Author Archives: Laura Beth

09.08.16
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Writing Prompt #14: “30 Day Writing Challenge” (Day 8)

writing-2-pinterest

Image Credit: pinterest.com

Here’s the list!

  1. List 10 things that make you happy
  2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
  3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
  4. Write about someone who inspires you
  5. List 5 places you want to visit
  6. 5 wins to your heart
  7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
  8. Something you struggle with
  9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
  10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
  11. Something you always think “what if…” about
  12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
  13. What are you excited about
  14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
  15. Bullet-point your whole day
  16. Something that you miss
  17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
  18. Post 30 facts about yourself
  19. Discuss your first love
  20. Post about three celebrity crushes
  21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
  22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
  23. A letter to someone, anyone
  24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
  25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
  26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
  27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
  28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
  29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
  30. Your highs and lows for the month

Something you struggle with

I struggle with taking things personally, and caring too much. I’ve gotten better, as the years have passed. But, I take almost everything that’s said to me to heart, whether good or bad. I care immensely about the people in my life, and I know it’s important to do so. However, I know both of these things are major contributors to my anxiety.

I’ve always put others before myself. That’s the way I was raised. But, at the same time, until a few short years ago, I had no idea that I was essentially neglecting myself and my well-being.

The word “No” is a much bigger part of my vocabulary now. I don’t feel nearly as guilty as I used to, when I say no to things. If I’m pondering a decision that has a yes or no response, I always try to ask myself if my response will increase my anxiety. That usually helps simplify my answer.

I still take things personally, and I care way too much. But, that’s part of who I am. I’m just learning ways to control them, and how to always consider myself as part of the overall equation.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.07.16
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Commentary #40: Thoughts on “Girl Meets World”

girl-meets-world-quotesgram

Image Credit: quotesgram.com

I didn’t watch Boy Meets World growing up, but I watched a good chunk of it in syndication in college (Yay, ABC Family!)

boy-meets-world-pinterest

Image Credit: pinterest.com

Then, Disney announced that they were producing a sequel – Girl Meets World.

girl-meets-world-disney-wikia

Image Credit: disney.wikia.com

Well, it’s safe to say that I’m hooked.

We’ve already blown through the first two seasons on Netflix! I can’t wait until they get a hold of season 3!!

I love that Disney basically picked up right where Boy Meets World left off, and then proceeded to update it for today’s kids and parents.

At the same time, it’s a bit surreal to think that the kids who watched Boy Meets World are now adults and probably have kids of their own now, just like the characters Cory, Topanga, Eric, and Shawn.

COREY FOGELMANIS, PEYTON MEYER, SABRINA CARPENTER, ROWAN BLANCHARD, BEN SAVAGE, AUGUST MATURO, DANIELLE FISHEL

GIRL MEETS WORLD – Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World” stars Corey Fogelmanis as Farkle Minkus, Peyton Meyer as Lucas Friar, Sabrina Carpenter as Maya Hart, Rowan Blanchard as Riley Matthews, Ben Savage as Cory Matthews, August Maturo as Auggie Matthews and Danielle Fishel as Topanga Matthews. (Disney Channel/Edward Herrera) Image Credit: thewrap.com

I love that the show is mostly centered around the kids – Just like Boy Meets World was, back in the day. It certainly involves the adult characters, but the show is a decent role model for today’s kids. For me, I’ve seen many lessons about independence, friendship, moving, responsibility, choices, talent, and growing up, among other things.

It shows the struggles of middle school, mixed in with struggles of the adult world – Teaching, funding, helping others, making difficult decisions, supporting your family.

Now that I’m on pins and needles waiting for season 3, I want to go back and revisit Boy Meets World as a whole. There are some awesome flashbacks featured in Girl Meets World, and seeing those little snippets makes me even more nostalgic!

Overall, I think Disney’s done a good job with keeping a lot of the old elements, but also updating them for the new generations. Although it’s clearly designed for a younger audience, as a 28-year-old, I appreciate the show based on the nostalgia factor, the variety of social issues that are covered, and the feel-good atmosphere that surrounds the show as a whole. I’m happy that they’ve included a lot of the characters from the original show, as well as balanced those characters with new, fresh ones.

For me, this is similar to the feelings I felt when Netflix created Fuller House, but this experience is on a slightly different scale. I’m happy that Disney took this idea, knowing that they were taking a big risk with all of the Boy Meets World fans, and ran with it.

From what I’ve seen, it’s been a big success, so far.

What are your thoughts?

Did you watch Boy Meets World?

Have you watched Girl Meets World?

Let me know what you think!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.07.16
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Writing Prompt #13: “30 Day Writing Challenge” (Day 7)

writing-2-quotesgram

Image Credit: quotesgram.com

Here’s the list!

