Category: Books by Rose (Page 1 of 4)

Something New is Blooming at Books by Rose!

May 1, 2025 / rosieadmin / 6 Comments

Here’s Something New at Books by Rose.

I’m releasing my 16th book title in the coming months! Woohoo! This one is different from my children’s picture books. It’s a chapter book for Middle-Grade readers, which I’ve had a blast writing. It has been a real learning curve. Believe it or not, I’ve enjoyed the challenge.

I’m excited for you all to read it.

When I do my book launch, I’m doing it differently this time. Instead of running it from my Books by Rose Facebook page, I’ll run it from my website ► h ere. (Kidlit Blog by Rosie)

Yes, of course, I will announce it on Facebook to guide you to this page. If you haven’t already subscribed to my website, now is the perfect time to do so. You will receive my updates in your emails. Feel free to unsubscribe at any time. Don’t worry, I won’t bombard your emails after the launch, or anytime. I usually send out bookish blog posts once a month. With that being said, I am thinking of adding a new section to my page, which will not be bookish news. (So, you may get two posts from me each month, at the most.) We’ll see how things go.

Anyone want to guess what that page might be?

Keep watching for announcements these next few months.

Speaking of My Book Titles…

I just celebrated eleven years writing books at “Books by Rose.”

It all started with a book I wrote about our sons and the fun they had growing up.

Click here to read ► “Avi and Jackson Best Friends.”

Thanks to my fans, friends, and family for your support and encouragement over the years. I could not have done this without YOU! ❤️

April 05, 2025 – KC Book Beat

Here’s something I found in KCMO. An authors’ group which supports all Indie Authors! I was so excited to become a part of this and attended my first of many events.

On April 05, 2025, I had a table along with twenty-five other authors of all genres. They provided lots of entertainment and prizes for all who attended. I had the best time and will attend another one in the fall. They also keep us posted on events here and there throughout the year. I’m sure you will hear me talk more about this group. They are amazing. ❤️

Goodreads Challenge 2025 – Books I Read in April

Since I’ve been so busy getting my new book into the system, I’ve had little time to read much. However, I managed to read these two and enjoyed them a lot.

“Sonny Boy,” by Al Pacino.

(Adult Book)

A look into the creative life of one of the most iconic actors, Al Pacino! He burst onto the scene like a superstar in 1971 with his first leading role in “The Panic in Needle Park”, and by 1975, he was already recognized as a major star. He writes about how he felt through all his films, which makes me want to go back and watch them again with this new perspective.

Films such as “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Part II,” “Serpico”, and “Dog Day Afternoon” achieved box office success, but also left a significant mark on film history. His performances in these movies became legendary and changed his life.

With the New York theater scene being his first love, he still had to take on various jobs to maintain his passion for acting. Raised by a loving mother who struggled with mental health, Pacino’s upbringing was also impacted by his father’s early departure. This led him to turn to life on the streets of the South Bronx. It was a teacher who eventually recognized his exceptional acting talent, encouraging him to chase his dreams in New York City.

Entering the High School of Performing Arts marked a pivotal moment in his life. Throughout his challenges and triumphs, acting emerged as his saving grace. “Sonny Boy” represents his journey as an individual burdened by fears and secrets.

This book shows important partnerships and connections while addressing the complex balance between creativity and business at high levels. Yet, at its core, the story emphasizes love and purpose.

Al Pacino fell deeply in love with his art long before realizing the rewards it would yield. He has never ceased to adore it. That passion made all the difference for him.

“Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir,” by Alan D. Gaff

(Middle Grade and up.)

"Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir," by Alan D. Gaff

This book offers a fascinating look at my favorite baseball players, with the New York Yankees’ number 4, Lou Gehrig.

At twenty-four, Gehrig shares his journey during the 1927 Yankees’ peak, showcasing his ambition and insight. These stories depict his humble beginnings and illustrate how he rose from a poor background in East Harlem to achieve greatness in sports.

This memoir invites readers into baseball’s golden age and highlights Lou’s resilience. Gehrig’s reflections on his rise to fame resonate profoundly, especially in contrast to his later battle with ALS.

Historian Alan D. Gaff’s biographical essay adds depth by providing context to Gehrig’s legacy. For baseball fans and biography readers, “Lou Gehrig’s Lost Memoir” is essential, honoring the athlete and the man. This book beautifully preserves Gehrig’s spirit and story.

I loved the details of his friendships with teammates and his dedication to baseball. If you want to learn more about Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Bob Meusel, and others from the 1920s, you’ll find many great stories about them, too.

I recommend it to all sports and history enthusiasts.

“A Night in Lacey Manor,” by Sonja McGiboney

(Middle Grade)

(I am not counting this one to my Goodreads Challenge because it’s under 100 pages…but it’s way too fun and cute not to share with you all!

“A Night in Lacey Manor,” by Sonja McGiboney and illustrator Andy Catling, is an ideal spooky tale for young readers.

This engaging 44-page chapter book weaves together themes of friendship, bravery, and a spooky adventure. Readers will be captivated right from the start by the charming artwork, as well.

The well-developed relationship between Todd and Louise highlights childhood bonds and the loyalty that comes with pinky promises. How sweet is that?

The spooky theme builds suspense as the story unfolds, particularly when they embark on their eerie journey to the foreboding Lacey Manor.

McGiboney skillfully heightens tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative takes a gripping turn with Todd’s sudden disappearance, shifting the tone to one of urgency and concern. This moment cleverly raises questions about courage and the necessity of confronting the unknown.

This book is delightful. Readers will be eager to follow Louise as she faces her fears and unravels the mystery of Todd’s disappearance, making it a perfect read for any season.

I highly recommend this book for both home and classroom readings.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

That’s all the reading I was able to record this past month. I hope I can get more in once my book is finished and published. Until then, I’ll be busy with that, and oh yes, going to baseball games. Yay! ⚾

Let’s Hear From YOU!

Please let us know in the comment sections below. Any new projects? Any upcoming summer plans? We can’t wait to hear how things are going for you.

Until next time…as always,

Happy Spring and Happy Reading!

Rosie

In case you missed April’s blog post, you can find it ► here.

New Spring Books 2025 at Books by Rose

April 4, 2025 / rosieadmin / 4 Comments

Happy April 2025!

Happy Spring 2025

Rosie Russell

“April Showers Brings May Flowers but What to May Flowers Bring?

Here at Books by Rose, they bring the announcement of a bouquet of new released books!

Here’s some wonderful books you’ll want to check out.

Kathy J. Perry with “Good Clean Books” have these new five releases. That’s right! Five!

First up…

“Oakwoods Work, then Play Pip Opossum”

Author Kathy and illustrator Claudia Gadotti present, "Pip Opossum" (Book One of the Oakwoods Series.

Author Kathy J. Perry and illustrator Claudia Gadotti present, “Oakwoods Pip Opossum: Work, Then Play”

My Review:

Pip desires it all: playfulness with minimal responsibilities. He’s a charming opossum who will soon learn the value of hard work as he faces the coming winter. Will he learn his lesson? Or, will he play with his new friend, Sneak? And let’s not forget Boon, the turkey vulture, who adds his friendship to this sweet story. I adored the pastoral artwork that enhances this delightful tale, created by Claudia Gadotti. Readers will appreciate this narrative, complete with informative discussions, a glossary, and fun facts at the back of the book. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for young and old for pure learning and enjoyment.

“OAKWOODS Benjamin Bat – Humility“

My Review:

Author Kathy J. Perry and illustrator Claudia Gadotti have done it again with “Benjamin Bat, Humility.”

Benjamin Bat is known for his skill in hunting moths and insects. His ability to fly without relying on sight showcases his remarkable talent. When he tries to impress a companion, his attitude shifts from predator to prey.

I highly recommend this story, which delves into themes filled with humility and the significance of personal growth, as Benjamin must learn from his self-absorption.

“Boon and Sneaks” returns alongside Benjamin in this enriching narrative.

The illustrations, fun facts, valuable lessons, and glossary will keep readers engaged until the final pages of this book. It’s a fantastic addition for both home and classrooms.

“Sally Skunkskin, Grumbles To Grateful”

Author Kathy J. Perry and illustrator Claudia Gadotti, “Sally Skunkskin, Grumbles to Grateful.”

Sally Skunkskin can be a little prude and rude when interacting with other forest animals. As she navigates her interactions with a beaver, coyotes, foxes, and even a helpful snake named Sneaks, will readers witness her gradual transformation, or will she remain the same? I highly recommend this book, which delivers a powerful message about the importance of manners, understanding, and empathy. With engaging illustrations and supplemental fun facts, everyone will enjoy this tale learning valuable lessons and much more. The glossary at the end is a nice touch, making this book both educational and entertaining—a perfect choice for homes and classrooms.

“Oakwoods Jeremy Jay – Resilience”

My Review:

“Oakwoods Jeremy Jay Resilience,” by author Kathy J. Perry and illustrated by Claudia Gadotti is a book that readers won’t want to miss.

This touching and uplifting tale explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and resilience. Jeremy Jay, a blue jay grappling with his deformed foot, embodies the struggles of feeling different and isolated. The story wonderfully explores his journey of self-doubt and transformation.

With the help of his old friend and many others, Jeremy Jay begins to embrace his unique qualities.

I highly recommend this story to those looking for an inspiring and a well-written tale. The illustrations, book discussions, fun facts, educational insights, and glossary, add to this beautiful story.

“Oakwoods Nuts – Teamwork”

My Review:

“Oakwoods Nuts, Teamwork” by author Kathy J Perry and illustrator Claudia Gadotti

A story about friendship and cooperation.

If you watch squirrels, you know how busy they can be, dashing and darting around, hiding their nuts for future use. What begins as an everyday task, quickly evolves into an endless tug-of-war over each other’s treasures.

Join Nuts and other lovable characters from the Oakwoods series and see how harmony is restored in this fun and lively narrative.

The illustrations are engaging, featuring fun facts, a glossary of terms, and educational content. This book will bring warmth and character to both home and classroom bookshelves.

Please visit Kathy J. Perry’s website for more great news on these and learn about her other chapter books for middle grade readers.

► Website

► Enter To Win This Giveaway!

Let’s Not Forget…

Author Carol Baldwin has her new book coming out soon! You may remember the blog I wrote about last month. ►Kidlit Blog by Rosie

Visit Carol’s website for more updates here ► Carol Baldwin – Author, Teacher, Speaker

Goodreads Challenge March 2025

My reading was a little sparse this past month. As you’ll see at the end of this blog post, I’ve been busy getting my next book in shape for you all.

“That Was Then, This Is Now,” by S. E. Hinton

After recently watching the movie, “The Outsiders,” I looked into more books written by S. E. Hinton. This story, although dated, engages the themes of friendship and the complexities of growing up. The premise captures the essence of the often painful transition from childhood to adolescence, highlighting the tension between two friends on different paths. Bryon’s character struggles with self-discovery and the shifts that come with maturity, while Mark embodies the carefree spirit of youth, living in the moment.

The revelation Bryon uncovers about Mark adds a story twist, raising the stakes and forcing Bryon to confront his relationship with Mark. A moral dilemma that is sure to resonate with readers as they reflect on their relationships and the choices that define them.

Overall, the emotional depth and relatable characters make this story an engaging look at the challenges of adolescence. It invites readers to ponder whether true friendship can withstand the inevitable changes that come with growing up and whether it is possible to navigate these changes without losing the connections that matter most. This narrative promises to deliver a memorable journey filled with heart and insight.

If you enjoy teen stories from the past, you will enjoy this one.

⚠️(For mature audiences: it does contain violence.)

“True Spirit,” by author Jessica Watson

My husband watched this movie first then bought the book. We watched the movie together after that and then I read the book. I’m so glad I did. What Jessica Watson went through on this journey spilled over to the pages and I couldn’t wait until the end, even though I knew the ending. She also has many Youtube videos of her 7-month trip around the world.

“True Spirit,” published on August 14, 2009, chronicles Jessica Watson’s tells of her solo voyage around the world. Drawing motivation from iconic sailors, Watson shares a personal narrative with those who admire exploration.

The book details her journey, covering her meticulous planning, emotional struggles with her parents, and the challenges of long-term sailing. Watson highlights the psychological resilience needed to face isolation, unpredictable weather, and technical obstacles aboard her ten-meter boat. Not to mention she had to manage her daily life with self-care and food.

She reflects on her fears, loneliness, and triumphs. For followers of her journey or newcomers alike, “True Spirit” enriches the understanding of her experiences, emphasizing growth and courage.

“True Spirit” is a compelling read that inspires readers to dream big and embrace challenges. I highly recommend this book.

News On My Next Book…

All I can tell you for now, things are going along smoothly.

Here’s what I have so far…

ISBN – Assigned

Library of Congress Number – Assigned

Added to Ingram Spark

Planning Book Launch

Publishing Date Set (A little later than I wanted but I want to make sure everything will take and be 100%. I’ll keep you posted.)

Keep watching. I’m excited to share my next middle grade book with you all.

Tell Us About You!

Any new projects you’d like to share?

What plans do you have for these spring months?

I hope you all have a wonderful April.

As always,

Happy Reading

Rosie

Carol Baldwin’s New Release 2025 – Feature and Giveaway

March 14, 2025 / rosieadmin / 11 Comments

We have a special guest today to announce a new book from author Carol Baldwin, which is coming out this spring.

You will get a chance to win an ebook (International Readers) or paperback, (USA only) by leaving a comment at the end, by March 17, 2025, midnight, (12:00 am – CST)

Carol also wants you to know, if you pre-order on Barnes and Noble and send her a receipt, she will send you some extra swag. See her email address at the end of this post. 🙂

First, I will share my review of, “Half-Truths,” and then we will learn all the interesting details of how she arrived at her new tale.

My Review:

Author Carol Baldwin presents this YA story, “Half-Truths,” which tackles the serious issues of racism of the 1950s.

Meet Katie Dinsmore, a 15-year-old girl from Tabor City, NC who is passionate about journalism and dreams of going to college someday, which leads her to make some big moves.

Katie finds herself at her grandparents’ elite home in Charlotte and quickly learns that her posh grandma is hiding secrets. Her grandmother’s father owned slaves and this revelation shakes things up for Katie. As she works to make her mark as a young writer, she has to figure out how to handle awkward and tense situations.

Carol Baldwin’s vibrant descriptions and creative language draw readers into the story. Although this story tackles serious topics like prejudice and family drama, the author balances it with moments that keep each chapter entertaining.

I have a strong appreciation for historical fiction. I enjoyed the authentic storytelling. It has actual newspaper headlines at the beginning of each chapter. The research and photos at the back of the book will engage readers, guiding them to look up more topics from these times.

I envision this story as an inclusion in schools and at home. This story would make a great read-aloud for meaningful explorations and discussions about the racial tensions in the 1950s.

**What inspired you to write, Half-Truths?**

I moved to Charlotte from the Northeast almost 40 years ago and was curious about my new hometown and this part of the country. Over the years, I learned about the South and Charlotte. Unfortunately, many historical homes and places were not preserved in Charlotte. I started wondering what the history was “under my feet.” What had happened in areas I walked or biked through that were now covered by buildings or asphalt?

For a long time, I had wanted to write a book for teens, and as I became curious about what led to Blacks gaining civil rights, I began to think about a story that would incorporate this struggle. My background is in mental health and I’ve witnessed the trauma caused by family members who harbor deep secrets. I’ve seen the damage to the secret-bearer and the sorrow and hurt that gets passed along to the next generation. I wanted to write a book to encourage readers to think about this.

How long has it taken you to write your story?

Too long! Ha, ha! It’s been about 18 years from pre-writing to publishing Half-Truths. I had written nonfiction and knew I had decent writing skills but I didn’t have the skills to write fiction. That’s an entirely different ballgame! The story grew, morphed, and solidified over those years, but the kernel of it stayed the same: An unlikely friendship between a White girl and a Black girl in 1950. And, I learned how to write a novel!

I enjoyed reading about your research for this book. Tell us your experience in finding all your facts.

There were three main sources for my information: Books and articles I read, people I interviewed, and places I went to.

Here is a picture of some of the books I consulted. Some of them I read from cover to cover; in others, I read only chapters or pages. I read about Charlotte, about the 1950s, about the conflict in Korea (at one point that was going to be a bigger part of the story); about fashion, food, and people. You name it, I wanted to know the time and place as well as I could. In my early research, I read articles from The Charlotte Observer on microfilm. More recently, I’ve read stories archived online which is a lot easier! I also found information in other periodicals and on the internet.

This second Picture of Trade and Tryon Streets in 1955. Courtesy of Robinson-Spangler Carolina room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

I interviewed around 100 individuals who lived in Charlotte during the period or heard stories from family members. Bits and pieces of their stories got woven into mine. Often it was hard to figure out what not to include! For example, a 1952 graduate of Central High told me about going to Charlotte’s Armory to hear Black musicians. He told me the Whites were ”segregated in the balcony” while the Black patrons had the dance floor. I wanted to include that in my book…but it didn’t fit my story. I treasure all of these interviews; they helped give voice to my story.

In the End Notes of Half-Truths, I talk about visiting a former Rosenwald School. The two men I met, their stories, and a picture on the wall of that school were all pivotal in creating my plot. Through research, I discovered that there were remains of an African American cemetery less than a half mile away from an upscale mall and restaurants. That was part of the inspiration for the cemetery scene in the novel. I visited the Second Ward Alumni House and met Second Ward alumni Vermelle Ely and Price Davis. Throughout many interviews, they showed me how important the Black high school was to the community and gave me a picture of what life was like for a Black teenager in the 50s in Charlotte.

Price Davis, Vermelley Ely, and me in the Second Ward Alumni House in 2010.

