Book Review: Good News, Bad News

I recently read Good News, Bad News by Jeff Mack. This book is so much fun. My grandson loved explaining why some things were "good news" and why other situations were not. The fact that each page just has two words, we were able to act out all kinds of drama and silliness into the emotion of the image. He was giggling and never tired at the explanations. A fun read that can be made into a great read. I hope you'll check it out!

Thanks For Reading,
Carole P. Roman

Never Forget The Cost Of Freedom

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."  

John F. Kennedy

Memorial Day is upon us, and I want to take this time to thank all the men and woman who keep us safe.  I want to thank their parents, their wives and children, their brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and friends.  As we take the time on this special day to remember all the people who have protected our freedom, say a prayer for their well being, as their bravery has safe guarded our own. 

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. Please take the time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so that we may enjoy freedom. That freedom came at a heavy cost and their sacrifice should never be forgotten.

With Gratitude,

Carole P. Roman

Convoy Of Hope: Your Help Is Needed!

Today, I donated to a wonderful charity that is making a difference In Moore, Oklahoma. Since Convoy of Hope, a 501(c)3 faith-based nonprofit, was founded in 1994 they have served more than 55 MILLION people throughout the world through international children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches, disaster response and partner resourcing. You can make a one time donation or a recurring donation through Convoy Of Hope to help communities like Moore. You can also follow their blog and see what they are doing to help these communities.

Your gift will help provide emergency aid for those in the path of the Oklahoma City area tornado and multiple tornado outbreaks throughout the Midwest. Please stand alongside Convoy of Hope and those in the Midwest in their time of need. 

Book Review: The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

Tracy Chevalier has once again given us a slice of life, this time instead of Europe, she is in America in the 19th century bring the struggle and bravery that was the Underground railroad to light.  "The Last Runaway" is a coming of age book. A book of self discovery, a one sitting read that draws you into the struggle of a young lady who is constantly running away, but unaware of it.

Honor Bright is an unmarried Quaker girl running away from a failed relationship in England. She joins her sister on her wedding journey to Ohio.  When her sister dies of yellow fever, she moves in with her grieving would be brother in law only to find herself running away from his uncomfortable household.  She marries and again runs away emotionally from her new family, finding purpose only in helping runaway slaves escaping to Canada.

Gripping and unputdownable, it's a gritty picture of American life and the stain of slavery. Honor is tested by her Quaker faith as well as her responsibility to humanity. As always, Chevalier's prose takes you away to another world. Her rich tapestry of characters are as unpredictable as well as mutli-layered. We are drawn to characters we should not be and repulsed by the "respectable" characters lack of fortitude.

A wonderful addition to my Tracy Chevalier library. I look forward to her every book.

Book Review: Girl with a Pearl Earring

A beautiful landscape of 17th Century Holland, this rich book made me a Tracey Chevalier fan. Her deep understanding of servant life, she introduces us to Griet, a maid forced to work for the famous painter Vermeer and his demanding household. Though her station keeps her below stairs, the connection between the painter Vermeer and his young maid is bittersweet and romantic. A stunning story of unrealistic love, ambition, and the final hurt, this is a stunning book that is so subtle, the final showdown between Vermeer and the young maid left me breathless. Chevalier is a master storyteller, who creates a lush backdrop to her story line. Multidimensional, colorful, unforgettable, this remains one of the best books I have ever read!

Book Review: Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

I liked this book. Jennifer Chiaverini wrote an unsentimental, yet fascinating story of two very different women and how their lives twine together. Elizabeth Keckley is a former slave that rises to be the premier dressmaker in the United States. Not only does she gain Mary Lincoln's patronage, but the respect of Varina Davis, the President of the Confederacy as well. In many ways it's a story of the American dream, that anyone with a skill and an idea can overcome great obstacles. It a tale of loyalty, and friendship. Using the backdrop of famous people, amazing times and the horror of war, it a great read that gives us an interesting picture of life in 18th century America that tested the strength and tenacity of the American people. 

New Giveaway!!!

Welcome to the $200 Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway!

Sponsored by author Carole P. Roman.

Carole P. Roman recently released volume four in her award winning series, Captain No Beard!

She's celebrating the new releases by giving away a $200 Toys R Us Gift Card or $200 USD via PayPal and a copy of each book!

Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcome a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his little sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a distraction. When faced with danger, the captain must find a way to escape.

While learning valuable lessons about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody because they are young or small. Strength comes in all sizes! Be sure to read "Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas", Book 4 of the Captain No Beard Series. It is available on Amazon!

"If You Were Me and Lived in...France - A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World" is the second book in Carole P. Roman's remarkable series about countries all over the globe.

With each book covering a different nation, Roman opens up a world of wonder while highlighting the fact that underneath it all we are far more alike than we might have imagined. Focusing on what life would be like from a child's viewpoint, she examines the diversity of the people who make up our planet. It is also available on Amazon!

About Carole P. Roman:

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is happy to add "Strangers on the High Seas- A Captain No Beard Story vol 4" to her successful series. The first book of the series, "Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life" was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012, as well as received the Star of Remarkable Merit. It was also named as one of the Best Indie Books of 2013 with the Pinnacle Award.

Roman has two other series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...", a children's non fiction book on cultures around the world and an introduction to yoga for kids. She lives on Long Island with her husband and very close to her children and grandchildren.

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Enter to win a $200 Toys R Us Gift Card and a copy of Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas and If you were me and lived in… France…

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

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One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.

Open Worldwide.

Ends at 11:59pm EST on May 26th, 2013.

