Tuesday, December 31, 2013

"My Story" By: Elizabeth Smart Review

My Story
By: Elizabeth Smart & Chris Stewart


Synopsis
For the first time, ten years after her abduction from her Salt Lake City bedroom, Elizabeth Smart reveals how she survived and the secret to forging a new life in the wake of a brutal crime
On June 5, 2002, fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart, the daughter of a close-knit Mormon family, was taken from her home in the middle of the night by religious fanatic, Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. She was kept chained, dressed in disguise, repeatedly raped, and told she and her family would be killed if she tried to escape. After her rescue on March 12, 2003, she rejoined her family and worked to pick up the pieces of her life.
Now for the first time, in her memoir, MY STORY, she tells of the constant fear she endured every hour, her courageous determination to maintain hope, and how she devised a plan to manipulate her captors and convinced them to return to Utah, where she was rescued minutes after arriving.  Smart explains how her faith helped her stay sane in the midst of a nightmare and how she found the strength to confront her captors at their trial and see that justice was served.
In the nine years after her rescue, Smart transformed from victim to advocate, traveling the country and working to educate, inspire and foster change. She has created a foundation to help prevent crimes against children and is a frequent public speaker. In  2012, she married Matthew Gilmour, whom she met doing mission work in Paris for her church, in a fairy tale wedding that made the cover of People magazine.
My Thoughts
     In early 2013, I was lucky enough to meet Elizabeth Smart at a women’s event in Missouri. Incredibly well spoken, intelligent, and kind, Elizabeth spoke of her past and her future with such optimism that its hard to believe that her life was an absolute hell for almost 9 months. So naturally, I was interested in her story and immediately read her book the moment it hit my local library.
     Everyone knows the story of Elizabeth Smart, or at least the most bare bones details. She was taken from her home in the dead of night in June of 2002 by David Mitchell, a self-proclaimed prophet. She was 14 years old at the time and taken from her bed that she happened to be sharing with her younger sister. She was to be another of his “wives.” Helping him in his evil planning and kidnapping was his wife, Wanda Barzee. They kept Elizabeth, inflicting terrible physical, mental, and sexual abuse for almost nine months.
     Well written, Elizabeth tells in her own words the events leading up to her rescue and the hellish events that took place during her captivity. Raped daily, forced to take drugs and alcohol, and regularly threatened the lives of her family. I think what really got to me was the emotional and mental toll Elizabeth had during these nine months. On the outside, this is absolutely horrific, but once you factor in a 14 year old girl was going through this, with her 14 year old insecurities and views of the world, it will blow your mind and break your heart.
     Smart’s My Story is a testament to human survival and hope for the future. Having seen Elizabeth speak, I think my enjoyment of the book was enhanced. Heartbreaking but with a beautiful ending, My Story will show that there is true evilness in this world while also showing there is still love.

Book Details
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Date of Publication: October 7, 2013
# of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1250040152
Source: Library Checkout

Monday, December 30, 2013

It's Monday!! What Are You Reading?

Welcome to the
Brunette Librarian's Blog!

I'm so happy to say -
It's Monday!!
What are you Reading?

Graciously hosted by


What I've Read This Week...
18192699
Viper's Run
By: Jamie Begley


Winter Simmons received the surprise of her life when she discovered the man she had been dating for the last two years was actually Viper, president of the Last Riders. A high school principal, Winter has no intention of ruining her reputation in the community to be with a man who betrayed her trust. Unforgiving, she turns her back on him, only to find that Viper is not the gentleman he portrayed.

Determined to find his brother’s killer, Loker James kept his identity as President of The Last Riders a secret from Winter. When the truth comes out, he is determined to make her see the real man who can control not only a group of dangerous bikers, but a woman whose life is a rulebook. Unable to prevent herself from being drawn into the very club she despises, Winter is about to lose everything important to her, unless Viper can prove she’s more than a moonlight run.


