is a good starter book or series to get into her books, Along with Mac Faraday Mysteries.

The Prime Suspect by Lauren Carr

lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

We are presented to primary victims of murder in the prologue, but we do not know their reason as to why they were killed. Then we are introduced to two police officers, and they seem to be focused on one person, and her name is Bryce Greyson. 

Why does everyone think she killed not only her husband but also a roommate? People seem to be telling lies or making things to protect themselves. We are also introduced to Sam MacKade and his team.

Bryce wants to clear her name. So she finds out that a young man is with his daughter for soccer tryouts and seems to ask him if he is willing to help her clear her name. There are more secrets than there are clues. Will this PI be able to find the killers and solve the mystery of the murders?

As it seems that Sam is trying to help Bryce with clearing her name, Things seem to get more messy as they continue to investigate her husband's murder. The law enforcement two, in particular, seem to keep thinking that their prime suspect is the one behind all the murders. They seem convinced that Bryce is one and are still trying to fame her and catch her in the act. 

Sam and Bryce try to find clues and investigate other witnesses to not only her husband's murder but also Cat's murder. They seem to be hitting close to home as they pick up pieces and find more murders. They find out what happened to Cat when she went missing and murdered.

They seem to have found a new crime going on or connected to the Dermot murder when he was gunned down. Who is the killer, and who wants Bryce killed? Could all the murders be combined into each other, or is there more to it?

Suppose you are a murder mystery fan looking for a good one to bite into. Lauren Carr's books will make you want more once you get reading. This book is no different. Though this one is one exciting book, and I am hooked already. This book is worth picking up and reading to find out who the killer or murderer could be. The plot is thick and has you guessing and wanting to solve the cold case or the murders that went cold. 

The Care and Keeping of Grandmas by Jennifer Mook-Sang

funny hopeful relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Do you sometimes have a grandma that you see that comes and stays with you and your family? You want to help her out by doing things or at least trying. Well, this book, The Care and Keeping of Grandmas is a sweet story about a granddaughter and her grandma when her grandma came to live with her and the family.

Though she is this in the prefer of her view and learning along the way. These are her tips throughout the book to help others and children. The pictures and story are done well. 

I like the story; each person can change the person for themselves, even though this one is about a granddaughter and her grandma. You can picture a grandson helping out his grandma. Though this book. It shows that you need to allow time and let the person suggest, and they will ask for help rather than have it forced upon them.

Grandmas are something special to have, and I enjoy the grandma I have left. However, I loved both of my grandmas when I had them. This book shows that grandmas can do things, and some live in different places; we should still be around to help when needed. 

This story shows the special bond a grandchild has with their grandma. However, the child learns when to lend a hand and when to let her do her own thing. But be there when you need to be there. This story shows the love and care bond between a grandchild and a grandmother. Suppose the grandma needs to move in and feel at home. This book tells that in a funny and fun way, a picture book. Have you heard of " How to Babysit a Grandma"? This book puts a little humor and a fun spin on it. 

Best Buddies: What's in a Name? by Mother Melania Salem

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

Are you looking for a cute picture book for your child or children? I may have found one on a homeless person and a little dog. It is called Best Buddies: What's in a Name? It is a short introduction about a homeless person and finding a stray dog. What will they become as they start to bond? Bob decides on a name to call the dog he encounters.

This dog has found a Bob. What is the name for naming a dog? Will he be called Rover or Scruffy or something completely different? You will need to read the book to find out what the name of the dog will be called. Bob seems to struggle one naming his new cute homeless dog.

Children will learn about homelessness and caring for a dog in this sweet, adorable introduction to this book. The pictures are done quite well and are colorful. It is more of an introduction to the series of the main two characters than anything. We are introduced to Bob briefly and to Luke, but this book deals with figuring out what to name the cute little homeless dog Bob found.

What adventures will it hold for them as the stories go on? Children will find this book easy to read and understand as well. Parents will enjoy seeing their children learn about homelessness and other teachable moments. Children may even learn about kindness as well. 

Mommy May Bloops - A Farting Tale in Rhyme by Roger Carlson

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

Mommy May Bloops is a book about a family dealing with a minor issue. This minor issue may be an embarrassment. You will have a little fun and laugh with your children with this book. We all do it from time to time.

Mommy May does this in awkward places and sometimes in public. This story teaches us something to learn and that this minor issue is not considered a crime. But we call it as release some gas. This set is a humor and a little fun. But know that everyone does this from time to time. The way the family deals with this is a good idea. But the person doing it may feel stressed about the situation.

The way this story is written and done is quite charming; it stands geared toward children and has to rhyme in it as well. Farting is something we all do. Whether we want it to or not, sometimes it just so happens that it will be allowed out even when we do not. But it is okay, as farting is not a crime.

Mommy May is a teachable moment but also has a bit of humor to it so that you get a little bit of laugh, and not everything is not so serious. Have a fun and enjoyable read with your child or children. They will learn a bit of humor and some other lessons. 

Santa Claus Worldwide: A History of St. Nicholas and Other Holiday Gift-Bringers by Tom A. Jerman

informative slow-paced

3.0

Are you into learning about Santa Claus or how he came about? I have found a book that is called “Santa Claus Worldwide” by Tom A. Jerman; it a decent and excellent book. I learned quite a bit about Christmas and some of the many holidays. The history is not bad.

This book is primarily nonfiction and stands set on the history of Santa Claus. How it the name Santa Claus come about? The many different characters that Santa Claus exists and become. You will be surprised at how many other names are associated, and these lovely children call him.

You will learn a bit about the origin of Christmas and Santa Claus. I learned a lot about how the Christmas tradition came about and how it changed over the years. What we know about our Christmas traditions today differs from when they first came about and how our practices have evolved.

This book is okay for me. It was not rated low because of how it was written. It was slow and tedious for my taste. Suppose you are a fan of nonfiction books and would enjoy learning about the history of St. Nicholas and Other Holiday Gift Bringers. In that case, This book may be just for you. I enjoy learning about St. Nicholas and the many other holiday gift-bringers. I just thought it was not for me. But not where I did not understand what it was about. This book was okay, and I enjoyed learning new history.