Beauty & Lace Book Club Review: The Memories That Make Us by Vanessa Carnevale
This is the first novel that I have read by Vanessa Carnevale, and whilst I had seen the stunning cover on various platforms across social media, I wasn't fully aware of the synopsis, so I went into this one without too much background about the story (which I actually prefer in most cases).
The story begins with Grace Ashcroft and fiance Blake Beaumont driving to Grace's best friend Scarlett's birthday party.
They have a collision and Blake is left with some minor injuries, whilst Grace suffers severe amnesia. She remembers nothing of her past - no memories of Blake, or of her job, or anything else about her life prior to the accident.
She is too distressed to see Blake, and refuses to give in to his longing to remind her of the love they once shared, and his hopes to go back to the way things were.
Scarlett tries her best to remind her of things from her past, to no avail.
After Grace discovers that she had inherited a flower farm that was once owned by her mother, she makes the decision to head there and see if she can try and figure out some of the answers to the questions she has about her past life, and about who she was before the accident happened.
She is welcomed into the Summerhill community quite quickly; meeting her veterenarian neighbour Flynn, Tilly, an old friend of her mothers, and Charlie, a local fellow with a generous heart.
As Grace adapts to her new life, she makes the decision to revive the flower farm, and Flynn offers to help.
As their friendship develops, Grace is torn between struggling to remember Blake, who writes to her in the hopes of jogging her memory about the love they once shared, and her new relationship with Flynn.
Grace is forced to look at the person she has now become, and needs to work out where her future should take her.
I don't want to say too much more than that as I don't want to spoil it for others, although I must say that I didn't pick the ending!
The beginning of The Memories That Make Us did remind me of a movie I have seen before, but thankfully the similarities ended there.
As gardening is on of my hobbies, I particularly enjoyed reading the detailed descriptions of the flowers, and the process of preparing and growing the flowers. I also enjoyed reading about Tilly and Charlie, and would've liked to read more about both of them as they added a special element to the story.
Thank you to Beauty & Lace and Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review The Memories That Make Us.
You can read my review on the Beauty & Lace Book Club post here
See Hear by Tania McCartney and Jess Racklyeft
This picture book is aimed at 3-6 year olds, and has an innovative flip-format.
It is a sequel to Smile Cry (which was released in 2017).
In See Hear, Piglet, Cat and Bunny return in an adventurous tale as they journey through the world around them and use their sense of sight and hearing to explore the magical moments of their lives.
From seeing a gift-wrapped surprise to hearing buzzing blossoms, Piglet, Cat and Bunny engage in many adventures.
This is a great beginner's book about the senses.
See Hear is available through EK Books this month, and has an RRP of $24.99
For further information on this title, head here
The Travel Activity Book (DK Books)
If your child asks "Are we there yet?" after being in the car for only a short while and you are nowhere near your destination, then I recommend this fantastic activity book to keep them busy (and quiet!) for the journey.
It is equally as suitable for home or when on holidays.
My 8 year-old daughter had a great time helping me review this book!
Packed with various activities including puzzles, quizzes, and over 250 stickers, this book also has sections that your child can write and draw in.
The book is educational as it features different travel destinations, flags, and facts about different countries.
It has an RRP of $9.99. For further information on this title, head here
Children's Picture Book Review: Lessons Of A LAC written by Lynn Jenkins, Illustrated by Kirrili Lonergan
Loppy is a LAC (Little Anxious Creature) who is constantly worrying about dangers, which in turn makes him very anxious.
But one day, when he meets Curly Calmster on the other side of the mountain in the village where he lives, he is shown that there are ways to handle his stresses and not let them effect his day-to-day living.
This book is part of a series of books that will help guide children aged from pre-school to Grade 6 with their emotional development.
It is a really good book that will help to give your child a better understanding of their worries, and help them gain skills that they can use in order to help manage anxiety.
It is available now though EK Books, and has an RRP of $19.99.
For further information on this title, head here
Children's Picture Book Review: The Bear In Our Backyard by Emma Middleton, Illustrated by Briony Stewart
From the author and illustrator of The Lion In Our Living Room comes their latest companion book, The Bear In Our Backyard.
Siblings Tom and Tilly are back, and this time they are spending the day with their mum. But watch out, because there is a big brown bear around, and she may be grumpy if she is woken from her nap!
They head outdoors to see if bear will emerge, and there is a lot of fun to be had!!
This book encourages imaginative play, and pays homage to mothers who create magical moments for their children in many different ways every day.
It is available now through Affirm Press, and has an RRP of $24.99
For further information on this title, head here
Children's Picture Book Review:
The Last Peach by Gus Gordon
I have previously featured one of Gus Gordon's other books (titled Somewhere Else), on the blog here.
His latest release is The Last Peach, which tells the story of two insects that discover a beautiful peach on a hot summer's day.
The peach looks so delicious that the two insects both want to eat it.
Will they come to an agreement and share the peach, or will neither of them get to enjoy it?
The illustrations in this book are quite unusual and appealing. I adore the end papers which are adorned with delicious-looking peaches!
The Last Peach has an RRP of $24.99
For further in formation on this title, head here
Do You Know About? Science by Emily Dodd (DK Books)
If your young reader has questions about Science, this book has all of the answers!
So many topics are covered in this comprehensive guide.
The book is set out in an easy-to-read format, with photos and diagrams.
There are true or false sections, and quick quizzes to recap the information given, with an answer section towards the end of the book to check your child's responses.
The book begins with a summary about what Science is, and then goes on to The Living World, where topics such as What Do Lions Eat? and Why Don't Polar Bears Freeze? are answered.
It then moves on to the Human Body, which covers How Do Cuts Heal? and How Do I Breathe? and more.
The Material World explains what a metal is, and how plastic is made.
The Energy section discusses Electricity, Heat and Sound.
In Forces and Movement, your child can learn about magnets, and how planes stay in the air during flight.
And in the final section of the book, Our Planet, there are many interesting facts about Earth and Outer Space.
Do You Know About? Science is available through DK Books, and has an RRP of $24.99
For further information on this title, head here
