Friday, March 22, 2024

Lone Star Book Blitz: FROWNS AND GOWNS by Amanda Thrasher ***Review & Giveaway***

 
FROWNS AND GOWNS
The Mischief Series, Book 5
By AMANDA M. THRASHER

Children’s Chapter Book / Fantasy / Fairies
Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press
Page Count: 236
Publication Date: September 12, 2023



Embark on a Magical Adventure with Lilly, Boris, and Jack!

Get ready to join Lilly, Boris, and Jack on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, laughter, and a touch of mayhem. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of mishaps as these three fairies plan a magnificent magical ball, only to encounter an unforeseen disaster! Experience the magic of friendship with Lilly, the quick-witted and resourceful fairy, Boris, the mischievous fairy with a heart of gold, and Jack, the troublemaker with a curious, adventurous spirit on their latest adventure.

Throughout, Lilly, Boris, and Jack teach the true meaning of friendship and teamwork. Together with their friends, they'll overcome challenges, learn valuable lessons, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this enchanting tale!

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Frowns and Gowns by Amanda Thrasher is the fifth book in her Mischief series where Jack, Boris, Lily and their friends have to work together to plan a magical ball.  Of course the girls are more excited about the ball than the boys, but as a team they have to come together to make it happen. Planning a ball is not an easy task and the fairies have to solve many challenges along the way.

This was such a cute story that covers a lot of life lessons for young children. Perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of being kind to others just to name a few.  There is a fairy character that uses a “chariot” to get around because of her weak legs.  I thought this was such a unique way of including a disabled character, and I loved how the other fairies always included her in everything they did.  They didn’t treat her any differently because of her disability. And of course Boris and Jack bring comedy and "mischief" to the story with their stinky moss balls! I enjoyed the side characters that brought more depth to this magical world, especially Broadrick the spider who loves to bake and knit! 

Overall, Frowns and Gowns is a cute addition to the Mischief series that is perfect for your child to learn about friendship, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles. Even though this is book five in the series, you don’t have to read them in order to understand the story. A magical chapter book series with life lessons that is perfect for readers ages 7-10 years old.

5 Stars!

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Award-winning author Amanda M. Thrasher was born in England and moved to Texas, where she lives with her family. She writes YA, general fiction, middle grade, early reader chapter, and picture books. She is the founder and CEO of Progressive Rising Phoenix Press.


PROGRESSIVE RISING PHOENIX PRESS



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+ $25 Starbucks gift card
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Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Fiction Review: THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Laura Frantz

 

The Seamstress of Acadie 

by Laura Frantz

Published January 9, 2024
416 pages

Plot: As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

Review:  The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz is an intriguing historical romance that beautifully intertwines the history of the Acadian's past with a lovely slow burn romance between Sylvie Galant (an Acadian seamstress) and William Blackburn (a British Army Ranger turned ally). Sylvie is a skilled seamstress who cares deeply for her family and her home and William is a man determined to right some wrongs. It was heartbreaking to know the expulsion of the Acadians (present day Nova Scotia) was something that actually happened in 1755.  There was a lot of suffering and hardship that the Acadians had to endure and you felt every bit of it as the story unfolds. Sylvie was such a wonderful character and you couldn't help but root for her and William to get their happily ever after. The theme of having faith in God is present throughout the story.

Overall, The Seamstress of Acadie is one of those books you just sit back and enjoy over a cup of tea or hot chocolate.  At over 400 pages this is not going to be a quick read, nor do you want it to be. This is a take your time and live the story type of book that is worth every minute you spend reading it.  There is so much history and depth to this story that you feel transported to the time period and experience the story like you are living it too.  This is my first Laura Frantz book and I must say I will definitely be reading more of her stories as I just adore her writing style.  A captivating story of strength, faith, and resilience.  A must read! 

*I received an ARC for an honest review from the publisher.

5 Stars!
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