This mural is on the wall of Second Ward High School’s gymnasium, the only remaining part of the school. The young woman in the top center is Vermelle Diamond Ely, homecoming queen in 1948.

I received this picture taken in Freedom Park after I wrote the snow scene in Half-Truths. It fits perfectly! Used with permission of Kathryn Pickard.

What are some points you strongly want readers to walk away with after reading your story?

Great question. Too often half-truths, prejudice, and harmful ways of thinking and behaving are passed from one generation to the next. This has the potential to build walls between people. The first step towards reconciliation is acknowledging wrongdoing and moving forward with open, respectful communication.

The theme of half-truths runs throughout the book. Kate not only uncovers deceptions that have been passed on in her family, but she also comes to grips with her half-truths. Like Kate, We must face the lies we’ve told others or ourselves.

Lillian, an important secondary character, is a teenage Black maid who works for Kate’s grandmother. The two girls bond over Kate’s goat, and while building that friendship, Kate frequently stumbles. In a major turning point, Kate alienates Lillian by publicly saying a half-truth about her. It is only when Kate admits what she did and communicates her genuine regret to Lillian that their friendship is reconciled.

As the story progresses, Kate discovers secrets about her family’s ancestry. She wants to talk about them to her stern grandmother— the lynchpin in the puzzle—but she’s afraid. At the end of the book, she broaches the topic as the two plant a garden. Kate’s hunch about her ancestry is validated as she breaks through walls that have existed for decades. She is then freer to speak her voice and move forward without debilitating fear.

Do you have future stories our readers can look forward to?

I am working on two other books. Out of the Flame is “sort of” a prequel to Half-Truths. I say, “sort of” because it features Kate’s granddaddy, Andrew Dinsmore, as a young man working in South Jersey in 1893. It is a middle-grade novel featuring two boys who are glassmakers about a 150 years apart. The other is a graphic novel, Nightmare in Nuremberg, a time travel middle-grade that is loosely based on my father and grandfather’s escape from Nuremberg, Germany.

Thank you Carol for taking time to tell us about your new book.

You can follow Carol Baldwin’s page ► here.

If anyone has questions for Carol, please leave them in the comment section below. Don’t forget to leave your name for a chance to win Carol’s new book, by March 17, 2025 at midnight (12:00 am) CST.

Preorder her book on Barnes and Noble and send your receipt to her website address for extra prizes.

PS. I will announce the winner on my Books by Rose Facebook page. Carol will announce this, as well.

Thanks for stopping by today.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

It’s National Reading Month – March 2025 at Books by Rose

March 6, 2025 / rosieadmin / 6 Comments

Let’s Celebrate the Power of Words With National Reading Month

Every March, readers unite to celebrate the power of literature during National Reading Month. Established to commemorate the birth of the beloved children’s author, Dr. Seuss, this month-long observance honors his legacy and also serves as a need for children and adults alike, to rekindle their passion for reading. I’ve read many books on how Dr. Seuss became an author and illustrator and I hope you will check them out, too. The road for him was not an easy one.

Reading is more than a source of entertainment. It’s important for personal growth and academic success. Research impacts literacy rates, cognitive development, and critical thinking skills. National Reading Month, aims to inspire a movement towards fostering a culture of literacy within families, schools, and communities. Schools often organize special events, community reading programs, and reading challenges. This encourages everyone to take part in diving into the pages of wonderful stories and thought-provoking non-fiction that encourage knowledge and discussions. Non-fiction books can be a ton of fun.

How Will You Celebrate This Month of Reading?

I happen to celebrate reading everyday, even if it’s just a little bit here and there, when time is an issue.

I also have a special time to read. Do you? First thing in the morning with a cup of coffee is my favorite time. I always read longer than I intend to.

Reading in the morning with a cup of coffee.

When is your favorite time to get some reading in?

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot and listening to audiobooks.

Here’s what I have so far to report for my February Goodreads Challenge 2025…

February Goodreads Challenge 2025

Special note:

Most of the books you see on my Goodreads Challenge are adult books. If I read a children’s book, I’ll review it on a separate blog or post. Why? The Goodreads Challenge is for books 100 pages or more. Not that Goodreads counts the pages, but it’s an honor system everyone goes by.

These books received all 5 stars from me.

Now on to this very adult book.

“Finding Me,” by Viola Davis

My sister told me she saw Viola Davis in an interview with Oprah and recommended reading this book. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author.
“Finding Me” by Viola Davis is an adult memoir that delves into her horrific experiences growing up in poverty as a young child and her ascent to Hollywood. The significance of accepting one’s authentic self is the main part of the second half of this story. In this book, she reflects on the moments that shaped her identity as both a woman and an artist, sharing valuable lessons gleaned from her journey.

Another adult book which has lots of language, but is a funny and a look at Motherhood and life.

“What in the World?!: A Southern Woman’s Guide to Laughing at Life’s Unexpected Curveballs and Beautiful Blessings,” by Leanne Morgan.

I listened to this hilarious adult comedy audiobook, “What in the World,?!: A Southern Woman’s Guide to Laughing at Life’s Unexpected Curveballs and Beautiful Blessings,” by Leanne Morgan. I enjoyed her honest take on the ups and downs of being a woman today.

From rural Tennessee, Leanne Morgan proved everyone wrong! She’s now connecting with tons of people through her hilarious takes on life with heartwarming and hilarious stories with her sweet southern accent.

I highly recommend the audiobook for those who want to smile and feel a little better. Just remember, “Everything’s gonna be alright.”

“The I Don’t Know How To Cook Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can’t Mess Up!” by Mary-Lane Kamberg

“The I Don’t Know How To Cook Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can’t Mess Up!” by Mary-Lane Kamberg.

I have a thing about cookbooks and love reading them. I also keep them in mind for future gifts. First-time cooks will want to check this one out. I found some helpful hints here, too.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the kitchen or questioned your culinary skills, look no further. This one is an essential guide, not just for novice cooks, it also gives hope for anyone who has ever hesitated to step into the kitchen.

With 300 recipes, you’ll find traditional dishes and those which will impress friends and family alike. Each recipe features clear, step-by-step instructions, ensuring those who have never boiled water can feel confident and capable. The emphasis on simplicity does not sacrifice flavor with lots of added tips.

What sets this book apart is, Kamberg’s explanations of the cooking process, providing helpful tips and tricks that will guide you every step of the way. The recipes are designed with accessibility in mind, utilizing readily available ingredients, (which I love) so you can whip up a fantastic meal without needing a culinary degree or fancy kitchen gadgets.

What I also liked about this book is it truly sets apart its clever organization, which categorizes recipes into three distinct levels: “Easy,” “Medium,” and “Hard.” If you are a Vegetarian, a “V’ is added to those recipes, too. This thoughtful design helps one choose dishes that match their comfort and skill level.

I smiled at the clever humor added into her writing and enjoyed the additional resources provided at the back of the book which is valuable for beginners and experienced cooks.

“A Ride to Somewhere: …and other stories,” by Mary-Lane Kamberg

“A Ride to Somewhere…and Other Stories” written by Mary-Lane Kamberg is a delightful collection of stories which captures the essence of life’s journey through great storytelling and relatable themes. I enjoyed this humorous, laugh out loud book and this author’s remarkable ability to weave together experiences from life’s every day journeys. Travel, marriage, parenthood, and the inevitable process of aging, which will resonate with readers from all walks of life.
The author’s sharp wit shines through, making even the simplest moments, like cooking in the kitchen or enjoying family time, feel profound and significant.
Mary-Lane Kamberg’s skillful storytelling and relatable observations make this book a must-read.
I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking inspiration, laughter, and a sense of belonging in the familiarity of growing up and life experiences. A perfect book to have on hand for limited time reading, although you won’t want to put it down.

What’s Next?

I read another book last month but will save that one for a special feature on March 14th. I hope you’ll come back to read it. I can tell you it’s a new release this spring and a Middle Grade book. All will enjoy reading and learning about this one. Keep watching!

That’s all I have for this month.

How will you celebrate National Reading Month 2025? Please share what you are reading and what’s going on in your world.

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Three Ideas to Show Your February Love 2025

February 6, 2025 / rosieadmin / 8 Comments

February has always been one of my favorite months and Valentine’s Day has been one of my favorite holidays. Its days are full of love and kindness, oh and hearts. My favorite symbol year round! 💞

Here are three ways you can show your love to those around you throughout this month, and always, for that matter. 🙂

Make a Special Card For Someone You Love

I love, love making cards and writing silly poems or sayings to go along with them. Thanks to my family and friends for putting up with them. 😉

I’ve been turning photos into sketches with Photoshop. (You will see some of those in my next book.) Some people are made up and some are not. I love including those I love, or a reference to them, in my books.

You may remember this one I made from a few years ago.

If you’d rather just color a page, I’ve included that, as well.

(To save this coloring page, right click “save as” to your device.)

Share a Special Meal for Someone You Love

Here’s a recipe which has a story behind it. 🙂

When I was in college, studying Early Childhood Education, we were instructed to plan a party for kids. I didn’t have any little ones around at that time so I created a Valentine’s Dinner party for my family and friends. The decorations were for kids, but the meal was for more for adults. We all dressed up in red and white outfits and had a great time.

Since I was not much of a cook back then, this one was a big deal for me to make. When my husband and I married, it was my go-to dinner since I was familiar with cooking it. This meal still holds special memories to us and always will. <3

Here’s the original recipe from the late 70s. Don’t worry, I wrote it out for you below. 🙂

Texas Beef Casserole

1 pound of ground beef
3/4 cup onion, chopped sautéed until tender
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 – 16 ounce can of tomato wedges
1 – 15 ounce can kidney beans, undrained
3/4 cup uncooked Minute Rice
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh green pepper (Sauté those with the onions.)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups of corn chips, slightly crushed

Brown ground beef, onion, and green peppers in a skillet. Drain grease.

Stir in chili powder, salt, garlic, salt, tomatoes, beans, rice and water.

Cover and reduce heat to medium low and let simmer 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with cheese cover and heat until cheese melts.
Sprinkle corn chips around. Serves six. This meal goes great with garlic bread and a tossed salad.

Do Something Unexpected For Someone

Think of unusual and random things you can do for someone you care about.

*Pick up someone’s favorite item at the store.

Next time your out and about, look for something out of the ordinary to gift someone. For example, my husband loves the little fried cherry pies. He would never expect those as they are different than a box of chocolates or any cake I would make him.

*Any Good Deed Brings Smiles to Those We Care About

This one is endless from leaving special notes, retrieving someone’s mail to simply calling someone just to say hello. How about sending a card with a note to say hello?

Now on to…

My Goodreads Challenge 2025 – My Books in January

The following books received 5 stars from me.

If you’re a fan of The Golden Girls, brace yourself for a culinary treat that beautifully brings fun with innovative cooking. The Golden Girls Cookbook is a tribute to the popular 1980s series, crafted by the talented chef and author Christopher Styler. Stunning photography is provided by NYT food photographer Andrew Scrivani.

From the opening pages, the cookbook draws you in with its laughable quotes and fun anecdotes that fans of the show will instantly recognize. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized around the beloved characters—Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose—with recipes that reflect their unique personalities and culinary preferences.

Dorothy starts off with her recipes which are so her personality. Blanche’s Southern will showcase lots yummy recipes offering a touch of warmth and sweetness. Don’t forget to check out her Fried Chicken recipe. On to Rose. Her chapter introduces us to Scandinavian delights like the St. Olaf Friendship Cake—a simple, buttery treat that is sounds delicious. In Sophia’s chapter, expect to do lots of reading with some intense recipes which is the essence of her fiery spirit.

You’ll enjoy and appreciate the small sections called, “Golden Wisdom.”

“The Golden Girls Cookbook” is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of friendship, food, and the timeless humor adults will enjoy. I understand there are more of their cookbooks out there so I’ll have to check those out, too. 🙂

Murder Among Friends: A Miss Markham Mystery, by Juliet Sidonie

In this delightful historical mystery series, Deloris Markhum signs up for many jobs, one which she’s not completely hired for, but it will lead her to many adventures.

She’s a spirited and fearless recent high school graduate who takes on the bustling streets of Kansas City in the 1930s. As she leaves her small farming community behind, Deloris is eager to embrace the excitement of city life, but she quickly finds herself in a whirlwind of intrigue, danger, and unexpected thrills.

The author masterfully blends fact with fiction, drawing from the real Doris Markham’s vibrant life to create an engaging narrative filled with authentic historical Kansas City, MO details. Her determination to solve crimes—robberies, hoodlums, and even murder—adds a suspenseful layer to the story, making readers cheer for her every step of the way.

The dialogue is witty, fun and the characters are vividly drawn, each contributing to the backdrop of Deloris’s adventures. Her audacity and quick wit shine through, showcasing her as an extraordinary protagonist who refuses to be sidelined.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

“Watercolor Painting at Home: Easy-to-follow painting projects inspired by the comforts of home and the colors of the garden (Volume 1,)” by Bley Hack

Watercolor Painting at Home: Easy-to-follow Painting Projects Inspired by the Comforts of Home and the Colors of the Garden (Volume 1) is a delightful guide that invites both beginners and seasoned artists into the world of watercolor painting. This book offers a refreshing perspective on how to find inspiration in everyday surroundings.

The author’s approach makes it easy for anyone to try, regardless of their artistic experience. Each project is thoughtfully laid out with clear instructions and step-by-step guidance. The photography showcases not only the finished artworks but also the process, which I enjoyed.

“Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments,” by Matthew Eicheldinger

I loved reading these sweet stories and could picture the situations as they unfolded in Matthew Eicheldinger’s book.

This heartfelt and insightful collection of stories captures the essence of middle-grade students through the lens of everyday experiences. Eicheldinger has a remarkable ability to transform simple moments into profound lessons, making the reader reflect on the significance of childhood and the innocence of growing up.

Follow this author and teacher on Instagram as he relays some of these wonderful stories.

“The Turtle House,” by Amanda Churchill

This book does have chapters which switch back and forth, so if that is a issue with your reading style, this one may not be for you. I happen to enjoy books like this.

The novel opens in Curtain, Texas, where 25-year-old Lia Cope returns home. Lia’s estrangement from her grandmother Mineko, a Japanese war bride, becomes a path toward healing as they share a bedroom and late-night conversations that reveal decades of untold stories. Mineko’s tales of her life in Japan, filled with romance, sacrifice, and the haunting memory of a lost home called The Turtle House.

Mineko emerges as a symbol of resilience, reflecting the pain and strength that comes with her life experiences. Her stories of love and loss are deeply rooted in the historical context of her youth, showcasing the weight of heritage and the impact of war on personal lives. Lia, on the other hand, grapples with her own uncertainties and the pressures of modern life and her co-workers.

The Turtle House is a beautifully crafted story that invites readers to explore the intricacies of family, identity, and the hidden lives we live.

I’m looking forward to reading more Amanda Churchill’s as this is her first novel.

“The Little Lost Library,” by Ellery Adams

This is the first book I’ve read of author Ellery Adams, The Little Lost Library (Secret, Book, and Scone Society, #7.) I listened to the audiobook, but like always, would have preferred the actual book instead.

Elderly Lucille Wynter is a resident of Miracle Springs and requests Nora Pennington to deliver a selection of books to her ominous, decaying Southern mansion. After delivering books one day, Nora realizes Lucille, who struggles with agoraphobia, rarely allows anyone to enter the Wynter House and notices she never ventures out.

One day, things quickly take a turn when Lucille fails to answer the door to retrieve her books, Nora becomes increasingly anxious. Determined to check on Lucille, she pushes her way into the rundown home to discover rooms overflowing with items from wall to wall. At the bottom of the stairs she finds an unresponsive Lucille. After sorting though piles of debris, she finds a note left behind.

After Lucille’s children deal with the passing of their mother, they are certain something valuable is concealed in the mansion. They insist Nora help them delve into the mountain of books scattered throughout the home. Nora agrees and begins to question if it was truly an accident from a fall or was she pushed?

Nora enlist her friends from the Secret Book and Scone Society and discovers something unexpected hidden within the depths of Wynter House.

Some Fun January News….

I joined what is called, “Storystorm.”

I signed up with many other children’s authors to brainstorm 31 title ideas for 31 days.

We checked in each day and read empowering posts on how authors come up with ideas and how they write their stories. It was so interesting and I learned so much from them.

Will I use all 31 titles in the future? I don’t know but it sure gave me a great start and I’ll never be without future ideas for awhile. Keep watching.

Tell Us About You!

Template from vintage painting magazine.
Painted by Rosie Russell

How will you spend this month? It only holds 28 days and it will go so fast.

Let us know what projects or events you might be working on in the comment section below.

Have a wonderful February, everyone!

As always,

Happy Reading,

Rosie

PS. In case you missed my January 2025 post, you can check it out here.

► January 2025

What is The Most Courageous Thing You Did In 2024?

January 2, 2025 / rosieadmin / 6 Comments

I want to start off wishing you all a very Happy New Year, everyone!

What is the Most Courageous Thing You Did in 2024?

I don’t have just one, but four things which have challenged me this past year.

Don’t forget to read to the end as I have some author friends who have also shared their posts for 2024.

I’ll Start With Mine…

Writing a Middle Grade Book Solo

First of all, I’m making my first chapter book for Middle Grade readers.

Some of you have heard me talk about this already. Some of you may know about the making of a chapter book I wrote with author Catherine Michaels back in 2020. (Just Between Sam and Me) I learned a great deal from working with Cat. It’s strange not to have a second opinion in my writing as before so this is a big project for me.

