Widows of Somerset Blog Review

Rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows: 
Rule 1: Be a widow.
Rule 2: Have an impeccable reputation.
Rule 3: Don't fall in love again.

Coming in October: Three Regency Romances by Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Heather B. Moore

AN HEIR TO SPARE by Rebecca Connolly
Widowhood has changed much for Anna—Lady Lyndham—but an unconventional heir to the estate was not something she had anticipated. Nor had she anticipated that he would have no intention of forcing her out, although he has every right to. And she certainly did not anticipate finding him handsome, charming, and unfailingly generous. But Ned Richards, the new Lord Lyndham, has a world of surprises in store for her, and not anticipating them will become quite the adventure.

THE WIDOW OF LAVENDER COTTAGE by Jen Geigle Johnson
As a widow, Lillian Hunter has never been in love and plans to never marry again, so the rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows suit her just fine. Her days are spent attempting to transform her newly inherited Lavender Cottage into a livable space until Oliver Wentworth shows up, asking for her late husband. Anxious to establish himself as a landed gentry in Somerset, Oliver is none too pleased to discover that a widow lives alone in a tiny run down cottage bordering his new property. The fact that she’s young and attractive only adds frustration to his sense of responsibility over her. And confound her, she challenges his every attempt to help manage her affairs.

A PROMISE FORGOTTEN by Heather B. Moore

Charlotte Ashford never thought she’d marry a vicar, and she never thought she’d find herself widowed with a young child to care for on her own. She certainly never thought she’d return to Somerset to live with her mother again, and Charlotte never thought she’d see him again. But Lord Wilshore has never forgotten her, and he has never forgotten their promise made long ago. Charlotte would love nothing more than for Lord Wilshore to forgive her, but too much heartache and too much time might make that impossible. Friendship is all she can hope for, but that hope may be dashed as well.

Review - Widows of Somerset was a relaxing, fun read. I felt like it was an easy summer read. It was fun to get swept up into the characters' world. The authors, Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Heather B. Moore, collaborated on the setting and the characters. Some of the characters carried through from story to story. The characters that were shared within stories remained constant in character and personality. The romances were simple and engaging. The stories were clean. I could have used more detail and the pace felt off at times, but other than that it was a decent read.  Readers who enjoy the Regency romance genre will enjoy this read. To find out more and to preorder, click here.

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however this is my honest opinion. This post also contains affiliate links that help maintain this blog.

Pillar of Light Blog Tour and Giveaway

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, Andrew Knaupp and Sal Velluto, have created a graphic novel adaption of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “Pillar of Light” teaches youth through a talented blend of imagery and words. Their goal is to inspire young readers to build their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and provide insights for receiving their own personal revelation. Details from all four wondrous accounts written by Joseph Smith as well as from those who heard him tell his firsthand experience are captivatingly blended together. To learn more click here.

Review: Pillar of Light is an interesting new way to look at the First Vision of Joseph Smith. The illustrations and the graphic novel style will appeal to children and youth. The illustrations had a unique spin on the story that will help show a different way at looking at the First Vision. The illustrations were also very eye-catching and engaging. I liked that the text used historical references and was carefully researched. To purchase the Pillar of Light, click here.

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win!

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Please note that I received a free e-book of the Pillar of Light to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post also contains affiliate links which help maintain the maintenance of this blog.

Think Outside the Box Blog Tour, Review, Author Interview and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Written by Justine Avery
Illustrated by Liuba Syrotiuk

Publisher’s Synopsis: For the artist, the free thinker, the uniquely inventive individual in each of us, Think Outside the Box unlocks the key to applying creativity to daily life and turning any problem or worry inside out.

Designed to define out-of-the-box thinking for the youngest of us, this fun and unique illustrative journey reminds us all how simple and practical it can be to apply a new perspective to even the most daunting challenges.

Think Outside the Box is an at-home library must-have for any future idealist, instigator, activist, maverick, or mover and shaker—and every individual.

The book is available to purchase here.

For more information, visit www.justineavery.com, Twitter, and GoodReads.

Ages 4+ | Publisher: Suteki Creative | July 14, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1948124577

REVIEW

This book is extremely creative and unique. The illustrations are extremely eye-catching and engaging. I liked how the way that the book was illustrated coincided with the message of the book. The message helps kids realize the importance of thinking creatively, that it's okay to think differently and to use their imagination. This is a great book to help kids learn to be okay with using their imaginations, developing STEM skills and trying something new and different. I could see this book used in a classroom or home setting.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope children will gain the most from this story?

 

Justine Avery - I wanted to write Think Outside the Box to help explain creative thinking to the youngest audience possible. With the side benefit of being a reminder for all of us, at any age, of just how simple and easy it can be to think a bit more creatively, to consider options beyond the limitations we first see in front of us. "Thinking outside the box" seems to be a solution to so many things in daily life. Whether big or small situations, I want to encourage younger minds to adapt more creative thinking as a natural habit that would help preserve their original ideas and thinking well into adulthood.

 

Life Is What It's Called - Is the advice in the book reflective of your childhood? And if so, how?

 

Justine Avery - Unfortunately, no! I may have been "creative" in relying on my imagination to invent new games to entertain my younger brother and myself, but I didn't grow confident in "out of the box" thinking until much later in life! I wish I'd been encouraged to let my imagination run wild with problem-solving or voice differences of opinion and perspective much, much earlier. 

 

Life Is What It's Called - Can you give an example of a time when you thought outside of the box?

 

Justine Avery - The most significant leap of thinking outside the box for me was in realizing, in my late 20s, that I didn't have to remain on the standard corporate career track I was on. My dream of traveling the world and writing about my experiences didn't have to wait until "later." To make the realization become a reality, I had to make many creative decisions, take many jumps away from everything I was familiar and comfortable with and imagine a new career path and meaning for the word "work." 

 

Life Is What It's Called - How do you think this book can be applied in different settings, i.e., home, school, community?

 

Justine Avery - Think Outside the Box works from the inside (of the reader) out. It first describes what original, creative, imaginative thinking is in words and images. The ideas are introduced as simply as possible to make them feel as easy as possible, as doable as possible, for anyone. That ease helps develop comfort and confidence, instilling self-confidence in individual thinking. The book's ideas are purposely general and ambiguous, showing how any situation or decision can be solved by thinking outside the box, whether you're at home, in school, etc. They're fun, brilliantly illustrated examples sure to stick in kids' minds!  

 

Life Is What It's Called - What age readers do you see benefiting from this the most?

 

Justine Avery - As early as age four, young listeners and beginning readers will understand the concepts and how they're a bit different than the standard way of thinking. Through age 12, kids will appreciate the imaginative scenarios and clever illustrations and how the concept can be applied to the situations they encounter in daily life.

 

Life Is What It's Called - What's the most exciting and creative thing that you've done in your life?

 

Justine Avery - Hands down, my most exciting event was my most creative: leaving a job and financial security and a planned future for the complete unknown. I sold everything I owned and left my home country to travel the world solo, committed to finally allowing myself to pursue my dream "job" of writing while doing my favorite pastime: traveling.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Think Outside the Box prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Think Outside the Box.

• A pair of Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablets.

• A Creative Thinking in a Jar set.

Ten (10) winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of Think Outside the Box.

Ten (10) winners receive:

• A paperback copy of Think Outside the Box.

Giveaway begins June 15, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends July 15, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

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Please note that I received a free pdf of the book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post is in partnership with The Children's Book Review.