18605047
Knox's Stand
By: Jamie Begley


Knox, a former Navy Seal, has been in several dangerous situations, but nothing compares to dealing with Diamond Richards. Framed for murder, he needs the passionless lawyer to prove his innocence. But when he no longer needs her help, he’s going to show her the passion she’s capable of and walk away a free man. 

Diamond plans on earning her huge fee to prove Knox is innocent, but she had no idea the muscled biker could bring out the passion she kept hidden behind her designer clothes. Trying to find a murderer is easier than dealing with The Last Riders and Knox’s sexcapades. He’s going to find out there is one woman worth standing and fighting for, despite his desire for freedom.


18054056
Razer's Ride 
By: Jamie Begley


Beth Cornett is the town good girl, so staying out of the way of the motorcycle club’s dangerous members was a no brainer. Unfortunately, she manages to catch the eye of Razer, who has every intention of tempting her to take him on despite her misgivings. When her worst fears are realized, she is left heartbroken, determined to forget her walk on the wild side.

Razer was not going to change for any woman, not even Beth. Their lifestyles were too different; betrayed she ran. Realizing his mistake too late; she was not about to forgive and forget. It takes a killer intent on targeting Beth to bring her back to him and The Last Riders for protection. Razer may have learned his lesson, but this time, as long as she is at the club, she has to play by their rules.


What I'm Reading Now...
18240407
Reckless
By: Skye Jordan


A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker makes Lexi realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success and one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life. When that touch fills far more than just Lexi’s physical needs, she finds herself torn between the career she needs and the bad-boy she craves.

Jax Chamberlin gave up the superficial life of acting for the thrill of running his own stunt company years ago. But a recent betrayal proves he’s still too close to the limelight to find a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping-stone to success. When the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle, and Jax isn’t willing to change his ways. Especially not when he discovers who she really is. Because if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the other gold-diggers. And this time, it’s not just his bad-boy reputation at risk, but his heart, too.

Friday, December 27, 2013

"A Tale of Two Dragons" By: G.A. Aiken Review


A Tale Of Two Dragons (Dragon Kin, #0.2)

A Tale of Two Dragons
By: G.A. Aiken
Synopsis
Braith of the Darkness likes going through life unnoticed. Not an easy task for a She-dragon of royal descent. But the evil plots of her father are turning her quiet, boring life upside down, and she has now become the enemy of the most vicious queen her kind has ever known. But for once, Braith won't have to fight alone. Not when the warrior dragon of her dreams is willing to risk everything to save her neck.

Addolgar the Cheerful wishes he could say he’s helping the pretty royal strictly for honorable reasons - but he'd be lying. It’s not his fault, though! He didn't tell Braith of the Darkness to have the most delicious tail he’s ever seen! Yet before Addolgar can get his very strong claws on that tail, heads are going to roll. Just hopefully not theirs…

My Thoughts
      Ugh. I’ve been a fan of G.A. Aiken since her first dragon book, but they have steadily been going downhill and I’ve had my fill. What began as a humorous and romantic series has turned into just a cluster of unfunny, uninteresting characters in unappealing situations.
     I’m not even going to go into what the story is about because I don’t care. I literally didn’t like the characters, and previous characters that I had fallen in love with are just dumb now...which is heartbreaking. The story was asinine, not making sense half the time and the romance was pretty much nonexistent. The characters were more interested in being slapstick than actually having a story, which broke my heart.
    I can’t believe this story was actually approved and I’m sad that such a promising series has failed so sadly. G.A. Aiken used to be one of those authors I recommended to people who enjoyed a great paranormal romance or a little humor but no longer.
    
Dragon Kin Series
  1. Dragon Actually
  2. "Chains & Flames" from Dragon Actually
  3. About a Dragon
  4. "Can't Get Enough" from Everlasting Bad Boys
  5. What a Dragon Should Know
  6. Last Dragon Standing
  7. "Dragon On Top" from Supernatural
  8. The Dragon Who Loved Me

Book Details
Publisher: Zebra Publishing
Date of Publication: November 5, 2013
ISBN: 978-1420133530
# of Pages:

Source: Personal Purchase

Thursday, December 26, 2013

"Beautiful Beginning" By: Christina Lauren Review

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Beautiful Beginning
By: Christina Lauren


Synopsis
Back when not being able to stand each other also meant not being able to keep their hands off each other in Beautiful Bastard, neither Bennett nor Chloe could have seen this day coming.
An exasperated bride who just wants to elope. A determined groom whose only focus is getting to the wedding night. And—of course—a whole lot of name calling.