Writing a chapter book is much different than children’s books. It will be all black and white with black and white illustrations. That has been very difficult for me because I crave color illustrations. I had to stop and make some art along the way to get that out of my system. (See some of my projects below.)

There’s another reason I have been doing a lot of art this past year and I will reveal more about that after my book is announced. Keep watching!

My Second Courageous Thing I’ve Done In 2024

We had to say goodbye to our sweet kittens. 🙁

They were actually both eighteen years old and sisters from a litter which were given to us back in 2006. We had their brother up until 2018. He was fifteen years old when he passed.

Lola and Jeter were best friends and you never saw one without the other. After Jeter passed in March, two days after her 18th birthday, Lola became very depressed and stop eating. One thing lead to another and we realized she had become very sick. They passed away within 7 weeks of each other. From March to May, it was a difficult time to say the least.

Even though they lived long lives, it was so very hard to say goodbye to them…it still is. I have to tell myself, eighteen year old cats in human years equals to ninety-four years old. I couldn’t expect them to live longer but having them here so constant everyday, by my side, is something I’m still working on getting over.

If you have ever lost a pet, you know how we are feeling. Many say, “get another cat or two.” We have decided we will not be getting any more pets at this time and we are okay with that. We will love on all the pets we visit though, you can count on that. ❤️️

My Art Challenges

Working with hands on art and exploring different techniques and sharing them online. That’s been a brave one as I can be critical of my art. I have a problem on stopping and leaving it alone….so it seems to take me f-o-r-e-v-e-r! Ha! When you do digital art, you can fix mistakes very easily. With mix media products, you can’t. Well, you can, but, you have to do it where it won’t show. More on that later this year, but I’m happy I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone a bit. 🙂

Here are some of the art pieces I worked on.

These templates were found in a vintage magazine by Marlene Stevens and many other artists. They were meant for tutorial purposes on wood and other items only. Of course, they are not for sale and were used for trying out my art supplies. These were given as gifts.

My Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024

I made my goal! Yay!!!

This challenge always seems so easy at the first of the year. It’s around the fall months I realize I’d better hurry it up. 🙂

Here are the books I read and reviewed in December to top off 2024.

All 5 stars from me!

“Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals – A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food,”

“Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals – A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food,” by Dolly and her sister Rachel Parton will delight readers and cooks with these wonderful classic recipes.
Dolly and Rachel include some heartfelt stories from their childhood. This beautiful, well put together book, is formatted to include everywhere from summer to winter meals and treats. Menus for satisfying dinners and delectable desserts with visually appealing, mouth-watering photographs, make each dish even more enticing.
There’s a perfect balance between tradition and accessibility for everyday ingredients, which is my favorite part of this cookbook.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this cookbook will be a
trusted companion in the kitchen.

“Ghost”

This young adult novel, “Ghost,” by author Jason Reynolds, focuses on the character, Castle Cranshaw, who is nicknamed, “Ghost. The intense opening will keep readers going to the end.
Castle’s home life is far from perfect, but when he laces up his sneakers and steps onto the track, his world is transformed. With a very supportive Coach and group of teammates in his life, he discovers how to conquer his battles and overcome a devastating situation.
Reynolds’s writing and voice used for “Ghost” is genuine and resonates with the conflicts he faces. This book would be a great read aloud for classrooms and home. The back of the book holds excellent discussion questions which are a must for further exploration of situations, perspectives and problem solving dilemmas.

“Wait Till Next Year”

This book isn’t just about growing up with the love of baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers. It’s so much more.
“Wait Till Next Year,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a powerful memoir about growing up in the 1950s” with a rich tapestry of culture, sports, faith, and social consciousness. It offers valuable insights which capture baseball history and changing times. Yes, at the heart of this memoir, the love of baseball, idolizing major league stars and a visual illustration on how the sport brought communities together. Kearns goes on to share her innocence of childhood experiences, adding personal accounts on growing up with friends and navigating the expectations of faith and morality. The research in this historian’s writing was entertaining to learn. Readers will resonate in how different today’s world is than it was from the 50s. This book is a must-read for those interested in history, and yes, baseball and the progress made in this heartfelt story.

Will I do the “Goodreads Challenge” again in 2025?

You bet! I love it, and like I’ve said before, it keeps me accountable to my reading and I learn so much! Since I figured out how to listen to audiobooks on my headphones now, I’m going back to making my goal “50” books for 2025.

Now it’s your turn.

What Challenges Have You Had In 2024?

Let’s hear from YOU! 🙂

What challenges did you face in 2024? What have you learned from them?

What plans do you have for 2025?

Please join me and click on my author friends posts who have also participated in this “Blog Hop” to close out 2024.

Before I leave, I want to say, “Thank you” for following my author journey. You all are the best and I appreciate YOU! I’m looking forward to see what you create this coming year!

Happy 2025, and always…

Happy Reading!

Rosie

► Author Julie Gorges – The New Year: A Time for Reflection and Hope

► Author Sandra Bennett – Looking Back on the Happiest days of 2024

The Imagination and Whimsical Journey with Ariane at icraftcafe’

December 3, 2024 / rosieadmin / 4 Comments

Our special guest today is an artist I met many years ago. Her whimsical art and engaging fun page and interactions on Facebook and other social media sites had me hooked. We’ve been friends ever since.

Welcome, Ariane at icraftcafe’!

(PS. That’s not a misspelling, that’s how she spells her business name.) ❤️

Hi Ariane, please tell us how you started creating your cute art and what all you create.

Thank you for having me, Rosie.

I’m a freelance illustrator/graphic designer. I mostly try to create cute whimsical illustrations for kids (and sometimes for grownups.) Those usually end up on items like stationery, tabletop or fabric to name a few. They’re available in my print-on-demand shops. I also sometimes take commission work.

I always loved to draw, but I only started this new adventure when my son was in elementary school. I wanted to be able to work when he was at school and also be close by afterwards since I hadn’t any family nearby to help out. I thought this was the best option and it did work quite well that way. The first things I created and sold were primarily teacher’s supplies (like back-to-school postcards and reward stickers) and teachers gifts (like aprons, notepads and pens). Then it just grew from there.

(2) At the beginning I used to draw my illustrations exclusively in colored pencils and scan them. Nowadays I mostly do my artwork digitally. However I always start with a sketch in pencil on a piece of paper .Then using the sketch as my template, I work on my design using either Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Fresco. I love the sharp vector brushes. Once it is done, I transfer the image onto whatever product I want to create.

I start off with a pencil sketch, then add to my iPad. It’s then printed on many products like you see below.

Here’s one of the the finished products.

(3) You can find my website icraftcafe.com or you can jump to my Zazzle profiles and find my shops there www.zazzle.com/mbr/238854679822468540

Thank you so much for sharing your work with us today, Ariane. They are all so sweet!

If you have any questions for Ariane at icraftcafe’, please leave a comment in the section below.

Goodreads Challenge 2024 – My November Reads

Getting down to the end of the Goodreads Challenge 2024.

I put away my art supplies, for the most part, and buckled down to reading these five books.

November 2024 Books - Goodreads Challenge

Here are my reviews:

All of these received 5 Stars from me.

“The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hannah

“The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hannah must be in everyone’s book clubs as it was hard for me to keep reading from the long waiting list at our library. I ended up getting the audiobook which was beautifully done.
This historical fiction themed tale has been somewhat repeated over the years in books. Hannah shares this storyline about two sisters who take separate paths when the Germans occupied France in the 1940s.
I’ve always liked how Kristin Hannah writes as if you are right there in any time period. Her descriptions of settings and characters kept me turning the pages.

Matt Sprouts #2

“Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun,” By Matthew Eicheldinger

“Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun,” by Matthew Eicheldinger is the second in the Matt Sprouts series and is written well enough you do not have to read them in order.
Matt finds himself in a few dilemmas when his dad insists he takes on a summer job. Nora the goat turns out to be his full time job and things take a turn when Nora refuses to cooperate.
Middle grade readers will enjoy this one, as well as adults. This would make a perfect read aloud for home and classrooms. This book could be a great tool for many discussions for problem solving and so much more.

“The Book That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That Matter Most to Them,” by Roxanne J. Coady, Joy Johannessen

“The Book That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That Matter Most to Them,” by Roxanne J. Coady and Joy Johannessen is a book you will want to check out for sure. If you do the Goodreads book challenges, you will be set for the year on these suggested titles by authors and their favorite books. I’m excited to look these titles up and re-read some old classics named in here, too. (The list of them are in the back of the book.)
I love how the proceeds for this book also go to the “Read to Grow” program. A subject dear to my heart.

“Housesketching: Learn to Create Energetic and Expressive Architectural Drawings,” by Albert Kiefer

This paperback book, “Housesketching: Learn to Create Energetic and Expressive Architectural Drawings,” by Albert Kiefer was just what I needed to read and learn from.
*I loved the fact one’s sketches doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
*Shading and adding lighting techniques are explained, which are simple to apply.
* I appreciated the list of supplies in the front and back of the book to choose from.
I’m looking forward to more books written by this author.

“Sipsworth,” Simon Van Booy

“Sipsworth,” by author Simon Van Booy is an enchanting tale which is one you’ll want to stay with until the end.
The first many chapter depict vivid descriptions of the Helen Cartwright’s life in her quiet home filled with memories and the world outside that feels just a bit too big. A delightful shift happens when she encounters a mouse which she becomes quite fond of.
The humor and heartfelt interactions are beautifully crafted and will leave readers with a lasting impression of warmth, hope and a literary hug. This sweet tale reminds us that we’re never truly alone.
I’m looking forward to reading more of Simon Van Booy’s books.

Tell Us About You

Tell us about your November and what plans you have for December.

Wishing you all a wonderful month and a happy holiday season to all.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Social-Emotional Learning At It’s Finest by Author Nicole Oke

October 31, 2024 / rosieadmin / 5 Comments

Meet Nicole Oke

Let’s meet Author Nicole Oke and how she got started with her wonderful books.

First off, let’s start with my review for her newest book, “Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas.”

“Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas,” by Nicole Oke and illustrated by, Richard Hoit is a great book for readers and parents to read together when a range of emotions arise.

When Izzy is about to go on stage to dance in front of a large audience, she can feel the nervous butterflies flittering in her stomach. She turns to Penny Panda for help.

Penny introduces her to the “Emotions Ninjas” and explains how these feelings are normal, how to understand them, and how to navigate through them.

This book is a fantastic resource for parents and educators looking to teach children about emotional intelligence, and emotional awareness.

Readers will love the fun, bright and colorful illustrations.

Inspiration for Her books

1) Nicole, what inspired you to write your Penny Panda books?

I was first inspired to write my children’s books when my oldest daughter was around six months old. I didn’t know exactly what the story would be, but I knew I wanted to create something meaningful for her—something that would inspire her and reflect my love and dedication. A few years later, I began focusing on my own emotional intelligence and self-improvement, and I found myself thinking, “What if my kids could learn these skills now, instead of waiting until their 30s like I did?”

I went to Amazon, searching for children’s books that taught social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, but I noticed that while there were many books about how emotions are important, few really dove into how to manage and process those emotions. I wanted to find something that would teach my girls how to handle their feelings, challenge their thoughts, and develop emotional resilience. When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to write it myself.

That’s when the inspiration for Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility came to me. Each Penny Panda book focuses on a different social-emotional skill that I want my kids—and others—to learn. The first book explores how we can challenge our assumptions and embrace new possibilities. The second, Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas, teaches that every emotion has value, but we’re ultimately in control of how we respond to them. I’m also working on future books that address important topics like fairness and grief, areas I believe are underrepresented in children’s literature but essential for kids to understand.

Illustrator

2) Tell us about how you chose your illustrator?

Choosing an illustrator was a thoughtful process that took some time. I had a general vision of the style and feel I wanted, but I wasn’t quite sure how to translate that into the right artist. I spent a lot of time referencing children’s books and looking through different illustrators’ portfolios. Eventually, I narrowed it down to three illustrators whose styles resonated with me. My editor and I reviewed their work together, and we selected the one that best captured the spirit of the characters and story.

I wanted a style that was playful and relatable for kids, but also professional and polished. As someone who enjoys photography and various forms of art, it was important to me that the illustrations were of the highest quality. That’s how I found Richard Hoit, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with him. Not only is he a fantastic illustrator, but he also became a true creative partner. He brought fresh ideas to the table, even suggesting a few playful lines that enriched the first book. His work really brought the characters to life in a way I hadn’t even imagined!

Finding Nicole’s Books

3) How can our readers find your books?

Readers can find my books just about anywhere books are sold. However, I always recommend starting with my website, ► https://nicoleokeauthor.com, where you can order copies at a discounted price. Plus, there are a lot of great freebies available—like activity books and free lesson plans for teachers—along with helpful blogs for parents, caregivers, and educators. You can also find my books on Amazon, which is especially convenient if you’re a Prime member and want to take advantage of free shipping!

Find Nicole Oke’s Book here, too!

Amazon:

► Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility

► Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas

Barnes and Noble:

► Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility

► Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas

Social Media Profiles – Great to follow. I offer lots of different activity books and freebies throughout the year 🙂

► Instagram

► Facebook

► Linkdin

► TikTok

Nicole, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to tell us about your sweet books.

Please leave a message for Nicole if you have any questions.

My Last Outside Fall Project for 2024

Once daylight saving times hits the first weekend in November, my outside art will have to end. I’m still going to make art in the coming months, but will have to bring it all inside.

To see my past 2024 art fall project and blog post, click here ►

"Five Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate"

If you follow my Facebook – “Books by Rose” page and Instagram page – (booksbyroseforyou11- Rosie Russell) type in those links to read the backstory on how and why I made this. Please follow these two pages for upcoming news. I’ll be sharing lots of fun things for my next book coming in 2025.

Goodreads Challenge 2024

Phew what a month it has been for me to get some reading done this month.

I was going right along and the book below had to be returned to the library. I thought, “No big deal, I can renew it, right?” No, it’s such a popular book I was put on many waiting lists. Finally, the CD audiobooks came in and I will have to finish it up in November. I’ll be back to review then.

“Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings,” written by Dionna L. Mann.

5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed, “Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings,” written by Dionna L. Mann. The rich voice of each of the characters puts readers right in the setting in the 1930s. Mann’s research in the back of the book shows the amazing backstory of Charlottesville, N. C. and the times and relationships which adds to this sweet tale. Problem solving among two girls and their quarrels were perfect, not to mention, the interactions which sets the tone for the story to be complete.
The recipe for the chicken and dumplings can be found on the author’s website. I’m looking forward to trying it and reading more of Mann’s stories.

I highly recommend this book for a read aloud and for classroom learning and enjoyment.

That’s all for this month.

I hope you have a wonderful November. Let us know what you have planned for this month.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

My Fall Finds, October 2024 at Books by Rose

October 4, 2024 / rosieadmin / 6 Comments

Welcome October 2024!

As I write this blog today, we can feel the change coming here in Missouri. We have cooler mornings and evenings with warm days. It’s getting darker a little more each day….my least favorite part of fall. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful time of year.

Artwork from September

If you follow my “Books by Rose” Facebook page, you probably have already seen my latest art project. If you followed my last month’s blog, Mindfulness in Action: Practical Tips for Being Present, then you know what inspired me to get outside for some art.

I had more fun making this piece. I had no idea what it was going to be at the beginning. I purchased an old educational book which had this image in it to learn from and knew right away to include it on this stretched canvas.

Our grandson and I, along with his Pops, did a lot of art over the summer. We drew images and kindly critiqued each other’s work. Now, I’m in the habit of doing that with my own art. Here’s what I would have done different if making this again.

*Use paint or my Ohuhu markers for a darker effect. (I used colored pencils.)

*Tint the background behind the hat to a lighter color for more contrast.

*Use less glitter….I poured out too much. Oops! (You may not tell here but the background is painted with Mod Podge glue with glitter added. I added a few coats of Mod Podge and the glitter stayed and did not flake off.)

My sister is a huge decorator for all the seasons, so while making a trip to our niece’s birthday party this past weekend, I gifted this to her for having us for the evening.

I can’t wait to make more of these.

My Book Finds for the Goodreads Challenge 2024

This book is from a local author, Theresa Hupp. It is a large one, at 492 pages, so it took most of my up September reading to get through. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Hupp’s stories.

"When Heart Shall Fail," by Theresa Hupp

My 5 Star Review:

“When Heart Shall Fail: A Second Chance in Frontier Oregon, by Theresa Hupp is the first book of this series I have read. I’ll have to backtrack and read the others now. This one was a real page turner.

The descriptions of settings, characters and plot was just the style of books in which I enjoy.

Readers will root for Faith as she endures the abuse of her unsuspecting husband who is the minister in their hometown. Laws for protection in the mid 1800s were much different as today. The other characters in this story will engage readers along with the well written accuracy in this historical fiction.

If you like tales from the Oregon Trail, I highly recommend Hupp’s books.

Speaking of Books, Julie Gorges’s Book is Now Live!

Last month you heard me talking about Julie’s new book and it’s now on Amazon for you all to read, too!

"The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement," by Julie Gorges

My Five Star Review:

“The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement,” by author Julie Gorges is one of the best guide books I’ve seen. Her suggestions and tips are for everyone who has a dream to write but doesn’t know where to start.
This book will help with personal writing or becoming a paid writer. If you have ever thought of writing a blog, articles for newspapers or magazine, novels, you will find all the resources on how to make that happen.
I highly recommend this book for all those interested stepping into the literary world.

Find Julie’s book in ► Kind le ► Paperbac k ► Hardcove r

I Found a New Craft to Make – Card Holders!

Have you ever played “Go Fish” with a little one and they struggle to hold large amounts of cards? These card holders will help them and may help some seniors and some of those with disabilities. Plus, if you have to get up to do something in the middle of the game, your cards are secure when set down. These will hold lots of cards, all 52, in fact!

