Wake Up Mr. Rooster by Adam Lusso

I love to read.  That love has poured over into my children.  I have two.  A little boy who is 8 and a little girl who is 4.  Both children enjoy being read to so I'm always on the hunt for a good family book!

Wake Up Mr. Rooster is by a new author, Adam Lusso.  He wrote and illustrated the book.  From the back:

Small children, and in particular small boys, tend to act on their whimsy without much consideration to the things and people around them. This is the story of one morning and one sweet, innocent boy who only wants to have a bit of fun and learns a valuable lesson in treating others how you would like to be treated

Mr. Lusso's first book is full of whimsy. Reading it I was reminded of a very small boy sitting right next to me.  In fact, I'm almost wondering if he bugged my house?  The children loved the illustrations and could not stop laughing over the poor rooster.  I had to go back and read that part five times before I was allowed to move on in the story.  

I love finding newbies in the children's market.  Sometimes you get lucky and snag a real gem.  If you are looking for a fun children's book to read at bedtime or anytime pick up a copy today! Happy Reading!

Taking the Plunge an Audible Book by Angela Breidenbach

I live way out in the country so long drives are a way of life with me.  I normally plug in my favorite radio station but I decided to try something wild and crazy.  An audiobook.  What can I say, I live on the edge.

I have had an on again off again relationship with audiobooks.  I get them on occasion but often would just rather read the book for several reasons.  One is sometimes you get a reader who reminds you of a teacher that you had way back when that puts you to sleep.  Not good when you drive. Another reason is that I have children who keep a running commentary about my book selections. 

But I decided to take a chance and listen to Angela Breidenbach's book. I was glad I did! From the publisher's summary: 

Could she believe in herself when no one else did?

A progressive thinker in 1892 Montana, Delphina O'Connor believed God-given dreams for women didn't stop at marriage and children. Hers might not include a husband or family at all. So when Hugh Thomas rescues the new swimming instructor at the elegant Broadwater Natatorium from near drowning in the plunge, how can anyone believe the freedom to enjoy swimming, competition, and a healthy body is an appropriate activity for a proper lady? Hugh is about to find out status quo is the starting line for a courageous woman with a dream!

Taking the Plunge explores the real-world question: What do you do when you think differently than the world around you?

This was my first book by Angela Breidenbach. 

I really enjoyed the story overall. Ms. Breidenbach touched on a time period near and dear to my heart. Many of my family were suffragettes. Times were changing rapidly for women and we were struggling to make a place for ourselves in a man's world.

Delphina had different dreams. She didn't want to rush into marriage and a family. I loved how spirited she was from right out of the gate. We meet her as she dives into a pool to save a drowning child. Her spirited energy and fire kept me cheering her on. Hugh also becomes enamored with her. Can he convince her to give him a swimming chance?

I even enjoyed the book performer, Tristan Leder.  She was pleasant to listen to and did a pretty good job bringing the story to life.  

I plan on looking into more books by Ms. Breidenbach and may get really brave and get some of them on Audible.  Pick up your copy today!  Happy Reading!  

Sense and Sensibility An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen's Classic By Sarah Price

Spring is here!  We went from about three inches of snow to 75 degrees in a span of two days. Welcome to Virginia weather.  With the nice weather I was able to sneak outside to the front porch swing with a brand new book.

I attended an online book party and of course found a whole bunch of must reads.  This one topped my list.  I was excited to have this book arrive last week.  I started the book on a Monday and despite the many interruptions of kids, dogs, and an invisible fence person I still had it read in about three days.  I had a hard time putting it down.

Henry Detweiler dies unexpectedly, leaving his second wife and three daughters, Eleanor, Mary Ann, and Maggie, in the care of John, his oldest son from a previous marriage. John and his wife, Fanny, inherit the farm and, despite a deathbed promise to take care of their stepmother and half-sisters, John and Fanny make it obvious that Mrs. Detweiler and her daughters are not welcomed at the farm. When Edwin Fischer, Fanny’s older brother, takes notice of Eleanor and begins to court her, much to the disapproval of his sister, Fanny makes life even more difficult for the Detweiler women. 
 
In their new home, Eleanor wonders if Edwin will come calling while Mary Ann catches the attention of Christian Bechtler, an older bachelor in the church district, and John Willis, a younger man set to inherit a nearby farm. While Eleanor quietly pines for Edwin, Mary Ann does not hide her infatuation with John Willis. When the marriage proposal from John Willis does not materialize, Mary Ann is left grief-stricken and humiliated as the Amish community begins to gossip about their relationship. In the meantime, a broken-hearted Eleanor learns that Edwin is engaged to another woman.
Will admitting her affections for him result in the marriage proposal Eleanor has always desired?

I'm a Jane Austen fan.  I wondered how it would fit together with an Amish storyline.  The answer is it fit rather well.  I loved how the story unfolded and Sarah brought this together.  The story weaves biblical truth into it and the characters will have you laughing and crying.  

All of Sarah's characters were lifelike and I found myself wanting to chase Fanny off of the farm while cheering on Edwin and Eleanor and getting a little chuckle when the bishop visited some of the village gossipers in the end.  The book was a wonderful read and being a fan of the original and of Amish fiction it was great to see it all come together.  

This is a fantastic read and I'm excited to find this series.  I plan on getting the other books in the Amish Classic Series and enjoying some new classics!  So grab a copy today.  Happy Reading!