Courage And The Road To Freedom.

Journey back in time to the pre-civil war era when slavery was the accepted norm in America. Meet a courageous young boy named David - a young teen slave named Jenkins - David's abusive, alcoholic father.These three are the main characters in Donna M. McDine's book, The Golden Pathway. David is a compassionate boy who befriends the slave boy Jenkins. After watching and hearing his father beat Jenkins repeatedly almost daily, David administers whatever comfort and help he can to Jenkins. This young boy, whom his father thinks is weak, finds the courage to help Jenkins escape his bonds of slavery for a life of freedom by using the Underground Railroad.

The dialogue sparkles and brings the characters to life. Richly detailed writing and beautiful illustrations allow you to experience the sense of immediacy within the story as if you were living it with David and Jenkins.

Ms. McDine has taken a very complex time from America's history and brought it to life at an introductory level for children between the ages of 8-12. She has expertly dealt with abuse, alchololism, bullying and slavery. The Golden Pathway is a story full of friendship, love, and compassion. I recommend it to anyone who has children in the listed age group. It is a great way to introduce these issues to young people.

Emily's Quest

I thought the main theme in the book would be about the journey of twin girls - how they lost each other and were able to reuinte later in life. I am a twin so this was of interest to me. However, this book was about so much more. Ms. Seaman took the reader on a trip through the ups and downs and everyday happenings of her life in the early 20th Century.

"Emily's Quest" is a time capsule of historic events as well as hopes and dreams of the future. Life lived to the fullest despite the hardships and challenges she went through.

The characters who populate the book bring the story to life. The pace moves along at a good speed that keeps you turning the page. Descriptions that take you back to the time she's writing about are handled beautifully. Not too much to slow down the story.

Congratulations to Cora Alyce Seaman for a great book full of hope and promise. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and would recommend this book.

The Umbrella Race

Ms. Gerry Thomas has written a fast-paced, uplifting, charming story of magical make-believe. The magical umbrellas are charming as they come to life, play in the rain and run a race for the children. Melissa and her umbrella, Rainbow, have a fantastic day playing in the rain with her friends until the sun comes out and dries the rain.

Ms. Thomas' surprise ending is exactly perfect for the story. I read it to my preschooler grandson and he absolutely loved it and wanted it read again. It has joined his bookshelf.

The Umbrella Race is a hard cover book that will stand the test of
small hands and be read many times over. Congratulations, Ms. Thomas, for a book well done that captures the imaginations of the younger reader set.

From Beer To Maternity

From Beer To Maternity is the first time I had the pleasure to read any of Maggie Lamond Simone's work. The title caught my attention immediately and the stories within confirmed she is a special lady, indeed. Her take on life and it's situations are quirky, hilarious, tender, warm and full of insights of how she came to be where she is in her life.
The topics range from alcoholism to relationships and commitment issues and continue throughout the years struggling to accept life as it is. She takes you on a fantastic journey through her marriage, childbirth and beyond as a mother and wife.
Ms. Simone is a pure delight to read and I am definitely sending all the women in my life a copy. From Beer To Maternity is a keeper for your bookshelves. You will return to it time after time when you need a pick-me-up. I highly recommend it as a must-have book. I am waiting anxiously for another book from this author. Do yourself a favor and become a fan of this author.

I May Frustrate You, But I'm A Keeper

Author Ray W. Lincoln has written an invaluable resource for parents in understanding their own temperaments, thereby being able to understand their children.

"I'm a Keeper" provides the keys to opening lines of communication so the day-to-day problems between parent and child becomes minimal. Finding out which personality you and your child is enables you to recognize how to parent your child in the most positive manner.

You will discover how and why your children feel, think, and act the way they do, and how they see you. You will also learn what motivates both you and your child.

I have a young grandchild in my life and I'm definitely giving my son and his wife a copy.

"I'm a Keeper" is a book that should be on every parents list and in every educators library. Mr. Lincoln has done a superb job. I highly recommend this book for anyone who works with children. It will enlighten your life!

The Education Of Madeline

Author Beth Williamson has written an old-fashioned, sexy, historical western novel that pulls you in at the first page. Madeline Brewster and Teague O' Neal are two of the most unlikeliest of people to be brought together. She practically owns Plum Creek, Colorado and at 32 she knows she has missed any chance for happiness. Despite his rugged cheekbones, touseled black curls, and eyes as blue as the sky, he finds himself at the end of the hangman's noose. Madeline comes up with an outrageous idea and what follows is a most enjoyable read that keeps you turning page after page to see what's going to happen next to these two unlikely people from 1872.
Ms. Williamson is a breath of fresh air to the writing world. She is able to tell a great story that definitely will have you putting her at the top of your list of 'must read' novelist.

A Refreshing New Voice on Florida History

Jane Newhagen's debut novel is beautiful and haunting. She has expertly captured Key West of the 1800's. This story pulls you in from the very first page and holds you until the end.
Mary Thorne's story is about a woman who struggled with the realities of life in the Keys away from everyone and the way of life she knew and loved. You know from the beginning that she has already loved and lost. So, watching her fal in love again you cheer her on hoping for happiness. However, it seems like happiness is always just out of her reach. She and her husband move to Key West so he can rebuild his business. Just when her life should be happy and complete you see her struggling with the realities of living at Key West, a much harsher environment than her beloved Green Turtle Cay. Loneliness and medical conditions take their toll on Mary and your heart grieves with her. You can feel her pain and it's easy to cry with and for her.
Sand Dollar is a well researched, historical novel that will keep you thinking about this woman long after you've turned the last page. Ms. Newhagen is a welcome addition to the history of Florida and Key West. A refreshing new voice from an author on the rise. You can read more about her at www.janenewhagen.com.