It’s an easy craft and can be made under 30 minutes, once you get all the supplies together and cut out.

What you’ll need:

2 – 8 1/2 inch circles of fabric. (Lightweight is the best. Cotton, t-shirt and flannel materials will all work well.)

2 pieces, the size of the disc, for batting material or padding. (I did not have batting so I cut 2 pieces of a cotton t-shirt for both discs. It worked great!)

Strong thread. (Button or carpet thread works best.)

Any CD or DVD

2 medium or large buttons

Directions:

Cut 2 – 8 1/2 inch circles of lightweight fabric.
Cut 2 pieces of batting or fabric for padding. Use your disc as a template to measure and cut out.
Make a running 1/4 inch stitch around the edge of each of the fabric pieces only.
Place the cut batting piece in the middle of each circle. Add disc. Gather the thread on both discs and tie off and secure with a strong knot.
Place the two finished disc pieces together, wrong sides facing in. Place buttons in the middle on each side and secure tightly.

Here’s a no frill image for easy understanding…hopefully. 🙂

Please let me know if you have any questions.

That’s all for now. I hope you enjoyed these fall finds.

Tell Us About You

What does your October look like so far? Have any exciting plans you’d like to share? Leave us a note in the comment section below.

As always,

Happy Reading!

~Rosie

Mindfulness in Action: Practical Tips for Being Present

September 5, 2024 / rosieadmin / 8 Comments

First off, welcome September 2024! We have been waiting for you after our run of hot days in August. I hope you all enjoy the cooler temps, too.

Let’s talk about being “Present and Mindful” for this month.

Most of our days are spent getting through the tasks of life. There’s no better time than the month of September to slow down and do this. Here’s why.

The Months Prior to September are Busy!

Early spring to the end of summer is a busy time for most people. In May, we attend outdoor activities, graduation parties and so much more. Come June, sports events are in full force and weddings are happening everywhere. We can’t forget how busy July can be. We all start off the month with huge celebrations with a bang on the 4th of July. The weather is hot and pool time is a must. Vacations are on many families planners with various exciting activities. Then, there’s the hustle and bustle getting the kids back to school. If you are a parent of a college student, you know the work that can take.

Speaking of Back to School…

Tip 1 – Build School Memoires

School is moving towards year round in many states, even if it’s extended “Summer School” or “Enrichment Programs.” We have that little space of time in September to reflect before the school year gets crazy and the holidays begin.

Take some time in September to reflect on the school years from past to present.

Wishing all the parents and students a wonderful and successful school year! I hope you build some cherished memories that will last forever.

Enjoy the Changing Season

Tip 2 – Find a Quiet Place to Just Relax

September is a great time to reflect on the changing season. It goes so fast. Find a place where’s it’s quiet and take in as much as you can. Here in the Midwest, it’s too cold in our winters and too hot in the summer to get outside on a regular basis. Our fall season is a perfect time to get outdoors and relax. 🙂

September is the Month to Do Something for You!

Tip 3 – Pick an Activity Just for You!

Maybe you would like to paint outside now the weather is cooling down. I know this is a goal I have for September. We have a deck with table and chairs so that’s where you’ll find me. As, I’ve mentioned in past blogs, art always takes me out of my head and helps me think better. It’s relaxing and clears my brain for awhile. 🙂

slow things down a bit and reflect at the changing season

I also like to read outside, even if it gets a little chilly. As long as the sun is shining, I’ll be there.

Stop and Explore Nature

Tip 4 – Observe Nature

Take a walk and observe the changes.

Since I plan to do some art, I hope to find different kind of leaves for stamping to make cards with. If you are a crafter, let us know your favorite fall project.

Bake or Create a Fall Recipe

Tip 5 – Yum!

Explore the different recipes out there and make one to bring the fall smell into your home. Be mindful as you bake and create and enjoy the process.

It looks like apple and pumpkin spice has already started on all the social media pages I visit and has for sometime now. If you have read my posts in the past, I’ve shared lots of recipes. Now it’s your turn to share with us. What’s your favorite fall recipe?

Do you have any mindful tips you’d like to share?

Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Goodreads Challenge Update 2024

On track so far….

Books I’ve read this past month:

Packed full of interesting stories, “The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor,” by Mark Schatzker had answers to many questions I had.

Why chicken today isn’t as tasty as our grandmother’s chicken when I was growing up?
How about tomatoes and the ones our grandfather grew in his garden? They were so big and tasted so fresh!
It all made perfect sense to me after reading this book.

Oh, and you don’t have to be a scientist to understand the content in this book. It’s informative with various studies.

I enjoyed this book and have started further reading on the subjects in this book.

This is the second book I’ve read by author, Mark Schatzker, “The End of Craving: Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well.” The first one was, “The Dorito Effect.” Reading them back to back helped with more understanding and the food we eat.

There are studies after studies on how our food has changed over the years and how it’s highly processed. Some for the good, but not all.

After reading this (these) books, one will have a more clear understanding on what we put into our body on a regular basis. How our brains process what we eat and react to certain cravings.
With foods being highly loaded with vitamins nowadays, which some may need, some not, are we really eating the (real) foods we need to nourish our bodies?
Many questions came to mind and I found myself researching more on the subjects presented in this book.

I appreciated the explanations and comments for each chapter at the back of the book. There are many pages for further reading suggestions stated by the author, as well.

I’m looking forward to reading more of his books.

My past two books you just read about lead me to this one.

“The Taste of Country Cooking,” Edna Lewis. It’s not really a cookbook with recipes you’ll find yourself making, as “some of” the ingredients are not available to us today. You will however, enjoy the stories and history behind them.

What really led me to this book, were the two books I reviewed above. It makes one think about how much of our foods are processed and biochemically altered nowadays.

The recipes in this book come from homegrown vegetables, ingredients and animals raised on a farm. What Edna’s family had to do just to prepare a meal is way beyond what most of us would do today. The amounts of food served at meals were another thing most of us wouldn’t eat. You have to remember how very hard they physically had to work on their farms in the early 1900s.

My favorite chapters were reading about her memories from her holidays and the meals which were prepared and the stories behind them.

If you enjoy learning about history and the preparation of “real” Southern food, you will enjoy this one.

Speaking of Books…

Our author friend, Julie Gorges has this exciting news to share.

Click on the image below to read about it on her Facebook page.

Don’t forget to follow her Facebook page or join her website for more news coming soon! She is even offering a free advanced copy until October.

Check it out here ► Julie Gorges, Author and Blogger

That’s all for now.

Tell us about you and your plans.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

PS. If you missed my last month’s blog, you’ll want to read this one about Jennifer Milius and ► “How To Create Your Dream Business.”

How To Create Your Dream Business With Jennifer Milius

August 2, 2024 / rosieadmin / 8 Comments

Welcome August 2024!

A special treat is in store for you today. We have author and entrepreneur back with us, Jennifer Milius!

Enjoy this interview filled with helpful tips on how you can make your business thrive.

Hi Jennifer! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to be with us again. Tell us…

How Did You Create Your Book Business?

The Einstein & Moo series was a creative outlet during the last couple of years of my 20-year corporate career where I made up stories from my indoor kitties’ perspectives. As I was finalizing what ended up being the first two books in the series, I wanted to turn them into published books and proceeded to figure how to make it happen.

I left the corporate world one month before publishing my first book and knew I was headed toward my north star. When Einstein and the Leaf released in September 2014, I hosted my first book signing, and since then, I’ve hosted or participated in over 150 book signings, including booths at multi-day expos.

One book turned into seven, then book signings and school visits, and I knew there was more. My passion for helping people see their gifts and courageously share them continued through private coaching and speaking engagements. Two leadership podcasts evolved as well as my co-authored book, You Know it’s a Verb, Right?

Early on in my business, I was a beta reader for an author friend. She said I was tough and encouraging as I helped her strengthen her writing and storytelling abilities. Shortly thereafter, she and others became developmental editing clients. My business grew to help authors bring out their inner greatness, whether it’s through my recent book, Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message; the podcast, The TufFish Show; developmental editing; or coaching them on how to best present themselves, their work and message. This brings me joy because I am following my passion.

What is an Author Stylist?

It’s a term I coined which is defined as a creative entrepreneur (that’s me) who works with authors, creatives and other introverts, like you, to bring out your inner greatness so you become comfortable using your voice, sharing your message, and being visible.

It leverages my entire corporate career, during which I ran oversight for dozens of trade shows, attended hundreds of shows as a booth attendant, partnered with senior leaders for keynote communications, and guided people on how to present material and themselves. In a nutshell, my job was about building bridges between employee engagement efforts and the company’s bigger vision. All the while, I informally coached hundreds of individuals to enjoy more meaningful work and gain increased leadership responsibilities. My corporate experience showed me how much I enjoy helping people bring their vision to life and building strong, authentic relationships.

What Services and Packages Do You Provide?

I am a big believer that if you have a story or book that’s in your heart to write, then there’s someone else out there who needs to read it. I also believe once you hit publish, a new level opens up because now, you need to really be visible and let your light shine, so that your readers, those who really needed to read what you wrote, find out about you, your book, and your message. You are the right messenger for your book because there’s no one else who can write that book, share that message in the way that you can. There will be other books like yours, but only you can share the book and message given to you.

We can work together through asynchronous support, so it’s like having a sounding board, cheerleader, and consultant as you work through your edits or as you prepare for an upcoming appearance or event on your terms, without the constraints of fixed meeting times.

For authors who are ready to take their appearances to their next level, then an Author Stylist package is perfect to support those efforts, so that they:

– Tap into their unique energy and stand apart in a crowded market.

– Discern the best opportunities for their goals and vision.

– Own their role as business owners and confidently share their message with the world.

– Execute successful events and appearances with ease and efficiency.

An Author Stylist package is also perfect for business owners who want to turn their signature course into a book as a way to reach more people and share their message. There are different options for both asynchronous support and Author Stylist packages, so you can have the personalized, focused support in the way you need it.

LINKS:

► Services

► Author Stylist

► Author Stylist Guide book and ASG book bonuses

► E levate Your Author Brand Free Resources

Thank you again for visiting with us today, Jennifer.

Goodreads Update 2024

These summer months have kept me busy. I picked up many books at the library, but sadly they won’t make this months list. Not sure if it was just me or the content of them was not my style, but they weren’t finished and sent to the return pile. That’s okay and it happens. Not every book we pick up will be for us, right?

I did get in this cute Middle Grade book and I enjoyed it to the end.

“Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes” (Matt Sprouts #1) by Matthew Eicheldinger

Middle Grader readers will enjoy, “Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes” (Matt Sprouts #1) by Matthew Eicheldinger.

I found out about this author through some thought provoking videos he makes on the social media sites. When I realized he was an author and teacher, I knew I had to check out his books.
I’m so glad I did. With this being the first one in his series, I’m sure to look for more of his stories.

If you want to catch up from other books I’ve read this year, you can always join me on ► Goodreads, I have a goal to read 40 books this year.

Tell Us About You!

What’s going on in your corner of the world? Any new projects or plans?

We’d love to hear from you!

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Sparkling Bookish News and More at Books by Rose

July 12, 2024 / rosieadmin / 14 Comments

Welcome July 2024!

This month we’ll talk about some sparkling, bookish news to start off this month.

Included in this post:

*News From Carol Baldwin

*Goodreads Update – July 2024

*Don’t Forget….Author Catherine Michaels – New Release

*Fun and Learning Printables for your Kids – Author Rebecca Lyndsey

*Our 4th of July Taco Bar Was a Hit!

First off, lets hear news from Author Carol Baldwin.

News From Carol Baldwin

Here’s a wonderful article written about Carol Baldwin’s news on Medium by interviewer, Teri Gault.

Thank you, Carol for sharing your words of wisdom on getting a published.

Click here to read more. ► Author Carol Baldwin On How to Get a Publisher to Publish Your Book

Goodreads Update – July 2024

My Review

“The Women,” by Kristin Hannah is not a “pleasant” book, but an important one to read. If you are interested to know more about the Vietnam War and what men, and yes, women, had to endure and life in the 60s, this book is one to read.
*Note: Author Kristin Hannah describes the scenes in this book as though you are right there. *Trigger warning for those who may be find these details disturbing.*

Personal note: This 480 page took awhile for me to get through. It was one which really hit home. Our brother served two tours in the Marines and Vietnam. I remember when I was in 5th grade, a year before he returned, watching the news of the soldiers departing the plane to come home. The news reporters were commenting how quiet the officials and crowds were, since many people in those times were against the Vietnam War. It made me sad at the time and makes me sadder now that I’m older and have learned so much more. Many of those young men and women joined, instead of waiting to be drafted. That’s is exactly what our bother did. He served his four years with dignity and love for his country. He did not pass away in the war, but as a result of it.

I highly recommend those who want to know more about what happened during the years of the Vietnam War and our world in the decades of the 60s and early 70s.

“The Story Within: New Insights and Inspiration for Writers,” by Laura Oliver is a comprehensive guide writing book filled with concise and valuable information. She presents many ideas on how to get started, maintain plots and gives beneficial advice to enhance one’s writing skills.

I enjoyed the examples she shared and insightful tips and tricks which will help with common writing challenges such as, writer’s block, self-doubt, and lack of inspiration.

This 228 page book was a fast and easy book to read with many concepts learned in each chapter.

“America’s Deadliest Twister: The Tri-State Tornado of 1925,” by Geoff Partlow is a book one will think about a lot after reading.

This 160 page book may appear small but is packed full of the history of the disastrous damage the Tri-State tornado caused in the Midwest in 1925. Hitting the southeast part of Missouri first, it wiped out counties through southern Illinois and into southwestern Indiana, killing and injuring many families, leaving many homeless and jobless.

One has to remember, the warnings for these kinds of storms were not in place at that time. We have come a long way creating safety measures to alert those in danger.

Communities also learned about relief efforts in their regions and teaching others on manage large disasters.

If you are a curious reader of history and science, you’ll find yourself looking more facts up after reading this book.

Don’t Forget…

Catherine Michaels has a new release in July!

► Click on the picture below to read last months interview.

"Sand, Sea and Second Chances," by Catherine Michaels

Fun and Learning Printables for your Kids – Author Rebecca Lyndsey

Author Rebecca Lyndsey has these awesome links share from TPT, “Teachers Pay Teachers. ” TPT is the one of the largest platforms for PreK-12 resources, created by a community of educators.

Check these out and click here! ► or the image below.

Our 4th of July Taco Bar Was a Hit!

This year for the 4th of July, I decided to do a repeat on a meal/snacks for our festivities. It was such a big hit in the past and easy to do, once you get all your ingredients.

A huge time saver for me was to prepare most of the cutting and chopping, (instead of the tomatoes,) the day before and have a few crock pots on hand. We have one regular sized crock pot and one which has three compartments. (Two small ones and one large one in the middle.) Doing it this way, your food will stay hot throughout the evening for those who want to snack.

Suggested Things to Buy:

Ground Beef – Cooked, crumbled and mix with your favorite taco seasoning. (I added this on warm to the large one in the middle crock pot.)

Your two smaller crock pots on the sides can hold Refried Beans or Mexican Flavored Rice. (I didn’t add the rice this year. If I do this again, I think I’ll look into ordering that side from our favorite Mexican restaurant to save time.)

Taco Shells – Soft and Crunchy

Tortilla Chips

Chopped Lettuce, Tomatoes and Shredded Cheese

Guacamole – homemade or store bought.

Chopped Green Onions

Sliced Black Olives

Sour Cream

Sliced Jalapeno Peppers

Salsa and/or Taco Sauce

In our regular, single Crock Pot, I made …

Cheese Dip

Here’s the recipe you’ll find in the book Cat Michaels and I wrote, “Just Between Sam and Me.” (Dad and Link’s Famous Queso Dip)

This recipe feeds a large crowd. Cut in half, if needed.

1 16 oz. box of processed cheese

1 14.5 oz. can of undrained tomatoes with chopped green chili peppers. Hot or mild, your choice

1 lb. of cooked hamburger

1/2 cup water, more if needed, depending on desired consistency

Your favorite chips for dipping

Cook hamburger until no longer pink and done. Stir to crumble.

Place processed cheese in a crock pot, add canned tomatoes, cooked ground beef, and water. As the cheese melts, stir to the desired consistency. Once it’s done the way you like it, serve in small bowls and dip with chips.

This is also a great way to make a plate of Nachos. Place chips on a large plate or platter. Top with tomatoes, green onions, avocados, lettuce, and sour cream, if desired.

Tell Us About You!

Lastly, tell us what you have been up to. Any new projects?

How was your 4th of July?

Happy 4th! Rosie Russell at Books by Rose

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Romance Writer, Catherine Michaels and Her New Book

June 6, 2024 / rosieadmin / 9 Comments

Hey everyone! Happy June 2024! I hope you all have exciting plans for your summer.

In a month, Romance writer, Catherine Michaels is releasing her new book, Sand, Sea, & Second Chances.

You may have heard of (Cat) Catherine Michaels in my past blogs and on my social media pages. She’s a former Kidlit writer and we were fortunate to write a book together called, “Just Between Sam and Me.”

More About Catherine Michaels and Her New Book

Award-winning author Catherine Michaels whisks you away to charming small towns and sun-kissed shores in her swoon-worthy sweet romances. Prepare to laugh, shed a happy tear, and fall for unforgettable characters.

A former educator with a passion for storytelling, Catherine brings her unique perspective to life after years of nurturing young minds, publishing five children’s books as Cat Michaels, and a second career leading in the corporate world.

