Book Review: Once There Was a Mom by Emily Watts; Illustrated by Destin Cox

Once There Was a Mom, by Emily Watts; Illustrated by Destin Cox
2017, 48p, Inspirational
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



The truth is, little things are much more important than we may think. For every mom who has ever wondered if all she does in a day makes a difference, this tender gift book offers hope and encouragement sure to bring a smile to her face.

Once There Was a Mom offers hope and encouragement to all mothers. Written by someone who, like you, has read story after story, sung lullaby after lullaby, and even taken the batteries out of the toys once in a while! The truth is, little things are much more important than we may think. With contemporary, stylized illustrations by artist Destin Cox, this charming gift book will bring a smile to the face of mothers of any age.

This book is a lot of fun to read! It's a reminder of all the things we do as mothers. It includes the happy, dreamy part, as well as the realistic one, so there is plenty of humor. It's a book that all mothers will relate to, with a tender message included at the end.

It's short, so it will literally take five minutes to read, and is a book you will want to read again and again. I love the size and quality of the book. I also love the illustrations and thought they helped bring the message to life. This will make a great Mother's Day gift! I will reach for this book whenever I start to feel discouraged about motherhood for a reminder of the bigger picture of this important responsibility!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

About the Author:

Emily Watts is the joyful mother of five children and grandmother of ten (so far). Her lifelong fascination with words led her to a career in editing. She has worked for more than thirty-five years in the publishing department at Deseret Book Company, working from home part-time for many of those years so she could be with her family. She is now executive editor at Deseret Book as well as a favorite Time Out for Women speaker and the author of several books, including The Slow-Ripening Fruits of Mothering and I Hate It When Exercise Is the Answer: A Fitness Program for the Soul. Emily and her husband, Larry, live in Taylorsville, Utah.

About the Illustrator:

Destin Cox is a new dad excited for the day his daughter can hold a pencil so they can draw pictures together. His childhood focus on doodling in the margins rather than doing the homework on the page eventually landed him a career in design and illustration. He is currently a creative director for an ad agency. Destin grew up in Delaware, of all places, and loves his cheesesteaks and his Eagles. He now lives in Salt Lake City with his wonderful wife, Tracy, and their daughter, Prudence.

Grand Finale Blitz: Searching for Sarah by Juliann Dove

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Searching for Sarah

Julieann Dove

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Message from the Author

Welcome lovely Readers! I’m tickled to be able to introduce everyone to the “Searching For Sarah” tour. I’ve been writing Sarah’s journey for some time, and it is with great pleasure that I can now curl back a page and present her story to you.

Christian Chick's Thoughts - Excerpt

I looked at the imposing house and took a deep breath. I felt as if I were going on a job interview. It sort of was, I guess. However, this was a little more serious. If Sam Turner didn’t like me well enough to live in his house and pick up his daughter from preschool, I’d be looking for the nearest bridge to live under. Or I’d make nice and live the next two months in Robena’s room with catnip in my pockets.

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Excerpt

I stared out the window, trying not to focus on his cologne that seemed to be drifting by me with every gesture he made. It was hypnotizing to say the least. I’m such an aromatherapy connoisseur. His was warm, woodsy, and aromatic. It made me want to get drunk off it and swim around in it like a lazy river.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Searching for Sarah is a compelling start to this new series from Julieann Dove. Readers will be engaged from the beginning and – while they may question some of Sarah’s (and Sam’s) choices – they will be invested in finding out what happens between them. Well written with touches of humor and the right amount of sizzle, Sarah’s story is a great way to spend a weekend!"

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

He turned off the car and parked where he usually did. I opened the door and bent forward, running against the rain falling on my head. Suddenly, I felt Sam’s hand touch my back, guiding me toward the back door. I stopped, looked up, and closed my eyes. The rain felt like BB pellets smashing against my face as they picked up speed and weight. I let it pelt my head; water crawled through my scalp until it was soaked. My red gown grew heavy, and I loved every minute of it. It’d been a long time since I danced in the rain.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"I also love a good romance. An undeniable attraction begins to smolder between Sarah and Sam and she has to come to terms with sacrificing some life-long romance dreams or choosing another potential suitor. . . . The characters feel refreshingly unique and the strands of emotion floating through the pages snagged different pieces of my heart."

Rockin' Book Reviews - Guest Post: Sarah & Sam

Funny, love sick, and a little unsure of herself when it comes to men, Sarah still searches to find Mr. Right, while living with Mr. Sam Turner. Crazy how you can share the same house with someone and never see them as anything but ‘not the one’!

