The Sewing Mom

Thanks to Parent Reviewers, I was sent a couple of books to read and review. I received the 2 books in the mail and have received no other compensation. These opinions are strictly mine and I have chosen to share them with my readers.

The first book I read is titled Snow Takes the Checker! written by Demi Knight Clark. The story’s main character is Snow the race horse and her love of racing and her love of friends. I have to admit, I loved the artwork that was done throughout the book, but I’m somewhat unclear as to what age group this book was written for.

At first glance I thought it was directed towards young children, i.e., toddlers. But, after reading the story, I’m not sure. The story begins with Snow telling the reader about her dream of racing and introduces her family which supports her dream. The storyline then takes a turn and introduces her friend Tula, a turtle, and her arch rival, a raccoon named Robbie. The long awaited race takes place and all of the different animals participate. There is quite a bit of jostling for position and an attempt by the author to teach the importance of good sportsmanship, but in the end, the race is a tie thanks to Snow waiting for her friend so they could cross the finish line together. I thought this was pretty thoughtful on Snow’s part, but it also show Robbie in the background looking exhausted and losing the race. So, while Snow was quite polite during the race, she certainly didn’t do any favors for anyone other than her friend. This story seems to have a conflicting message, or maybe it’s trying to get too many messages across in one simple story book, but then again, maybe I’m just over thinking it!

The second book I read is titled Catty Wompus and is written by Julie Howe with drawings by Chason Matthams. Catty Wompus is the story about a lonely girl who has all the material things a girl could ever ask for. Unfortunately, Catty has everything but the thing that matters most, friendship.

Catty Wompus is a wonderfully written story for tweens. I think every girl and boy has met someone like Catty, they may not have realized though why they were so unhappy. In today’s environment of having so much, it can certainly be difficult to understand that having things isn’t what makes us happy. This is an important lesson all kids should learn. It wouldn’t hurt for a few adults to learn this as well! I do recommend Catty Wompus.

As a member of Parent Reviewers, I have been given the opportunity to read the fictional novel “Irreplaceable” and provide my thoughts on this debut novel by Stephen Lovely. I have to tell you, the beginning of the book was quite shocking. I am not going to tell you what happens in that first chapter, but the event that occurs is the basis for the entire rest of the book.

Irreplaceable is a touching story of how the death of a soul mate and best friend affects not only those who knew her, but also those who had never even met her. This story took me through every emotion imaginable including shock, sorrow, sadness, healing, love and the strength of family.

While this novel is fiction a story of life and love, it also carries a very strong message. Even if you’ve never considered organ donation, this story will at least make you consider signing the back of your driver’s license to be an organ donor.

Whatever your view on organ donation, “Irreplaceable” is worth the read.

# Hardcover: 352 pages
# Publisher: Voice (February 3, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1401322824
# ISBN-13: 978-1401322823

As a member of Parent Reviewers, I was recently given a wonderful opportunity to review the book, “Awakening Consciousness: A Girl’s Guide”. To tell you the truth, I was a bit skeptical about reading this book when it first arrived on my doorstep, but, I am willing to keep an open mind and sat down one evening with my daughter as we read through it together.

Awakening Consciousness: A Girl’s Guide is not only filled with simple, common sense methods of encouraging spiritual growth and self awareness in young ladies, but it is also a workbook filled with wonderful exercises that are simple and yet thought provoking. Many of the exercises were things that we do in our family on a regular basis and yet, reading the exercises along with my daughter allowed us to talk about it openly, something we don’t always do.

The book talks about many things including each individuals aura and maintaining a positive attitude. I found this part of the book most interesting and helpful because my daughter has a friend who has been having difficulty in finding her own purpose while my daughter is quite strong in that area. We discussed it and even talked about ways the she could help her friend by doing these same exercises with her. I think what I liked most about this book is its emphasis on being positive. Positive energy emits positive aura which will allow positive things to happen around you. Negative yields negative. We each create our own future and being positive will lead us down a positive path.

This is a short, quick read, only 96 pages.  I do recommend this book as a means of building self confidence and positive reinforcement.

# Paperback: 96 pages
# Publisher: Loving Healing Press (November 20, 2008)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1932690808
# ISBN-13: 978-1932690804

Candace Bushnell, the author of Sex and the City and Lipstick Jungle has written another engaging novel and, as a member of Parent Reviewers, I had the good fortune to be asked to read it. If you enjoy books filled with eccentric characters, gossip, rumors, intrigue, sex, and even murder, One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell is the right book for you.

One Fifth Avenue is certainly filled with interesting and eccentric characters. From the somewhat rags to riches story of Annalisa Rice to the born into privilege Lola Fabrikant, there really is something for everyone including a couple of book authors and even a well known movie starlet.The story centers around the lives of the people living in One Fifth, a spectacular building located in one of Manhattan’s poshest neighborhoods. The building has both historical and architectural significance in New York. People dream of living in this fabulous Art Deco building, some using any means possible just to get their foot in the door to set up residence. Once moved in, most don’t ever want to leave. So special is living at One Fifth, rumor has it that murder may have even be committed in order to stay in residence.

While the residents of One Fifth Avenue all lead separate and varied lives from each other, they do have many things in common. First of all, there is the money. From having just enough to have purchased the least expensive unit to having millions of dollars and owning the unbelievable two story penthouse apartment, there is money. Then there is social prominence, some have it while others strive to get it in any way that they can.

As a reader of One Fifth Avenue, you’ll find yourself anxiously awaiting the turn of the page as you read on to learn more about the relationships of the people living inside as well as those who wish they did. Get your own copy of One Fifth Avenue and consider giving a copy as a gift!

Book Info:
# Hardcover: 448 pages
# Publisher: Voice (September 22, 2008)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1401301614
# ISBN-13: 978-1401301613

Sunshine and Lemonade is giving away a Twilight prize pack that includes the following items:

The Twilight Movie Companion:

As if that isn’t enough, how about some Twilight themed chocolate?!
And, this would be something my daughter would love, a copy of Entertainment Weekly with Edward on the cover:
Plus, the Twilight 2009 calendar (if I don’t win this, I’m going to have to buy it!)
But wait, there’s more, how about a Barnes & Noble gift card to buy more things Twilight!
And, of course, every reader needs a good bookmark:
And then there is the wonderful poster:
So, if you’re a Twilight fan, and who isn’t, head over before Friday and enter this contest!