About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure by Yvonne M. Morgan: Review with Celebrate Lit Book Tour



About the Book

Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure

Author: Yvonne M Morgan

Genre: Children’s Early Reader

Release date: February 1, 2025

A Kenya Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren’t different, and Jesus loves all children.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, “Mary the Missionary” teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

MY THOUGHTS.....


Mary the Missionary is perfect for young readers, but it's also a book that families can enjoy together. What better way to initiate a discussion about God's all-encompassing love than reading a story about a young girl who gets to travel with her parents to Kenya? Mary is given a first-hand view of a life entirely different than hers---living in mud huts, eating the intestines of goats, and trying to balance buckets of water on her head as she carries it from the river. Mary's mission trip is an eye-opening experience for her and a poignant suggestion for us! We must never forget how blessed we are!

Yvonne M. Morgan's engaging story is a powerful reminder of God's love for ALL of his children, and it's a wonderful way to teach children about the different countries and cultures in our amazing world. Mary the Missionary: A Kenyan Adventure is ideal for families and a perfect addition to church and school libraries.

I received a digital copy from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no expectation of a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


About the Author

Yvonne M Morgan takes readers of all ages on a journey of faith, hope, and love with encouraging words. Her captivating storytelling will inspire readers to trust in the Lord and give them hope. Yvonne’s insightful reflections will resonate with anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God.

 

 

 

 

More from Yvonne

As my grandchildren grew, I started writing children’s books. I wanted them to read engaging, faith-based stories filled with fun illustrations and valuable lessons that would nurture their faith. As the children grew, I wanted to continue their lessons, tailoring them to their expanding interests and abilities. The book, “Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure,” shares the message of God’s love, and how we are all his children despite our differences.

 

The memories of my mission trips to Kenya, filled with the warmth of the people and the beauty of the landscape, led me to choose it for Mary’s visit. I loved the vibrant tapestry of cultures and the welcoming smiles of the people I met during my visits. To help your children explore Kenya, I’ve added free resources to my website; these include downloadable activity books and captivating information. Here is a link to those resources: https://yvonne-morgan.com/mary-the-missionary-resources.




In Kenya, Ugali is used as a fork to pick up their food. Ugali Recipe to try with your children:

Ingredients:

1 cup maize meal / corn meal

2 cups normal water

Instructions:

Heat water over medium heat in a deep pan. Make sure you use a pan with a handle.

Add the maize meal or cornmeal and keep on stirring with a strong wooden spoon.

Keep stirring and pressing the mixture against the sides of the pan to break up the lumps.

As the mixture becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to mix but keep mixing and breaking up the lumps.

The mixture with begin to come away from the sides of the pan.

Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes.

At this point transfer the ugali to a platter. Place the plate over the pan and turn it upside down.

Or you can transfer to a small heatproof bowl. Pat it down into shape. Place a plate over the bowl and turn it over.

Enjoy piping hot ugali with your favorite stew or curry.


Rural School in Kenya


Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, May 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4

Texas Book-aholic, May 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 6

Lots of Helpers, May 7

Mary Hake, May 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 8

Leslie’s Library Escape, May 9

Older & Smarter?, May 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 11

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 12

For Him and My Family, May 13

Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)

Roads to Everywhere, May 14

Labor Not in Vain, May 15

Lights in a Dark World, May 16

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Yvonne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54212


View all my reviews


Monday, May 5, 2025

A Wager with the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, #3) by Jody Hedlund

A Wager with the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer together, but a future with him seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to bring the unlikely couple together.

Be swept away in a tale of love, danger, and destiny in this captivating historical romance from bestselling author Jody Hedlund.






MY THOUGHTS.....

This has been such a special series! I've enjoyed watching an Irish matchmaker work his magic for two members of the Shanahan family, but now, there's one more seeking his services! Kiernan Shanahan, with a long list of qualifications for an ideal wife, is finally ready to marry. Will he be surprised by the tricks in Bellamy McKenna's matchmaking arsenal?

I loved this book by one of my favorite authors, Jody Hedlund! It is set in 1849 St. Louis, during a time of suffering and tragedy surrounding a cholera outbreak and a great fire that destroyed much of the city. Hedlund's historical detail provides a powerful backdrop for the emotional upheaval of Kiernan and Alannah Darragh's budding relationship. A Wager for the Matchmaker has excellent character development, a captivating plot filled with history and faith, and a clean romance that sizzles with the chemistry between Kiernan and Alannah. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical Christian romance!

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.  

Learn more at Jody's Website     

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A SHANAHAN MATCH SERIES

A Wager with the Matchmaker 

View all my reviews