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Monthly Archives: January 2014

Pirates on the Farm by Denette Fretz

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family, Recently Read, Reviewed Books

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Children's literature, Denette Fretz, Pirates, Pirates on the Farm

Pirates on the FarmI love a children’s book that teaches a lesson. I love it even more when it is disguised with silliness! Denette Fretz does an excellent job inviting kids into a story they not only will think is funny, but causes them to think about the people around them. My only regret for this particular book is that the letter to parents that is located in the back of the book could be moved to the front. It really served as a guide to asking my kids questions about the story. Fortunately, I read the story first and read it to my kids later.

Back to the story. My boys are very much into Peter Pan and Captain Hook at the moment, so this book really struck a cord with them.It is a story about some rough and tumble new neighbors who need a little guidance.  The story is full of humor and the illustrations are delightful. I have caught both my boys reading the story again and finding new things in the illustrations they didn’t see before. We really enjoyed learning new words in the “Seadog Definitions,” in the back of the book.

The characters in this book play their part well. We couldn’t help but cheer for the dad as he set the example of how to treat one’s neighbor. And then there is the mom, who took some time to come around. I love the story they teach! I know that we will be using the Pirates on the Farm in teaching moments with our boys.  I highly recommend this lovely book to Moms and Dads looking for fun fiction to support their parenting!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. <a href=”http://booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/36441?ref=badge”><img alt=”I review for BookSneeze®” src=”http://booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge.png&#8221; border=”0″

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Recently Read, Reviewed Books

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Bethany House, historical fiction, Julie Klassen, The Dancing Master

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Without hesitation, I would put Julie Klassen in my top five all time favorite historical fiction authors. She has a gift in storytelling.  This novel is no exception. I know I can never go wrong reading any of her titles.  In this lovely tale, full of all things English and early 1800’s, Julia Midwinter finds her way from dreary and dull to love and acceptance. There are many layers, characters, and sub plots in this novel that leave you guessing until the end regarding the true story behind Julia’s life and family.

As mentioned, I love Julie Klassen and have read almost all of her Novels. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Tutor’s Daughter are some of my favorite novels. You know, the ones you buy in paperback and reread overtime because they are like favorite movies. Once is sometimes not enough. I am sad to say, that while I enjoyed this particular novel I also struggled with it. In truth, I believe it is personal preference. The hero, Alec Valcourt felt a bit soft to me early in the story. He becomes a more masculine hero as the story moves along, but his early preoccupation with getting his hands dirty and his flare for fashion took away from my early opinion of him. What can I say, I love a Man’s man.

Anyhow, I found the ending of the story picturesque and worthy of a Julie Garland song and dance on screen finale. If you have an infinity for period pieces, mystery, and romance, this book is for you. Just think Dancing with the Stars meets Jane Austen! 

I received a complimentry copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I have not received any compensation other than the the joy of reading a good book.

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