• Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (July 28, 2020)
• Hardcover: 240 pages
Siblings Emma and Alex tumble into a secret world where magic is
real and skilled illusionists can perform actual tricks–for better or
worse. Perfect for fans of the Magic Misfits and the Land of Stories
series.
After their parents vanished, Alex and Emma are sent to live with
strict Uncle Mordo. Only Emma’s pet rabbit, Pimawa, keeps them company.
But when flying skeletons called Rag-o-Rocs storm their once-quiet home,
the kids escape just in time with Pimawa leading the way.
The rabbit takes the siblings to the Conjurian, a land where magic
exists and Pimawa can talk. But the Conjurian is in trouble. Magic has
been disappearing, and the Shadow Conjurer, the most mysterious sorcerer
of all, is on the hunt for the Eye of Dedi, an object so powerful it
could destroy the Conjurian and human worlds. The battle to control all
magic has begun. There’s only one problem: Alex and Emma don’t have any!
Masterful storytelling and dozens of captivating illustrations fill
author-illustrator Brian Anderson’s world with charm and intrigue. Fall
under the spell of the Conjurers.
Brian Anderson is the creator of the syndicated comic strip “Dog eat
Doug”, which enjoys an international fan base both on and offline. He is
an optioned screenwriter and the author of several children’s books,
including “Nighty Night, Sleepy Sleeps” and “Monster Chefs”. He is
currently working on the upcoming YA series, “The Conjurers” with Crown
Publishing.
I love a good ol' fantasy book, movie or tv show. There's something about being taken to a fantasy world, with things that you wouldn't obviously see on a day to day basis, and letting your mind take you for a crazy ride.
Let me start by saying that this is a Young Adult Fiction book, and I'm not usually drawn to these, although there have been some really good ones that I've read before.
I wasn't quite sure if I would enjoy The Conjurers or if I would find it too kid like for me.
Not only did I like it, I absolutely loved it. It was such a fun read, a quick read too by the way.
So we meet siblings Emma and Alex. Orphans who are sent to live with their very strict and no fun at all, uncle Mordo. Their parents have just vanished almost into thin air, and they have no idea where they went, what happened and if they are ever coming back.
Living with their uncle they start to run into all sorts of secrets that bring up more questions than answers pertaining to their parents.
Their only company in the middle of it all, is Emma's Rabbit. But when the rabbit takes them to a magical land called Conjurian, the adventures really begin.
Brian Anderson does a fantastic job of pulling the reader right into the story. It's almost like you open a page and are immediately transported right into the middle of this fantastic story. His vivid descriptions, along with the illustrations throughout the book, really paint a picture of Conjurian and the magical land we are taken into.
I won't say much more on this because I fear it will give away the story, and it is one that I know you and your middle graders will love to read for yourselves.
The Conjurers is book one of a new series by Brian Anderson.
#1 The Conjurers Rise of the Shadows
#2 The Conjurers Hunt for the Lost
#3 Yet to be released, but if you're interested in seeing the cover reveal, come back here on the 6th of July, for a sneak peek.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours, the publisher Crown Books for Young Readers, and the author Brian Anderson for the really awesome signed review copy.
Good morning friends, welcome back to my little corner of the world.
I hope you had a restful, good weekend with your family. Mine was busy as usual, the past few weekends I have spent with my brother and his family. Through the battle my sister in law is facing at the moment, we have pulled together even more as a family and are helping however we can.
Sometimes just coming over and cooking a homemade Portuguese meal, is just what they need. I love cooking, and it's something that I enjoy doing for others around me, so it's not an issue for me, but for my family, and especially my brother who loves his Portuguese food, it means the world.
So I'm tired, but a good tired. The kind of tired that reminds you that you spent time doing something good, something for others, something that God is proud of you for doing.
My house however is needing attention, and that is what I'll be doing this week.
Hope you all have a blessed week, as we head into the end of June and beginning of July. Insane!!!
♥♥Weather♥♥
It's been so hot around here, and dry. Thankfully yesterday we got some much needed rain, and we have a full week of rain ahead, and cooler temperatures. I'm so thankful for those, and for the rain that we are needing for our garden.
Monday - Thunderstorms, 80
Tuesday - Scattered Thunderstorms, 81
Wednesday - AM Thunderstorms, 87
Thursday - Scattered Thunderstorms, 87
Friday - Scattered Thunderstorms, 82
Saturday - Isolated Thunderstorms, 84
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 85
♥♥How I am feeling this morning♥♥
I am tired, and may lay down later today for a quick nap, but that is all dependent on my housework and getting it all done.
