Mom Self-Help, Cozy Christian, Kid Lit Fantasy, Kid Lit Historical

and a DNF

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In this article:

• Mindful Moments for Busy Moms by Sarah Beach

• Twice Sold Tales by Chautona Havig

• The Lost Stone by Jordan Quinn

• Little House in the Highlands by Melissa Wiley

• DNF: The Wishing Spell

Mindful Moments for Busy Moms by Sarah Rudell Beach

4 STARS, Self-Help for Moms, My format: hard cover

Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop

Personal Review:

I've been working on being more present and fully engaged mentally with my kids and this book offers a lot of great insight. I read the first half, skimmed much of the rest, and read the last chapter on sleep meditations (used one idea just last night and it worked wonderfully). I think I'm going to put this by my morning pile to help me re-frame my day more positively before it even starts.

This is not a Christian book, and that shows sometimes, but the ideas and phrases to use are so helpful. For example, one thing I love is an explanation on how to exist with contradictory feelings. Motherhood can be overwhelming AND beautiful. It doesn't have to be one or the other. I’m looking forward to starting the book again and reading a little each day.

Twice Sold Tales (Bookstrings #1) by Chautona Havig

4.5 STARS, Contemporary Cozy Christian Fiction, My format: paperback

Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop

Harper has inherited her aunt’s bookstore. There’s just one problem, she loves books but not people. Can she really keep the store alive?

Personal Review:

If there is a book that screams cozy booklover's dream, this is it. I love the small town vibes, the awkward bookworm, the sweet old lady, the friends of all ages that have interesting back stories. The romance is cute but definitely not the purpose of the book. I was surprised at how well the book kept my attention since it was not really driven by the plot or the romance, but by the growth of the main character.

My only issue is that sometimes I'd get lost in the syntax or phrasing of the writing. It would be so whimsical as I plodded along and then suddenly I realized I didn't know who was talking or what exactly was going on. But, those are just small details that didn't overshadow the absolutely beautiful story.

I can't wait for the next release of this series later this year!

Content Warnings:

grieving in adults and children, loss due to fire

The Lost Stone (The Kingdom of Wrenly #1) by Jordan Quinn

5 STARS, Juvenile Fantasy, My format: paperback

Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop

Prince Lucas is itching for a friend, and when his mom loses something precious, he gets permission to go on an adventure with Clara!

Personal Review:

After a rough week of personal reading, this cute little intro to fantasy reading really hit the spot! Eight-year-old Prince Lucas is so likable, and his friend Clara is sweet and clever!

My favorite part of the story was when we were introduced to the different islands with different creatures. I really appreciate how some potentially scary characters or situations were softened by carrying a teacup in the illustration or giving the friends help along the way.

Speaking of illustrations, they are fantastic! I'm excited this is the first in a series and I have a couple of daughters who are really going to love it.

Content Warnings:

none

Little House in the Highlands (The Martha Years #1) by Melissa Wiley

3.5 STARS, Juvenile Historical Fiction, My format: read-aloud for 9-, 7-, and 5-year-old girls

Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop

We join Martha as she experiences life in the highlands of Scotland.

Personal Review:

This installment of the Little House series is definitely very different from the other ones. I appreciate getting to see where the family was located and how they lived before they immigrated to America, and the traditions and superstitions presented are very entertaining. But the family doesn't seem like a Christian family to me in the ways that the other books represented the characters, and it's partly due to ALL of the superstitions and rituals that they constantly participate in.

The Scottish brogue is also quite difficult to read aloud and I don't think my kids would have enjoyed reading it to themselves because of it. It was just not as intriguing to us as the stories that have taken place closer to home but it was still well done.

Content Warnings:

none

Did Not Finish

I stopped reading middle grade fantasy The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer at 80 pages. It’s just not something I want to keep on my personal shelves for my kids to read. The story moved slowly and the story line was discouraging. You can see my full reasoning and review here if you want to know more.

Have you or your children read any of these books? Do any sound interesting to you?