Book Review: The Sacred Gift of Child Birth & Giveaway

Title: The Sacred Gift of Child Birth, Making Empowered Choices for You and Your Baby

Author:  Marie-Ange Bigelow, MT, CD(DONA)

Release Date: May 2016

Publisher:  Cedar Fort

ISBN:  978-1-4621-1811-3

Pages:  176

Buy The Sacred Gift of Child Birth: Here

Add The Sacred Gift of Child Birth to your: Goodreads

Find Author Marie-Ange Bigelow:
Facebook | Website | Blog  

From the back cover: Many books teach and focus on the health and safety of giving birth, from comfort techniques to medical procedures. But few delve into God or His principles and plan for women. Childbirth offers a unique experience for women to draw closer to the Lord and benefit from many divinely designed blessings--spiritual, emotional, and physical. This relatable and rewarding book empowers women with valuable information that allows them to make informed decisions about birthing.

Come see the sacred nature of childbirth and put God and faith back into this miraculous process of bringing His children into the world. 

My review:   

This book is lovingly written for parents-to-be who desire to know and understand how to have their best birth experience.  Read this book well before the end of your pregnancy so you have ample time to decide what you'd like to have happen and so you can include your tribe (spouse, midwife, doctor, etc).

The book focuses primarily on giving woman the education and facts- and therefore power- to have the best birthing experience possible. It is filled with current evidence based research as well as practical experiences.

Marie includes worksheets to give you an opportunity to realize and write your thoughts and feelings. It also includes charts to simplify the information, a birth preference quiz and information on postpartum.

It is obvious Marie has dedicated her time, training, and heart to her clients and her profession. In her book it feels as though you get a glimpse of her passion and love for women, childbirth and the gospel.



*I was given a copy of this book to review in exchange for my honest review.


~GIVEAWAY~

I have one copy of The Sacred Gift of Child Birth to give away.

You can enter until May 31, 2016 To enter leave one or several comments on this post telling me what you did to enter.

Entries:

1-Visit Marie's website.
1-Visit Marie's blog.
2-Like Marie's facebook page.
2-Leave a thoughtful comment on Marie's facebook page.

2-Tweet about the giveaway (please include link) If you'd like you can copy/paste this: I just entered to win the book The Sacred Gift of Child Birth at http://cranberryfries.blogspot.com/ .

What I read in November and December 2015

What I read in November and December 2015

A Christmas Carol 

by Charles Dickens

Classic

The classic story of Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come. 

I listened to this one on Audible read by Tim Curry. A great story made better by a fun reader. 

I am Malala

by Malala Yousafzai

Historical, Memoir

The Taliban overran her city but she spoke out, declaring everyone had a right to an education. Years later  she was shot in the head at point blank range. She survived and is now sharing her story. At 16 she received the Nobel Peace Prize. 

Very eye opening of the ways and customs of another culture. The story of a young, strong girl and how far she's willing to go to protect what she feels is important. Pick this one up!

Choose Your Own Autobigoraphy

by Neil Patrick Harris

Memoir, Humor

A twist on the common memoir this autobiography is a choose your own adventure. Each chapter describes the real life of NPH and at the end each one lets you choose a path: what really happened to NPH or what will probably lead to his ultimate destruction. 

I always love listening to memoirs as the folks who wrote it usually read it themselves. This one also has guest appearances from several of his friends. Funny and fabulous.  Only knowing him from his television appearances it was interesting to hear how much he really loves the stage and what he did through out his career.  I think the actual book has pictures but in the audio book he bursts out in song. 

Silver Bay 

By JoJo Moyes

Fiction, Adult

A large hotel development has its eyes on the small seaside town so when Dormer goes to research and help set it up he's surprised to find he's really growing an interest in the crazy family that runs the hotel. 

I love JoJo Moyes but so far this is my least favorite book. It took me a while to get into it and the story line didn't hold my interest very well. 

The Glass Castle

By Jeanette Walls

Memoir

Jeannette grew up with a father who'd spend his paycheck on alcohol and a mother who would rather follow her dreams than raise a family. The children learned to survive in run down houses and with little food at home. Later as adults they all moved to New York with successful careers while their parents chose to stay homeless. 

Read this one for book club and didn't enjoy it. I had a hard time separating myself from the story because it wasn't just a story but it actually happened and I couldn't get over that these kids really had to live like this. Even the last quarter of the book didn't redeem it for me. Some at the book club discussion had read the companion book and presented more light on the family and the mother. I still didn't like it. 