My Thoughts
     I actually forgot this book was coming out, so when I opened my Nook it was a fantastic surprise. Having finished Beautiful Player just a few days before, it was a great book to read next and a most excellent ending to an absolutely wonderful series.
     Beautiful Beginning brings it back almost to the beginning with Chloe and Bennett. Almost a full circle, we watched Chloe and Bennett at the start of their relationship, their tumultuous fights,  an incredibly romantic engagement, the hot bachelorette party, and the finale of the wedding you won’t soon forget.
     The characters in this series remain with you long after you set the book down. I have probably read Beautiful Bastard five or six times, not necessarily for the story (which is good, don’t get me wrong) but for the pure fun of reading the interactions between Chloe and Bennett. They fight and claw at one another constantly and its superbly fun to read. Bennett is so self assured until Chloe, while Chloe doesn’t let Bennett eclipse her own achievements. The characters are well crafted, well rounded and just fun.
    I’ve genuinely enjoyed each and every one of the books in this Beautiful series and can’t wait to see what the authors have up their sleeves next. With the finale of Beautiful Beginning, we see the happy ever after for these three couples we’ve been watching for oh so long. A delightful ending that will leave you smiling, I can’t recommend these books or these characters enough.

Beautiful Series
1.5 Beautiful Bitch
2. Beautiful Stranger
2.5 Beautiful Bombshell
3. Beautiful Player
3.5 Beautiful Beginning

Book Details
Publisher: Pocket Star
# of Pages: 208
Date of Publication: November 19, 2013
ASIN: B00CGWSE1C
Source: Personal Purchase

Monday, December 23, 2013

"I Want My Hat Back" By: Jon Klassen Review

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I Want My Hat Back
By: Jon Klassen
Synopsis
A bear almost gives up his search for his missing hat until he remembers something important.
My Thoughts
     Always a favorite of mine, I adore I Want My Hat Back. A simple story about a bear just looking for his hat and the rabbit who may, or may not have taken it. With easy, simple language and uncomplicated drawings, Klassen weaves an adorable tale for children and adults alike.
     Perfect for storytimes or one on one readings with children, I adore this story. This bear walks around the forest, asking about his red pointy hat. After asking a snake, a turtle, and other animals, he asks this rabbit where his hat might be. Coincidentally, the rabbit is wearing a red hat but has no idea where red hats come from. Children enjoy figuring out the mystery before the bear but ultimately, its just a sweet charming story that will make you smile.

Book Details
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date of Publication: September 27, 2011
# of Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0763655983
Source: Library Checkout

Sunday, December 22, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


Welcome to the
Brunette Librarian's Blog!
I'm so happy to say -
It's Monday!!
What are you Reading?

Graciously hosted by
...
Book Journey

 
 
 What I've Read This Week...
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My Dog: The Paradox
By: Matthew Inman
 
In My Dog: The Paradox, Inman discusses the canine penchant for rolling in horse droppings, chasing large animals four times their size, and acting recklessly enthusiastic through the entirety of their impulsive, lovable lives. Hilarious and heartfelt, My Dog: The Paradox eloquently illustrates the complicated relationship between man and dog.

We will never know why dogs fear hair dryers, or being baited into staring contests with cats, but as Inman explains, perhaps we love dogs so much “because their lives aren’t lengthy, logical, or deliberate, but an explosive paradox composed of fur, teeth, and enthusiasm.”
 
18142413
Wanted
By: J. Kenner
 
He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.
 
Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.

My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.

