Reading is Important for Children

My love for reading started around fourth grade in school when a teacher took the time to teach me how to sound words out and help me read better. It wasn't a chore anymore and I fell in love with it. As a parent I made sure my kids were read to when they were little and then made sure they had books. They both are readers now, especially my daughter who, like her mother, never leaves home without a book. When my Grandkids came along I started reading to them from the day they were born. When they got older I bought them books. In fact my Granddaughter really began to read when I started buying books that were her own.  They are both adults now and they still read all the time. They still get books from me for their birthdays, Christmas and just any time I can get them one. My littlest Grandson is 2 yrs old and we have made sure he has books too. His mom takes him to the library all the time and he loves to go. I make sure he gets books of his own too and though I don't see him except on weekends I try to make sure we read something when I can. I have been thinking about getting on Skype and read to him but that has not happened yet.


I think it is so important for children to have books and to read. Start them young and hopefully they will learn to love books too. I have said all of this because I thought each week I would try to suggest a book for children and teens. I will not suggest any books that I have not read since I would not know if the content would be suitable. I hope if you have any suggestions for books for kids you will let me know.  I want to get our children back to reading and enjoying books as much as we do.


This week I was thinking the book for kids that my Grandkids loved in grade to middle school was the Charlie Bone series.





Midnight for Charlie Bone (The Children of the Red King #1) by Jenny Nimmo is a great book if you like the unusual. Charlie Bone finds out he is a descendant of the Red King and all of the Red King's descendants have special abilities.  Charlie's father is gone and his mean Aunts make his life miserable. They send him to Bloor Academy which is for special kids, exceptionally smart kids. He finds things to be a little strange at the Academy and that there are secrets to the school, the kids, the Red King and his family. The book is full of magic, intrigue and suspense. If your kids like Fantasy with a little magic and mystery they will like this book and series.


I think that this is suitable for older children maybe grades 4-8 depending on the child. I read it because it was one of my Grandkids favorite books and they wanted me to read it. Reading books that your kids love and want to share with you is a great way of keeping them reading. I read this for that reason but found I enjoyed this book also.


The most important thing is to get the children to read and find something that will keep there interest. If fantasy is something they like then give this book and series a try.


Until Next Time:


GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!
LET'S GET OUR CHILDREN READING TOO!

TBT One My All Time Favorite Authors and Book A Thief Of Time by Tony Hillerman

I have chosen a book I read while I was studying for my AA in Liberal Arts because of my interest in history, archaeology and southwest native American culture. This book combined all my interests as well as a good mystery. A Thief of Time Navajo Mystery #8 by Tony Hillerman is on of my favorite books. I enjoy all of his books but this one probably was one of my favorites.


I think I love this book because Tony Hillerman brings the southwest and Indian culture to life. I had a real interest in the Navajo and Anasazi and this book falls right into that interest.


An archaeologist is investigating an Anasazi site and is getting close to making a great discovery when she goes missing.  The archaeologist is accused of  being one of the thieves of time, which is what they call the thieves who are stealing and destroying artifacts from known Anasazi sites so Lt Joe Leaphorn goes to investigate and find out if she is stealing.    When Lt. Joe Leaphorn investigates he finds that the archaeologist  has gone  missing, The graves and ruins are being robbed but now with the archaeologist missing and add to that murder it makes for a remarkable mystery thriller. Tony Hillerman has a way of bringing the culture of the Navajo and Anasazi into his stories and this book is no exception. It is a book that is hard to put down.


I have to say that all of the Navajo Mystery series is excellent to read. Lt Joe Leaphorn and  Det. Jim Chee of the Navajo police are just enough different to bring an interesting mix into the story. Lt. Joe Leaphorn is a complex person who does not practice the Navajo ways and who is, in this book, trying to get on with his life after losing his wife Emma. He is well educated and is a great investigator. Det. Jim Chee is at times bumbling but a good investigator too.  He still is learning and practicing the ways of the Navajo people which makes him different and unique to the story.


I think if you love a great mystery and thriller.  Have any interest at all in the Southwest and the Navajo and Anasazi culture. If you love archaeology and anthropology then you need to read this book and this series.


It has been awhile since I read this book but I think it would be a great book to read again.


So till next time:


GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK,  AND KEEP ON READING!

Gluten For Punishment A Baker's Treat Mystery by Nancy J Parra is a Treat to Read

Gluten For Punishment by Nancy J Parra is the first in a new cozy mystery series and one not to be missed.





Toni Holmes opens a new Gluten Free Bakery in her home town only problem is it is a small town in Kansas. Wheat country is a hard place to open up a bakery that is for wheat free goodies. Not everyone is happy she is opening the bakery and at the grand opening George, a wheat farmer, heckles her and then someone throws wheat flour on her. When George ends up murdered in front of Baker's Treat, Toni's bakery, it makes it even harder for her to get her bakery up and running and to fit in as part of the business community, especially when she is one of the suspects. Toni's Grandma Ruth and Toni decide to clear Toni's name by investigating the murder themselves.  That only leads to more problems for Toni and her bakery, threats and another murder.  Toni has to clear her name before her new business is ruined and she becomes the next victim.




I loved this book. Toni is a strong independent woman who is determined to make a go of her bakery. Grandma Ruth is a spunky, eccentric, go getter, been around the corner a time or two, older woman on a scooter who seems to be in the middle of everything and never backs down to anything or anyone. I love Grandma Ruth. Toni has sworn off men after her divorce, but of course she has two good looking men who are vying for her attention.  She doesn't have time for them with the murders, her new business, and her investigating, which includes both men, trying to find who the murderer could be. 