Fueled by a desire for happily-ever-afters, she started her Gull Island romance during the pandemic lockdown. Drawing inspiration from her coastal haven, she weaves relatable characters and picturesque settings into heartwarming escapes. Catherine and her family live outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, where she writes and visits her happy place on the coast every chance she gets.

Let’s Go to the Beach

Kick off your shoes and take a walk on the beach with Catherine and I as we explore her new release. (Don’t forget your sunscreen lotion.)

North Caroline Beach - Photo Credit, Catherine Michaels

From Catherine:

Thanks for having me on your blog, Rosie! Talking about this new book takes me back to our kid lit days when we co-wrote Just Between Sam and Me. Now I’m diving into the world of adult romance with my latest book, Sand, Sea, & Second Chances, releasing on July 17. This book is for anyone who’s ever felt like life threw them a curveball (or maybe a rogue wave!). It’s about second chances, following your heart, and rediscovering the strength and joy that lies within. All wrapped up in a heartwarming summer escape mixed with tears and laughter.

1. Tell us more about the heart of Sand, Sea, & Second Chances and finding love again. What unexpected turn of events brings your main characters together?

Life can hit you sideways sometimes, and that’s exactly what happens to Kate Fiore, a dynamic woman in her mid-30s. Fresh off a tough divorce and career setback, she swaps Northern cityscapes for Down South seascapes with a summer marketing gig at an aquarium on charming Gull Island.

But paradise isn’t all sunshine and seashells. Kate clashes with a stubborn (but talented!) local landscape architect, Luke McAllister, over a proposed beach development project. Their fiery arguments soon spark an undeniable connection.

2. Was it challenging to write a love story for characters who might not be looking for love again? How did you portray their journey of rediscovering romance?

Finding love later in life often comes with emotional baggage, and that’s true for Kate and Luke. Both are focused on their careers and not actively seeking romance. But as they’re forced to work together on the aquarium’s annual fundraiser and sea turtle patrols, their shared passion for Gull Island starts to break down their barriers.

Their story unfolds as a slow burn, gradually revealing past hurts and challenging preconceived notions. It’s a summer romance with emotional depth along with themes of over tourism, coastal protection, and found family…all in a charming small-town setting with quirky side characters.

3. What kind of romance is it? Steamy or sweet?

Sand, Sea, & Second Chances is a sweet, closed-door romance that emphasizes emotional connection and simmering chemistry. While some moments will leave you breathless, the focus is on Kate and Luke’s heartfelt journey and emotional arc. You might even shed a happy tear rooting for them.

4. Did the idea for Sand, Sea, & Second Chances come to you all at once, or did it evolve over time? Share your journey from initial inspiration to finished manuscript.

It took me three years to bring this book to you, inspired by my love of ocean and a need for an escape during the pandemic lockdown…. maybe a little nudge from Kate and Luke’s themselves, too!

The ocean has always been my happy place, from growing up along coastal Connecticut and visiting the near-to-me North Carolina beaches for more than two decades since moving South. More inspiration for Sand, Sea, & Second Chances struck on a visit to a favorite beach that had changed dramatically due to development. Crammed with houses, we couldn’t even access the once-pristine space.

It got me thinking about the delicate balance between progress and preservation. That’s when I expanded Luke and Kate’s story beyond two passionate souls coming together from different worlds. They not only navigate their personal journeys but also clash over a condo development on Gull Island.

I also wanted to add depth to Kate’s character, giving her a secret that keeps her guarded, and explore if she can find the courage to risk opening her heart again to love.

5. Are any parts of your book inspired by your real life?

Kate and I share roots in coastal Connecticut towns and come from boisterous, loving Italian families. My real-life Aunt Theresa, an active 93-year-old, inspires some of the spunk in the story. While Gull Island is fictional, it’s a blend of my favorite North Carolina coastal communities… because who can pick just one beautiful beachy setting?

6. Where can readers learn more and find your book?

Sand, Sea, & Second Chances debuts on July 17, 2024, but you can pre-order your digital copy on Amazon now for just ► $0.99! This hot deal ends soon, so don’t miss out!

Print versions will be available on July 17 from your favorite bookseller.

“Excerpt from Sand, Sea, & Second Chances, by Catherine Michaels

“Kate Fiore stepped up to the front porch of her rented bungalow. The relentless sun had bleached the once-bright red door to a pale rosy hue, while the heat danced on the white shell driveway. A gentle breeze brushed against her cheek, carrying the briny perfume of the ocean and the scent of jasmine from a nearby garden. Taped to the door, a note scrawled in black Sharpie swayed in the wind, its edges curled as if eager to reveal its secrets.

Kate shielded her eyes from the blinding sun with her hand, casting a shadow across the note she was trying to read. She squinted, her lips moving slightly as she deciphered the scribbled words:

Welcome to Gull Island!
Door’s open. Make yourself at home. Mae Gray

Five hundred miles of asphalt, then forty minutes of winding coast. Kate craved only two things: a frigid shower to chase away the highway dust and a bed that would swallow her whole. The unlocked 1930s bungalow, nestled behind Gray Cottage, promised both, a silent welcome that surpassed any Southern charm she’d imagined.

She had parked her Prius next to her rental’s tidy yard, secluded from beachgoers across the road. A red Bougainvillea vine flanked the small front porch, its fiery blooms twirling around a white lattice panel on one side and a terracotta pot stuffed with blood-red geraniums anchoring opposite. Cool air humming from the living room AC box greeted Kate when she sank into a plump chintz sofa. She fired off a safe-arrival text to her mother, and a classic Mom reply pinged instantly.

Kate’s bungalow generated by Bing Image Creator

Flad u made it. Get food night sleep. FaceTime us Sunday.

Kate cracked a weary smile. FaceTiming with her family on Sunday was the perfect defense against encroaching homesickness. Her thumbs danced across the screen, sending a cascade of heart emojis in response.

The plush cushions welcomed Kate as she took in the beachy trinkets sprinkled around the room—sand dollar wreath, glass vase stuffed with seashells, and nautical maps. A driftwood plaque challenged her, “Life’s better in flip-flops.” With a sigh, she slipped off her red Chucks as a sense of disconnect washed over her. Clearly not in synch here, she thought.

She was tempted to explore more, but her practical side took over. Time to face the scorching furnace to fetch her things from her car.”

If readers can’t wait to hear more about your new book, tell us about your free prequel novelette.

They can visit my website @ https:// www.catherine michaelsauthor.com. While you’re there, sign up to become an Insider. You’ll receive monthly exclusive content, updates, and a free prequel novelette, Before Sand & Sea, to explore Kate and Luke’s lives in the weeks before their paths collide on Gull Island.

Free prequel novelette, Before Sand & Sea,

Thanks for inviting me to your blog, Rosie! Wishing you and your readers cool breezes and happy tales!

Thank you Cat for taking time out of your busy day to visit with us.

Goodreads Updates – May 2024 News and Reviews

I usually have many more books to list each month, but the last few months have been too difficult for me to talk about.

We had to say good-bye to our sweet 18 year old kittens. It was their time to go but I sure miss them. They were the best reading buddies I could ever ask for. Their everyday presence has been such a void to our family. I will keep their memories alive in my future books, for sure.

Meanwhile, I was able to get these two awesome books read in the month of May.

“The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers,” Samuel Burr

This book, “The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers,” by Samuel Burr is one which will send you back in time and present day as the story unfolds.
My heart felt for character, Clayton Stumper, as he tries to solve the mystery of his family history with a slew of interesting friends and family in his life.
Readers will find themselves turning the pages until the end to solve the puzzling details with rich descriptions and great storytelling.
I’m looking forward to more of Samuel Burr’s entertaining books.

“The Mystery Guest,” by Nita Prose (Molly the Maid #2)

“The Mystery Guest,” by Nita Prose (Molly the Maid #2) did not disappoint and was a joy to read.
If you have read, “Molly the Maid,” you will enjoy book number two even more. It is not required though, as Nita Prose sets the stage for readers to understand the main characters.
I hope to find more books by this author in the future. Better yet, I’d love to see this story in action on the big screen.

Questions or Comments?

If you have any questions for Cat Michaels and her new book, write her a note in the comment section below.

Feel free to tell us what you are up to and if you have any projects you’d like to share with us.

Have a wonderful June 2024!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

As always,

Happy Reading,

Rosie

PS. If you missed May’s blog, you can read more here. ► J azzing It Up with Jazzy and Sonja McGiboney

Jazzing It Up with Jazzy and Sonja McGiboney

May 3, 2024 / rosieadmin / 4 Comments

Welcome May 2024! We have been waiting for you!

This month’s feature and interview with Jazzy and Sonja McGiboney is one you all will enjoy!

Let’s get started on learning their story.

How did you arrive at making stories about Jazzy?

A rescue called, Critters4You, rescued Jazzy’s mommy just before her mommy had 9 puppies, Jazzy was born last. We took her home at 8 weeks old. I took over 7,000 pictures in her first year and planned only to make a photo book. I picked out the best photos from each month and created a poem to go with it.

That book was so cute, I printed another and sent it to my great nieces. My niece asked me for more and within four years, Jazzy and I made 8 more books.

Since you photographed Jazzy for your books, tell us some experiences you have had with this. I’m sure you have some great stories to share.

Everyone asks me how I get Jazzy to pose. The answer is simple. Jazzy loves food and stuffed toys. All I have to do is put food, or the toy, on something, and ask her to wait. She’ll stare at it until I give her the okay. It isn’t always without its foibles, though. Sometimes, Jazzy takes the prop and doesn’t want to give it back.

When we take pictures outside, unless we are fenced in, she needs to have a leash. Not that she’d hurt anyone, but if she saw a squirrel, she’d chase it as far as it would go. Goodness, I think she’d chase it all the way to the ocean before she stopped and realized she was lost. Anyway, when I get home, I have to use Photoshop to erase the leash from the pictures.

Do you and Jazzy make videos?

Yes, we do. You can find 27 videos on my YouTube channel. Some are books being read, some are just fun videos. ► Videos

Jazzy is also on TikTok ► TikTok

Do you have a newsletter?

Yes. I send out a newsletter each month. It’s all about what I’m writing, what Jazzy’s doing and includes pictures and a coloring page. You can print the page at home. If you’d like to be a part of this and any special offers and announcements, sign up here. ► Jazzy’sbooks.com

How many books do you have and where can we find them?

Jazzy and I now have 22 books which includes 2 coloring books. We are working on our 23^rd book which is counting to ten. The neat thing about this book is that it is translated into Spanish and Kyrgyz

Most of Jazzy’s books are on Amazon. If you search for my name, Sonja McGiboney, you’ll see them all. Or follow this link. ► Amazon

Thank you Sonja for taking time to tell us all about Jazzy and her books. What a joy she is and readers will love them!

If you have any comments or questions about Sonja and her books, please leave a note below. Thank you!

Goodreads Challenge Books – May 2024

Here’s the books I want to share with you this month. I enjoyed all these a lot.

I usually try and stay away from books this long, (408 pages,) but since Kristen Hannah’s book have never disappointed me, I thought I’d give this one a try. I’m so glad I did. “The Four Winds” is one you won’t want to put down and you’ll read to the end.

The descriptive writing of Elsa and her family’s life as they suffer through multiple situations will make you completely thankful for everything you have. A history lesson of times we all learned about with spill out before your eyes with a new understanding and appreciation.

Even though I read the hardcover book from our library, I checked to see if it was available in an audiobook, as well. I was so happy to see that it was. I read the first three-fourths of the book and then listened to the ending. Here’s a nice surprise readers will get with the audiobook. Hannah and the narrator talk about how they worked together on the script. Hannah shares some valuable tidbits of her stories and how she wrote them, which fascinated me.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this one.

I just finished a fun book called, “My Happy Days in Hollywood,” by Garry Marshall. If you like learning tidbits never told before about actors, actresses, old TV shows and movies, you’ll love this one. I read most of it and then listened to the audiobook since it was available at our local library. He narrated the book too, which was fun hearing him tell his story in his, “New York accent” voice. He sounded like a fun person to work for, always making sure his colleagues and team of workers played softball, together. How cool is that? ❤
For a person who doesn’t watch a lot of TV and movies anymore, I really was entertained by this book. I’m excited to look some of them up and watch the situations he wrote about.

I enjoyed reading, “Sharing Too Much: Inspirational Musings and Lessons from an Unlikely Life,” by Richard Paul Evans. It’s a small book which is easy to carry along and read for inspirations from candid, real life situations he reveals and a few fables in the middle of the book.
If you are a fan of his books, you will enjoy this book as it is written in his own voice with style and grace.

That’s all for this month. I hope your May brings you lots of sunshine and happiness. I know it’s a busy one for a lot of people out there.

I re-read this book written by, Jim Cosgrove, “Everybody Gets Stinky Feet: Uplifting Essays about the Sweet and Smelly Bits of Life.”

If you are a reader from the Midwest, you will enjoy the stories in the book you won’t want to put down till the end. There are stories filled with laughter, tears, and meaningful messages to delight adult readers. You’ll walk away feeling better about yourself and the world around you.

We had the wonderful opportunity to visit one of his children’s music concerts where we purchased this story. It was a joy to see families dance and sing along to his awesome performances.
If you want entertainment and inspiration, I highly recommend this book.

If you missed my author interview with Jessica Adams and my Goodreads April 2024 books I’ve read and reviewed, you can check them out here. ► “Goodreads April 2024 Books” and author interview.

What are your plans for May? Weddings? Graduations? We’d love to hear from you. ❤

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Jessica Adams with Daughter, Janelle at Books by Rose

March 27, 2024 / rosieadmin / 6 Comments

Welcome to Books by Rose, April 2024!

Do we have a treat for you!

Meet Author Jessica Adams and her daughter, Janelle. This talented young lady not only writes her own stories, she illustrates them, too!

Let’s Meet Jessica Adams First

Why did you decide to publish children’s book, Jessica?

I have always enjoyed writing stories and poems. When an author/illustrator visited my elementary school when I was in sixth grade, I thought it would be neat to write a children’s book someday. I forgot about that dream until I had two daughters who were very messy and didn’t want to clean their toys up, so I came up with a story to inspire them to clean their rooms.

As parents, we can all relate to that one, Jessica.

What has been your favorite part of your writing journey?

My favorite part of my writing journey has been working on my stories with my kids. Another mom thought it would have been neat if my kids illustrated my first book since they are characters in the story. So, for the next books, I had my kids do the illustrations. Now Janelle has become quite the artist and has done an amazing job with illustrating Liam Lion Lost at the Bloomsburg Fair, Back to Grandmom, as well as Firefighter Fox. She’s hired for my next books, too!

I’m excited to hear about that one.

To find out more about Jessica, click on the image below to visit her website.

Let’s Meet Janelle Adams!

I see you wrote and illustrated a book called, Moon-Force 1.

What is your favorite part of your book?

My favorite part is when Mesa meets Ethan.

What is the best part of illustrating your books?

Animating them is a lot of fun after I write and draw my stories.

I bet you that keeps you busy with school and other activities.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Of course, drawing and designing the characters from the books. It’s also a lot of fun thinking about each character’s designs.

What do you want to do when you finish high school?

Graphic Design

That doesn’t surprise me at all, Janelle. You will do very well at that and will be at the top of your studies with the experiences you have already had.

To find out more on Janelle’s books and talents, join her website here:

► Janelle Adams Website

More News at Books by Rose

Outside of reading lots of books for this 2024 Goodreads challenge, (see more below) I’ve been working on my next project. You will hear bits and pieces of it over this next year.

There’s a part in the story where I’m researching different eras. I’ve already put a shout out to my family and friends on their memories from that time period.

Here was my question for them.

“If you were thirteen years old anytime during the 90s, what are some of your vivid memories. You can mention brand names, bands you listened to, fads you remember here, I just may not be able to use them in my book. I’ll try best to explain them in general terms, if not, I’ll leave those out.”

So, My Questions For You Today Is…..

What are your 90’s memories? Even if you were not thirteen on that decade, what’s a fun thing that stands out in your mind?

Goodreads Challenge Books 2024 and Reviews

Kathy J. Perry's book, "Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893" (Emeline Book 2.) Claudia Gadotti, Illustrator,

Step into the 1890s America with author Kathy J. Perry’s book, “Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893” (Emeline Book 2.) Claudia Gadotti, Illustrator, did a beautiful job with the images, as well.

Middle grade readers, and adults alike, will experience Emeline’s journey as she travels from Indianapolis to Missouri to take care of matters which are a huge undertaking, the family farm.

Perry’s impeccable descriptions will take the reader to the settings and hardships which will keep readers turning page after page until the end.

I highly recommend this book for those who want to experience the life of the late 1800s and so much more.

Jennifer Milius’s book, “Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message,” is a book which is concise and will help authors and entrepreneurs planning any outside events for their books and/or products.
Milius’s guide is full of ways to learn everything from managing what to do now your book is written. There are many guided questions at the end of each chapter which give you a plan in place for every aspect on what to do next.
Everything from, what events will you choose which are best for you, your book or your product. How will you present yourself? How will you present your book and setup your table, and so much more.
You will learn how to conduct yourself on podcasts and speaking engagements. How will you manage your inventory and the outcome of your profits?
By following these steps in this guide, you will know how to plan and execute successful book events that will help promote your book and connect with lasting customers.

Another book I read last month was not counted towards the Goodreads Challenge because it was under 100 pages, was a book I featured in March.

See, Sandra Bennett’s interview ► here.

That’s all I have for this month.

Please let us know how your March 2024 went.

Any big news to share?

How about projects you are working on?

We’d love to hear from you.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

New Release with Sandra Bennett

February 28, 2024 / rosieadmin / 6 Comments

Welcome to Books by Rose March 2024 as we dive into author Sandra Bennett’s new release, “Dragons Drumming.” If you live in areas where storms are abundant, you will want to get a copy of this one for your young readers!