600 Hours of Edward

by Craig Lancaster

Autism, Fiction

Edward is 39. He lives alone. He has Asperger's and OCD. He feels he does best when he's right on (his minute by minute) schedule. Across the street a young boy and his mother move in and Edward begins to, difficultly, choose friendship over schedule. Little by little he's learning more about interacting with the world. 

I completely loved this one. I laughed out loud but also parts hurt my heart. A fascinating look at someone trying to live and thrive with a disability and how the world interacts and reacts.

Unbroken

by Laura Hillenbrand

Historical Fiction, War, Non Fiction, Memoir

From his defiant childhood to his all star running, Zamperini later signed on to be an airman in World War II. A downed plane, days at sea and even a prisoner of war Hillenbrand tells Louis's provoking story.

One extraordinary thing after another. I waited so long to read this because of the hype and it took me a while to get through but it was a fascinating story nonetheless.

After You

by JoJo Moyes

Adult, Fiction, Contemporary

*Read Me Before You first then pick this one up.*

Louisa has a lot to deal with now. She finds her own place and sets in. Maybe even too much. Then her life is flipped upside down.

I didn't know Moyes had written a sequel so when I found out it was already out I was thrilled.  Lou is just as fabulous and the crew in this book was completely enjoyable. 

Go Set A Watchman

by Harper Lee

Fiction, Historical

Scout, now 26, is back home from New York visiting her aging father, Atticus. She is faced with remembering the past in her young girls mind and facing the realities of the world as an adult.

Interesting to see how Scout has grown into her own person still with the influence of her father and town but is now forced to face how she grew up versus what is really happening in town (reality). 

What I read in October 2015

What I read in October 2015

All Joy and No Fun 

by Jennifer Senior

Non fiction

Written by a journalist, this book includes stories that try to answer: what are the effects of children on their parents? Senior theorizes that the great amount of change in the last 50 years has drastically put into question just what is the role of today's mothers and fatheres. 

This was a fun look at an interesting theory. Though many of the examples given weren't specifically relatable to my current environment, parenting styles, values or beliefs I enjoyed getting a view into the examples of parents and family's that she studied.  

David and Goliath 

by Malcolm Gladwell

Non fiction, Psycology 

When the odds are stacked against them, what actually works that makes the underdog victorious? Gladwell shares a compelling collection of stories to see if there are similarities in attitude, resources, will power and more.

Fascinating and fun. Read this one for book club and thoroughly enjoyed the discussion.  I loved it so much I am itching to pick up another one of his. I think I'll try Outliers.

Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance

A diehard fan of a popular book, Cath has been writing fanfiction for years and now has her own, very large, following of her own. Now off at college, out of the house, a roommate, heavier classes to keep up with, Cath still can't let go of the fictional world she's been so immersed in for so long.

I have read others by Rowell so I wanted to try to this one. It was a well crafted story with deep characters and a few good plot twists. I just didn't love it, just not my style. If you like Rowell though, certainly give it a go. 

Maybe Not 

by Colleen Hoover

Adult, Romance, Novella

A companion novella (very short story) of Maybe Someday, this story follows Warren and roommate Bridgette. Warren is excited to have a hot girl roommate but they fight like crazy. 

I loved Maybe Someday so much I picked this one up without thinking about it. Only after I started it did I realize it wasn't what I was hoping. Warren and Bridgette were my least favorite characters in the last story and this one was obviously all theirs. And it's basically just them hooking up.

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

by Robin Sloan

Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction

After losing a few jobs Clay finds himself working at Mr. Penumbra's Bookstore. He quickly discoveries it's an odd little place and the longer he's there the more mysterious it is. The customers, the books, even the bookkeeping. The more he uncovers the more questions he has.

Kind of unlike anything else I've read. It certainly wasn't what I expected even getting into it a few chapters. If you're looking for something different pick this up.

Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear

by Norma Fox Mazer

Childrens

When you have an older sister it's easy to feel like everything you want, she gets. And then on top of that sometimes you're friends with your sister and sometimes you're not. 

My (middle child) daughter and I got this at our school's Scholastic Book Fair. We read it together. There were a few parts she laughed out and loud and a few parts I was seriously questioning why the author chose to include something in a childrens book. Just ok. 