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

Sam texted me his address and told me to come by after lunch. Maybe he waited for me at breakfast, and figured he’d bait me out of my room one way or another. Who knows—maybe he wanted to fire me for not getting back to him on the whole “can we try this thing out.” And the workplace was neutral enough to do it here.

Hardcover Feedback - Review

"I liked Sarah as a main character, she was relatable and real. The story on the whole was very enjoyable. . . . I hope to read the next book whenever it releases, hopefully it'll be soon."

Brooke Blogs - Guest Post: Online Dating

Did you know that the reported busiest season for online dating is January 5th? Me, either. I guess it would be right up there with gym memberships. Everyone wanting to take their current situation to another level. And did you know that one third of all marriages have online dating sprinkled on them? Crazy, huh?

Booklove - Spotlight

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

“You know, no matter how many times I’ve put myself out there and gotten rejected, I’m still scared of falling.” I stared out my window and continued to talk. “I used to put all myself into each relationship, and the more I did, the harder I fell. So I began reserving myself a little bit more each time I got with someone new. I would hold back the butterflies, try to ignore the heart palpitations. Because it seemed the second I became invested, that was the moment I’d get the text, email, or note on my car windshield.” I wiped my eyes.

Angels With Attitude Book Reviews - Top Online Dating Movies

Must Love Dogs…okay, I admit, this is one of my go-to movies for writing bills, organizing my desk, and just to hear it play. I have a few movies that fit this category. But this one I like because of its easy flow.

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

Reason number forty-three why I could possibly still be single at the age of thirty-one. Sharing a wardrobe with Mable Watkins. She was four foot nine and seventy-eight years old, and for my entire middle school career, I got all her hand-me-downs. What can I say? I was raised by a single dad who had zero fashion sense, and a keen eye for a bargain. Cable-knit sweaters, solid-colored turtlenecks, and slacks—all in the color scheme of browns and grays.

Wishful Endings - Guest Post: Finding Mr. Right

Sarah Keller, the heroine in “Searching For Sarah” wanted to find Mr. Right as quickly as possible. She’s like my cousin…interested in getting out of town, and on with life at a pretty quick rate. There was no time for dating. But you know what they say about looking for something? You’ll find it the minute you’re not searching! Sort of what happens for Sarah. She bounced from one dead beat guy to another one. Then as fate would have it, she gets introduced to Sam. Disguised as nothing on Sarah’s radar as Mr. Right material, it’s easy for her to overlook this guy. But only for so long!

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Searching for Sarah

(The Sarah Series #1)

Julieann Dove

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 333 pages

April 27th 2017

The first in a three book series called Searching for Sarah. Come meet Sarah and begin her journey....

Sarah Keller is convinced that her Mr. Right is stuck in traffic…in another country…on another planet. ‘Thirty-one and still single’ isn’t how she wants to be introduced by her dad. That’s why she’s on five dating websites, posing as anything from an avid gardener to a crazed thrill seeker.

Sam Turner is a single dad, workaholic, who owns his own company. Long-term relationships have never worked out for him. That’s why he needs a nanny.

When a mutual friend suggests Sarah take the job temporarily, everything changes for them both. Sarah begins falling for the man who meets almost none of her online criteria. And when strange things start happening—things that jeopardize the safety of Sarah, Sam is the last person she would imagine is hiding something.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Julieann Dove lives in Virginia, yet longs to live everywhere else. It doesn’t come as a surprise that along with her gypsy soul, comes an active imagination. That’s why she loves to write and invent worlds and people, so that she can formulate their happily ever after. Hobbies include cooking new recipes, sewing, and spending time with her cute boyfriend/husband and five fabulous children. Vacations happen in Nantucket or the Carolina beaches—anywhere there is inspiration for her next book. One day she hopes to travel to Italy, drive one of those little cars around the countryside, and speak the language fluently!

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Other Books by the Author

 
Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Waking Amy (US only)

- 1 winner will receive an ebook of Waking Amy (open internationally)

- Ends May 9th

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First Line Friday #14

Welcome to First Line Friday! I got this idea from my friend Kathy over at Bookworm Nation. This meme is easy to do: simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there. They grab you and suck you right into the story and make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:

Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor

Lane Bishop is a hardworking, intelligent, young woman. With her recent move to Chapel Hill, she is determined to leave behind the drama and effort of keeping up with the dating scene. Even so, Lane somehow manages to get dragged out by a gaggle of girls to go watch boys play soccer. Just watching is not Lane’s forte, so she joins in the fun and leads her team to victory.

