What a charming story!
341338
A well-written story carries you along with the author. I very much enjoyed traveling with Agatha  Christie Mallowan! She shares a glimpse of a place and culture that is greatly altered now.
4782681
This ingenious and charming story is all about distant friends coming together! Wonderful wordplay and unique characters with heart. Fliess's text matches perfectly with Engel's whimsical illustrations. Highly recommended!
3131306
Eileen Spinelli is at it again with a poignant and charming new tale! Written in gentle verse, The Dancing Pancake is told from the point of view of spunky Bindi, only child and reader extraordinaire. Her comfy normal life is quickly turned askew when her parents separate and her mother moves them into a small apartment building above the restaurant that she and Bindis aunt have just purchased together.

Bindi soon learns that life above The Dancing Pancake can be filled with joy, however much she might miss her father and her old house and old life and however mad and sad she might feel about all of the changes thrust upon her. The cast of waiters and customers who make up Bindis new community is a fascinating and fun one, especially bubbly waitress Ruby Frances, pesky little cousin Jackson, and homeless Gracie.

With the help of her friends, Bindi finds that she just might be able to weather separation and syrup bottles and slime green bedroom walls just fine, even if her aunt does make her wear a pancake costume to attract customers. Funny illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff add spark to this is a warm and syrup-sweet story thats great for middle and older readers.

This review originally appeared on abookandahug.com
255610
Such a charming story. My 3yr old loved searching for Sammy's smile in such unusual places!
1701483
A charming and beautifully written story of rich style and involving characters , as well as the element of magic to trigger a fun plot. I was delighted by this book! Don't miss it! I'm getting copies for my sons and granddaughters. Be sure to get yours.
2800672
THE BLOSSOM SISTERS wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it was a charming story that I enjoyed as it had me laughing at times.

Narrator Jeff Crawford does a wonderful job of bringing the various characters to life, including Wilson. His interruption of the emotions draws the listener in.

Gus Hollister went against the advice of his grandmother Rose, his Aunts Iris and Violet, and everyone else to marry Elaine. Now he's paying dearly for it. Elaine has taken the house, his car and is filing for divorce. The only thing she gave him was his clothes and his dog, Wilson.

Choosing the gold-digger over his family alienated him from those he loves and they aren't ready to forgive him yet. Gus is determined to make amends with his grandmother and his aunts with the help of his best friend, Barney.

Working to redeem himself in the eyes of his family, Gus becomes the man he should have been. Seeking forgiveness from his family for his mistakes, Gus also discovers new friendships he never expected and that there is true love.

THE BLOSSOM SISTERS isn't just a story about three elderly sisters like I thought it would be. It's about family, friendship, loyalty, helping others, and finding peace with yourself. Author Fern Michaels has created zany, realistic characters you'd like to know in real life. The sisters are spirited and spunky. They aren't seniors willing to give up on life or living.

The friendship between Gus and Barney is the type we all hope for - friends forever through good and bad. Michaels even brings out the bond between man and his dog. In addition, she gives insight into being productive long after retirement age.

The story moves at a steady pace with a few surprises and twists along the way. Michaels shows how someone can be more connected to a person they dislike than they realize. This is what I call a `feel-good' story that will have you laughing at the antics of some of the characters. THE BLOSSOM SISTERS will warm you heart and give you a new perspective on a few things.

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
577353
I love children's books that have input from the kids themselves. This is one such book and is a story of a lonely cloud whom no-one wanted to play with. Fortunately it has a happy ending. There is also a built in message to this story - "never give up"!