The Rithmatist 

by Brandon Sanderson

Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA, Steampunk, Mystery

Joel knows all there is about being a Rithmatist. He reads and study's and even sneaks into classes so he can learn more.  So when students start disappearing from campus Joel helps a professor try to crack the case.

I really needed to finally read a Brandon Sanderson novel (I have a lot of friends whose opinions I trust that enjoy his books) so I picked this up and fell in love. I've been so nervous to try his others (like MistBorn or Elantris since I don't totally love heavy fantasy) so I was thrilled when I could follow along and enjoy this one!

What I read in August and September 2015

What I read in August and September 2015

Cold Sassy Tree

by Olive Ann Burns

Historical Fiction

1906 in small town Georiga where the whole town knows (or thinks they know) everyone's business. Surely there's a scandal that's got folks talking. 

Picked it up for book club and enjoyed it quite a bit. I read it shortly after I did a reread of To Kill A Mockingbird so I couldn't help but compare what I could from the two. It's an interesting read about life, small town, assumptions, family drama, and family ties. Try it out if you haven't yet. 

Edenbrooke

by Julianne Donaldson

Romance, Adult, Regency, Clean

Hoping to cease her current boredom Marianne Daventry departs Bath to join her sister at a friends large estate. That night her carriage is stopped by a highwayman and Marianne's adventures begin. 

A reread but one that I enjoy to do once a year. Donaldson's debut novel (in 2012) was a huge success. If you find yourself in a bit of a rut, you need a fabulous book. Pick this one up!

The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

Historical Fiction

A WWII book on the soil of France. When Nazi's invade the people who haven't fled are forced to take them in. Certainly some quotable quotes. “I always thought it was what I wanted: to be loved and admired. Now I think perhaps I'd like to be known.” “But love has to be stronger than hate, or there is no future for us.” “In love we find out who we want to be, in war we find out who we are.”   

I read this for book club. It's worth a read. Certainly to call into mind what it means to be compassionate, strong, and courageous. All at a time when you thought there was nothing more they could take from you, and they still find a way. 

What I read in July 2015

What I read in July 2015

Elevated 

by Elana Johnson

Verse, Contemporary, YA, Romance 

Elly has taken great strides to avoid Travis for months. Too many secrets. Too many bad things happened. If she faces him she'd have to relive it, tell him the truth. It's just easier to stay away from him. Only now, they're stuck in an elevator together.

I haven't read a story in verse and was a little nervous it'd throw off the story too much for me but I liked this one. It seemed like an interesting challenge to tell a captivating and deep enough story this way but Elana totally pulled it off.  Check it out. Tell me what you thought!

For Elise 

by Sarah M. Eden

Regency Romance, Clean, Mystery

Elise disappeared four years ago and Miles swore to always continue a search for his dear childhood friend. When he's delayed in a small town he catches a glimpse of an all to familiar face. And the past he thought he knew is a bit unraveled with a future he's looking forward to.

Sarah always writes swoon worthy, strong, male characters, but don't let that make you assume she'll skimp out on her female leads. They're just as daring and brave. Pick this one up. I think most any reader will enjoy it. 

Shutter 

by Courtney Alameda

Horror, Paranormal, YA

Micheline is used to this stuff. It's in her blood. It's her family line. With her camera as her weapon of choice, she chases monsters to ultimately send them away forever.

Just an ok read for me.  Though admittedly not my genre of preference. It felt a little boggish. I just keep thinking too much shoved in and an unwillingness to skim away the unneeded parts. It has gotten some good reviews though so if you're into paranormal you may want to pick it up.

Silence 

by Deborah Lytton

Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance

Stella is gifted. A signer extraordinaire. A high school student dreaming of making it to Broadway. She suddenly loses her ability to hear (thus her ability to sing). Hayden stutters and it's this similarity of differences that bond these two together. They communicate.

It seemed like there could have been more depth to this story. Almost like it was just out of reach. I wanted to feel more for the characters.  While I didn't love it, I do think it's a good clean book for teenagers (and adults).

Reading Report June 2015

What I read in June 2015

Longing for Home 

by Sarah M. Eden

Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Clean

Katie responds to an ad and is hired for a job that fits her perfectly and will help her earn enough money quickly to return home. She travels across the country but once she arrives the job is a bit different than what she expected and the town is harshly divided. And worse, they want to use her to further divide it. 