Rather than feeling intimidated by the vivacious beauty on the opposing team, Jamie Hamilton is intrigued. Risking his “untouchable” dating status, he decides to pursue Lane—with a little help from his older brother Simon. With Simon’s behind-the- scenes assistance, Jamie proves irresistible, even to a disillusioned dater like Lane. But as she gets to know both brothers, Lane can’t help but wonder—beneath the grand gestures and romantic words, is she falling for the wrong guy?

First Line:

"I was done with root beer floats."

So, what's your pick for this week? If you want to participate grab the logo and post your own First Line Friday entry on your blog and then leave your link in the comments. And make sure you link your post back to Bookworm Nation! If you don't have a blog, just leave the title, author and first line in the comment section below.

Blog Hop: Spring Wedding Collection by Toni Shiloh and Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
Publication date: May 3, 2017
Number of pages: 156

A Proxy Wedding

Carly James values loyalty and friendship above all, so when her best friend calls asking her to be a proxy bride, she says, ‘yes.’ How hard can it be to say ‘I do’ so that her best friend can be with the one she loves? Only, Carly never counted on the feelings that began to swirl around with the proxy groom.

Damien Nichols likes life lined up from A to Z, but when his best friend calls in a favor, disorder begins to reign. Instead of taking a quick flight to the proxy wedding, he must take a road trip with the proxy bride. Carly’s free-spirit attitude bumps heads with his meticulous approach to life. As Damien discovers the woman underneath the carefree façade, his emotions become involved.

Will love become real at A Proxy Wedding?

​
Hope Beyond Savannah

Lily Allman and Nikotemo (Nik) Lagatuo were the poster children for the term “opposites attract.” He was an evangelist and CEO for a non-profit from Samoa who grew up in a large loving family.  She was a blond bombshell with a funky style and no family to call her own. Two of the most unlikely people meet in the most unlikely of places, but God had a plan when He brought them together. They never let their differences deter them from the love they had for each other, but when Nik’s mother comes to the States for the wedding, the idea of wedded bliss is shaken.  Can prejudices be over looked, insecurities overcome, and hope for a better future be restored so that these two can have all that was promised?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the president of the Virginia Chapter.
You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.weebly.com/

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | GOOGLE+ | BOOK BUB ​ LINKEDIN | WEBSITE | Blogs: PUTTING ON THE NEW | HEARTWINGS

Melissa Wardwell

Melissa is married to her high school sweetheart and is a stay at home mom who homeschools their 3 children. When she isn't teaching or writing, you will find her on the back of a motorcycle or curled up on the couch, reading. Writing had never been in the plans for her life but now she can not imagine doing anything else. Her prayer is that each story blesses the reader in some way- whether it ministers to them or just gives them a break for the  chaotic moments in life . 

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

“You want me to do what?”

Carly James couldn’t believe her ears. She stared at her cellphone to ensure it wasn’t a prank call. One glance around her apartment told her Ashton Kutcher wouldn’t be jumping out to inform her she’d been pranked. Plus, the military phone number on the caller ID assured her it was her best friend, Brenda, calling.

“I want you to stand in for me at my wedding. You’ll be my proxy bride.”

“I’ve never even heard of such a thing.”

“It’s real simple. You say the vows as me and voilà, I’m married.”

Carly plopped down onto her oversized living room chair. Her head felt like she just jumped off a swing. “Why can’t you wait and plan a wedding like normal brides, Bren?”

“Because we both have orders that will only widen our separation. I’m headed to Alaska once this deployment’s done and Adam has orders to Japan.”

She bit her lip. That was a pretty far gap. Brenda had met Adam on a work trip to Las Vegas six months ago. Despite the fact they were only around each other for one month, it was enough for the two to bond and start a relationship. Now, they wanted to marry. She shook her head at the fastness of it all.

“So if I stand in for you,” she started cautiously. “The marriage will be legal and you can get your orders changed?”

“Exactly.”

Seems harmless enough. “Then only the bride has to have a proxy?”

Silence spanned the airwaves.

“Bren, are you still there?”

“Yes, I am. I, uh…the answer is no.”

“No?” Incredulity filled her voice. “What does that mean?”

“It means Adam should be having this same conversation with his best friend. We want both of you to stand in for us.”

Carly groaned. This had trouble written all over it.

“And I might as well tell you, it needs to happen in Montana.”

“What? Are you insane?”

