Book reviews by D.G. Kaye

Sunday Book Reviews – What’s in a Name? and Gabby and the Quads

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Book reviews by D.G. Kaye

It’s April now and I’m back home! It’s back to work and with my Sunday book reviews!

 

I didn’t manage to get a tremendous amount of work done while I was away, but I did manage to get some good reading done while I worked on my tan at the pool, taking in the warm, desert sun.

I’m going to kick off my Sunday reviews today with a double-header, two books I’ve read and highly recommend, one by the talented short story teller, Sally Cronin – What’s in a Name? and another, Gabby and the Quads, by the versatile, multi-genre and compassionate writer, Tina Frisco.

 

What's in a Name by Sally Cronin

Get this Book on Amazon! 

 

Blurb:

 

There are names that have been passed down through thousands of years which have powerful and deep-rooted meaning to their bearers. Other names have been adopted from other languages, cultures and from the big screen. They all have one thing in common. They are with us from birth until the grave and they are how we are known to everyone that we meet.

There are classical names such as Adam, David and Sarah that will grace millions of babies in the future. There are also names that parents have invented or borrowed from places or events in their lives which may last just one lifetime or may become the classic names of tomorrow.

Whatever the name there is always a story behind it. In What’s in a Name? – Volume One, twenty men and women face danger, love, loss, romance, fear, revenge and rebirth as they move through their lives.

Anne changes her name because of associations with her childhood, Brian carries the mark of ancient man, Jane discovers that her life is about to take a very different direction, and what is Isobel’s secret?

 

My 5 Star Review:

 

Sally Cronin has an uncanny knack for pulling in her readers with her heartfelt short stories and often unpredictable endings.

Each one of these stories takes us in to some history of the characters and how their names were derived, and consequently, how their names affected or complemented their lives.

Names have meanings for the people who have chosen them, but sometimes, the people given those names aren’t always happy with their name.

I highly recommend this wonderful book of sensitive and intriguing stories by this wonderful author.

 

Visit Sally’s author page on Amazon to see all her books!

 

Books by Sally Cronin

 

Gabby and the Quads by Tina Frisco

 

Get This Book on Amazon! 

 

Blurb:

 

Gabby is an only child who is about to become big sister to quadruplets! How will she handle this? Her parents decide on a unique approach to introduce her to and help her accept this awesome experience. Follow Gabby as she learns all about babies and the joy of loving.

 

My 5 Star Review:

 

This book is an absolutely wonderful story book for parents and little children alike. The author takes us on a little life lesson journey of a little child about to become the big sister to quadruplets. Frisco manages to incorporate important lessons for parents while demonstrating with her words and illustrations by subtly instilling messages about safety, sharing and compassion within the storyline. Her method of showing how the parents ready Gabby for the babies’ arrival, asking her how she would feel about being a big sister and a helper, encouraging the child to love her new siblings, easing her into her new role without being left to feel she is no longer ‘the only child’, but a necessary component to being a helper, a very important role as big sister.

If you have little ones, or about to become parents for a second time, I highly recommend this book as a guide to parents and an enjoyable and entertaining read with educational meaning and reference that is easily understood by young children.

 

Visit Tina’s Amazon author page to view all her books!

 

Books by Tina Frisco

Vampyrie by Tina Frisco

 

49 thoughts on “Sunday Book Reviews – What’s in a Name? and Gabby and the Quads”

  3. Thanks, Debby. I must get to read one of Tina’s books or more. I know Sally writes wonderfully and I’ve had the pleasure to read some of her books and stories. I hope you’re getting used to the weather again!

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  5. I love the concept of weaving stories around the significance of people’s names. I always find names interesting and also ironic when they fit someone’s profession. For example I used to go to a manicurist whose last name was ‘Hand.’ The story of a girl about to become a big sister to quads sounds like a horror story….for the parents that is! But seriously, it sounds Iike a delightful children’s book and so helpful for families in the throes of an addition.

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    1. Hi Molly, thanks for dropping by. It is funny when someone’s profession is similar to their name, almost as though it was meant to be. And actually, as daunting as it may seem for the parents (and I’m sure it can be), the little girl in the story makes it a happy little read. 🙂

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  6. Thanks so much for the fantastic review, Deb! And how lovely to share the spotlight with Sally. Welcome home! I’m honored to be featured in your first full ‘back-at-home’ post. I’ll be sharing this on my Gabby and the Quads FB page (and everywhere else). Thanks again, dear friend. Love and hugs ??

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  7. Reblogged this on https://tinafrisco.wordpress.com and said:

    The talented memoir author, D.G. Kaye (aka Debby Gies), has returned from her vacation ~ tanned and relaxed ~ and has resumed her weekly blog posts. Today, her Sunday Book Review series features 5-star reviews for Sally Cronin‘s What’s in a Name? and my children’s book, Gabby and the Quads. Thank you to Debby for this wonderful showcase, especially so soon after getting back in the saddle!

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  8. These are wonderful reviews Debbie! ‘What is in a name,’ this phrase has always fascinated me and i don’t agree with Shakespeare when he says “rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Name is the most important part of our personality, it gives us an identity and confidence and meaningful names inspire us to live upto those names. 🙂
    I have a few stories to share about the meanings of names and how they inspire. Let me reserve those for discussion later. 🙂
    Sally’s book seems quite promising from your review and Tina’s book must be a helpful tool for parents! Five children and four of the same age! Oh! it must be crazy fun!!

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    1. Thanks so much for adding to the discussion here Balroop. I’m with you on Shakespeare’s words. Our name is our identity and if we’re not happy with it or it’s not suited to us, it can become uncomfortable throughout life. No wonder some people change their names? 🙂

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  10. Both books sound amazing reads. I often feel so sorry for people who name their children rediculous sounding names, or who never think how their first name with go with their surname.. 🙂 Wishing Sally well with her book

    . 🙂 And I relate to Tina’s book a lot, being the eldest of Five siblings, not quite quads all at once, but I was left holding the baby so to speak many a time .
    And it sounds as if Tina so understands how a child may feel, and its good that she writes about parents wanting her to feel included. So important for a child not to lose their childhood while becoming the elder sister.. Good luck to Tina’s Book also..

    While I know I have not read either of their books, judging from their blogs, I know if I should purchase a copy I know I would not be disappointed.. As both are extremely wonderful writers..

    Wonderful reviews Debby..
    Love and Hugs my friend ❤ ???

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  11. Lovely reviews, Debby, of these wonderful authors and their books. I have read books by both authors and have enjoyed them. Happy to see you back and well rested after your fab trip. ??

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  20. Great reviews, Debby. 🙂 Although you might be annoyed, I must say I’m glad you didn’t get a lot of work done while you were away. You were supposed to RELAX. Glad you did!

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    1. Lol Sarah, not annoyed. I didn’t write my book, but I read other books and wrote reviews which I spent a few days this week drafting for Sunday reviews and posting on Amazon and Goodreads. And, oh, still read and visited many blogs. I’m paying the catch up price on everything now. 🙂

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