Meet Author Sandra Bennett

Even though Sandra lives on the other side of the world from me, I feel we have always been kindred spirts and have the same ideals when it comes to, family, children and education.

Let’s get started.

Sandra, how did you arrive at your new story?

It was a dark and stormy night. You know how the rest of the story goes. You’ve heard it all before, … or have you?

In my case, it was a grey and gloomy afternoon. Storm clouds gathered on the horizon; distant thunder grew louder. By the time the storm blew across into our valley, the rain lashed sideways, striking our windows. The wind whirled through the trees as the rumbles became even louder grumbles. Lightning lit up the sky in sheets as bolts struck the ground. The house shook. My grandson was terrified. He clung to his mother for comfort, while my little dog scrambled for cover under the protection of her favourite hiding place, a bed.

It just took one simple sentence from my daughter-in-law to calm my grandson.

‘Don’t worry honey, it’s just the dragons drumming.’

I could see the glint in his eyes as my grandson considered this. His inquisitive mind immediately playing in overdrive. He peered through the window to the storm outside and tried to look towards the sky. Then, with a deep breath he bravely asked if he could go outside to get a better look at the dragons.

From that simple, innocent encounter, I knew a story was born. I could imagine an entire family of dragons, each playing a different percussion instrument. The commotion and possibilities were enormous and unstoppable.

How did you go about finding your illustrator?

I considered my options and quickly concluded that if I wanted to see this story published, I had to do it myself. Within various writing groups I had heard the names Tadaa Book and Anil Tortop many times. Then I happened to attend a SCBWI ACT lunch where I was shown the incredible work that Tadaa were doing for a friend. She had nothing but praise for working with them and so, my decision was made. I knew they were the perfect choice to help bring my dream to reality. After seeing several of the books that Anil Tortop had illustrated, I really wanted to work with her. Unfortunately, Anil was not available for twelve months as she was already booked. However, her husband, Ozan suggested that I look at the portfolios of several other illustrators he had on his books. I decided to go ahead with Maya Bora as I liked what I saw and believed she would be an ideal fit.

I adored Maya Bora’s illustrations right from the initial concepts. She seemed to just get me. We shared the same vision. The Tadaa Book team made the entire process so easy, stress free and enjoyable.

Sandra, here is my 5 Star review for “Dragons Drumming and where to buy on ► Amazon

“Author Sandra Bennett’s. “Dragons Drumming” is the perfect rhyming book for young readers who are afraid of storms. Illustrator Maya Bora sets the story with vivid colors to match this darling tale.
I wish I would have had a book like this growing up as we live where the storms are a large part of our spring. This book gives a positive twist to the thundering skies by imagining, “Dragon’s Drumming.”
I highly recommend this book for homes and classrooms which would make great read a louds. A child who is learning how to read will enjoy this book and will gain confidence as they work their way through the fun words.”

Sandra, what other books have you written you wish to share with our readers?

I also have a chapter book series for older readers, 7 -12 years. The Adamson Adventures is a four-book series, with the fourth and final book about to be released in June this year. This series takes three siblings, Zac, Clare and Luke on holidays to strange and amazing places where they inevitably fall into mischief and strife one way or another.

In Secrets Hidden Below, book1, the family is on vacation in exotic Bali when Luke happens to come across a map in a bottle buried deep in the sand on Kuta beach. Naturally, our reluctant heroes find a treasure map irresistible, and the pirate treasure hunt leads them to various locations around the island. Followed by a sinister shadow, the tension continues to increase right to the nail-biting climax in an erupting volcano. This book was short-listed in the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards in 2019.

A Lighthouse in Time, book 2, finds the family on yet another surfing holiday much closer to home. While exploring a cave on the NSW South Coast, the kids are lost, only to be rescued by a strange figure who quickly disappears once they reach the safety of sunlight. The mystery of the ghost-like figure unfolds around the ruins of an old sandstone lighthouse where all is not what it seems as many strange happenings occur.

Fossil Frenzy, book 3, takes a different turn as the kids head inland to their uncle’s drought-stricken farm in the harsh Queensland outback. Quite innocently, Zac, has a plan to help save the farm by searching for fossils. With the disbelief that a cyclone or two could possibly merge and rain down on them, the kids are caught in a terrifying storm and forced to seek shelter. When all is calm, and they emerge, the environment is suddenly very different. The trio appear to have time-travelled to the land of Australian dinosaurs. Now they must find a way home while trying to stay safe and not become a mega-raptors meal. This book has been a finalist in several international awards and won a competition to be pitched to film producers here in Australia in 2020. Tracks in the Mist, book 4 is almost here. The final thrilling adventure is set in the rainforest wilderness of Southern Tasmania as the kids go on a search and rescue mission to find their beloved secret pet that somehow goes missing from the farm. I don’t want to give away too much yet, suffice to say, they find much more in the Tasmanian wilderness than they ever expected. It’s a story of endangered species and the fight for survival.

Thank you so much for being here today, Sandra! I’ve enjoyed learning more about your new book. Best wishes on all your books and your writing journey!

If you have any questions or comments for Sandra and her books, please leave us a note below. I know she would love to hear from you.

What’s New at Books by Rose?

This short month has kept me busy with various activities. Yes, I’m still in the Goodreads Reading Challenges for 2024 and getting in a lot of books.

I’m also reading many books which will be released in the coming months, which you will hear more about. I have a project I’m working on for 2024 and very excited about that one, too. Keep watching!

Goodreads Challenge 2024

February, I’ve read and reviewed…

“Modern Fashion Illustration,” book by Holly Nichols gets a 5 star review from me all the way!
This easy to understand and practice guide is so helpful with traditional drawing and digital drawing, as well.
If you are interested in drawing, faces, bodies, designer clothes and other styles of fashions, this book is for you. Nichols also explains background ideas along with props to add to your projects.
I highly recommend this book.

Author Lori Luster with “Fashion Forward: Creating Your Look With the Best of Vintage Style (Craft It Yourself,)” is a fun fashion book everyone will enjoy. Styles from the 1920s – the 1990s will give readers a look at the various styles throughout these awesome decades.
Readers also are given suggestions on how to pull off these styles with items they can put together on their own.
I really enjoyed reading about some of these fads in clothing which I had forgotten about. Go-Go boots, Paper Dresses, the colors, fabrics, hairstyles, makeup and so much more.

Author Flora Ahn presents, “A Spoonful of Time” which brings readers many twists and turns. The recipes throughout this book to convey a history with her grandmother were interesting and worth looking into. This “time travel” book holds many mysteries to the end.

“The Big Book of Mod Podge: Decoupage Made Easy,” by Plaid Enterprises, Inc. was one I was excited to read. I really enjoyed learning about all the different Mod Podge products as I never knew of some of them were available.
The crafts and ideas made in the book are a bit dated since this book was written in 2015. Just the same, the techniques could be used for more updated projects.
One can also find projects from this company on Youtube which is helpful.

I adored Marion Ross’s book, “My Days: Happy and Otherwise.” As reluctant as she was to write her autobiography, she did a beautiful job relaying the story of her life with all her experiences in show biz and her personal journey. She may be best known as, “Mrs. C.” in “Happy Days,” but she has made many other wonderful movies, TV shows and plays to add to her list, plays being her hearts desires.
I didn’t want her book to end as it was like sitting down and visiting with a longtime friend.
I highly recommend this one if you like reading about stars. I’ve added this one to my favorites for this years reading list, so far.

Your Turn!

What have you been up to?

Writing any new books?

Working on art projects?

What books have you read this past month?

Please let us know in the comment section below.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

How to Avoid the Winter Blues on Valentine’s Day

February 1, 2024 / rosieadmin / 10 Comments

Valentine’s Day hits in the winter and it can be cold! If you are in the Midwest area, bless you (and us) for this surge of blustery cold and dark days. It has calmed down a bit as I write this blog, but it will happen again in the coming months. I hope these tips and tricks will get you through those wintery, blue days.

Let’s Talk About Valentine’s Day

If you look up the origin of this heartfelt holiday, most of it is geared towards those in relationships and those in LOVE. If you are one of those who are not in a particular relationship at this time, it can make you feel somewhat left out of the whole holiday tradition. I have great news to tell you…

Valentine’s Day Is For EVERYONE!

Below are some fun activities you could make for your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, or anyone to tell them how much you care for them and appreciate them.

Easy Valentine’s Day Craft

If you have followed my blog for sometime, you know I love puzzles!

Here’s an easy Valentine’s card to make. This one is especially fun for your little ones to put together, too.

Think of fun things to write on your card. Use this idea for other occasions, as well. How about a snowman? A pumpkin? A birthday?

Just place all the parts and pieces in an envelope to give.

For Valentine’s Day, create a heart like this and write a message.

Valentine's Day Puzzle — Valentine’s Puzzle

Next, cut up. You can make this as complicated as you wish, depending on the recipient.

Glue down on a marked shape heart, matching the puzzle.

Valentine’s Day Treat

Strawberry Crisp

If this recipe sounds to familiar, you are right. I probably share this one more than I can count. But wait, I FOUND A NEW WAY TO MAKE IT! I’m so excited to share this one with you!

Yes, it’s has all the same ingredients as the Cherry and Apple Crisp you have seen on here before but with Strawberry Pie Filling. I also found a new trick to making this even better!

One can of Strawberry Pie Filling

¾ cup instant oatmeal (I use 2 packs of the Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal.)

¾ cup flour

¾ cup brown sugar (packed)

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup of melted butter (1 stick)

Here’s the update on this recipe.

Soak the instant oatmeal mixture in the butter for awhile before adding the other ingredients. (Do it as long as it takes to preheat your oven.)

Mix your other ingredients to the butter and oatmeal.

Once it’s crumbly, spread half of it in a sprayed 5×9 baking dish. Add the canned Strawberry pie filling. Top with the other half of the crumbly mixture and pat down.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, once golden brown. (Don’t overcook, you want the pie filling to stay gooey.) Let cool a bit before eating.

Option: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream when it’s a little warm. Yum! Since this dessert contains fruit, refrigerate leftovers. It’s very tasty cold, too.

Other Things to Keep You Busy

Visit with a friend or friends. Invite them to lunch, give them a call, a text, or write a letter to someone.

Think of a special meal or dessert you would share with someone. If you can’t physical share it with them, send them one of your favorite recipes, letting them know you thought they’d enjoy it.

Watch A Funny Movie (s)

Make a bowl of popcorn and sit down for some laughs.

The movie, “Heart and Soul” does make me laugh. (It can bit a bit sad though, too.) “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” is another funny one.

What movie suggestions can you give that make you laugh?

When All Else Fails…READ!

My Reading Challenge So Far For 2024…

All five star reviews for these books below.

“Terrier Transgressions (Pet Whisperer P.I. #2,)”
by Molly Fitz was an entertaining book. I have read the first one in this series, but author Fitz wrote this a way you would not have to read that one.
If you like, “who done it,” books you will enjoy this one.
This book is appropriate for YA readers and up.

“The Beginner’s Guide to Procreate: Everything You Need to Know to Master Digital Art,” by Roché Woodworth is an easy to understand book for digital artists and beginners. You do not have to have Procreate to learn the steps instructed in this book if you are already familiar with digital art programs. There may be some differences, but the knowledge is much the same.

An easy read by, Debbie Macomber. “Must Love Flowers” had subplots to keep the story interesting and rooting for the characters.
It is a story of losing those who were loved. This story may be helpful for those seeking comfort when the time is right. For those still suffering, it may trigger some uncomfortable feelings.
I’ve always enjoyed Debbie Macomber’s books and this one did not disappoint.

Walter Foster Creative Team presents “How to Draw & Paint Fashion & Costume Design: Artistic inspiration and instruction from the vintage Walter Foster archives (Walter Foster Collectibles.)”
My favorite pages were 1- 17 where the introduction is complete with supplies and techniques for drawing and painting.
I love vintage outfits and was entertained with the various styles from the different eras.
The only downside I found in this book were the drawing instructions, which is not the fault of the authors? I believe, they were showing how designers from the past arrived at costume designing. Now in 2024, there are much easier ways to draw and come up with the same concept.
If you like vintage fashions and styles, you will enjoy this book.

“Joshua Weissman: Texture Over Taste,” by Joshua Weissman was a book I almost gave a 4 star review, then I realized, it’s not my fault we don’t have a Mandoline slicer for cutting and some of the ingredients are not readily available to us in our nearby stores. They did peak my curiously, though.
I really did enjoy Chef Weissman’s cookbook. It is one for adults to follow. (Heads up, it does have some adult language, so if that offends you as a reader, you may want to pass on this one.)
The chapter heads and explanations were spot on and entertaining. Joshua Weissman has quite of bit of scientific knowledge behind the recipes he shared which were very easy to understand.
One can pull him up on Youtube for a variety of tips and tricks to making great food.
I bookmarked many recipes, even if I saved them for just the sauces or for how to cook a particular item.
If you want to learn the ins and outs of creamy, chewy, or crunchy, etc., and great flavors, this book is for you.

Update On What I’ve Been Doing

Yes, I’m still into art and cookbooks. With all the supplies I received for Christmas, I’m having a blast planning my next project. It will be awhile and may take me the good part of 2024 to finish but keep watching!

Oh, and I highly suggest looking into a “Food Saver.” It will save me a ton of time this summer when baseball season is here. With so many games, it’s hard to be home to cook every night.

Tell Us About You!

How is your year going so far?

Any new projects on the horizon?

Please leave us your comments below.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

My Wonderful Year With Books at Books by Rose

January 10, 2024 / rosieadmin / 9 Comments

A new year is always a great time to do some quiet reflections to gain perspective on how to move forward.

Join me and my author friends in this Blog Hop as we have our different journeys to report back to you. We hope you’ll join us with the following questions and let us know how your year went, as well.

Let’s Talk About Your Year

Please read the following questions and pick one, or two of them, and let us know how your year went in the comment section below.

* How would you describe 2023 in one word?

* What was your biggest challenge last year? How did you overcome it? What didn’t work? What life lesson did you learn from the experience that you’ll take with you in the new year?

* Describe the happiest day of 2023? What can you do to have more days like that in 2024?

* Name one change or difficult decision you made in 2023 that improved your life in a substantial way. What will you change this year to improve your life?

* What do you regret doing – or not doing – last year that you plan to stop/start doing in the new year?

* What were you most grateful for last year? What are you most excited about for this new year?

* What is the most courageous thing you did in 2023? How do you plan to push yourself out of your comfort zone in 2024?

* What was your biggest accomplishment in 2023? What do you want to accomplish this year?

Here’s Mine…

My biggest accomplishment in 2023?

New Releases

I released three new titles! One in the spring and two in the fall.

Goodreads Challenge

What a year in reading for me!

I made it to 50 books with it ending just in time for the holiday rush. Christmas Eve Eve, I finished my last book and was so relieved. Sure, I could have taken it to December 31th, but I knew there would be lots to do to wrap up 2023.

Here’s my last December 2023 Marathon of Titles I finished up…

A few of these last books were chosen because of the page numbers. As long as they were 100 pages or more, they counted towards the challenge. I really did enjoy them and will look for more of those this next year if I get in a bind again.

I’ve decided to only go for 40 books in 2024. The crunch time in getting them read, almost took the fun out of reading. That made me a little sad because I love looking forward to my reading time.

I will have to say, I did enjoy the books I read. Yes, there were a few you never saw on my list. If I felt at the beginning if a book was not going to be one I didn’t want to spend time with, it went into the return file. (I get most my books at our local library. I’ve also been lucky enough to find some in our Little Free Library my husband built for me in 2020.)

My 50 Books for the Goodreads Challenge

I didn’t review all these books yet, but I did rate them with stars. You can see more of those ratings ► here on Goodreads.

Like I said, loved them all, but my favorite ones?

Favorites

“Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond,” by Henry Winkler

“Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond,” by Henry Winkler is an entertaining book from start to finish. Winker writes this truthful, candid memoir of his life as an actor and more.
We all knew Henry Winkler as, “The Fonz,” on the sitcom, “Happy Days.” Mr. Winkler shows us his time during those years where he didn’t feel as cool as what we saw on screen.
Growing up, he never had the support of his parents due to his inability to succeed in school.
Back in those days, they didn’t know about dyslexia, which is a disability where spoken and/or written language is difficult for readers. It also can cause poor concentration, difficulty following instructions, forgetting words. This impacted most of his life.

I’m so glad he wrote this book. He will help inform adults about this issue as well as young children struggling with this. He also has a series of books for young readers with learning differences. which are funny and resourceful

I applaud Henry Winkler for writing this book. You will also enjoy how he writes this book in his own genuine voice.

2nd Place…

“Remarkably Bright Creatures,” by Shelby Van Pelt

“Remarkably Bright Creatures,” by Shelby Van Pelt was a book I enjoyed returning to each day.
When I told my sister it started out being narrated by an octopus, she laughed and said, “Hum, I’m not sure about that.” I told her, No, no, it has a great storyline intertwined as the chapters unfold.”
I received a hard copy of this book at our local library. There were no errors liked mentioned in the reviews. I highly recommend those that stopped reading it, to give it another try.
The characters were well developed, the settings were descriptive which made this story very visual.
I’m looking forward to more books written by this author.

3rd Place…

“The Maid,” Nita Prose

I enjoyed this book, even though it’s not one I’d normally read.
Molly in “The Maid,” was one I wanted to protect and cheer for throughout the story.
It was somewhat predictable at times, but a page turner to the very end.
I’m looking forward to more of Nita Prose’s books.