♥♥On the breakfast plate♥♥
Just a cup of coffee with vanilla creamer. I will have some cheesy bread later. I just take some bread, sliced or even a roll cut in half, spread butter on, add a slice of cheese and throw it in my air fryer for a few minutes. So good.
♥♥Looking around the house♥♥
It is dark this morning, as we have cloudy skies. I have the back patio door open to let in some fresh air (screen closed of course, so Elliott doesn't get out).
My kitchen needs some attention, I have dishes in the sink from last night that I ended up not getting to, because I was at my brothers house all day.
I need to dust and vacuum, so the house needs a bit of picking up.
♥♥On my reading pile♥♥
I am in Mark on the Bible.
Also reading Eva and Eve for a book review.
♥♥On my TV♥♥
I had an hour on Saturday night, to just sit and watch something. I picked Murder on the Coast, on Netflix, which was a documentary about two young teenage girls who were killed in Malaga, Spain. Very interesting.
Also been watching The Chosen with my husband. We watch an episode every night.
♥♥On the menu this week♥♥
Monday - Smothered Chicken, Rice, Salad
Tuesday - Pizza Mac and Cheese, Garlic Bread
Wednesday - Fried Sausage and Potatoes, Seasoned Brussel Sprouts
My niece is expecting her second baby. We did her gender reveal on Saturday, and she is having a baby boy. She already has a little girl, so we are sooooo excited for her.
♥♥I am thankful for♥♥
Oh goodness, when we actually sit down and think about everything we are thankful for, you will be amazed at the blessings God has been setting before you, some you don't even realize.
In this season of trials, we are so thankful that God has watched over our Marley, and aside from the swelling in his lymph nodes which make him uncomfortable and sometimes hard to walk, he has been absolutely fine. That is God's hand on him, for sure.
♥♥I am hoping to♥♥
Have a blessed week, with good news all around, and some much needed rest.
Also hoping to get some blog posts up, I have some things that I really want to share with you.
♥♥Something I want to share♥♥
A slow afternoon at Fairyland Cottage....just love this channel.
♥♥Bible Verse, Devotional, Prayer List♥♥
- My SIL is having her port surgery done this morning, a PET Scan tomorrow, and her first chemotherapy session on Friday. Please keep her in your prayers.
- Marley is off all meds starting today, for his biopsy scheduled on the 8th of July. Please pray that the swelling goes down a bit so he can be comfortable until the surgery.
- South Africa is going into total lockdown again soon. My two brothers and one of my SIL, how businesses, and this is really difficult for their families. Also have a lot of friends back home currently struggling with Covid, as well as many others who have passed from this horrible virus. Please keep them all in your prayers.
This may sound like the strangest question, but stop for a moment and really think back to the last time you stopped and relaxed?
You'll probably say "Oh just this morning, I sat down for 5 minutes."
Ok, but did you actually relax? And I mean relax in the sense of, leaning back, closing your eyes, dropping your shoulders and taking a deep breath.
I have noticed that the past 3 months, through this difficult season we've been in, my neck and shoulders have been so sore. I kept thinking, I may have tweaked them somehow, but I can't think of anything I did that would cause this tightness and soreness.
Then it struck me. I sat down, dropped my shoulders and my neck, and really relaxed. I had no idea that I had been walking around stiff necked, tightened with all the stress I've been under.
The situations we are facing are still here, but I made the decision a few days ago, that I will not allow them to continue influencing my well being, and my joy. In case you didn't know, joy is not a feeling, it is a choice. I know, I know, I lived my whole life thinking it was a feeling only to realize it was a choice that I could make every morning. How liberating when you actually take that step and choose joy.
No, it doesn't take away the problem, and sometimes it doesn't completely take away the worry either, but it does change your attitude and allows you to enjoy your days, instead of living under a constant dark cloud.
I didn't realize just how much stress I was carrying on my shoulders, until I sat down to work on my new meal plan. I leaned my head back on the couch, closed my eyes and let my arms drop at my side.
It felt like 100 pounds lifted off my chest and shoulders.
In that instant I choice joy. I said to myself "Right, enough of letting the giants around me pull me down, make me sad, take my joy. It's up to me."
And so I did, I chose joy. I got up, I cleaned, I rearranged, I laughed, I played with Marley, I watched a favorite show and I fixed a yummy meal for my family. It felt so good to be back to myself.
We can embrace the goodness in our days, or we can let the worries take us over. I was choosing to let the darkness guide my every step, and oh my goodness, it was dark. I feel so much better just being myself, working around the house, cooking and baking and moving through my days with a smile on my face.
