Paloma's Song for Puerto Rico, 1898 by Adriana Erin Rivera

Book Details: 

Title: Paloma's Song for Puerto Rico 

Author: Adriana Erin Rivera

Publisher: Stone Arch Books

Pages: 112

Release Date: August 1, 2023 

Genre: Children's Hispanic & Latino Books

Grade Level: 3-4

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Book Description:

Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Latino, Nuestras Voces shares inspiring Latino stories. It is 1898, and twelve-year-old Paloma lives in Puerto Rico with her Papi, Mama, and little brother, Jorge. They are coffee farmers, and Paloma loves the goats, chickens, and fruit trees that she helps to care for. She also loves music--the song of the coqui frogs who sing her to sleep, and the melodies from Papi's tiple guitar. But Paloma's world begins to change when United States soldiers invade Puerto Rico, long controlled by Spain. What will happen to their farm, their culture, the island? As Paloma and her family navigate changes they can't control, they hold tightly to each other and hope for a better future. In diary format, the Nuestras Voces series profiles inspiring characters and honors the joys, challenges, and outcomes of Latino experiences.

My Thoughts: DeeplyTouched My Heart

As I began reading Paloma's Song, I felt a strong connection that deeply touched my heart. The author's descriptions made me feel as if I were right there with Paloma experiencing and feeling everything with her. I could visualize the palm trees and see the workers in the sugarcane fields. I could feel the ocean breeze, hear the coquí singing and so much more. 

I also felt a strong connection because of my own background. The book reminded me so much of stories that my own family had shared with me about life in Puerto Rico. So many beautiful memories came flooding back to me as I read the book and reflected on my own family's stories, making Paloma's Song that much more special. However, if you don't have the connection of family stories that echo Paloma's Song, no worries. Just read the book and you too will be transported to another time and place that is sure to deeply touch your heart. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Adriana Erin Rivera

Adriana Erin Rivera is a New York-based author of Puerto Rican descent. Her writing has been published in the New York Metro, Latina Magazine, and Footwear News. She is also a singer and songwriter and has written theatrical pieces that have been performed on New York City stages. A magna cum laude graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she holds a bachelor's degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications. Her debut novel Swing Sets, a coming-of-age story, was inspired by her own inner child. Adriana loves to travel and always enjoys visiting Puerto Rico.

Huracán: Mi historia de resiliencia (I, Witness) (Spanish Edition) by Salvador Gómez-Colón. -- Hurricane: My Story of Resilience (I, Witness) by Salvador Gómez-Colón

Detalles del libro/Book Details: 

Título: Huracán: Mi Historia de Resilencia                                

Serie: I, Witness

Idioma/Language: Spanish edition

Autor/Author: Salvador Gómez-Colón

Publicador/Publisher: Norton Young Readers

Paginas/Pages: 128

Fecha de lanzamiento/Release Date: August 8, 2023 

Género/Genre: Children's Social Activists Biographies

Nivel de grado/Grade Level: 4 - 7

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Descripción del libro/Book Description:

En esta edición en español de Huracán, un joven activista comparte cómo combatió una emergencia de salud pública después del huracán María.

En 2017, menos de tres semanas después del decimoquinto cumpleaños de Salvador Gómez-Colón, Puerto Rico fue azotado por un histórico huracán de categoría 4. Los residentes quedaron completamente atrapados en la oscuridad; las noticias sobre el huracán María surgieron solo dos días antes de que tocara tierra.

A Salvador y su familia les fue mejor que a la mayoría, pero muchos en su comunidad quedaron con casas destruidas y poco acceso a los recursos básicos. Incapaz de ignorar este sufrimiento, Salvador aprovechó su buena fortuna y comenzó una campaña de recaudación de fondos que llevaría lámparas solares y lavadoras manuales a miles de familias necesitadas.

Esta edición en español de la narrativa propulsora en primera persona de Salvador trae una historia convincente de determinación, compasión y esperanza a una audiencia más amplia.

In this Spanish-language edition of Hurricane, a young activist shares how he combated a public health emergency after Hurricane Maria.

In 2017, less than three weeks after Salvador Gómez-Colón’s fifteenth birthday, Puerto Rico was struck by a historic Category 4 hurricane. Residents were completely caught in the dark; news about Hurricane Maria broke only two days before it made landfall.

Salvador and his family fared better than most, but many in his community were left with destroyed homes and little access to basic resources. Unable to ignore this suffering, Salvador put his good fortune to good use, starting a fund-raising campaign that would bring solar-powered lamps and hand-powered washing machines to thousands of families in need.

This Spanish-language edition of Salvador’s propulsive first-person narrative brings a compelling story of determination, compassion, and hope to a wider audience.

Mis Pensamientos/My Thoughts: ¡Impactante!

¡Qué maravilloso e impactante relato del huracán María! El joven autor Salvador Gómez-Colón ha hecho un trabajo fantástico al transmitir los detalles del huracán y sus efectos posteriores. Fue tan devastador y, sin embargo, a pesar de todo, este joven decidió asumir la misión de asegurarse de que se ayudara a los más necesitados. Su jornada es realmente inspiradora y él definitivamente es un ejemplo para todos.

Gracias a NetGalley por proporcionarme una copia avanzada de este libro. Todos los comentarios y opiniones son voluntarios y completamente míos.

Impactful!

What a wonderful and impactful account of Hurricane Maria! Young author, Salvador Gómez-Colón, has done a fantastic job of relaying details of the hurricane and its after effects. It was so devastating, and yet, through it all, this young man chose to take on the mission of making sure those most in need would be helped. His journey is truly inspiring and he is definitely a role model for all.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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Sobre el autor/About the Author: Salvador Gómez-Colón

Salvador Gómez-Colón es un defensor de la resiliencia climática y fundador de Luz y Esperanza para Puerto Rico. Su trabajo ha sido cubierto por Time, CNN, The Guardian y The New York Times, entre otros. Estudia en la Universidad de Yale.

