June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 112

'12 Days of Christmas Countdown' Feature & Giveaway

A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom

Sydney over at the 'Singing Librarian Books' Blog has posted a book spotlight for my 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom' novella as part of her fun and festive '12 Days of Christmas Countdown' feature.

She's running a Rafflecopter giveaway for one hardcover copy of the book for US residents only -or- one ebook copy of the book for an International resident. The contest form is at the end of her post.

Here's the link to the post:

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com...

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Thank you for including me in your countdown, Sydney! I'm honored to have my book featured with these other great Christmas reads.

A Well-Deserved Five-Star Review for 'The Other Alcott'

The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved the way this debut author wove together the life story of Author Louisa May Alcott's youngest sister, Abigail May Alcott--known as May. The author writes in the Afterword that she used the Alcott family's biographies, letters, memoirs and other documents to gather research about the life of artist May Alcott. She admits she added some fictional characters and events to May's and Louisa's real lives. The author made several research trips to the Alcott family home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts.

May was an independent, resilient, and creative person who lived much of her life in the shadow of her successful older sibling, Louisa. The siblings went through some tough times filled with jealousy, fierce competition, and tension. One of the best things about this book, I thought, is that the story leads readers on a path of varying emotions from jubilance to heartwrenching grief.

I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading it. I learned so much about this family from this story, the interview with the author at the end of the book, the Alcott Trivia section, and the Afterword.

The book was rich with details about life in Europe in the late nineteenth century. As an art lover, I enjoyed the details included about various painters whose work I've had the good fortune to view in person--William Keith, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, etc. The information about the birth of the Impressionistic movement in France was especially interesting.

I highly recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction, nineteenth century European history, and art history. I look forward to reading more books written by this author in the future.

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I borrowed this book from the 'New Book' shelves at the local public library after reading several outstanding reviews of it in various publications.

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Review of 'Gianna the Treasure Hunter' by Author Becky Villarreal

Gianna the Treasure Hunter by Becky Villareal

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the third installment in Author Becky Villareal's series about Gianna and her friends. I have previously reviewed the first two stories on Goodreads. {Find those reviews at: 'Gianna the Great': https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... -and- 'Halito Gianna: The Journey Continues': https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...}.

The author's enthusiasm for and knowledge of genealogy shines through brightly in each of these stories. In 'Gianna the Treasure Hunter' Gianna guides her classmate, Stephanie, through the process of discovering how her grandmother emigrated from France to the United States after World War II. Grand-mere shared a lot of details she remembered, but the two young girls dug deeper into the story to find out even more. I enjoyed the rapport between the grandmother, Stephanie, and Gianna as they were trying to unravel the mystery of how Grand-mere arrived in America as a child.

A lot of information about the history of Ellis Island is included in the text. I learned a lot about the Ellis Island immigrant inspection station when I read this book. There is a lot of rich vocabulary in this book: ship's manifest, immigrant, and French words translated to English {mon pere, mon mere, pain au miel, etc.}.

As a former educator myself, I was impressed by the Glossary included at the end of the story and the 'Want to Know More?' section which provided links to two websites about genealogy/Ellis Island. These additions to the story's text will motivate learners to want to look into their own family's history.

Kudos to the cover illustrator, Jessica M. Balli, on creating a colorful, engaging cover which will capture young readers' interest and spark their desire to read the rest of the story.

Another feature I enjoyed in this book was the inclusion of the text of the dedication at the foot of the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island. These very inspiring words will provide an opportunity for a discussion about our country's rich origin and acceptance of new citizens.

**This was my favorite book in this series--so far!

Highly recommended as a read-aloud for primary grade learners and as an independent reading book for middle grade readers. I believe families would enjoy reading these books together and then discussing their family's journey through life.

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I received a PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for posting this review here or on any other site.

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Ebook of 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom' is Half Price Right Now!

THE E-BOOK EDITION OF 'A HOLIDAY MIRACLE IN APPLE BLOSSOM' IS ON SALE FOR HALF PRICE THROUGH DECEMBER 20TH!

The regular e-book price of my holiday novella is $5.99, but it's on sale for half-off, just $2.99, from now through December 20th.

Find it here:

~ Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/June-McCrary-J...

~ Barnes & Noble.com: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ho...

Thank you!

June McCrary Jacobs

Book Spotlights & Giveaways for 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'

Two gracious bloggers have spotlighted my book this week, and they are both offering giveaways:

~ Carrie at 'Reading is My SuperPower' posted on Monday. Find the post and Rafflecopter form to enter her giveaway at: http://readingismysuperpower.org/2017...

~ Jenna at the 'Girl with Book Lungs' posted on Friday. Find her post and enter her giveaway at: https://girlwithbooklungs.com/2017/11...

Enjoy! Good luck, and thank you for your interest in my book.

Best wishes,
June

Sensory Quilt for Dementia Patient

Greetings ~

I was inspired by Author Blair Stocker's excellent book to make a sensory quilt for a dementia patient who is a dear friend. This individual loves horses and television and movie westerns, especially those from mid-twentieth century. Hence, the horse print fabric and horse patches I used in the quilt.

To see photos and learn more details about the quilt I created, please visit my Author's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/June-McCrary...

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To learn more about the idea and the pattern for the quilt, read my review of 'Wise Craft Quilts' below:

Wise Craft Quilts: A Guide to Turning Beloved Fabrics Into Meaningful Patchwork by Blair Stocker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of my all-time favorite quilt books. The author's writing style is warm and welcoming; her original quilt designs are beautiful.

The author's premise of using her family's treasured textiles and thrift store finds to make memorable quilts is unique and well done. Each project is accompanied by a brief narrative explaining what she was thinking as she designed the quilt. Very inspirational!

My favorite project in this book is the 'Sensory' quilt dedicated to making a tactile quilt for dementia patients. The purpose of the quilt is to help alleviate their anxiety by sewing a variety of textures {buttons, lace, textured fabrics, sequins, beads, etc.} on the quilt top for patients to touch while holding the quilt in their lap.

The photography and instructions are concise and user-friendly.

Highly recommended for quilters, sewers, and those interested in textile history.

I borrowed this book from our library system.



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Thanks for your interest in my reading, writing, and stitching adventures! Best wishes, June

Goodreads Giveaway ~ 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'

Enter for a chance to win a hardcover, gift book copy of 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'. This inspiring contemporary Christmas story won Cedar Fort Publishing's 2013 Holiday Tale Contest.

Enjoy learning how the Apple Blossom community works together to help a local family receive the miracle they need after tragedy strikes their young daughter, Mary Noel.

The publisher is giving away ten copies of this novella to US residents. Enter by December 1, 2017, for a chance to win your own copy.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...