One for the Murphys

"We can have whatever we want in our lives. It's only a matter of deciding. But we don't have to do it alone. We have each other."

― Lynda Mullaly Hunt, 

One for the Murphys

Twelve-year-old Carley Connor’s life turns upside-down when she's sent to live with a foster family hundreds of miles away from her Las Vegas home. Her life with her mom hasn’t always been easy, but Carley is tough and has been able to handle things. Now she’s worried about her mother, confused about what happened, and doing her best to be invisible at the Murphys. While Carley feels welcome by Mrs. Murphy, who never stops smiling, the oldest son (who is her age) makes it clear he wants her to leave. The two younger boys don’t take long to worm their way into Carley’s heart and every day it gets harder to ignore the affection Mrs. Murphy continues to show her. At school, she’s the new kid and for the first time has new clothes and a chance to start fresh. When a friendship forms with an unlikely classmate, Carley listens, but can’t tell her friend the truth about her situation. Will she settle into her new life? Will Carley’s mother ever reach out to her? Read this touching book about facing our fears, making changes and believing in hope to find out!

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a powerful story! I read it in a day because I had to know what happened to Carley. She is a girl that I can imagine being friends with because she has feelings that I can relate to, even though we have different lives. I think the book would be helpful for anyone that has been in foster care or had a foster child live with them because they would be able to relate to the experiences of Carley and the Murphys. It made me think about how hard it can be to make a change when we are scared or worried. We feel like our armor and our edge protects us, but they can also prevent us from feeling loved. I would recommend this book to anyone in 4th grade and up that is ready for an emotional story with characters that will really make them think. Be prepared to cry!

Has anyone else read One for the Murphys? Or have you read another book by Lynda Mullaly Hunt? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: When A Door Closes...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week, it's all about new beginnings. Tune in Friday for Lizzy's Book Review and find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ;) ~F

A blank sheet for you to mark. A new horizon lights the dark. A finished chapter, you'll turn the page; first words set the stage. Time passes, as it's said, but it only ticks inside your head. Now is new on your way- what happens next is today.

What am I referring to? Answer: A fresh start.

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats

Monday's Riddle: Turn the Page...

Hello, Riddlers! Happy New Year! Can you guess our theme this week? We're at the beginning again, time to rewrite the scripts and throw in a twist. : ) ~ F

A blank sheet for you to mark. A new horizon lights the dark. A finished chapter, you'll turn the page; first words set the stage. Time passes, as it's said, but it only ticks inside your head. Now is new on your way- what happens next is today.

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer.

I gave you a clue!

Wishing all of our readers a happy and bright 2018. Thank you for your comments. We love reading your thoughts! 

Stephanie Robinson & Jessica Haight

CURIOUS ABOUT THE MYSTERY OF THE BEGONIA HOUSE? VISIT FAIRDAYSFILES.COM!

Books, Books, and More Books!

This week we're celebrating books! Today, we've put together a bundle of action and adventure to share with you. If you're on the lookout for great middle grade reads, here are a few we enjoyed. Stop by Wednesdays post if you missed Margo's children's picture book choices. :)

We'll be on break for the holiday. Sending all of our readers warm wishes for a bright new year. See you all around the book block in 2018! ~ F & L

WARMEST WISHES FROM THE CHARACTERS AT THE BEGONIA HOUSE!

BOOK 1 IN THE SERIES/ VIEW BOOKS

Joshua and his best friend, Finn, are busy playing when an intense storm hits. Joshua's grandfather needs to run out for a minute, and he tells them to come inside and stay away from the windows. Unfortunately, when rules get broken- bad things happen. When Finn is snatched through the window by a hand from the sky, Joshua doesn't know what to do, other than taunt the hand so it grabs him too. The world where they wind up is riddled with fallen gods, goddesses, and lots of old magic...

"Joshua and the Lightning Road by Donna Galanti is a book that I would recommend to anybody who enjoys mythology. Joshua is a character that kids and adults will be able to relate to because he's brave, scared and stubborn. These are qualities most of us demonstrate at one point or another. I like the way that myths were interwoven into the story." ~ Lizzy 

Read Lizzy's full review of Joshua and the Lightning Road
Read our author interview with Donna Galanti

BOOK 1 IN THE SERIES/ VIEW BOOKS

When Charlotte walks into the shop tucked into the alley she is hoping to buy trinkets for her friends from her beach vacation. She doesn’t expect the strange encounter she has with the shopkeeper, but she is thrilled with the ancient looking snow globe that he gives her. Best of all it didn’t cost her anything. All she had to do was agree to tell the truth! Everything changes when she looks into the glowing orb and finds herself transported to a different realm. Danger lurks around each corner and all she knows is that she is far from home...