Other Books…

Art Books

What a fun year I had reading art books. I’m so excited to try out new techniques with all the new art supplies my family gifted me at Christmas. Keep watching for those.

Why So Many Cookbooks?

Our family was blessed with a new family member in January!

I knew I was going to cook for her family so mom and dad would have the time to not fret over, “what’s for dinner?”

We gifted ourselves a “Food Saver” for freezing meals. The cookbooks I devoured this past year had great tips and recipes.

What’s To Come From Books By Rose

Art, Audio Books and Remakes?

I know for sure, art and audio books will be a thing for me in 2024. I found the site to our local library to listen to books. Yes, those still count for the Goodreads Challenge.

Like I said, I received many art supplies over the holidays. So, I’m picturing listening to books and creating something, not sure what yet, ha! I guess I’ll see where the muses take me.

Another thought for 2024, and I want your opinions on this.

Making my “Maggie, Millie, and Merrie” books into a hardcover chapter book. Yes, I will still have the picture, illustrated books for younger readers. I’m thinking of using the same stories, tweaked a bit for higher readers and maybe an added story or additional activities? Please let me know what you think about this in the comment section below.

Tell Us About Your Plans For 2024!

Did you read a lot of books?

Authors, are you writing any new books you’d like to share?

Artists, what new projects can you share with us?

I hope you all have a wonderful 2024! May you have everything you want and need in this year to come.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Don’t Forget To Read These Author’s Post…

► Author Sandra Bennett

► Author Julie Gorges

Holiday Frenzy and Crunch Time At Books By Rose

November 30, 2023 / rosieadmin / 4 Comments

The Holidays are here! Are you relaxed and ready or are you in a frenzy?

As I prepare this post for December, it makes me realize how the days are going fast, once again.

Some years, we are on top of things getting ready for the holidays. As you read below, you’ll find out what is working for us this year and what has not.

Shopping

We started our shopping this year the end of October. To be honest, I jot down things year round for ideas for this person and that one. For some reason though, those items don’t always seem to become the part of our Christmas shopping.

There’s just something about the holiday spirit that keeps you on your toes. Other responsibilities get added to the mix, and the next thing you know, you’re in a frenzy to get everything done on time. Phew, right?

We love to go to antique malls to find different and unique things for gifts for loved ones. There’s some crazy things out there folks! When we see something that we know our special loved ones will like, we snatch it up as fast as we can.

After that, we get very serious. We make sure we get something that is completely wanted by each family member. Once all that’s complete, our shopping is done.

Holiday Meals

Our holiday meals run pretty much the same every year. For example, If we know another family is hosting a turkey dinner around Thanksgiving, we fix something else.

This year, we repeated the tradition with BBQ Oven Baked Ribs. (Recipe below.)

I know everyone’s favorite foods, so adding those to the mix is how the meal is planned. That part is easy peasy. Now, cooking for triple people I’m used to is another story. Planning it out to even what dish is going to hold what is the ticket that saves me. Having containers ready for leftovers and “takeaways,” is another stress reliever for me.

Even though I tend to get a little stressed getting those last minute dishes finished and keeping everything hot, it all turns out and everyone is pleased. Thank you, family!

Oh, and our Christmas Eve Meal will be our go-to like it is every year. Velveeta Chicken (recipe below)

Other Goals I Got Myself Into

Book Projects

If you have been following along, I dedicated the whole month of October with two new releases.

► Storytime with Stella and Friends

► Writing with Stella and Friends: A Coloring and Ac tivity Book

One goal I clearly made this year is to have all my writing and illustrating done before November. I also told myself to not even think about creating a new storybook over the holidays. Now that one is super hard for me. I always have ideas for new books tumbling around in my head. This year, I jot them down and walk away. They will be there for me in 2024.

Reading Challenge in Goodreads

If you follow my page on a regular basis, you know I’ve made the commitment to read 50 books in 2023 and record them in Goodreads. I thought at the time, “that won’t be hard, I love to read!”

Well, let me tell you, those numbers snuck up in me. It’s really my fault though, I’m guilty of getting the biggest books possible! Ha! Next year, I’m watching those page numbers. As I’m writing this, I currently have four books sitting next to me which I’m reading. Each morning, I read a chapter of each book as I’m drinking my coffee. Since I get most of my books at our local library, that keeps me on track too…unless I want to pay the late fee, which I rarely do. After these title are read, I’ll be up to 42 books with 8 more to go in December. I hope I make it!

If you are interested in the books I’ve read so far, you can check them out ► here.

I plan to give my most recent books I’ve read proper reviews when I have time.

Tell Us How You Handle Your Holidays. Let’s Hear From You!

Do you plan way ahead with events for November and December or do you take things as they come?

What other goals are you trying to catch up on?

Have you ever eliminated goals you had to stay caught up?

Wishing you all a wonderful, fun, safe and stress free holiday season.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

As Promised…Oven Baked BBQ Ribs and Velveeta Chicken

I have shared both of these recipes in the past, but wanted to share for my new fans attending my page. I hope you will enjoy these recipes as much as our family does.

Easy Oven Baked Tender Baby Back Ribs

One slab, Baby Back Ribs, back membrane removed for the best tender bites!

Regular mustard and seasonings of your choice.

Directions:

Rub in mustard and seasonings on both sides.

Wrap in foil so juices won’t escape.

Bake at 275° for 3 hours.

Turn oven up to 400° (No need to preheat.)

Cut open foil, add your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with a small splash of liquid smoke. Bake for 25-30 more minutes.

Then, broil 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens, or however you like it.

Set on plate and cool in the refrigerator overnight. (The meat will literally fall off the bone if you don’t. If you like it that way, you can shred it up for sandwiches.)

Cut apart the next day. Heat in microwave for a few minutes when ready to eat.

Velveeta Chicken

Here’s the basic recipe, but I always double it for our crowd. Plus, they love the leftovers.

1 large chicken, cooked, deboned and cut into bite size pieces.

1 box of chicken flavored stuffing, prepared according to directions

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1/2 can of milk

1/4 block of Velveeta Cheese, sliced thin

Directions:

Boil, stew, or roast a whole chicken.

Place the cooked cut up chicken in an 9 x 12, sprayed pan

In a sauce pan, add soup, milk, and sliced Velveeta cheese. Stir over low heat until blended and cheese is melted. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick. (You will want a mixture that resembles pancake batter consistency.)

Meanwhile, prepare the box of stuffing according to the directions.

Spoon the cheesy soup mixture over the chicken.

Add stuffing to the top in an even layer.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until bubbly hot.

Before you go, incase you missed my November news, click on the image below.

“Bookish News”

Bookish News and More at Books by Rose

November 2, 2023 / rosieadmin / 8 Comments

Happy November 2023!

First, here’s some bookish news from October. Also, I hope to hear about what books you have been reading and what plans you have for November 2023.

Let’s get started…

My Recent Book Launch

If you been following page for some time now, you know I just finished a twenty day book launch for my 15th book. What fun we had! I miss my people already and am so very thankful to all those who showed up. 💗

We had these Amazon Ecard winners! Yay! Congratulations everyone! Happy shopping and I hope you get something for yourself or someone you love.

Missed My Book Launch?

If you missed my book launch, we were celebrating these two new books.

(Click on the image below for a closer look on Amazon. Feel free to look around for some of my other titles while you are there, too.)

More Bookish News

Have you heard of the award winning and loving ► children’s author, Mrs. D? She’s amazing and I was given the opportunity to read three of her latest books. Here they are with my reviews.

On Amazon – ► A heartwarming story young and independent readers will love!

I wish I would have had a story like, “Kitten in the Window (Kitten’s Stories Book 1,)” by Mrs. D and illustrated by Saima Malik when I was growing up with all the litters of kitten we had over the years.

We all have our own distinctiveness, whether it be in size, appearance, ability, communication style, or even coloration.
When the sweet calico kitten in this story stood out from her large litter, appearing completely different from her siblings, she had many questions. Feeling disheartened, her mama cat taught her a valuable lesson: every living being on Earth possesses their own distinctiveness that is worthy of celebration.

With its vibrant illustrations and empowering message, this charming children’s book encourages love, acceptance, and the celebration of individuality.

I highly recommend this story for read a louds at home and in the classrooms.

On Amazon ► Based on a true story young readers will love.

“The Day Before Thanksgiving (Kitten’s Stories Book 2,)” written by Mrs. D and illustrated Saima Malik is another adorable tale about an old outside cat and it’s pre-Thanksgiving adventure.

The day before Thanksgiving, a curious little kitten observes the autumn leaves gracefully floating among the autumn skies outside. The day is filled with anticipation and joy, until he witnesses the old outside cat from his window, who unfortunately finds himself a challenging situation. Caught with the surprise of a wild turkey, the old cat’s hunting endeavors take a turn for the worse. Will he survive this great predicament?

I highly recommend this holiday Thanksgiving story for readers at home or in the classrooms.

On Amazon ► Christmas themed story for young and independent readers.

An adorable little kitten couldn’t contain her excitement as she meets a beautiful real Christmas tree waiting to be adorned with decorations in the corner of their garage. She spots an old Christmas tree neglected, abandoned and forgotten in a mass of past years decorations. Which one will be picked?
The illustrations are stunning and are absolutely breathtaking.
“Forgotten Christmas Tree (Kitten’s Stories Book 3,)” written by Mrs. D. and illustrated by Saima Malik has done it again in this cute Kitten series.

Goodreads Challenge Books

Since October, I’ve read the following books for the Goodreads Challenge. (The above children’s books did not count towards the challenge since they were not at least 100 pages.)

I have 14 more books to read before December 31, 2023. Do you think I’ll make it? I sure hope so.

Even though, “The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (The Penderwicks, #1,”) by Jeanne Birdsall’s is for ages 8 to 12, I really enjoyed this book. I’m looking forward to reading the second one, now.
It’s a magical tale of a fun summer vacation of four sisters and the characters they meet.
I highly recommend these books for home and classroom read a louds.

When You Care Enough: The Story of Hallmark Cards and Its Founder by Joyce C. Hall, Curtiss Anderson, Dr. Franklin D. Murphy (Foreword)

This book was originally published in 1979. It’s a large, 260 page hardcover book, which would make a great coffee table book.

Since I live in Kansas City, MO, I have known about this greeting card business, Hallmark cards, since their home office is here along with “Halls,” “The Hallmark Channel,” and the shopping center, “Crown Center” became so famous.

If you’d like to learn how Joyce C. Hall started his business and enjoy learning about a “rags to riches” story, you will want to read this one. This was an interesting book and I learned so much from this iconic salesman and his team. He was a man of integrity and ran his company just the same. He valued his employees and his family the most.

Another Barbie Book…

After reading the Ruth Handler’s story about how she invented Barbie, I found this great book to add to my reading list. “Dressing Barbie: A Celebration of the Clothes That Made America’s Favorite Doll and the Incredible Woman Behind Them,” by designer and author Carol Spencer.
This is a large hardcover book with beautiful designs by Spencer. The stories, which spanned over many decades, tells how each outfit inspired the changing times. I found it interesting and fun to read. If you are a Barbie fan, here’s another must read.

I’ve always loved everything Barbie but I still haven’t seen the 2023 movie.

If you have watched it, what were your thoughts? Yay or nah?

Currently Reading…

Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano – (Adult book)

Now, Let’s Hear From You!

What books have you’ve been reading that you’d like to share?

If you celebrate Thanksgiving here in the USA, what plans do you have?

I wish you all a happy holiday. Stay safe and happy travels!

As always,

Happy Reading,

~Rosie

Revealing and Celebrating My 15th Book Launch

October 6, 2023 / rosieadmin / 8 Comments

If you are hearing about this book launch for the first time, here’s the link to catch up from the post I wrote in ► September.

We are well underway on my “Books by Rose” Facebook page with a week full of fun!

Here’s what we have so far:

*Monday – October 02, 2023* (Blue Day)

“How Books by Rose Started”

For those new to my page, I’m Rosie Russell.

I started this journey 9 years ago and celebrating my 15th book. This book launch will run from 10/02/23– 10/20/23, week days only. (See calendar of events below and how to win prizes.)

I have two books to launch these next several weeks:

Paperback – ► “Storytime with Stella and Friends”

Kindle – ► Storytime with Stella and Friends

► “Writing and Activity Book with Stella and Friends”

How to Win Prizes

Three people will be picked to win a gift card to Amazon on Monday, October 23, 2023

***Ways for a chance to win this prize.*** (USA only)

*Comment or like post each “Blue Day.” 1 entry

*Share “Blue Day” posts – 3 entries (Don’t forget to tag me so I see it.)

*Take a photo of one of my new books with you holding it or tell me you purchased a Kindle book for me to check. – 3 entries

Wednesday – October 04, 2023 (Blue Day)

On this day, we talked about what “Storytime with Stella and Friends” is about and how I arrived at my giveaway for this book launch.

“What Prompted “Storytime with Stella and Friends?”

As you read on Monday, I have been on a 9 year journey as an author illustrator. One of my favorite things are encouraging children to write their own stories.

You know what? Writing is hard! Where do you start?

Stella didn’t know where to start either. Here’s the synopsis.

“Stella loves reading to her toy friends everyday. The problem is, they have grown weary of hearing the same stories day in and day out. Stella needed their help!

Join the fun, as Stella comes up with a terrific idea. Readers will laugh as they follow this story. They will also gain valuable writing tips that are bound to leave a lasting learning experience.”

Friday – October 06, 2023 (Blue Day)

Who is in “Storytime with Stella and Friends?”

Meet Stella, of course. Her toy friends, Benny Bear, Evie Elephant, Princess Patti and Dolly Dolly.

“How I Arrive at Names for My Characters”

Most the time, I like to put a lot of family and friends in my books because they mean so much to me.

Stella is a very sweet someone in my life. Benny Bear is named after our great-nephew. I only know one Evie, a darling little sister on a baseball team from many years ago. I thought it would be cute name for a girl elephant, too. Princess Patti is after two people close to my heart. One is a dear friend and one is our cousin. I wish I could say Dolly Dolly is after my favorite singer, but it isn’t. I picked it because I liked the sound of it.

As you see so far, I have posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday are my “Catch Up” days for both of us. (Pink days on calendar.) That way, you have time to see the posts if you are in a different time zones and I have time to collect all your names.

I hope you will keep watching until the 20th of October on my “Books by Rose” Facebook page.

In Other News

I’ve been back to reading books for the “Goodreads Challenge,” that is, when I have time. Baseball season is over, Cross Country season has ended, now it’s off to watch some Hockey and Basketball this winter. Can you tell we like sports? 😂

I have read the following books but I haven’t had time to review in Goodreads properly yet, but I will. Here is my take on them so far…

“You Are Here,” by Karin Lin-Greenberg

This book is an adult book but can easily read as an YA.

I liked how the author kept the characters in the stories a part and still in the storyline. There is one part that makes me want to give this 4 stars because of a situation at the end. Sorry I can’t tell you what that is or I’ll spoil it for you. If you have read it, write me a note and we can visit about it.

The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man, by David von Drehle. (Adult Book)

This book has a lot of Kansas City, MO history, which I loved reading about.

The author wrote this story for his children. Why? You see, Charlie is their neighbor.

After many interviews with Charlie, author Drehle reveals a lifetime of Charlie’s life. If you like history, you’ll enjoy this book. I sure did.

Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her, by Robin Gerber (Adult Book)

You may have to be a big Barbie fan to enjoy this book. I enjoyed learning about how Barbie came about and the story behind the maker and her husband’s journey. They went through some tough times, which is the bulk of this book. It does give one a sense of perseverance and tenacity when you read about the long struggle they went through Mattel, other companies and adventures in producing and marketing products.

Fly Girl: A Memoir by Ann Hood (Adult Book)

I read this book because it spoke mostly of TWA and the writer, Ann Hood, and how she started with them as a flight attendant in 1978. Our aunt worked for TWA for years up until she retired. She was always bringing us little trinkets from her office when my sister and I were growing up. I felt like I knew a little about TWA from those younger years. What’s funny about me reading this book, I have never entertained the idea of being a flight attendant because flying is not one of my favorite things. Sure, I’ll go if I have to, but it’s never my first choice.

This is a great book and I really did enjoy it a lot. Lots of interesting things happened to this author as she writes the good, the bad and the ugly of her trials she experienced during her career.

That’s about all I have for now.

Tell Us About You!

What have you been up to this early fall? Any new projects? Vacations?

Write us a note, we’d love to hear from you.

Have a happy October 2023!

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Exciting News Coming October 2023 At Books By Rose”

August 31, 2023 / rosieadmin / 10 Comments

Happy September 2023, everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful summer. By now, the kids are back in school and we all are preparing for the fall and winter months to come. After our recent heatwave, I’m ready for those cooler temperatures.

I’m Planning Something Fun For You at Books by Rose

The busy days seem to never stop around here, but I love it. I have something very special planned for you and that’s what we’ll talk about here today.

If you follow Books by Rose, then you know my most recent book release was in April 2023. “Big E’s Trick to Fishing.” What a wonderful response we had this summer and it remains to be on the popular list on Amazon for young readers. Adults are enjoying this book, as well. If you remember my book launch in ► April, we had a blast on my “Books by Rose” Facebook page. I ran it for thirteen days because it was my thirteenth title. Phew, these launches are getting bigger and bigger. 🤣

Exciting News Coming in October 2023

I have not only one book to add to my list, but TWO! Yay!

I’m soooo excited to tell you about these!

What to Watch For in October

Starting Monday, October 02, 2023, I’ll be announcing what these two books are about. Then, I’ll have fun posts for a chance to win prizes. I’m doing things a bit different this time so please keep reading.

Here’s The Poster on How It Will Work.

