'TIS THE SEASON

I have the neatest story to share with you today. Here is the latest b y Author Victoria Simcox. And even better, it will be a series. Enjoy.

’TIS THE SEASON

NORMA ELLIOT’S SECRET JOURNAL

BOOK 1

By Victoria Simcox

Do you know someone who thinks his or her name is horrible? If so, why do they believe this? In Author Victoria Simcox’s latest novel, ’Tis the Season (Norma Elliot’s Secret Journal Book 1) we meet 4^th grader Norma Elliot, a character you won’t soon forget. Norma is not happy with her “old lady’s” name she calls it. She’s named after her dad, Norman, who really wanted a boy instead of a girl when she was born. Not a great way to begin your life. But her name is the least of Norma’s problems. Being the spunky girl that she is, Norma deals with each situation she faces in her own unique way.

One part I especially like is Norma’s journal where she writes her “true feelings” to God. A scripture is on each page to help her. She also knows that she cannot hide what she does from God. Norma is priceless, sarcastic at times, serious at times, and fun at times. Her relationship to her older sister, younger brother, and parents may remind you of your own family or families that you know. They don’t always get along with each other, but the love is there.

’TIS THE SEASON is a beautiful story about family, friendship, and following God’s will. I am so excited to see that there will be other books about Norma because I’m curious as to what she will do next. This book would be ideal for school libraries from elementary to middle school, as well as public libraries and your own personal library. Norma is a character you really should meet. You’ll never forget her. Happy Reading.

AMAZON

And other Book Stores

BEWARE-ANOTHER DOG STORY

Welcome to my zoo!

If you don't like dogs, stop reading now, because today's story is about the dog that adopted me. I still do not have a name for him. Looking for the perfect one. It does appear that he will be staying with me for ... who knows how long. No one has claimed him, and I cannot turn him over to the Humane Society or other places that will most likely put him to sleep after a certain length of time. Nope, can't let that happen. He is entertaining. You may not think this is funny, but I'm going to tell you anyhow.

Okay, I have to keep him outside, even on the days like today when the temperature is below freezing. Wait before you condemn me for cruelty. I tried to let him stay in the house at least at night. Now this is a big dog. Part German Shepherd and similar to the dogs above, except his ears are floppy and he was a disaster in the house. My coat was lying on a chair and sometimes during the night he chewed all the buttons off and swallowed them, I guess, because I never found them. He did other things that I shall not mention, but I knew then that he was not a house dog.

 He has a doghouse, of sorts, that I put a blanket, towels and bath mat in to keep him warm and dry. This house is a round white tube that someone is giving to the animal shelters for free. So I got one. The dog loves it. He sleeps in it at night. And naps during the day. He is young, maybe around 1 or 2 years old, and he loves to play, so what does he do with the blanket and towels?

Yes, he drags them out of the doghouse, carries them to the yard, which is fenced so he can't run wild, and lays on them in the yard. He also loves to carry the towels or bath mat around the yard trying to get me to chase him. Now that's a sight you don't want to miss. Anyhow, two or three times a day I put everything back in the doghouse so he has a warm place to sleep. I guess I am playing his little game.

Aren't I a cute one. Please play ball with me. 

Mm! Maybe I'll write his story some day.

Happy Reading!

WELCOME TO A NEW WEEK! HOW ABOUT SOME REVIEWS TODAY?

I'm way behind in my reading. Did not reach my goal at Good Reads. Hope to do better in 2019. I do have a few reviews to share and a couple more when I write them. Reading books by other writers helps me to see how my work might improve. Does that happen to you? I'll hush now. Enjoy.

SHADOWS OF AIZAI

By Mary-Jean Harris

Time travel has always fascinated me. What would it be like to travel to the past? To the future?  Or how about visiting different worlds. It would be even more exciting, I think, to know that you were to be one of the founders of a new world. If you can’t do this in real life, how about reading a book that takes you to places you can only imagine.

SHADOWS OF AIZAI, By Mary-Jean Harris will do just that. In addition to countries and worlds you’ve only imagined, you’ll find yourself caught up in the magic of unusual lands and people. You’ll meet characters that are good and that are bad. Two ingredients that make for an exciting novel.

Our heroes are eighteen-year-old lads, Wolfdon and Toulouse, who live in 17^th century Spain. They will become founders of a future paradise called Aizai. It’s not going to be easy. Magicians known as the Magi threaten them, along with other troubles they run into. Different chapters are told from the different characters’ points of view.

Mary-Jean Harris has created a lot of characters in her novel to keep track of, and I sometimes got lost. But each character has a role to play in the events of the story. If you love adventure, magic, and men and women that make a world, whether it is present, past, or future a good place to live, SHADOWS OF AIZAI has it all. I was cheering for Wolfdon and Toulouse to succeed in founding a new city. Did they, or was it all a dream?

What do you think?

THE CITY HEROES

And other stories from the Heart Of Africa

By Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

CHAPTER ONE

The Outside World

THE CITY HEROES by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren is a series of short stories introducing the reader to the lives of different characters in Africa, from animals to humans. Lovely artwork throughout the book adds a nice touch, giving the reader a glimpse of what is to follow in that particular story. We meet cats as they discuss their problems in life. One story introduces the reader to a priest and his wife. Then there are the jungle ants and their struggles to survive. And so much more.

Each story has a message, such as “fighting doesn’t solve anything” and “learn from one another and work hard,” to name a couple. The stories also gave me a glimpse into the lives of a different culture, that of Africa. This is a delightful group of short stories to make a person thankful for his or her blessings. The author gives the reader a good look at another world, that in some ways is much the same as my world yet also different. 

Middle grade readers and even young teens should enjoy reading about the adventures of the cats, rats, and ants, while also learning about the people of another country, Africa. This would make a nice addition to school libraries, public libraries, and your own private library.

THE DEEPEST ROOTS

By Miranda Asebedo

Three girls, best friends. They’ll do most anything for each other. It turns out they may have to do more than they imagined. Like every girl born in Cottonwood Hollow in the last century, Rome, Lux, and Mercy each have a special talent. Then mysterious events begin to happen that challenge the girls and their friendship. And this is only the beginning of a fascinating story, with magical happenings, about these girls and the Kansas town where they live.

In the novel THE DEEPEST ROOTS, author Miranda Asebedo has created characters that could be your friends in school. They worry about their schoolwork. They’re interested in boys. They have family problems.  They also have a mystery to solve, a mystery that threatens their friendship and might even cause the death of the girls.

THE DEEPEST ROOTS is a story of family, life, and friendship, with a touch of fantasy. The problems the girls face touched my heart. I wanted to help them as I followed their journey through the good times and the bad, hoping their story had a happy ending. This novel would make a nice addition to high school libraries as well as your own library.

Now, these novels should keep you busy for awhile. Happy Reading!

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

It's here. A new year. A first Wednesday. Which means IWSG.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

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Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh is the founder of the IWSG. His awesome co-hosts for the January 2 posting of the IWSG are Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!

Every month we have a question. It's optional. Here is today's.

What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?

This is a tough one for me. I haven't really thought about it. My favorite, I guess, would be when someone asks how I create such interesting characters? The characters are my favorite part of writing. I hope they seem real, like the boy or girl next door, so people will care what happens to them.

As for least favorite, i can't think of any at the moment.

How about you? Any favorites?

Happy New Year. Happy writing.

HAPPY NEW YEAR