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Happy Mother's Day From Carole P. Roman

In Turkey- Ephesus

I adored my mother.  She was the kindest person I had ever met.  If she didn't have something nice to say, she left it unsaid rather than hurt anyone's feelings.  To her, everybody's art project was beautiful, any meal cooked was delicious, even when she hated it.  She was not just a good sport, but a great sport and I miss her every day of my life.

She passed from lung cancer eight years ago in an aggressive fight against a vicious invader.  She was young, even at 74, and I couldn't wrap my mind around not having her here.  She was my best friend for as long as I can remember and I am sharing this story for that one reason.

My wedding 36 years ago- I thought she looked magnificent!

My Mom always bought me gifts.  Sometimes expensive, sometimes not, old, new, it didn't matter, she decorated my house with bits of her personality so I could rest my eyes anywhere and revisit a memory.

I bought her things as well, but I was always more creative and tried to put a personal spin on it, just to remind her of our special relationship.

She was depressed very often.  Life had been hard for her.  My parents struggled with finances, health issues, family problems.  While they kept the household and the children happy, I knew what she carried on her back.  She was one of those people who couldn't share her load.

The year I was going to be married, I knew was very hard for her.  I was the first chick to leave the nest.  She depended upon me for a lot.  I helped with the housework, chauffeured my brothers, entertained my grandmother who made her home with us.  She never complained, but I knew she was heart sick that I was moving out.

I found an inexpensive Asian jar.  I bought it because it seemed exotic.  Sitting at my typewriter, I wrote up hundreds of memories.  Asking my grandmother to help, we listed specific things that happened at my birth, family stories that made us laugh.  Things to remind the reader of a minute in our life when something special had happened. I took these captured moments and folded them into tiny paper twists and stuffed them in the jar.  Putting a paper band across the top, I wrote- "Do Not Read Unless Emergency"  

Well, she opened the jar and read every last one of my wisps of our fond and silly memories and that jar stayed beside her bed for the rest of her life.  She said it was the best present she had ever gotten. Ever. Period.

Now, as I wake in the morning, I will look at my own bedside and see her jar.  Who knows, in case I need it I may read up on a memory or two.  I guess that's a gift that keeps giving.

Wishing you all a very happy Mother's Day!

With Love And Gratitude,

Carole P. Roman

If you were me and lived in... Mexico: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World

Available on Amazon!

Book Review: Tough Boris

Tough Boris by Mem Fox  illustrated by Kathryn Brown is a successful book on so many levels.  Tough Boris is your average pirate.  Not much to look at, he is tough, massive, scruffy and greedy, as are each of his crew.  Each picture reinforces the description of both Tough Boris and his menacing mates.  They engage in typical pirate activities, fighting, burying treasure and stealing from each other.  When a violin and its case is stolen, Tough Boris seeks out revenge, but upon hearing the thief play, this scary pirate shows us his softer side. Then his parrot dies, the violin case is offered as a proper coffin and all the tough pirates cry and cry and cry.  The young boy is expelled from the crew with the violin, another reason that makes them unhappy.  Perhaps he brings too much sensitivity for the hardened crew and leaving him is the only solution for them to recapture their  "Pirate ways".

The beautiful illustrations capture all the emotions of the moment.  A great book to use about feelings, that even tough old pirate's can feel sorrow.  While things or circumstances can make us sad,  the company of our good friends helps with the burden.  I love this book.

By Carole  P. Roman

Let's Celebrate With A New Giveaway!

I am celebrating Cinco de Mayo by sharing my first book in my new series of children's books called If You Were Me and Lived In Mexico.

"If You Were Me and Lived in ...Mexico-A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World" is the first entry in an exciting new children's series that focuses on learning and appreciating the many cultures that make up our small planet. Perfect for children from Pre-K to age 8, this book is a groundbreaking new experience in elementary education. Interesting facts and colorful illustrations help children realize that although the world is large, people all over the globe are basically the same.

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I am giving away not only my book, but the card game UNO, the board game of Monopoly in Spanish and a globe ball!

¡Esto es realmente fabuloso! Que te diviertas celebrando y tener cuidado amigos!

Enter in the Rafflecopter below! Open World Wide.


Disclosure: 
This giveaway is sponsored by author, Carole P. Roman.
I am responsible for prize shipment. 
Games are provided by me and not by the companies promoting this giveaway.
This giveaway is also not affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or YouTube.

You are providing information to Carole P. Roman, Naila Moon and Julie Gerber of Away We Go Media.
Winner has 48 hours to respond after notification via e-mail or  forfeit prize and another winner will be drawn.

Giveaway is open World Wide.
Giveaway ends: May 20, 2013 at 12 AM MST 

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CELEBRATE!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!!!

Now On Amazon!

Now Available On Amazon!

Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas, Book 4 of the Captain No Beard Series (Volume 4) 

Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcome a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his little sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a distraction. When faced with danger, the captain must find a way to escape. While learning valuable lessons about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody because they are young or small. Strength comes in all sizes!

If you were me and lived in... France...: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World 

"If You Were Me and Lived in...France-A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World" is the second book in my remarkable series about countries all over the globe. With each book covering a different nation, I open up a world of wonder while highlighting the fact that underneath it all we are far more alike than we might have imagined. Focusing on what life would be like from a child's viewpoint, I examine the diversity of the people who make up our planet.

I hope you will share my books with those you love! Please be sure to leave a review on Amazon or any other website. I'd love to know what you think! 

Au Revoir,

Carole P. Roman