Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent. That is, until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. What happens when she attempts to sell the land someone doesn't want sold?
When suspicious happenings target Lake Radford real estate agent Harper Amerson, Detective Kade Lassiter begins investigating. With his feelings for Harper growing, the menacing events soon become personal. When things escalate, can he discover who’s behind it before it’s too late?
Deadly Secrets is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense with the following tropes:
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The is much debate on the appropriateness of Grimms' Fairy Tales for the reading to or by children. Some versions are somewhat benign and others replete with overtones of unacceptable behavior. The tales are not original to Grimms but are the Grimms' 1814 retelling of existing German folk tales passed down orally through the years.
Some retelling and publishing of the Grimme's versions have been gentled-down and told in bare minimum versions for young children. These are published in cute, sweet little books or produced in video versions animated or with actors.
Basically, it is up to the parents to make a determination what their child reads and when they read it.
Grimms' Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm (Sandra Dieckmann)
My thoughts: This is a beautifully illustrated publication of Grimms' Fairy Tales illustrated with rich colors and visually stimulating scenes and characters. The illustrations show the good and the bad side of the characters and the intensity of the story.
The compilation of 20 stories consists of well known stories and some rarely heard. The book is large size consisting of 176 pages and weighs about two pounds.
Folk tales were often used to scare children into obedience and to make them aware of evil in the world. In ages by gone, there wasn't a lot of entertainment so oral storytelling was a form of entertainment but carried with it strong emotions.
As I read through several of the listed stories, I found the text flowed well and was easy to understand. The story of "Little Red Cap" was essentially "Little Red Riding Hood" but a bit different from what I've traditionally heard. In this story, the wolf eats the little girl's grandmother, and the ranger cuts the wolf's stomach open so Grandmother can escape. Then the wolf's stomach is sewn shut. The story ends with Little Red Cap riding a demure wolf into the village. So ends well but with a bit of gore.
"Sleeping Beauty" was told sweetly but does talk about the evil fairy casting an evil spell. Story ends well with spell being broken by a gentle touch to Sleeping Beauty's face by the sweet man who rescues her.
So parents, the choice is yours.
About the book: Twenty classic stories get a gently modernized twist in Sandra Dieckmann’s beautifully illustrated collection of treasured and lesser-known fairy tales.
From internationally acclaimed creator Sandra Dieckmann comes a captivating collection of Grimms’ fairy tales, accessibly written and illustrated with an eye to inclusivity. Including much-loved stories like “Rapunzel” and “Sleeping Beauty” as well as more obscure gems from the author’s childhood in northern Germany, this splendidly illustrated gift book of twenty tales is poised to charm readers of all ages. Enchanted forests, wild animals, powerful princesses, and brave heroes all reflect a lightly modern take in this Grimms’ collection to be cherished by all.
Author/Illustrator: Sandra Dieckmann is an author and illustrator who works from her studio in Yorkshire, England. Deeply influenced by her childhood in northern Germany, which she spent exploring outside and reading European folklore by the likes of the Brothers Grimm and Astrid Lindgren, her artwork revolves around her love for nature, wildlife, and dreams. She is the author and illustrator of the picture books Leaf, which was short-listed for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, and The Dog That Ate the World.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
My thoughts: Having lived my early years in the North Carolina coastal city of Wilmington and then remaining in central North Carolina until the present time, I can positively say that a hurricane is a storm to fear and become as knowledgeable about as possible. The destructive power generated by the wind, rain, and seas is to be feared and respected. That being said, I am pleased with the children's book Hurricane by Jason Chin and highly recommend it to all school and public libraries, personal libraries for children, and especially for any home with children within range of a possible hurricane.
My thoughts: Set in 1818 and peopled with characters from varied walks of life - fishermen, apothecarist, shopkeepers, and Lords and Ladies of the Manor born, the author weaves a tale tightly convoluted and tangled as only a true word smith can do. It is intriguing how the story begins with the jarring reality of criminal arson and murder, kidnapping of the girl, Meg Foxcroft, and later her being found.
It is quite unusual how Meg, an ordinary young lady who is educated (she can read) is thrust into the hands and care of the Lord of the Manor who unexpectedly cares for her even though she is most assuredly not of his class and station in life.
Galaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Hélène Courtois
ISBN: 9781536228977 Hardcover $18.99 US MIT Kids Press
My thoughts: This is a picfturebook biographical story of a girl born in 1970 who was inquisitive. She observed, questioned, and had ideas. She, in my opinion, was blessed to have had parents who provided surroundings and activities that encouraged and allowed her curosity to flourish. She is also the fortunate beneficiary of the achievements of women who blazed the way for women's inclusion into scientific fields of study.
Growing up in the alps, she hiked and had trail maps to guide her. She went on to study other maping ways. She found interest in gazing at the moon with her bird watching binoculars. She loved the night sky.
Fortune Cookies for Everyone! (Smithsonian): The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat
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My thoughts: The author’s own Japanese-Chinese heritage and her love for historical research brings authenticity to her story of the fortune cookie. A sweet multigenerational story tells of the background of the fortune cookie as it is interwoven in the WWII interment camps in America of Japanese-Americans.
I especially loved the sweet family interaction. I can almost taste a fortune cookie as I write this. Mia Wenjen’s books are a real treat.
About the book: An investigative picture book which cracks the cookie open to discover what is known about the origins of everyone's favorite crunchy after-dinner treat - a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution.
Grandma Miyako hosts her grandchildren for a takeout meal. Of course, at the end of the meal, she hands out the fortune cookies and begins to share the story of this popular treat with the attentive children as they munch on them. She claims she knew the true inventor of the fortune cookie, but the history is not so clear. Using fortunes as headings, each section of the book delivers an episode in the unusual history of the fortune cookie and lays out the great debate about where and when they were first made. California was certainly the location, but in which city was the original baker located? This picture book looks inside these crunchy, biscuity treats to reveal the cultural origins and locations of the creators. Along the way, we discover some surprising history regarding this delicious edible delight, including a rivalry between bakers that remains somewhat unresolved today. Fortune Cookies for All is a compelling mystery containing US history; the good, the bad, and the ugly, in a single bite. But most of all, it celebrates immigrants and their pursuit of the American dream.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review from Kregel Publishing. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author or author's publicist.Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
Your Island, Your Farm, Your Forest Jon Klassen, Author & Illustrator Candlewick Press ~ ISBN: 9781536241853
Your Places Box Set: (3 Board Books for Babies & Toddlers About Safe Spaces, Comfort, & Imagination) by Jon Klassen
My thoughts: The classic simplicity of Jon Klassen children's book illustrations and sparse text is especially suitable for the very young child. Klassen's illustrations traditionally feature wide-open eyes that peer from various and often unexpected places.