Thank you all so much for the sweetest comments you've been leaving. I know your prayers are working and helping me shift from this dark place I was in. Really, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I know I haven't been posting much, things are difficult as you know.
Today I went with my sister in law to a chemo class, where they explained her treatments, side effects, what kind of breast cancer she is dealing with and all that stuff.
It was an overload of information, we asked questions, as many as we could think to ask at the time. Then we walked out, looked at each other and literally said "What the hell?".
See we are at that point right now, where we are still all so confused to what is going on. We talked in the car about how we never in our minds, thought that we would be here one day, going to a chemo class and facing such a huge battle ahead.
My sister in law and I have known each other, and been friends since 1988. 33 years.
There's a lot of history, we went through a lot together, grew up, spent weekends as teenagers watching movies and laughing until the sun came up. Watched each other get married, have children, become adults and make huge moves across countries.
And now this. The one thing that never crossed our minds.
But we face it with laughter until our sides hurt. We keep saying, we laugh so we don't cry.
As we sat and listened to all the side effects that she is possible facing, losing her hair, her eyebrows and her eyelashes, we sat stunned not knowing what to even think. See for us, we look at each other the same way we did when we were 15 years old.
We don't think that we are 47 and 46, we still feel young.....well, for the most part, honestly our bodies let us know daily that we are no longer teenagers.
But, the way we are going to get through this, is with laughter, and that same young spirit we have always had. It's going to be tough, but we will get through it as a family.
So whatever you're facing, whatever seems impossible to you at the moment, just remember to sit down, tilt your head back, close your eyes, drop your arms at your side and release that tension and stress. Then get up, put a smile on your face, choose joy and face that giant.
Good morning everyone. I hope you had a good weekend, and my wish for you is that the new week ahead is full of blessings and peace.
I am starting this week hopeful for the same thing.
Marley's test results from the Tick disease panel, all came back negative, so now we move onto a biopsy of his lymph nodes, in 10 days. It's not the result we were wishing for, but it's God's plan and we will just keep pushing through with this.
My sister in law Hayley, also begins a week of multiple appointments, on her path to starting chemotherapy.
Our family has been put through the ringer since last year, and the pattern seems to continue at the moment. We will come out stronger on the other side, but it's incredibly difficult to get through each day. I'm struggling a lot, trying to stay strong for everyone and myself, dealing with a dog that isn't feeling very well, and being there for my SIL, while also making sure that I'm taking care of myself. It's hard!!!
Life is just hard at the moment.
I feel so bad for neglecting my blog, only doing this post or book reviews that need to go up, but not able to come by and visit, to comment, to reply to everyone. Please know that I read every single comment and I appreciate you all so much. I'm going to try and reply to the comments, here directly on this post.
It's not the same as visiting you all, but at least it's something. Thank you again for all the prayers, love, support, emails and private message over the past few weeks. It has meant the world to me and my family.
Have a blessed week!!!
♥♥The Weather♥♥
First day of summer, but it feels like we're well into it. The weather here has been incredibly hot, my goodness.
Marley has been restless at night, the swelling in his lymph nodes are not painful but they bother him a lot. He also runs low grade fevers, which means some nights he is just not sleeping well. He had us up at 4:30 am to go potty so we both just got up for the day.
I'm tired, I am struggling with everything going on, but in the end I am blessed no matter what.
♥♥On the breakfast plate♥♥
Just coffee for now. I am not hungry, will eat something later this morning, though not sure what.
♥♥On my reading pile♥♥
Still reading Luke in the Bible.
Also starting Eva and Eve for a book review.
♥♥On my tv♥♥
I haven't watched anything for a couple days, just haven't had the time.
♥♥On the menu this week♥♥
Need to work on the new menu, as I go grocery shopping on Friday.
Monday - Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, Homemade Fries
Tuesday - Copycat Hamburger Helper, Salad
Wednesday - Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs, Macaroni and Cheese
Saturday - Grilled Brats and Burgers, Potato Salad
Sunday - Leftovers
♥♥From the camera♥♥
I have two recipes that I'll be adding to the food blog. This one was a winner. Quick to put together, filling and who doesn't love a good chili dog?
♥♥Looking around the house♥♥
It is cloudy today, so this morning is not as bright or bathed in golden light, as it usually is. The back patio door is open (screen closed, of course), and Marley is laying right by it, watching the birds and squirrels in the yard. Elliott is laying close to him, going in and out of sleep.
Curt is getting ready for work, Jasmine is getting ready for work, Nick is asleep, and I have yet to get dressed.
I need to give my house a very good clean today. I've been doing just general pick up and tidy, but when I don't feel well, I find that I need my house spotless. I don't know why, it's like the only thing I can control at the moment, so I throw myself into it.