I've read previous stories by Eden, all Regency so this was a fun new taste. It's an Irish heritage story in an old west Wyoming setting.  I found this book to be endearing, well written, and enjoyable. 

On The Fence 

by Kasie West

Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Clean

Charlie grew up with her dad, a few brothers and their friends so she's spending her summer learning more about her feminine side. And now that the timing seems right, Charlie and Braden have begun confiding in each other and creating a deeper connection to their relationship.

I liked this book for the most part. A sweet boy next door crush sorta book. Kind of your typical tom boy learns to be a girl story. I rolled my eyes at a few plot points but overall I still enjoyed it. 

Saint Anything 

by Sarah Dessen

Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance

Sydney has always lived in the shadow of her brother. She's always wanted to be seen. Her brother falls so low that he's convicted of drunk driving and permanently injuring someone.  She switches schools, Makes new friends. Tries to be her own person and not her brothers little sister. It's then she meets Mac. He's considerate, kind, watchful. Sydney finally starts to feel like she belongs.

Another fascinating story by Dessen. It's the coming of age we've come to expect from a Dessen novel but this one feels a bit more raw. Sydney's problems seem hurtful and real and deep. 

Loneliness. Guilt. She includes a good amount of hurt that I felt it differently than her others. Though as Sydney finds her light the reader too begins to feel hope. Pick this one up. *Also there's a mention of both cranberrys and french fries so I think she gets bonus points for that. :)

The Daisy Chain 

by Heather B. Moore

Novella, Romance, Adult 

Jess is recently widowed and is trying to work out a few court proceedings with the help of Preston Michaels, though for the last several months she's only spoken to him on the phone. Now though an inevitable meet up is forcing their first meet, and she might have a small crush on him. 

I think it's more that I'm not a fan of novella's. This one was 65 pages and while the writing was fine (I think? I really dont even know if there was enough to form an opinion on), there was too much backstory given in just a few paragraphs. I didn't care about or connect to the characters at all. 

The Woods 

by Harlan Coben

Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Everyone's hiding from the truth. At a summer camp twenty years ago there were four friends not obeying curfew, two teens were found dead in the woods and the other two tried to disappear  Now a homicide victim brings new evidence that is surfacing the case again.

This is my second Harlan Coben novel. The story was strong and interesting. Felt like a solid plot with enough depth and detail in the characters. If you're into this genre I think you'd like this one. I listened to this one on audio book and felt the narrator did a great job.  

What Alice Forgot 

by Liane Moriarty

Adult, Mystery, Contemporary

Alice wakes from a bump on the head and has lost 10 years of her life. Last she remembers she was pregnant, 29 and working on her dream home with her husband. Now though she's divorcing, has 3 kids and is a whirlwind.  She must catch up on the last decade and piece together the life she built but doesn't remember. 

This took me a bit to get into but then I was fascinated to find out more to the story. Such an intriguing set of characters. And the mystery kept getting more complicated and interesting. I couldn't tell if I wanted to cheer or cringe. I wouldn't have picked this up if it wasn't for a recommendation from a friend and I'm glad I did.  

'

What I Thought Was True 

by Huntly Fitzpatrick

Young Adult, Romance

Gwen Castle grew up a townie of a small island and now with what she hopes is her last summer on the island she's cleaning houses and worried she'll be stuck there forever. But now Cassidy Somers, a  hookup mistake, is the new island yard boy and there are sure to be a lot of run ins. The summer proves to unravel a few 'What I Thought Was True' moments and Gwen is discovering things about herself and her future. 

I was interested in this one up because I liked My Life Next Door. I was a bit turned off with Gwens pessimism but I kept reading because Cassidy offered so much hope and swooning. This one has some great well written scenes and has a few good 'fight for it' moments. 

The Cinderella Deal 

by Jennifer Crusie

Adult, Romance, Humor, Contemporary

Daisy is a sucker for a good story. She recently hits a few bumps (or probably big potholes) and is a bit desperate for money so when an opportunity knocks on her door to play a leading role in a developing kooky story she agrees to go along and help create the story with her neighbor Linc. 

Jennifer Crusie is one of my favorites. Romance, snark, spunk, witt, her books are full of goodness. The title is pretty telling and even though the plot is a bit predictable the ride is still a fun one.