And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same.
17571564
Hyperbole & a Half
By: Allie Brosh
 
This is a book I wrote. Because I wrote it, I had to figure out what to put on the back cover to explain what it is. I tried to write a long, third-person summary that would imply how great the book is and also sound vaguely authoritative--like maybe someone who isn’t me wrote it--but I soon discovered that I’m not sneaky enough to pull it off convincingly.
 
Truce: The Historic Neighbor from Hell (Neighbor from Hell, #4)
Truce
By: R.L. Mathewson
 
Elizabeth knows what’s expected of her, perfection. She’s the daughter of an Earl and expected to marry well, say and do the right things with a smile on her face when inside she’s dying for a chance to escape. Thanks to an inheritance her godmother left her years ago, her chance will come with her next birthday. Her hopes of escape abruptly end when Robert, her childhood nemesis that she hasn’t seen in over fourteen years, comes back into her life and does everything he can to drive her out of her mind even as he steals her heart.

He hated her.

At least, he tried to hate her, but it was so damn difficult to hate someone that he couldn’t live without. He tried to ignore her, tried to focus on anything but her, but nothing worked. Somehow she made her way into his heart and started to make him want things that he never though possible, made him smile and laugh even while she drove him out of his mind and started a legacy by turning him into…..

Trying to get ready for Christmas
like a crazy person!
What are you reading this week?
 

Friday, December 20, 2013

"Fighting For You" By: Sydney Landon Review

Fighting For You (Danvers, #4)
Fighting for You
By: Sydney Landon
Synopsis
Ella Webber has spent years uncomfortable around the opposite sex... But as soon as she meets handsome Declan Stone, she is smitten. Quickly they become friends, finding frequent reasons to see each other around the office, and Ella longs for even more. So-with a little help from her friends-Ella resorts to performing a little seduction. One that Declan will never be able to resist.
Burdened by emotional baggage from his time in the army, Declan refuses to believe he's the right man for sweet Ella. Even if she makes him long for normal things, like marriage and family....But in his attempts to close off his heart from her love, could he have underestimated Ella's powers of persuasion?
My Thoughts
     Being a huge fan of this series as a whole, I was highly anticipating Declan and Ella’s story. I can’t even tell you how excited I was...and how disappointed I am in what I just read. This is my first DNF I’ve had for quite a while and I am so sad it was Sydney’s book.
     Ella and Declan’s romance has been hinted at in all of the previous books. We all wanted big bad Declan to fall hard for the shy, simple Ella. So its safe to say there was plenty of buildup and as a reader, I wanted that buildup to pay off. I’m sorry to say, it never did for me.
  • Declan and Ella seemed to have zero chemistry. Where were the shy glances and whispered conversations in this book? It seemed as if the moment Declan decided he was ready to go after Ella, it was done. There was no more of the cute flirting that made me fall in the love with them to begin with.
  • I found Ella unbelievable as a character. Her mother seemed WAY WAY over the top and never really plausible. 
  • Ella’s innocence was way overplayed too. The "I’m a virgin and have no idea about life" seemed unrealistic and just weird. I can understand the not being intimate part but its 2013, sex is on the tv, Internet and radio. We know about it people. Oye.
  • Declan was a jerk. A jerk. He seemed disinterested in Ella and then suddenly its wham, bam, thank ya ma’am. He didn’t seem to even match his intensity in the previous books, so much so in fact that it was like I didn’t even know him.
     I’ve relatively enjoyed the other books in the series, especially Fall For Me but this one was blah. I made it about 50% of the way through and decided there were so many more books out there that I set it down. All in all, a blah book. Blah :)


Danvers Series
3. Fall For Me
4. Fighting For You
4.5 Betting on you (Coming January 2014)

Book Details
Publisher: Penguin Group
Date of Publication: October 15, 2013
# of Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780451468956
Source: Personal Purchase

Thursday, December 19, 2013

"Castle Hill" By: Samantha Young Review

18621172
Castle Hill
By: Samantha Young


Synopsis
Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.
After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again…

