We love Carl and this book is another reason why we do.  Carl and his family have headed to their cabin for summer vacation and the parents don’t realize how lucky they are, that they brought Carl along with them.  With only a few pages containing actual words, the illustrations tell the story of what actually transpires in the story. 

My grandson (he’s almost 3-years-old) and I like to read stories about Carl as his stories give way to conversations, Carl sets a great example, and the stories are upbeat and cheerful.  Carl is a large, rottweiler who is mindful of his family’s young daughter, Madeleine.  In the series, the two of them have wonderful adventures together, for which the adults have no idea what, the two of them have been up to.  Carl is her protector.

While the parents get the cabin cleaned up, they set Madeleine and Carl down for a nap.  Immediately, they set off to see the sights. I love the way that Carl tends to Madeleine and how she follows his lead.  They do get into an empty boat which isn’t a good idea but she’s wearing a life vest, so she’s safe and this scenario brings up a good conversation for my grandson and I.  I’m surprised that her parents don’t check-in on the two “sleeping” youngsters, for Madeleine and Carl have quite the adventure while her parents clean and tidy up the cabin.  Their excursion finally comes to an end as they scramble back up onto the porch.  They arrived just in time, for Madeleine’s parent’s call out to them, supposedly waking them up.  Dinner is about to be served and the rest of the book is super cute.  

The illustrations in the Carl books remind me of some books I used to read from in the 1970’s.  The vivid colors, the way the faces are drawn, and how the illustrations just pop off the pages.  I like how the illustrator paid attention to some details while blending in others.  I highly recommend Carl books by Alexandra Day.     

This is book # 2 in the Men Of Summer series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  To avoid spoilers, and to get full enjoyment - I recommend reading the series in the order intended.

Declan has a new team and its far away from the love of his life.  When he runs into Grant its almost like their strangers.  Will he give him a second chance?

Grant knows he must focus and be the best he can be for his team.  He makes a point to get to know his teammates and be a better friend.  At night he still longs for the man that makes him whole.  Is it worth it to try again?

Grant is moving on. Declan is moving on. Can they find the courage to be together again?  This is an amazing installment for their story.  I cannot wait for the next book that is coming out soon.  I give this a 5/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

FREE E-BOOK- June 21 – 25

East Van Saturday Night – Short Stories and a Novella

"...adventures were undertaken, friendships were forged, and character was created."

Download your copy now at

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003DS6LEU

East Vancouver in the '50s and '60s was a low income, blue-collar neighbourhood. Kids grew up with minimum supervision. They left home in the morning, showed up for dinner, and were gone again until "the gun" sounded at 9 p.m. During the time away adventures were undertaken, friendships were forged, and character was created. East Van Rules was not only meant as a challenge, but also a code to live by.

These four short stories and novella highlight coming of age events; a ten-year-old playing for the elementary school softball championship, a teenage tough strutting his stuff at the local dance, a hippie youth hitchhiking across Canada during the Summer of Love.

Watershed moments told from a perspective that explains why you can take the boy out of East Van, but you'll never take East Van out of the boy.

WATCH THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

https://animoto.com/play/zkccQowD4WH9gdesTlXCDg

summer has arrived and it's time to live in the sunshine. There are so many things to look forward to in this season. It's time for a get-away with family and friends, it's a preferred beach time, it's a pool time for kids, school vacations, ice creams, night fun, family time, and much more. So, as we say summer has arrived, home interior designs need a change as it is refurbished and decked up as we do for every seasonal change or festive times. While, there is no doubt that, this summer we are going to give some beautiful tips for home interiors offering great value to your home and enjoy the change that you offer your home. These ideas are shared by one of the top Interior Designers In Bangalore.

Here we are sharing fellow yellow-mellow kitchen concepts that simply spruce up your cooking. Kitchens are the center of your home and let's brighten up your kitchen with some bright summer color. These are some of the coolest colors offering a calming effect to the cooking space. Adding dark yellow to one particular area of your kitchen brings up a focal point and these colors like light golden, yellow-green combinations offer an eye-catchy look to the entire space. 

A good kitchen layout:

The kitchen the layout needs to be functional and practical with ergonomic value having factors including right heights, enough space to work in the kitchen, perfectly organized appliances, and a great work triangle. Getting the quirky kitchens designed with efficient usability can be done with the ideas of the Best Interior Decorators In Bangalore. It is the experts who can guide you throughout with the proper use of high, shiny, glossy, and eye-soothing colors concerning the seasonal changes. The sturdy kitchens with high gloss laminates are eye-appealing with a great look for the long run.

How yellow works with other colors:

Yellow colors are easy to maintain and are extremely attractive with their bright color complementing the entire home. A touch of yellow color can be easily combined with other colors which make up the kitchen elegantly delightful. Giving the right addition of countertop with the right selection of tiles or marbles make it more idea which in turn makes it easy to maintain.

Benefits of yellow color:

• Yellows are vibrant
• Great combination with the addition of other colors
• Offers positive vibes
• The yellow the color symbolizes energy and fun

Ben has been in love with Shelly since he was a teenager. Though she is older than him, his feelings have not changed when he meets her as a man. Shelly, not knowing who he is at first, is powerfully attracted to him. When she learns who he is, she feels their relationship is inappropriate and tries to drive a wedge between them. Will it work?

This is very dated. The age gap is only six years and her friendship with his mother has nothing to do with what is between them. His fiancée is a horror and I knew she would not last. Others try to do damage to Shelly but she manages to free herself from all of that. I liked the kindly listening ear of the village doctor who helps her straighten herself out. Ben is aggressive. When he doesn't get his way, look out.

While I have always liked Anne Mather's books, this is not a keeper.