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”

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.)

Calendar of Events

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) 💙

*Wednesday - October 04, 2023*

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.

Who's in This Story?

“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

"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)

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

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)

Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her, by Robin Gerber

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)

 Fly Girl: A Memoir by Ann Hood

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