This is a charming tale that young children will love. I believe the young author also did the illustrations with some help from Grandma. Looks like we have a budding young talent here!
997030
This was a nicely charming book! It reads somewhat like a Regency romance, however there's moments where you are reminded it's a modern story. The storyline is intriguing, the dialogue was rich, and the romance was sweet and not too hot. While not as much as I expected, there's still an underlying mysterious supernatural element threaded throughout the whole story with bits being revealed slowly over time. With a cat and mouse relationship that has small fireballs of smoldering attraction, I was completely caught up in this lovely, charming story! I was left with quite a cliffhanger that leaves me aching to read the second book to see what happens next!
*I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
4676223
For such a sort story it holds so much depth! I was looking for a quick read, that was sweet and held charm! I def found it in this book.
I'm only sorry it's not a longer book. I will def be checking out other stories from this writer! Even though i'm 28 years old it was so sweet
I couldn't put it down. I would consider charging for this book cause I would have paid!!!
3196160
I really enjoyed Lori Wilde's Back in the Game. It is a very sweet and charming story. It is Breanne and Rowdy's story, or as Rowdy likes to call her, Breezy. A sick little girl in the hospital, meets the local hometown baseball hero, Rowdy Blanton. She has a crush on him for her entire life and then through a little bit of magic, or fate, she becomes his ghostwriter. Rowdy and Breezy help each other heal. They develop a friendship as well as a great deal of sexual attraction and frustration. I love the way Rowdy helps Breezy experience the things she has missed growing up with a congenital heart defect and numerous surgeries. It was refreshing to meet a man, who put patience and restrain above his own sexual needs in order to take Breezy through all the bases. Throughout the story, the support of Breanne's family, the love they all share, the love of the sisters and the bond they share was ever present. My one regret about the story was the lack of information/details about Rowdy's resolution to the problems with his team manager.
4964448
I enjoyed this story immensely! Do yourself a  favor and read it! It will warm your heart!
3172777
This is a very charming story that is beautifully illustrated. I love the Spanglish version of the book. It's fun to mix up the languages as you read it aloud. The glossary in the back helps with the definitions.

Kudos to Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones for a wonderful book that can be fun for all.
2881505
I received my copy from Riptide Publishing through NetGalley and rated it 4.5 stars

From the moment I started this book I couldn't get over how charming  and I mean that in the best possible sense of the word - Lessons for Idle Tongues is. The setting, the characters and the story seduced me from the first paragraph. I think its fair to say Ive been a fan of mysteries for almost as long as Ive been able to read, and to discover a new (to me) series is always a pleasure.

Lessons for Idle Tongues was no exception to that rule. This is the 11th title in the Cambridge Fellows series although it was my first introduction to Jonty and Orlando. I was delighted to discover that I could thoroughly enjoy this book without having read the previous instalments. It is quite possible I missed one or two in-jokes or references to earlier mysteries, but if that was the case I cant say I noticed it.

Theres a lot to love in this book. The dynamics in the Stewart family, Jonty and Orlando  both separately and together -, the mystery of the wooden cat and the mystery of the dead youngsters, the period the storys set in, the beautiful language, the pompous yet time-appropriate manner of speech.... I could go on but will limit myself to saying I read this book with a huge grin on my face.

I love how the author managed to convey that Jonty and Orlandos relationship is illegal without making that a huge plot point. The characters and therefore the readers too, are well aware theyd be up to their necks in trouble should their relationship become common knowledge and act accordingly, but this is a minor detail and not something that motivates either the story or Jonty and Orlandos actions.

Since this is a mystery  as well as an utterly charming story  I should mention that both mysteries in this book were intriguing, cleverly investigated and solved in a very satisfactory manner.

Im not entirely sure what else to say about Lessons for Idle Tongues without giving too much away, except maybe to repeat that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is wonderful that I have ten previous titles in this series to peruse at my leisure. Jonty and Orlando have found themselves a new fan.
1161030
Charming story and difficult to put down!  My only negative was the ending of the book which tended to be rushed and was a disappointment.

People of all ages will enjoy.
700963
A charming story!!! My son was so excited to take it to school to read it to his class. It has quickly become one of our family favorites!
1283281
What a fun book, this story warmed my heart, I am looking forward to more from the author! Cute illustrations capture each page. I purchased 2 books to take to my grandchildren in Texas !
534269
This book is charming, funny and so very heartwarming. Finally a feel good story that makes you laugh and cry. It was so interesting to be able to hear each girls stories side by side. I loved this book and highly recommend it. I think it transcends all ages. It is so delightful. It is a true story that starts with social media. When people think social media is intrusive this only goes to say how important it was for this two beautiful young ladies.