“Carls,” Brenda whined, using her nickname. “Montana is the only state that does a double proxy wedding. We could have hired a service to take care of all the necessary paperwork, but that just seems so impersonal. We want it to be special even if we won’t be together when it happens.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. This was not happening. Had she rolled out of bed only to land in some alternate universe?

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May 1--Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette's Papers
May 2--Zerina Blossom's Books | Faithfully Bookish
May 3--cherylbbookblog | Christian Bookaholic
May 4--Bookworm Lisa | Wishful Endings | Mel's Shelves
May 5--Singing Librarian Books | Katie's Clean Book Collection
May 6--Reading Is My SuperPower | Just Commonly

Cover Reveal: Tide by Deirdre Riordan Hall

Today is the cover reveal for Tide by Deirdre Riordan Hall. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The cover is designed by Nova Book Covers.

Tide (The Sea & Sand series #1)
By Deirdre Riordan Hall
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: May 16, 2017

Blurb:

Never trust a mermaid's kiss.

Tyler McColdrum has a bright future on the professional surfing circuit until his father tragically dies at sea. Unable to pay the bills, Tyler and his mother leave California and move to his late grandfather's cottage in Land's End, Maine—a world away from the life he's known. Not even the stormy Atlantic can douse Tyler's surf stoke, but when mariners go missing off the coast, legends as old as the sea itself suggest something lurks beneath the surface. As the police investigate, his friend Kiwa—the only female surfer for miles—indicates there's more to the McColdrum family history than blood and bone.

Amara is a beautiful mermaid, a mero, who wants a life on land away from her sinister sisters. As charming as mero are, with musical voices and a tempting gaze, they're also brutal and cruel, stealing the souls of sailors. As Initiation nears, Amara learns Poseidon selected her as consort and her desperation for freedom increases. When Tyler encounters Amara, he falls hard for her. The ocean is no longer safe for him, but he trusts their love can overcome her mero nature. As locals and officials wage war against the sea, trying to keep mariners safe, Tyler and Amara struggle with how to protect each other.

With one foot in the sand and the other in the sea, Tyler must choose love or the surf as the tide quickly rises.

You can find Tide on Goodreads

You can pre-order Tide on Amazon

Share the love!

Please share the Tide love with your Twitter, Facebook, & social media friends:

Copy and paste to Tweet:

Never trust a mermaid's kiss. Tide #youngadult #fantasy available 5/16 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34796931-tide

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When sailors go missing off the coast of the Atlantic, Tyler learns alluring and beautiful doesn't mean harmless, leaving it up to him to stop the mero or lose more souls to the sea. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y1JZFD9/

About the Author:

Deirdre Riordan Hall is the author of the young adult bestsellers, Sugar and Pearl along with women's fiction. When she's not writing, she's probably surfing or in pursuit of magic. She also has a healthy case of wanderlust, loves chips and salsa, and dreams about learning no less than three languages. Join her monthly newsie.

You can find and contact Deirdre Riordan Hall here:

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon * Instagram * Pinterest * Tumblr * Newsletter

Giveaway

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Tide. One winner will win a copy of Tide by Deirdre Riordan Hall. This giveaway is open international as long as the Bookdepository ships to your country.

For a chance to win enter the rafflecopter below:

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Book Re-Release/Review: Scapescope by John E. Stith

Award winning author John E. Stith is re-releasing nine science fiction titles in 2016 and 2017! I will be featuring the books on my blog as they become available (this is the eighth book). So, check them out, especially if you enjoy Science-Fiction!

Scapescope, by John E. Stith
2017, 176p, Science-Fiction/Mystery
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way



Brother Sammy Wants YOU! In prison. For something you haven't done yet.

Aided by a device that provides glimpses of the future, Mike Cavantalo, a loyal government employee, learns that soon he will be on the list of known political criminals. Uncle Sammy wants him.

First published in 1984 by Ace Books, SCAPESCOPE is John E. Stith's first novel.

Partially set in a future version of the underground NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex, where the author once worked as an Air Force officer.

Praise for Scapescope

"Entertainingly written."--Science Fiction Chronicle

"Well-written and well-plotted, with several surprises. Scapescope is a fine, enjoyable first novel." --Galactic Dispatch

"Tried-and-true Alfred Hitchcock sort of plot."--Edward Bryant

I've read several of this author's books and, while I'm not generally a sci-fi fan, I have enjoyed each of them! I love that there is also a mystery to solve. This book is pretty complicated and I don't want to give too much away since you learn what's happening at the same time as the main character, Mike. It starts off somewhat confusing, which works well since he's trying to figure out what exactly is going on.