♥♥To relax this week, I will♥♥
Honestly, if I have a moment to relax this week, I may just sit, close my eyes and breathe deeply.
♥♥Something I want to share♥♥
I love following Mayo, she has really interesting videos, and I love how she shares her life and finds joy in every little detail. Check her out on Youtube!
Her video today is titled Living without a Refrigerator.
♥♥Devotional, inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse♥♥
♥♥ SIL Hayley, she has quite a few appointments this week, sonograms, EKG, blood work, and next week a Pet Scan. Please keep her in your prayers.
♥♥ Marley, that this week is not too rough on him. He has to be off all meds for 10 days until the biopsy, which is so hard to do because the swelling has been going on for 3 months, so he is uncomfortable.
♥♥ My brother Bruno in South Africa, for his work situation to be resolved. God knows what it is.
♥♥ We have lost a lot of friends in South Africa, including my old family doctor, and his wife is currently in the ICU. Covid has hit hard over there, and many are suffering. Praying for the covid to end world wide.
Good morning everyone, hope you've had a wonderful weekend.
Mine was quite busy, as usual, but it did include lots of family time which is something we were needing.
I need to start this post by saying a huge heartfelt thank you, to all of you who left such sweet and kind comments on my last Happy Homemaker Monday. I love my blog readers, and most of you have been following me for many many years, some even from the beginning. We have become friends, and knowing I have your support and prayers means the world to me.
I'm slowly coming out of this season I'm in, but there is still a lot of work ahead, especially as we were dealt a blow on Friday that left us all reeling.
My sister in law's biopsy results came back, and she has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Please hold her in your prayers, as she begins this fight, and we as a family help her through this. I feel in my heart she is going to be just fine, but we do have a long road ahead.
Marley is no closer to a diagnosis yet, they did test him for Lyme and a few others, and they all came back negative. This afternoon he goes in for more blood work to test for deer tick diseases, but we won't know the results to that until middle of the week.
There is a lot on our plate at the moment, and all of it has contributed to my anxiety, but I'm fighting it, and putting it in God's hands and allowing Him to take over. No matter the outcome, no matter what happens in the next few months, I have to remind myself that it is out of my control. Accepting God's plan is hard to do at times, especially when it involves the pain or possibility of losing a loved one or pet.
Anyway, let's get on with this post, just please continue to hold us all in your prayers!
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The weather:::
The summer heat has arrived, we've been in the triple digits already the past few days, and I'm just not enjoying it at all.
Monday - Partly cloudy, 95
Tuesday - Sunny, 96
Wednesday - Sunny, 97
Thursday - Sunny, 99
Friday - Sunny, 99
Saturday - Mostly sunny, 96
Sunday - Mostly sunny, 98
On my reading pile:::
Starting the next review book called Night Bloomers by Michelle Pearce.
Started Luke in the Bible, and also reading Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place, again.
On my TV:::
Started The Chosen with hubby. He hasn't watched it and I haven't watched it all, so we started it last night.
On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Chili Dog Casserole with Cheese Fries
Tuesday - Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Wednesday - Spaghetti Pie, Garlic Bread, Salad
Thursday - AppleBee's Ribs, Baked Potatoes
Friday - Knock your socks off Burgers
Saturday - Copycat Hamburger Helper, Salad
Sunday - Leftovers
On my to do list:::
Vet - As I mentioned above, Marley was tested on Friday for Lyme disease, Anaplast, heartwork and ringworm and thankfully it all came back negative. We have to take him back up at lunch time for them to get another blood test to send to the lab. She is going to do a full panel for Tick Bite Diseases. It takes 3 days at least, so we will know at the end of the week if that is what is going on.
If it is all negative then we move on to a biopsy of the lymph nodes.
Taking Jasmine to work this morning.
Laundry, changing bed linens, giving the house a good clean.
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
My blanket is sitting in the basket waiting for me to pick it back up, but I have to pull back a row or two and really don't want to deal with that right now. Will just have to sit there a little longer for now.
Looking around the house:::
It is cloudy outside again, so the house is still dark.
My house needs a good clean, not just a quick tidy but a deep clean, and I'm hoping to start that this morning.
From the camera:::
Added two more recipes to the food blog, go on over and take a look :)
Something fun to share:::
Here is a short sweet video for you all. It is called Escape to the Forest. Hope you enjoy ♥
On my prayer list:::
♥♥
Our Marley. For answers so that we can start treating him for whatever is causing the swelling.
♥♥
My sister in law Hayley, for this new giant that has been placed in her path.
