Years ago when asked about my favorite fantasy heroine, I replied Princess Leah. Any other Star Wars fans out there? What is it about the original Star Wars: A New Hope? Probably because it sets precedence for all that would follow in the genre of Science Fiction. Princess Leah was both the “girl that got […]
Author Archive | Kimberly Monaghan
Finding Audrey
Any parent or child will find it warming to see how the family depicted in Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella, a strong bond despite the turbulent challenges readily found in today’s world, including bullying. Meet Audrey and her family, fraught with struggles but grounded in love. While Audrey is a typical teenager, her life’s been suddenly […]
Juliet’s Moon
Twelve-year-old Juliet is the sister to Seth Bradshaw, one of William Clarke Quantrill’s bushwhackers, who raided and revenged during the height of the Civil War. The day her father was killed and her home burned by the Yankees, Juliet follows her brother’s instructions and stays with his intended Martha and her sisters. But when the […]
The Castaways by Iain Lawrence
When Tom Tin takes hold of the Jolly Stone, a sought after diamond, his life drastically changes. He’s placed on a convict ship and sentenced to life an island in the South Seas. When Tom and four fellow castaways escape from the cannibal infested islands on a broken down boat their provisions and fuel run […]
6 Picks: Books With a Rainy Day Theme (Well, sort of…)
Sometimes, I just love the rain. I like to have an excuse to stay indoors and read, write, watch movies or just take a nap. I also love to get out and enjoy the rain, too! A summer rain is so inspiring and refreshing. We used to have a swimming pool and yes, we even swam […]
A Stranger In the Woods
When a book makes you smile in your heart, simply by looking at the cover—it’s magic. A Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick, has that magic. Though I’m cautious to open any tome that has the theme of winter midsummer, I ran across this favorite as I was organizing […]
A Bouquet of Colored Pencils and Other Gifts Creatives Love
You don’t need me to share a list of creative gifts for your birthday, anniversary, holiday, or “Treat Yourself” occasion. But I would like to encourage you to think about the “creatives” in your life and what they would really enjoy receiving for a gift. Journals: Not just for young girls anymore, everyone appreciates a […]
What’s Fun For You? Reading—Guilt Free
Parents love good children’s books just as much as young people like adult reads. How do you categorize a book’s age appropriateness? Sometimes what’s fun for you is the best way to decide—ah-hem—as long as the maturity level is taken into account. So you have the afternoon free. It’s raining. No school. No work. Just […]
I Double Dog Dare You! To Write The Next Bestseller
My first book was written on a dare. I always loved to write and had completed many short stories and little novellas but nothing really full on until I was double dog dared. About 15 years ago, my best friend dared me to write a book. We were talking about our dreams, wishes and hopes […]
How Winter Holidays Can Help Us Make Heartfelt Changes
When the Dreidels are put away, the Christmas trees taken down and the Mkekas are set aside, there is little to celebrate until spring. Or is there? Despite the nationally recognized winter holidays, in the first few months of the calendar year, there’s often little nod to the heart behind them. It’s time for that […]