My Thoughts
     Having absolutely fallen in love with Joss and Braden when I first read On Dublin Street, I was thrilled when Samantha Young revealed that she was going be writing another chapter in their lives. Taking place between the events of Down London Road and the upcoming Before Jamaica Lane, Joss and Braden are moving onto the next chapter of their life...marriage and maybe babies?
     Castle Hill covers several of the key moments post Dublin Street. Everything from the proposal, the wedding, and a romantic honeymoon. When they return, Joss reveals to Braden that she may not be ready for children and then boom...morning sickness. Braden is heartbroken that Joss may not want a family with him and Joss doesn’t know what she wants anymore.
     An incredibly short story, coming in at under 100 pages including the excerpt of Young’s next novel in the end. It seems hurried and disjointed and at the price of $2.99, I expected a bit more story. Different scenes in the book aren’t necessarily connected in any way and I just wanted a bit more bang for my buck.
      All in all the story was fair, I did enjoy the extra glimpse into the lives of some of my most favorite characters of all time. I don’t know if it was the smoothest of stories and could see it as a freebie on most author’s website’s, not necessarily something to be purchased. If you enjoyed On Dublin Street, you might try this, but I wouldn’t pick it up otherwise.


On Dublin Street Series
2. Down London Road
3. Before Jamaica Lane  (January 7, 2014)
4. Fall from India Place (June 3, 2014)

Book Details
Publisher: NAL (Intermix)
Date of Publication: December 3, 2013
# of Pages: 97
ASIN: B00FKERXXS
Source: Personal Purchase

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

"The Redhead Plays Her Hand" By: Alice Clayton Review

17571908
The Redhead Plays Her Hand
By: Alice Clayton


Synopsis
Grace has landed the lead in a new TV series—but when the director asks her to lose fifteen pounds, she goes public with her weight struggles and suddenly develops a huge fan club who support her right to have curves. But between that and the public’s continuing fascination with her “are they or aren’t they” relationship with Jack, Grace begins to wonder if anyone’s really interested in her because of her upcoming TV series, or if it’s all speculation about the size of her ass and her bedroom partner.
Meanwhile, Jack is voted the Sexiest Man Alive and becomes a little too enamored with the party-hard lifestyle. Grace vows to give him the space he needs to find himself, but then he begins to spiral down from lovable Brit to Hollywood brat. People are talking, but are Jack and Grace? Her career is on the rise, and his continues into the stratosphere, but will she be able to catch him if he falls? Will they ever be able to just be a couple who can hold hands when they walk down the street?

My Thoughts
      First and foremost, I feel that The Redhead Plays Her Hand absolutely needs to be read in order. That said, I was so happy to read Grace and Jack’s next chapter that I literally devoured the book within a few hours between smiles and sips of Mountain Dew. Finally we got to see where Grace and Jack ended up and where their relationship now stands, which to be completely honest, I was a little worried about after book two.
      The book opens with Jack and Grace, happy, in love, living together in Los Angeles. Jack is now a huge star, with paparazzi following him wherever he goes. Having completely warmed up to the “star” lifestyle, Jack is living the high life. Going out all night, drinking, hanging out with other 20-somethings, and perhaps trying drugs seems to be his norm now. He has little to no idea how to deal with his new star status and his career and personal life are both suffering.
     Grace is on the cusp of stardom herself. Constant dieting to become the perfect leading lady material has created a strain and as she is finally starring in her own show, Grace’s issues are front page news. From her tumultuous romance, to her weight, to her lack of star power, the public questions Grace on almost each issue.
     Jack and Grace, who seemed so perfect for one another, are having trouble falling into their happily ever after. Sudden stardom seems to have damaged Jack and Grace struggles with maintaining bother her relationship and her career. Neither knows how to deal with the new trials they've been given nor how to relate to one another anymore.
     I just love these characters so much and have to admit, I am deeply invested in their futures. I enjoyed how Grace deals with her weight issues and love the positive weight issues she highlights as she becomes a TV icon. Heartbreaking but real, the drug and paparazzi issues Jack deals with are dealt with in such a realistic manner, it felt like my own heart was being ripped out. And lets not forget, the pure sensuality between the characters makes me fall in love with them over and over.
     The Redhead Plays Her Hand is the third book in the fabulous Redhead Series by Alice Clayton, but may not be the finale. It ends utterly lovely but I can totally see an opening for a fourth book, which I’m sure I would devour as well. Clayton reminds us that behind all of the plastic, life may not be so perfect in Hollywood. Life isn't perfect but this series may be.