This book is unique and I love the way Nancy J Parra has brought the need for gluten and allergy free baking into being part of the plot and mystery. She has very interesting fun characters and you find yourself thinking of people in your life that they remind you of.  You just get so involved in the book that you really can feel like you could be  a part of this small town and  community. She gives you enough possible suspects and twists in the story to keep you wanting to read more. I couldn't put the book down it was a great book.


One of my favorite parts is when Grandma Ruth is telling Toni they need to investigate the murder themselves and clear Toni's name and Toni is reminding her that they aren't investigators
Toni says " We are not equipped to solve crimes. Besides, my superhero cape is at the dry cleaners" Grandma snorted. " I don't need a cape. I was an investigative reporter for years." pg 93


I highly recommend this book and series. This is going on my favorite series list.


There is a plus too, the book has gluten free recipes at the end. I can't wait to give them a try.


If you want more info about this book and series check out Nancy J Parra's site at
http://www.nancyjparra.com/


The next book in the series is coming May 6, 2014 Murder Gone A-Rye Book two in the Baker's Treat series.


Hope you will check out this  book and series as well as  Nancy's other series


UNTIL NEXT TIME:


GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING

Throwback Thursday A Study In Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Study In Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the first of the Sherlock Holmes stories written. This is where Dr. Watson and Holmes meet and the fun begins.


Dr. Watson has been injured and is recovering from his war injuries and needs an place to stay. Holmes needs a roommate so when they are introduced it seems like a perfect fit for both of them. Dr. Watson soon learns of Holmes quirky eccentric ways and his ability to solve puzzles and mysteries especially when there is a murder to solve. When a body is found with no clues except a ring and word written in blood Holmes and Watson are there to figure it out. So the fun begins in this first book and goes on from there.


As I look back at books I have read in the past that helped me to develop my love of mystery I must and will include the Sherlock Holmes books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle starting with this first one.


I hope you will give it a try if you haven't read it I don't think you will be disappointed.


Until Next Time:


GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE AND A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams Cooks Up a Good Charming Cozy Mystery

Pies and Prejudice A Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery by Ellery Adams is the first in the series that I have read and I must admit I found it charming and fun to read. It is a series I will be reading more of.


Ella Mae moves back to Havenwood, GA her hometown after finding her husband cheating on her.  Her serenity and comfort is found in her baking and so that is what she does. Her Mother and Aunts talk her into opening the Charmed Pie Shoppe and help her to make it happen. Ella Mae's new start gets bumpy though when her High School bully's fiancé is killed and Ella Mae is a suspect in his murder. Ella Mae and her Aunts and Mother decide they need to find out who the killer really is and why he was killed to clear Ella's name.


I love the quirky Aunts and Mother they all have a little magic and Ella is just finding out about her magic that is found in her baking and theirs while trying to find the murderer. This is such a fun read and it has everything, twists and turns that makes you keep guessing who the murderer is and why, and I must admit it wasn't who I thought it would be, he has a good mystery plot and enough magic to be fun. I would recommend this book to others who like cozy mysteries.


I love the included recipes also as a plus.


Well there you have it a new cozy mystery series for me to catch up since this was the first in the series and try her Books by the Bay series also.


If you want to know more about her books check out her website at
http://www.elleryadamsmysteries.com/books.html


Until Next Time:


GRAB A CUP OF COFFE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE AND A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

5 Stars to Avenged A Pacific Coast Justice Series by Janice Cantore

I give Avenged  Pacific Coast Justice Series by Janice Cantore 5 stars because it is a plot that could be from the news headlines in any city. Carly is a policeman on the streets while her husband is a detective in the gang unit. Carly and her partner find three young gang members shot execution style with a rival gangs tags  near the bodies. Carly and her husband Nick work to get to the bottom of these killings before a gang war starts. Carly and Nick aren't sure if it is the gangs or someone who wants a gang war to start so they must hurry and find the killers before things get out of hand all the while Carly is hounded by a obnoxious want to be reporter Ginny Masters and her boyfriend Dean Barton, who seems to have one mission to discredit Carly.  Things are moving fast and Carly, Nick and the police need to work fast to stop further killings and themselves safe.


This book has everything a good mystery should. It has many different suspects with different motives, action, and suspense. Just when you think you know who was behind everything and why something happens and it changes what you thought you knew. The twists and turns get you guessing until the end and it is somewhat a surprise when you find out what is going on. The only thing this book doesn't have is graphic bloody scenes and bad language which makes it even more of a plus.


This book is well written and I enjoyed the read. Another thing I enjoyed was how the author brings faith and God in. Carly and Nick helps ex gang member Londy who is out of the gangs and living for God. They all go to church together and the church helps other kids who have been in trouble too. This plays into the plot and adds another element to the suspect list and motives.


Overall I think this book is one that if you like mystery, police stories and is a realistic story then you will like this book. This is the third book in the Pacific Coast Justice Series and even though I had not read any of the other books in the series it was easy to follow along. This can be read as a stand alone book but I am going to get the other two books because I liked this one so much.


If you want to know more about the book or author check out this link
www.janicecantore.com


This book was given to me for free by Tyndale Publishing for my honest review of the book.