I like how the story developed and it was full of twists and turns along the way. It's one of those stories that made me think about what I would do if I was ever in Mike's situation. I'm not sure that I would be smart enough to figure things out or have the courage to do everything he did. It took a while for Mike to start getting answers. Once he did, the story moved at a faster pace which kept me quickly turning pages until I finished. If you enjoy science-fiction and mystery books, this is an author you will definitely want to check out!

Amazon

Science fiction and mystery author John E. Stith writes across many worlds. His books have been translated to French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian and are even available in braille for the sight-impaired. His stories have been categorized as "Hard science fiction," a label given to those stories thoroughly researched to play fair with the rules of science; something any die-hard SciFi fan can appreciate.

It was during the summer Science-Math Institute for High School Students at Cloud State College, John served as editor for the school paper, but several more years would pass before the urge to write, strengthened by years of loving to read, was too compelling to ignore. His stories vary, but his books are packed with suspense, mystery, and humor.

Stith holds a B.A. in physics from the University of Minnesota, has served as an Air Force Officer, where he worked at NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex. The passion for science runs in his family, as his father George worked at the White Sands Missile Range on such projects like the rocket sled.

He has appeared on a live nationwide PBS broadcast or Science-Fiction Science-Fact (SF2) and his work has also been sold to film and television. His novel Reckoning Infinity was chosen as one of Science Fiction Chronicle's Best Science Fiction Novels, Redshift Rendezvous was picked as a Nebula Award nominee and Manhattan Transfer received an honorable mention from the Hugo Awards and a nomination from the Seium Award in Japan.

Stith is a member of Science-Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Writers Guild of America (WGA), International Thriller Writers, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW), Colorado Author's League and Mensa. He currently lives in Colorado Springs.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour/Review: Unseen Road to Love by Chelsea Curran

Unseen Road to Love, by Chelsea Curran
2017, 235p, Clean Contemporary Romance
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way



"The airbag deployed as the impact shoved his car across the ice and straight into the intersection. In that same time frame, the car's back end drifted into a half circle, until the last thing Logan saw was another set of lights in the passenger window. And then..."
From the outside, Logan Atwood's life looks perfect: a successful career, a lavish lifestyle. But after a brutal car accident leaves him in a coma, Logan suddenly finds himself five years in the past. Only then does he realize his perfect world may have cost him the woman of his dreams and the faith he once loved. Is it too late for Logan's second chance? 

"Chelsea Curran's careful construction, fully formed characters, and gently crafted romance make Unseen Road to Love a sweet, tender, powerful read. What would you do with your second chance?" -- Diane Stringham Tolley, author of Daughter of Ishmael

"Chelsea Curran's debut novel Unseen Road to Love is full of twists and turns. I found myself breathlessly rooting for the romance, as well as for Logan's redemption, in this fast-paced story of change, choice, and -- of course -- love." -- Jennifer Griffith, author of The Legally in Love Series, Chocolate and Conversation, and Big in Japan

Five years ago, Logan Atwood moved from southern Utah to Chicago for an amazing job opportunity. He's single and is too busy to spend any holidays with his family. It's not comfortable when he does see them since he's made choices that have gone against the way he was raised. He's not happy but he is successful and that's what currently matters to him. One night, he gets in a car accident which leaves him in a coma and completely changes the course of his life.

Logan was easy to not like at the beginning since he was kind of a jerk. Being in a coma gave him a second chance at happiness. His eyes were opened to different choices he could make; he just needed to find the courage to make them. His family was easy to love. They had their differences, but were there for him when he needed them. I liked the way the author introduced his love interest and how their relationship developed. There were a couple of things going on and I love how everything tied together at the end.

This is the author's debut novel and I enjoyed it! There were times that her writing seemed a little choppy but the story was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. I don't enjoy swearing, and while this book doesn't have any, there are quite a few "Oh, my hecks!" (Mormon swearing which has always been kind of funny to me.) The characters are LDS and there are religious references, but nothing preachy. I love the message of repentance, forgiveness and second chances, and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Books & Things

Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona, and has an associates degree in general education from Dixie State University. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever.

Tour Schedule:

April 24: Type Writer Society
April 28: Blooming with Books
April 29: Mel’s Shelves
May 1: Jorie Loves a Story
May 2: Bookworm Lisa || Emmy Mom
May 3: Swoon Reads || Wishful Endings
May 4: Compass Book Ratings || Singing Librarian Books || Inklings and Notions