    
Redhead Series
3. Redhead Plays Her Hand

Book Details
Publisher: Gallery Books
# of Pages: 320
Date of Publication: December 24, 2013
ISBN: 978-1476741255
Source: Edelweiss - for Review

Sunday, December 15, 2013

It's Monday! What are you reading?


Welcome to the
Brunette Librarian's Blog!
 
I'm so happy to say -
It's Monday!!
What are you Reading?

Graciously hosted by

 What I've Read This Week...
16250904
Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great
By: Bob Shea
 
Hi, I'm Goat.
Things were just fine around here until UNICORN showed up.
So what if he can fly?
Or make it rain cupcakes?
And turn stuff into gold?
Big deal.
I can do some cool stuff too, like...
Hey! What are you doing? Why are you opening the book?
He's just going to tell you how great he is. Blah, blah, blah.
Go ahead. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
9771739
Say Hello to Zorro!
By: Carter Goodrich
 
Mister Bud is a dog of routine. He has wake up time, nap time, rest time, dinner time, etc. And everyone knows to follow his schedule.

Then disaster strikes.  A stranger comes home at "make a fuss time" and throws everything off! Zorro is little bit bossy and Mister Bud wants nothing to do with him. But when the dogs discover they like the same things (like chasing the cat and napping), everything becomes more fun. As long as everyone follows the schedule.
 
17286926
One Big Happy Family
By: Lisa Rogak
 
Inspiring, True Tales of Interspecies Adoption One Big Happy Family tells the heartwarming stories of a different kind of animal rescue: amazing animals who have reached out to save the lives of newborns from other species and raise them as their own. Each story features wonderful photos of these cute animals, whether it’s of the border collie and his piglets, the cat and her ducklings, the orangutan and his lion cubs, or even the Labrador and her baby pygmy hippo, these are poignant, charming true stories of unlikely animal friends -- including a surprising range of dog breeds -- who have felt the parental instinct and cared for animal babies of every stripe.Lisa Rogak's One Big Happy Family celebrates the intimacy and emotional connections of parenthood and the miracle of interspecies animal adoption. Filled with adorable animal photos featuring these newborns and their foster moms and dads, this uplifting collection of true tales of animal behavior and cute animal pictures will astonish readers everywhere and is perfect for the animal lover on your list.
 
17987085
True
By: Laurann Dohner
 
Jeanie loves a New Species and is willing to pay for that love with pain, tears and heartbreak. She’ll do anything to keep 710 alive but she never wants him to know how she suffered for him. He’s the reason for her mission in life—freeing others like him.

True has a new life working with the NSO to rescue his people. A good life, until he encounters a dying woman—the female who betrayed him. True should feel gratified that she’s finally going to pay for her crimes, but she claims to be a victim too. He is still irresistibly drawn to the pretty little human who touched his heart and made him want her. When he clasps her hand to offer comfort, his instincts kick in and True will fight everyone to protect her.
 
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Kate & Pippin
By: Martin Springett
 
When Pippin, a fawn abandoned by her mother, cries out for help, she is found by author Isobel Springett. After carrying the tiny fawn back to her home, Isobel places Pippin next to Kate, a Great Dane who has never had puppies of her own.

What follows is a remarkable and unlikely friendship. Kate successfully raises Pippin to be an independent deer, and Pippin always returns from the forest to visit her best friend.

With simple text and stunning photographs, Kate and Pippin, and their one-of-a-kind friendship, come to life in an irresistible way!
 
6757375
The Christmas Magic
By: Lauren Thompson
 
Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.
 
 Lots of Picture books this week...How about you??