"Truth Teller by Kurt Chambers is a delightful story. I liked Charlotte because she is strong and inquisitive, which are two character traits that help her in the realm that she finds herself in. There are times when she complains, but who wouldn’t! I was curious from the moment she walked into the odd shop, and I wasn’t so sure Charlotte should accept the gift from the shopkeeper." ~ Lizzy

Read Lizzy's full review of Truth Teller 
Read our author interview with Kurt Chambers 

BOOK 1 IN THE SERIES/ VIEW BOOKS

Pete wakes up on the first day of spring vacation feeling a bit apprehensive about the phone call his aunt is going to get from his principal. At the same time he can’t help but feel bored with the town he lives in. Pete hasn’t lived in the town for very long, only since his parents died. There isn’t much to do and there are a lot of places that are off limits, like the Ornofree Swamp next to his house that is filled with alligators. He only has one friend, Weasel, but they have been getting into too much trouble lately...

"Alligators Overhead by C. Lee McKenzie is a mysterious adventure that will keep you guessing. Pete may like to get into trouble, but he is a typical 12 year-old with a best friend who tries to keep him doing the right thing. Poor Weasel! He gets a little frustrated trying to keep them both from getting into serious trouble. I think kids between the ages of 8 and 14 will love this book if they like old houses, witches, animals, and nature." ~ Lizzy

Read Lizzy's full review of Alligators Overhead
Read our author interview with C. Lee McKenzie  

FAIRDAYSFILES.COM

Answer to Monday's Riddle: A Story's Home...

Or, in other words, a book! Excellent guessing, Riddlers. This week we're celebrating books. Margo has a few suggestions for today, and on Friday, we'll feature three middle grade books that would be perfect for any bookworm. The gift of a story never stops giving, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Story bound, you may be- precisely when you'll come for me. You'll listen softly in your head, that's where my lines are read. Words strung neatly in straight rows tell you where my tale goes. My spine may crack or pages bend, but my scenes inside will never end. 

What am I? Answer: Book! 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

FREE UNTIL 1/1/2018

Coupon Code: BR88F

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats

Soldier, is a young porcupine whose quills go a different direction. This means no hugs for Soldier, which makes him sad and his family too. When his dad whittles a flute for Soldier, he plays his beautiful, but sad, music each night. A kind field mouse hears the music, sees what is causing the porcupine so much pain, and hatches a plan to help Soldier get the hugs he so desperately needs. Your heart will melt at the end of this sweet story. We are reminded that we're all unique and that acts of kindness make the world a better place.

"I recommend Soldier to anyone who likes to celebrate what makes us each unique and those who understand that creating a better world starts with personal acts of kindness." ~ Fairday

Read the full review for Solider

Read our interview with Kara Van Kirk Levin

My dreams are filled with huge gliding shapes, swirling in turquoise waters. Whales- blue whales." ~Big Blue, Shelley Gill

Big Blue is based on true events that happened to author, Shelley Gill, and her daughter, Kye. Kye was an expert on whales and spent time learning and dreaming about them. One day when Kye was almost nine she told her mom that she didn't want stuff anymore, she wanted experiences. What she wanted most of all was to swim with a blue whale. The water in their home state of Alaska was too cold, so Kye suggested Mexico. Since Shelley worked driving a boat for marine biologists, she said she'd see if it could be arranged. Before long, they're in Mexico and it looks like there's a chance for dreams to come true. But will a whale present itself to them?

"I recommend this book to those who love learning. I came away knowing a lot more than I did when I started reading. Also, people who like adventures will enjoy taking this book journey. Anyone who wants to hear an amazing presentation should have Shelley Gill come to their school. You will not be disappointed!" ~ Fairday 

Read the full review of Big Blue

Read our interview with Shelley Gill

Alemitu lives with her mother in a poor village in Ethiopia, where she must walk miles for water and hunger roars in her belly. Even though life is difficult, she dreams of someday knowing more about the world. When her mother has no choice but to leave her at an orphanage to give her a chance at a better life, an American family adopts Alemitu. She becomes Eva in her new home in America, and although her life there is better in so many ways, she’ll never forget her homeland and the mother who gave up so much for her. Told through the lens that water connects all people everywhere, this eye-opening, emotional story will get readers thinking about the world beyond their own.

"This is definitely a book to share with your whole family. Margo was enraptured by Alemitu's story, and she's been telling everyone how important it is to remember that we're all the same, and we all get thirsty." ~ Fairday

Read the full review of A Thirst For Home

Read our interview with Christine Ieronimo

Monday's Riddle: Bound By Spelling...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? They are dear to my heart. ; ) ~ F

Story bound, you may be- precisely when you'll come for me. You'll listen softly in your head, that's where my lines are read. Words strung neatly in straight rows tell you where my tale goes. My spine may crack or pages bend, but my scenes inside will never end. 

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!

I gave you a clue!

Amazon

B & N

Indie Bound