Salvador Gómez-Colón is a climate-resilience advocate and the founder of Light and Hope for Puerto Rico. His work has been covered by Time, CNN, the Guardian, and the New York Times, among others. He studies at Yale University.

Deadly Sanctuary (The Mountain Protectors Book 3) by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title: Deadly Sanctuary 

Series: The Mountain Protectors Book 3

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Ally Press

Pages: 235

Release Date: July 25, 2023 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 

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Book Description:

Years ago, journalist- Emery Bishop survived the unthinkable. Now the single mother is heading home to her grandparent’s bed and breakfast in Kentucky to seek sanctuary. With a dark past looming all around her, Hickory Cove is the one place Emery has always felt safe. Only this time, Emery finds herself the center of attention she doesn’t know how to protect herself from.

Corbin Peachy is the local game warden. Protecting nature is his calling and leaves a man little time for romance. But he is instantly drawn to the guarded journalist. Corbin’s protective nature wants to help her, but can his patience tear down the walls Emery has built all around her or will a string of recent murders send her running again.

Emery has to decide if she is willing to trust the local game warden with more than just her heart

My Thoughts: Deep and Heartfelt Story

My heart completely went out to Emery Bishop. Having suffered very deep hurt and pain has put her always on high alert, and trust is not something she gives freely. When it comes to love, it's all about love for her son and family. As for romantic love, that's a definite no, no and no way. Emery has built huge walls around herself and no one is going to tear them down, or so she thinks. 

As for Corbin Peachy, he is totally my hero. Although he has been through a different type of hurt and pain, it has not affected his wonderful and caring heart. However, it has kept romantic love far from his mind, and he plans to keep it that way, or so he thinks. 

When Emery and Corbin meet, it's a very rocky start. However, things begins to change. Little by little what they thought they didn't want does an about face and they find themselves drawn to each other. Their story has romance, intrigue, faith and suspense that will have you smiling, holding your breath, sighing and going through a roller coaster ride of emotions. It is a truly deep and heartfelt story and one that I highly recommend you read for yourself. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to leave a review.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author: Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Mindy Steele is a 2022 Readers Choice winner, and a best-selling author who writes in favor of her rural surroundings. Her books are peppered with humor, and sprinkled with grace, charming all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. A storyteller at heart, she enjoys coffee indulgences, week end road trips, and researching her next book. 

https://mindysteeleauthor.wordpress.com/ 

The Heart's Bidding (Amish Calling Book 1) by Kelly Irvin

Book Details: 

Title: The Heart's Bidding 

Series: Amish Calling Book 1

Author: Kelly Irvin

Publisher: Zondervan

Pages: 384

Release Date:  August 1, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

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Book Description:

Together, schoolteacher Rachelle Lapp and auctioneer Toby Miller must face their hardest battle yet: trusting God’s plan for their uncertain future.

At twenty-nine, auctioneer Toby Miller is a notorious bachelor. But his job keeps him on the road for months out of the year, and he knows no Plain woman could want a marriage that would force her to live and raise children alone. Thankfully, Toby’s content to dedicate his life to the family business, especially now that his grandfather is retiring. So why does his heart keep longing for something—or more specifically, someone—he can’t have?

Rachelle Lapp has already turned down two marriage proposals. Neither promised a future that would bring her more joy than her job as a teacher to Amish children with developmental disabilities, including her brother, Jonah, and Toby’s sister, Sadie. But when the parents’ committee votes to send her students to the English schools, where they will have access to many more resources, Rachelle finds herself out of a job. She’s forced to decide between pursuing her calling far from home and staying near to the man she can’t get off her mind.

As their families matchmake, Toby and Rachelle realize their jobs may not be all that’s holding them back from a future together. They both must learn not only to trust each other, but also trust God’s plans for them. But do those plans involve a lifetime together or them going their separate ways?

My Thoughts: Deeply Touched My Heart

Sometimes you read a book that just leaves you in awe of how deeply it touches your heart. Such is the case with Kelly Irvin’s The Heart’s Bidding. 

First, you have Rachelle Lapp and Toby Miller. Each one has suffered through relationship issues in the past that have somewhat clouded their feelings on the subject of love and trust.They’ve also had situations in their work and families that weighed heavily on them and in turn had them facing some difficult decisions. All of this caused them to have some reservations which had an impact on their  growing feelings for each other and their possible future. Following their journey completely tugged at my heart strings.

Next you have a wonderful cast of secondary characters, some of which were very special. This is a topic that doesn’t show up very often in this type of story. However, it is very clear that the author researched the topic extensively. The way she flawlessly detailed the characters’ dialogues, actions and reactions was so spot on that it made them feel like they were real.                                                                         

Lastly there is another topic that rarely shows up in this type of story. That topic is about adults who never had their educational needs properly addressed in childhood and how it impacts them in adulthood. This too was depicted in such a realistic way that it deeply touched my heart.

 Author Kelly Irvin has once again written a story that draws you in completely and touches your heart is a special way. It is one of love, hope, faith, trust and following God’s plan. It is a truly heartfelt story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Kelly Irvin 

Kelly Irvin is a bestselling, award-winning author of over twenty novels and stories. A retired public relations professional, Kelly lives with her husband, Tim, in San Antonio. They have two children, four grandchildren, and two ornery cats. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: @kelly_irvin; Facebook: @Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.