Reading Report May 2015

What I read in May 2015

Speak 

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary

Melinda called the cops to the biggest party of the year. Everyone hates her now. She's a different person now. She's alone and she doesn't mind because something bad happened.

I have a hard time reading books at their peak of popularity so I figured enough time had passed that I could pick this up. Good story telling. Ok book (might have been I was expecting more from the hype). 

Ready Player One 

by Ernest Cline

Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

In the future the world is grim but the online Oasis exists to help people escape the decaying reality. Wade Watts is a geek extraordinaire whose hobbies include studying pop culture and video games from the 80s.   When the Oasis creator dies, he leaves his entire fortune to the winner who finds his easter egg in the Oasis, and Wade thinks he's got a fighting chance. 

This has been on my to read list for a while and I needed something to listen to while doing massive amounts of gardening and yard work. I'm not normally a science fiction reader but this was just the right amount I can handle. I loved the 80s references, and computer/gaming talk (because I got it!), and I liked the world that Cline built. A fun ride.

These is my Words

by Nancy E. Turner

Historical Fiction

Sarah travels with her family across the plains and eventually settles onto a ranch of her own. The diary is written during her young teenage years through adulthood. Adventures take her from the plains of Arizona across Texas during the late 1800s. 

This was a reread for me. I hosted my Idaho book club in May but I had the opportunity to meet Nancy Turner with my Utah book club back in 2009 (the first author of many for me).  Sarah is a strong, capable, hard working, but tender character. Adventures, heartbreak, love, growing up, learning, and along the way humor too. I'd recommend this to anyone and it's a fun book club pick too.

January 2009

Reading Review April 2015

What I read in April 2015

Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend 

by Katie Finn

YA, Contemporary 

Gemma gets dumped by her long term boyfriend at the beginning of what was going to be a packed summer with him. Her plans ruined, she begrudgingly goes to the Hamptons with her Dad. The last time she was there was one of the worst times in her life, she's hoping not to repeat it. 

I was disappointed I didn't like this book. I like the author and had hopes. I thought it was superficial with no redeeming value. The bad and evil was so extreme and I always trying to guess a few steps ahead (and I was right). I realize this is a series but I felt like there was too much destruction to want to try to keep reading. I will try another by this author but not in this series.

One Plus One 

by Jojo Moyes

Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Jess is doing her best to make ends meet, even just trying to make enough to keep the electricity on. Her daughter is invited to a prestigious, but expensive school. Even with the offer of a generous scholarship she can't figure out a way to make this dream come true. Then there is a math competition a few hours away, and if they can make it, this may just be the answer. In a weird turn of events practically a stranger Ed drives the family across the country. 

Fabulous. Engaging. Sad, funny, crazy. Jojo Moyes really writes masterpieces. This is my third book and so far I've loved them all. The characters are deep and brilliant. The plot is fun, real and raw. And the story telling is masterful. I've got two more Jojo Moyes books in my tbr pile, looking forward to pick them up soon!

Mandy 

by Julie Andrews Edwards

Childrens, Contemporary

Mandy is a young orphan in a home for girls. One day during her explorations she finds an old run down cottage. She looks forward to fixing it up and having something of her own.

This was one of my most favorite books as a kid, in fact my copy is practically falling apart. I figured it was time for a reread. I'd recommend this for the young reader, elementary to early jr high age.

Reading Review March 2015

What I read in March 2015

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

New Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Aging out of the foster care system, Victoria has never been able to get close to anyone or interested in anything. Though one thing stuck with her, flowers and their meanings and how they spoke to people. This book follows Victoria over about two decades and how she struggles to understand herself and how people interact with her. 

This book fascinated me. This was one I had a hard time putting down and read it in two days. While I didn't understand Victoria's childhood, it was interesting to see how someone could live through that and how they may end up interacting with the world as an adult. I enjoyed the flowers and their meanings and how it was a bright spot in her life. 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Classic, Historical Fiction

Blurb taken from Goodreads "To Kill A Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior - to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos."

Picked this one up again to read for book club, it has been years and years and there was many things I didn't remember. One of my book clubs has a handful of retired educators and English teachers and it is always fascinating to hear an extra little spice to these classic stories that years of teaching it brings to the table. If you haven't read this in a while, it's time to pick it up again.

