Book Review: Fingerprint Drawing

Katie December 18, 2015 0 Comments

Fingerprint Drawing is a book for kids all about finger printing. It teaches them the names of each of their fingers and different techniques to use when painting.  There are also examples of things you can make with the tips of your fingers and how many steps it takes to make it into something more like a flower or a bee! There’s also a bunch of funny faces you can turn your finger prints into!  As the book goes on, the finger painting ideas get more and more complicated – using 2 fingers,  making borders, combining the different shapes you can get by using different fingers, etc.  Definitely a lot of fun ideas to keep your kids busy the next time they are stuck inside!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the book

Kids can take finger painting to exciting new levels with this colorful, easy-to-use guide. Simple step-by-step directions show how to add just a few details that transform ordinary fingerprints into flying birds, funny faces, sailboats, snowmen, and scores of other fanciful creatures and objects.
Children will also learn how to form bigger pictures with lines, spirals, and waves. From a group of mountain goats and a garden of strawberries to a cluster of angels, a cityscape, and a speeding train, this book abounds in examples and suggestions that are certain to inspire young imaginations.

Book Review: Sinful

Katie December 18, 2015 0 Comments

Sinful is about Jillian and Leo.  Jillian has had a crush on Leo for YEARS but he is her brother’s best friend and so they have kind of tried to keep away from each other for that reason.  But Jillian decides she has had enough. She is going to tell him that she wants him and if he is not interested she is done and is going to move on.  Leo tries to put up a front that he is not interested, but when she starts playing games by hanging out with one of his friends to get his attention – it works.  At first Leo is nervous because Jillian does not know who he really is, but once she finds out will she leave?  He ends up starting a submissive relationship with her and even takes her to his Nana’s birthday party.  His family already knows who she is and all seem thrilled that Leo has finally come to his senses.  But then he ends up having a freak out and walking away.  Jillian wants him back but had told him if he walks away that was it, she is done.  Will they work things out when everyone seems to think that they are perfect together but Leo? Can Jillian convince him and help him get over the trouble he is having with their relationship?

I really liked this book.  I read it over 3 sittings, but it was hard to put it down. (But I had to. You know, sleep.)  I really liked the characters of Jillian and Leo and how they seemed to bring the best out in each other, even if they didn’t always see it at first.  Though a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times, I really enjoyed reading it and these characters and finding out if they had a happily ever after or not!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

I’ve wanted my brother’s best friend, Leo Santoro, for too many years to count.
No matter what I do, he won’t confront the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time to put him behind me once and for all.
I have no choice but to call his bluff.
And then I will walk away.

The last woman I should want is my best friend’s baby sister, Jillian Banks.
No matter what I do, she won’t ignore the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time she learns the real me.
The only promise I can make is that her fantasies are no match for reality.
And then I’ll watch her walk away.

Book Review: Snowflake Wishes

Katie December 18, 2015 0 Comments

In Echo Lake, they are prided on their Snowflake Ball – which has matched up 49 successful marriages through their singles tree.  This year, Piper Bellini is dreading the ball, but Mama B forces her to go by guilt tripping her with a nice dress.  Her name keeps being picked off the singles tree, she dances with the single guys just to please everyone but doesn’t think she will become the 50th marriage.

Then she is paired up with Noah Drake. To Noah, Piper is the one that got away.  It had been 7 years since they had broken up and he returned to Echo Lake expecting her to be married with 6 kids – but it turns out she was still single.  They have their dance and go talk and end up heading out and ended up in a blizzard sleeping in a diner.  It seems like there may still be a spark between them.

When they see a car off a cliff on their drive home, Noah springs into action.  It is here that Piper tells him exactly how her parents died, something he had never known before.  It is with this confession that Noah realizes why Piper is the way she is and why she was always so against his career and broke up with him over it.  He says he will be going away for a year and hopes she will wait for him…

But will he have a change of heart?

This was a short book, under 100 pages which was the perfect length.  I loved the story and the characters. It had a lot of content in it even though it was so short.  Would love to read more books like this.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Noah Drake was that guy–the one always on the lookout for his next adrenaline high, so it was no surprise when he took off across the world, seeking adventure as a travel writer. But one thing he could never escape was Piper Bellini, the girl who got away–the girl he let get away, a fact he’s never let himself forget. When he returns to Echo Lake to see if there’s any chance the flame between them can be rekindled, he never expects to spend the night holed up with Piper in a roadside diner while a blizzard rages outside. It’s exactly the kind of situation that sent Piper running years ago. But this time, Noah may have been handed a Christmas miracle, and he intends to make all of his and Piper’s wishes come true…

Book Review: Falling For The Wrong Guy

Katie December 18, 2015 0 Comments

I actually read this book a while back and forgot to write the review. Oops! So I am working off of memory and I’ve rad several books since so forgive me if I miss any major plot points.  This book is about Mia.  (At least I am pretty sure her name is Mia even though the book write up says Ruby.) Her brother has a friend, Drew, who Mia has always had a crush on.  But then there is an accident and Mia’s brother’s ex-girlfriend dies in a fire and Drew gets scarred from the fire.  Mia’s brother, Blake, is no longer talking to Drew because he is upset that Drew was with his (ex) girlfriend.  You see, Blake and his girlfriend were on again off again and even though this may have ended up being the last time they broke up (accident or no accident), Blake isn’t sure he will ever forgive Drew.

When Drew is back at school everyone is treating him different, except Mia, who still has feelings for him. They end up partnered in a group project and Blake is not happy they are spending so much time together.  Of course, they end up secretly dating but no one can know.  But slowly more and more people are finding out. Even Mia’s Mom is ok with it, she had missed Drew being at the house.  But how will Blake react?

I liked this book enough that I actually remembered most of the plot even a month or so after I read it – which hardly ever happens. (Though I am glad it did in this case since I was slacking and forgot to review it!) Although the book was wordy and the relationship between Drew and Mia seemed a bit drawn out at times, for a YA novel I thought it was pretty good.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I have not been otherwise compensated.

About the book

Ruby Davis has a crush on her brother’s best friend. At least, he was his bestie until the big betrayal. Now Drew is off limits to everyone, especially Ruby. She can’t stand the way people treat him, or the way he feels about himself. It isn’t right. And those deep green eyes are calling to her.

Drew is scarred and damaged, and he has no business even looking at Ruby. But he can’t help himself. She’s beautiful, but he does his best to stay away. When they are assigned a school project, they become reluctant friends – even though they want so much more.

She’s torn between her feelings for Drew and loyalty to her brother. There’s no way they can ever be together…but love just might find a way.