Book Launch Calendar — Book Launch Information

Basically, you’ll want to tune into my ► Facebook “Books by Rose” page Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from October 02, 2023 to October 20, 2023, weekdays only from 9 am (CST) to 5 pm.

On those days, I’ll be sharing information about these two books, or, giving you clues with what they are about with fun posts.

How Do You Win? (Please read carefully.)

Blue Days – Comment with an emoji, or a written comment and your name will be entered once on each BLUE Day. Yes, I keep track of all of them.

Pink Days – “Catch Up” days. Since many of you are in different time zones in the USA and on Facebook at different times of the day, it’s a great way for me to keep track. So, “Catch Up days, are for me to keep track of all the entries from the Blue Days, regular posts days. You are welcomed to pop in with a hello on “Catch Up days if you wish, but I will not be entering names on those days.

Hold Tight! There’s More Ways to Enter.

Share my book launch news or “Blue Day” posts and I will add your name 3 times each time you do. (You must tell me you did or show me somehow since Facebook will not allow me to see some shares if accounts are set on private for me to confirm. Tagging me, Rosie Russell or Books by Rose, may help too.

Here’s another one. I will post links to both books on every post. If you end up purchasing one of my new books, post a picture of your confirmed purchase, I will enter your name 3 times. (You do not have to add your face.) Just a picture of you holding the book.

Kindle – If you decide you’d rather purchase a Kindle, tell me the date you bought it and I can check my Amazon account to verify your purchase. Those usually show up right away. Again, your name will be entered 3 times.

Here’s a closer look for you on what’s on the poster.

Take a Photo of my New Book(s). — Take a Photo of my New Book(s) or Confirm Kindle Purchase for 3 Extra Entries

Here’s Why I’m Announcing Everything So Early

Amazon can take a while on some purchases, so if you are interested in the above entries, here’s a chance to buy one or more now, if you wish.

Storytime with Stella and Friends (Paperback)*

Storytime with Stella and Friends (Kindle)

Writing and Activity Book with Stella and Friends – (No Kindle)*

*The prices for the above paperback copies will be available for September and October 2023 only.* (Amazon could always change those prices in the future, but we never know when or if that will happen. They surprise us from time to time with nice sale prices.)

Why Am I Doing Things Different This Time Around?

Two things.

In the past when I offered items in my book launches, Amazon gift cards were highly appreciated. That way, you can buy what you want and I’m able to cut down on the cost of items and shipping costs. This also gives me a chance to give more to you!

“Catch Up” days occurred to me on my past book launches. Phew, it was getting too hard to keep track of everyone’s names, especially if they had not seen the previous day’s post, which is fine.* No one can’t always be on their Facebook pages. I know I can’t be or I’d never get anything done. 🤣

(*Yes, I know there are generators which pick the names for me, but I like learning your names if you are new to my page. Writing them down helps me do that.) 😊

Also, if I don’t respond to you in the evenings after 5 pm, don’t worry, I’ll see everything the next morning.

Three People Will Get A Chance To Win These Prizes!!!

Before you enter, you may want to consider the following:

A valid email so I can write you a note from my Books by Rose account. That way, I can send you an Ecard from Amazon.

You must live in the USA. (Sorry international friends, but I’m sure you understand.) Here’s what I found out about that:

“Amazon gift cards can only be used within the country of purchase. If you purchase an Amazon gift card in the United States, it can only be redeemed by someone with a US-based Amazon account.”

So, of course, you must have a USA Amazon account I will be notified when your card has been sent and I will clarify that with you, if needed.

***If I don’t hear back from you to verify your winnings through an email message from me after 72 hours, the next name will be picked.*** (Don’t forget to check your spam folder, just in case.)

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Other News

Books and Goodreads News

Goodness, I’m so behind in my reading this past month. I’ve read 29 out of 50 so far in 2023. I’ll catch up when things calm down.

I did read the following book and completely enjoyed it.

Five Stars – This historical fiction book, “Only the Beautiful” by author Susan Meissner is one of those books I didn’t want to end. It’s a heartfelt story with a plot which will teach readers of the past in the late 1930s to 1940’s during the World War II era. The main characters are told in two POVs and each of their stories are beautifully written.

Tell Me About You!

What do you have in the works these days? Are you working on any writing or art projects you’d like to share?

Thanks for stopping by and being a part of my Books by Rose page. I appreciate you! ❤️

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

How To Celebrate National Book Lovers Day August 2023

August 3, 2023 / rosieadmin / 11 Comments

August 09, 2023 is National Book Lovers Day!

Let’s Talk About Books!

I can never pass up a chance to talk about books.

With the Goodreads Challenge I’ve been blogging about in my ► past posts.

To see all the books I’ve read and reviewed so far this year, go straight to my ► Goodreads Challenge 2023.

The summer months have slowed my reading down as we are spending more time outdoors. We’ve been on a few trips, but instead of reading, I’ve been drawing. That news is for another day, though.

I’ve checked out more books at our local library than I read. Two large novels were sent back. They were not at all my “cup of tea” but that’s okay. No offense to those authors, we can’t expect to connect with every book we pick up, right?

The books I did manage to read so far this past month are:

“Taste of Home All-American Cookbook: 370 Ways to Savor the Flavors of the USA, “by Taste of Home

For years, I subscribed to the “Taste of Home” magazine. So, when I saw this book at the library, I grabbed it up. I’m so glad I did!

“Taste of Home All-American Cookbook: 370 Ways to Savor the Flavors of the USA” is a great cookbook. I enjoyed all the small back stories from those who submitted recipes. This book would be a helpful edition to have on hand for everyday meals to large crowds, picnics and so much more.

“Kitty Confidential,” by Molly Fitz

Pet Whisperer P.I. #1 “Kitty Confidential,” by Molly Fitz was an engaging book and kept me on my toes on, “who done it?” If you like pets, in this case, cats, you will enjoy this one.
I’m glad I found author Molly Fitz. Her writing is great, humorous and I have added her books to my “to read” list.

Now For Some Really Big News!

The proof to my fourteenth is on it’s way!! I’m so excited to see what it looks like.

I want to thank all my Beta Readers for looking it over. I appreciate you all!

Hopefully if all goes as planned, I’ll release it this fall. I’ll keep you posted.

What Are Your August Plans?

Are you getting in your last days of summer traveling?

Are you busy getting your kids ready for back to school?

Don’t forget to tell how you will spend Book Lovers Day 2023 and what you have been reading.

We’d loved to hear from you. Leave us a note in the comment section. Always feel free to sign up to my “Books by Rose” site for more new to come, too!

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

How to Introduce Art Supplies to Your Young Children Before School Starts.

July 6, 2023 / rosieadmin / 8 Comments

Hi everyone! I hope your summer is going well.

Time is going fast and before you know it, you’ll be thinking about your kids returning back to school. Psst, don’t tell them I said that. They want to enjoy every bit of their summer while they can. Parents, you should, too. 😊

When I was planning this month’s blog, I had many other things in mind, but something occur to me over the 4th of July.

When our grands are here, I almost always end up getting my art supplies out. That’s quite alright with me because I love it. We make cards for those we love, but most of the time we just “art,” as I like to call it.

The oldest one is well settled into “art.” The younger one has to be shown how to use paint, glue, tape, scissors, etc.

I remember when our sons started school, the teachers were impressed they both knew how to handle cutting and how to respectfully treat their art supplies. That’s because we spent hours and hours making things for holidays, or just for the fun of it, almost everyday.

Kids Need Art For So Many Reasons.

Art Improves:

Fine motor skills

Problem solving

Cognitive development

Social-Emotional and mastering self-esteem and creativity, and so much more.

Ways To Teach How To Use Simple Art Supplies

We are going to explore just a few tips today on how to use common art supplies you have around your home. These tips may sound simple to us, but they are not for little hands.

Glue and Paint in Bottles

We’ve all heard the expression, “Just a Dot, Not a lot.” Sounds good, but do children really know how to do that?

Let them explore with glue or paint in bottles. Have them squeeze a small amount on a piece of paper. The first few times, they will add large blobs and that’s okay. How will they ever know how much control to use when doing this if they haven’t experimented, right?

Yes, sometimes it’s okay to add large amounts, but more often than not, they won’t need so much. Learning this way before school when teachers are giving them instructions, will make them ahead in the game. It also teaches them not to waste valuable art supplies.

Scissors

Once you know which hand your child will be more comfortable cutting with, you can start with instructions by doing this. (Note: Just because they write with their left or right hand, doesn’t mean they will choose that hand. (Example: I’m left handed, but cut with my right. I know, different, right?)

Holding a pair of scissors. This will all depend on the size of the scissors they use. The example I’m using here is for the style of scissors pictured below. Vary this technique on the style and what’s comfortable for your child.

In this example, remember the pinky finger is the smallest. It’s too young to cut, so they have to stay back out of the scissors.

Ring finger, middle and pointer finger gets to go together in the largest section of the scissors.

In the smaller circle, the thumb gets to point up and guides to help the scissors move.

Then, go to town snipping. Snip, snip, snip. (Keeping the other hand holding the paper and clear out of the way. No need getting those guys involved, right? Ouch!

Don’t expect your child to become proficient in this for a long time. Let them get used to the feel and motion of how it all works. Once they get this skill down, then you can move on to cutting straight lines, moving on to curves, etc.

Tape

Such a simple thing for us to use, but little hands have to be taught.

Most household adhesive tapes have small metal teeth on them to cut the tape off. Show your child where those teeth are and what it does. Remind them this part is sharp so be careful getting their fingers too close.

Other tapes come in rolls which are easy to pinch and tear. (Another great “fine motor skill” for them to learn.)

If using household adhesive tape, show them how to keep the tape flat between their pointer finger and thumb and gently pull once they get to the teeth to break off the amount they need. Again, these first few times, they will use a lot, but that’s okay. They’ll get the hang of it over time. Your kids will love taping things, and I mean everything.

Paint and Paint Brushes

Not everyone has an abundance of paint brushes around the house. Check to see if your dollar store carries them. They don’t have to be fancy, they just need to work. If you want to use Q-Tips or cotton balls to paint with or apply glue, that’s great, too. I always keep a lot on hand to make clean up easier.

Paint

Again, paint does not have to be expensive to work. This is a great time for your child to experiment with mixing the primary colors. Example: Red and blue make purple. Blue and yellow make green, red and yellow make orange, and so forth.

Bottom line, art is fun but also teaches them so many great things. Don’t forget to have them tell you about their projects to further their language skills, too. 😊

Teachers reading these suggestions, please feel free to add more tips for what students need to learn about using art supplies before starting school. Thank you!

Now, On To Other News at Books by Rose.

Goodreads Challenge 2023

I’m up to 26 books for the year in Goodreads. I knew the summer months would slow down with all our outside activities. Here’s my latest updates with two great books I’ve enjoyed this past month.

Don’t let the size of this 528 page book, “Big Tree,” by Brian Selznick scare you. Many illustrations are sprinkled throughout this book with short paragraphs, as well.
This story would be a wonderful read aloud for parents and classrooms adding great discussions for further learning.

“Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most,”
by Adam Alter is a book you’ll want to take your time to read.
Readers will find many stories, situations and examples on how to “breakthrough” tough spots in life, jobs, creativity, and so much more.
I was impressed with this book from the beginning to end. Alter’s writing style is easy to understand.
The amount of research he did to write this book is also followed up at the end for further reading.
I highly recommend everyone to check out this book for those times you feel, “stuck.”

One More Thing…

Want to be a Beta Reader for my next book? It’s ready! Even though this book will not be released until the fall, I’d still like to have it finished and ready to go. If all goes well with my book going into print, I may have some other news to announce. Fingers crossed. 😊

How’s Your Summer Going?

Making any new art projects? We’d love to see those!

How about book suggestions you’d like to share?

Any new writing projects you are working on you want to tell us about?

Enjoy your July!

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

In case you missed last months blog post ► Looking to Make the Most of Your Summer?

Looking to Make the Most of Your Summer?

June 1, 2023 / rosieadmin / 10 Comments

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it’s clear that summertime has arrived. The season is filled with opportunities for fun in the sun, from pool parties, backyard barbecues and picnics in the park. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the warmer months.

"Sunglasses Summer" by Jakub Rostkowski/ CC0 1.0 — “Sunglasses Summer” by Jakub Rostkowski/ CC0 1.0

My author friends and I are doing a Blog Hop to kick off the summer season. Please click on their blog posts below to see what they have planned, too.

In this months blog post, explore three activities my family and I will spend most of our time for some summertime fun.

My Favorite Three “B” Things to Do in the Summer

*Baseball/Softball

*BBQ

*Books

Baseball/Softball

For those who have followed me for sometime now, they know baseball is a huge part of our lives and has been for more years than I can count.

With our oldest son starting t-ball at age 5, then playing baseball every year of his life until adulthood. He is currently active in softball, coaching his own team for 17 years now. His dad and I have been welcomed on his team over those years. I’ve become more of a cheerleader than player these days. We have such a great group and they are a blast to be around.

Our youngest son caught the baseball bug early on, as well. He too, excelled with this sport all through childhood, high school and pitched in college. He’s currently coaching he’s son’s year round team and loves every minute of it. Yes, they even practice in an enclosed area in the winter. He has a team of players and parents who are as dedicated to this sport as he is.

That leaves us attending lots of baseball games, which we love!

Watching our grandson play and grow in this game is our favorite!

Oh, I forgot to mention. We have our granddaughter in t-ball now and it’s the cutest thing ever. Of course this grandma’s opinion, they are both top notch in their games. 😉

BBQ

Living in the Midwest, and particularly, KCMO and Kansas City, KS, BBQ is the much requested meal and talked about food.

"Free grilled BBQ ribs photo"/ CC0 1.0 — “Free grilled BBQ ribs photo“/ CC0 1.0

I conducted a survey with a few of our friends and asked their favorite places and what they like the most about their choices of BBQ restaurants.

Slap’s BBQ (KCK) is Jim R’s favorite. Their BBQ Ribs with the white BBQ sauce is his go-to. He also mentioned their Bake Potato Casserole is a side dish you won’t want miss.

Mindy R. claims Joe’s Barbeque, in KS (formally known as Oklahoma Joe’s) and is her favorite place to dine for BBQ.

Jeff Z. said, “Gates BBQ and their sauce is his all time favorite.”

I personally like, Arthur Bryant’s. Their sandwiches are served with just a few slices of white bread, nothing fancy, but the meat? Amazing!

Gates and Arthur Bryant’s were noted to be the two oldest barbecue spots in our city. In fact, they style their BBQ back to a well known chef, Henry Perry, Kansas City’s original barbecue king.”

Click here to read more about how he started it all in the early 1900s! ► Henry Perry (Credit: NPR in Kansas City)

Books

After being shut in all winter, I love sitting out on our deck in the summertime reading.

I think I’ve mentioned once the baseball months start, my reading would slow down a bit and it sure has. I still have tried to read everyday, even if it’s a page here and there. My goal in Goodreads is to read 50 in 2023 and I have completed 23 books so far.

My Books in May:

“Dying of Politeness: A Memoir,” by Geena Davis

My Review: (For Adult Readers)

“If you have enjoyed movies with Geena Davis, you’ll like her new book, “Dying of Politeness: A Memoir,” with stories behind her movies and life growing up. She shares a candid, (strong language) look at her years in show business, marriages and so much more. Even though I did not hear the CD of this story, I could almost hear her say the words as I read her memoir.”

“As Bright as Heaven,” by Susan Meissner

My Review: (For Adult Readers)

“As Bright as Heaven,” by Susan Meissner, written in 2018, is not a book I would have been able to read close to the events of 2020.
In 1918, the Spanish Flu took many lives. Author Meissner’s historical fiction explains this emotional story with the Bright family and their three daughters. After living in rural rural Quakertown, they move and began their new lives in Philadelphia. The father, Thomas, is asked to come and work in his uncle’s funeral home, which is also located where they will live, as well.
The first half of the book sets the stage with twists and turns for the second half of this story.
I enjoyed how this was written, breaking it down to each of the daughters thoughts and feelings throughout the pages.
I’m looking forward to reading more of Susan Meissner’s books.”

“100 Things to Do in Kansas City Before You Die,” by Traci Angel (For All Readers.)

My Review:

It didn’t take me long to read this 160 page book, “100 Things to Do in Kansas City Before You Die,” by Traci Angel. Since growing up in KCMO, I knew of most of these places, but not all. I’m looking forward to checking them out.
Angel’s has a 2nd edition, which I was able to put on hold at our local library. I’m looking forward to that one, as well.
If you ever plan to visit KCMO and our surrounding areas, you’ll want to look into these books. Make sure you check online to see if these sites are still open since a lot has changed since this 1st book was written in 2015. Her 2nd edition is more current, 2022.

Currently Reading: (For Adult Readers)

I’m on page 119 with this book I’m currently reading, “What Happened to the Bennetts,” by Lisa Scottoline. So far, it’s a real page turner. My sister suggested it from her book club and they all said it’s a really great story. I have to agree and looking forward to finishing it.

Now, let’s join some more summertime blogs below…

"Blog Text" by Words as Pictures/ CC0 1.0 — “Blog Text” by Words as Pictures/ CC0 1.0

Take a trip to where these awesome authors live and how they will spend their summer months.

► Sandra Bennett, Author – How Do You Find Your Winter Bliss?

► Julie Gorges – Finding Some Summertime Bliss

► Author Rebecca Lyndsey – Summertime Bliss

Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us about what you have planned for this summer? 🙂

Happy Summer!

As always,

Happy Reading, too. 🙂

Rosie

Did you miss my May’s blog post? If so, click here ► Exciting Book Release Party With Tips, Recipes, Reviews And More”