Cute picture book on the president's day

If Otis was POTUS by Slater Harry

 As a retired second grade teacher, this is a very child-friendly way to explain what life is like for the president.  The little dogs are cute, the rhyming text is fun although maybe a bit contrived in some spots, and the illustrations are warm and fun.  The real-life pictures of the dog characters at the end add a very special feature that kids will love.  I can easily imagine reading this to a classroom to illustrate how our president works to get things done for our nation.  And of course, the flea infestation easily corresponds to another national emergency in the recent past. I am grateful to have received this arc in exchange for this, my honest review.

Charming Novel about an Octogenarian

 

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

This book was easy to love.  Frederick was an endearing character who finds himself near homelessness when he stumbles into Bernard’s life, literally. 

The writing was humorous, even laugh-at-loud funny.  The characters were lovable.  Frederick’s attitude toward his new life and good fortune are refreshing.  He changes the lives of people around him by loving them well.  In short, there was much to enjoy about this book.

The reason I gave it four stars instead of five was due to the language.  It was a bit cruder than I would have liked, but I understand that is a personal preference.  I do think the author could have achieved the same effect without the four-letter words.

If you are a fan of lovable characters, clever plots, happy endings, and funny situations, you will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to HarperCollins Publishers for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Christmas Novella by Lynn Austin

 

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

This novella takes up where Ms. Austin’s last book, All My Secrets, published in 2024, left off.  I really enjoyed learning how Addy and Howard were adjusting to married life.  Their little family expands to welcome some orphans in need of temporary home.  Addy and Howard do their best to help them find their missing father, who may be working as a sailor.  As they prepare for the holiday and work to find Jack and Polly’s missing parent, both Addy and Howard learn important lessons about love and trusting God.

The characters are lovable and determined.  I admired Addy’s tenacity and determination to be a good wife.  Howard is creative and loves Addy well.  Each character grows and develops in a realistic way.

The plot is neatly tied up at the end of the book with some interesting possibilities for the characters’ futures and a couple of surprises the reader will enjoy.  I am grateful to the publisher for this book in exchange for this, my honest review.