Walt Disney: The Triumph of The American Imagination 

by Neal Gabler

Biography, Nonfiction, History

An exhaustive look into Walt Disney's life. This book begins with his great grandfather- how the influence of how he raised Walts father Elias to how Elias and Flora raised Walt and Roy, if that tells you how much this book covers. Tons of 'behind the scene' information, like inter office letters exchanged, conversations with animators, meetings leading to business deals, and how Walt started to dream up the iconic parks and more. To borrow a phrase from the blurb "a revelation of both the work and the man."

This book is huge clocking in at 880 pages or over 30 hours on audiobook. I opted for audio and listened to it over the course of many weeks here and there. I felt for the most part this book was very unbiased towards the business decisions and deals Walt or the company made though a few times I felt like there were parts where it was obvious the author had an agenda. Being as big a fan as I am I still learned a lot (good, bad and fascinating)!

Reading Review February 2015

What I read in February 2015

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

 Historical Fiction

When the Nazi's occupy Paris, 12 year old Marie-Laure and her father flee to her great Uncle's home. Marie-Laure is blind and her father builds her replica's of the cities so she can learn how to navigate on her own.
Young orphan Werner is put into Hitler Youth where he quickly discovers his talents at math and fixing radios is far above most. He's requested on a special assignment to track the resistance.

An interesting insight to others also in the middle of the effect of World War II (this book specifically set in France). I thought Doerr gave a perspective to the young boy Werner whose talent earns him a spot working with the Hitler Youth and the information he was fed. Marie too ends up having her own part, passing notes (possibly of importance, but certainly of hope). I felt like it gave a face to many who were involved though didn't understand the extent of their actions (and like most didn't really have a choice).

Panic 

by Lauren Oliver

 Young Adult

Panic is a legendary game for graduating Seniors with a lot of money at stake. Like $60,000. Two unknown judges set up elaborate risk/dares all summer and one by one people are eliminated until at the end of summer one collects all the money. Heather never considered for a minute that she'd be part of the Panic crowd until one night she's pushed too far and she realizes this may be the only way. 

I picked this up purely because it was a Lauren Oliver title. I was back and forth the entire book. I liked Heather and watching her realize the depth of her strength and determination. The premise infuriated me (huge risks, some resulting in death). However I started thinking of this book more as fantasy, ala Hunger Games and I was able to enjoy the book for it's story telling merit (with the exception of a point at the end that was just a bit too cheesy for me).

The Last Letter From Your Lover 

by JoJo Moyes

 Romance, Fiction

Jennifer wakes in the hospital in 1960 to the news she's been in a car accident and has amnesia. Upon returning home, trying to put the pieces back together she can't escape the feeling she's in a cold and distant marriage. Going through every item in her house trying to regain memory she finds a heart felt letter from a man who's not her husband, only signed B. Jennifer feels finding out who B is might bring her happiness. In 2003 Ellie finds this letter and hoping for a happy ending for herself she tackles the task of finding out what happened to Jennifer and B. 

I had read Me Before You by JoJo Moyes and knew immediately I'd need to find more of her books. This one did not disappoint. I was enraptured the entire time. I read this in a 1.5 days. Involving two different loves stories this book is packed so don't get confused with the different POVs.

The Romeo and Juliet Code 

by Phoebe Stone

Fiction, Childrens, Historical

11 year old Flissy grew up in London but with the onset of WWII her parents take her to Maine and deposit her with relatives she's never met before. The crazy cast includes her grandma, Uncle Gideon, Aunt Miami, and Captain Derek, a boy her age. Flissy notices Uncle Gideon received a letter with her father's handwriting so she enlists the sleuthing skills of Derek to help her figure out what where her parents are and what they might be up to.

Picked this up at the elementary kids book fair.  The cover suggested something far more enchanted and perhaps cute romance though was more historical fiction and mystery. Other than feeling dooped by the cover the book was ok. I thought it slow but for younger readers it may be be just fine.

You Are Here 

by Jennifer E. Smith

Young Adult, Contemporary

Emma has grown up feeling like her family is a unit, and she's not a part of it. She's years younger than her siblings, a family of adults, and her. In the attic Emma finds her twins birth certificate, a twin she never remembered she had. She keeps it a secret and sets out to visit his gravestone. Next door neighbor Peter is along for the ride.

I like several other books by Jennifer Smith but this one felt very lackluster. I didn't care anything about he characters (maybe not enough depth?) and thought the plot line was underdeveloped. For me it was just ok. Kind of forgettable. 

If interested:

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