  1. List 10 things that make you happy
  2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
  3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
  4. Write about someone who inspires you
  5. List 5 places you want to visit
  6. 5 wins to your heart
  7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
  8. Something you struggle with
  9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
  10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
  11. Something you always think “what if…” about
  12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
  13. What are you excited about
  14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
  15. Bullet-point your whole day
  16. Something that you miss
  17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
  18. Post 30 facts about yourself
  19. Discuss your first love
  20. Post about three celebrity crushes
  21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
  22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
  23. A letter to someone, anyone
  24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
  25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
  26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
  27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
  28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
  29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
  30. Your highs and lows for the month

List 10 songs you’re loving right now

  1. Lips Are Movin by Meghan Trainor
  2. Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift
  3. H.O.L.Y. by Florida Georgia Line
  4. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
  5. NO by Meghan Trainor
  6. Heartbeat by Carrie Underwood
  7. Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift
  8. Think of You by Chris Young (Duet with Cassadee Pope)
  9. Sugar by Maroon 5
  10. From The Ground Up by Dan + Shay

I had heard good things about Meghan Trainor – I loved “All About That Bass” – But I’m so in love with her now. I want to go see her live now! I usually play one of these two songs every day. “Lips Are Movin” and “NO” are both full of sass, and both of them have some relation to some events that have happened in my life recently. I love her style!

“H.O.L.Y.” is a beautiful song. I wax and wane with Florida Georgia Line, but this one took my heart immediately.

“Uptown Funk” – I can’t stop! It’s so catchy. If I need a pick-me-up, I put this on for a little dance party when I first get to my office and I’m all alone for a few minutes.

“Heartbeat” is another gorgeous song. Carrie overdoes sometimes with her singing, but not this one!

“Think of You”is kind of a sad song, but I love the duet between Chris and Cassadee – So pretty!

“Sugar” – Another song that I can’t get enough of. The music video is basically perfection – Who doesn’t like a special surprise?

Dan + Shay swept me up with “19 You + Me” in 2014, and their new “From The Ground Up” didn’t disappoint – It’s wonderful.

Taylor Swift – She’s my fave. I’ve always loved “Welcome to New York” – But, I fell back in love when it was featured as the opening song for “The Secret Life of Pets,” which is an adorable movie!  And “Wildest Dreams” is another beautiful song – The music video is amazing!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.06.16
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Writing Prompt #12: “30 Day Writing Challenge” (Day 6)

writing-inspiremykids

Here’s the list!

  1. List 10 things that make you happy
  2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
  3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
  4. Write about someone who inspires you
  5. List 5 places you want to visit
  6. 5 wins to your heart
  7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
  8. Something you struggle with
  9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
  10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
  11. Something you always think “what if…” about
  12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
  13. What are you excited about
  14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
  15. Bullet-point your whole day
  16. Something that you miss
  17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
  18. Post 30 facts about yourself
  19. Discuss your first love
  20. Post about three celebrity crushes
  21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
  22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
  23. A letter to someone, anyone
  24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
  25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
  26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
  27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
  28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
  29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
  30. Your highs and lows for the month

Five ways to win your heart

Without question, Al’s definitely won my heart. Here’s five things (out of a long, long list) that he does or has done that makes me melt and fall more in love with him!

  1. Lots of forehead kisses – They’re immensely comforting to me.
  2. Stroke my hair – This calms me almost instantly. It’s so soothing.
  3. Sing along with me in the car when a good song comes on the radio.
  4. Being an awesome cook, and wanting to cook and try new recipes!
  5. Always finding a way to make me laugh.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.06.16
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Blog Awards #7: The Entertainer Blogger Award

The Entertainer Blogger Award - icebreaker

Image Credit: icebreaker694

Thank you so much to icebreaker694 for nominating me for The Entertainer Blogger Award!

Here’s the post where I was nominated:

The Rules:

  • Write a post with the award picture.
  • Nominate 12 other bloggers who are funny, inspiring, and, most important of all, ENTERTAINING!
  • Add these rules to the post.
  • Thank the person who nominated you and leave a link to their blog!
  • Also, answer these questions down below!

The Questions:

Why did you start a blog in the first place?

I was required to, as part of my Computer-Mediated Communication class in college. I wanted to go farther after the class ended, so Hot Shot Headlines was born after several rounds of trial and error. I’m sad that Dr. B. is no longer with us, but he left a lasting legacy on Longwood’s campus and community, and the world around him.

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What is your favorite book?

Gatsby - biography

Image Credit: biography.com

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

I was required to read it in high school, but I fell in love. I re-read this book every single year. I love the time period. The characters are intriguing. There’s an air of mystery. When I first read it, I was sad when it ended, hungry for more.

Afterward, I was inspired to read more of Fitzgerald’s works, and I did at least one research paper on his other books. The time period – The Jazz Age – is almost intoxicating. Reading the stories of Americans in Paris and other expatriates made me want to travel all of Europe and explore their world.

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What do you dislike the most?

I absolutely loathe spelling and grammatical errors. I’m always checking and double-checking any type of written communication I make before I let it go. I also spell out every word in my text messages!

Other than that, I’m not much of a hater – Unless you’re a distracted driver, an incredibly lazy or unmotivated person, or someone who is a complete asshole to me, my family, or friends. You will face my wrath if you mess with my family or close friends, and trust me, it’s not a pretty picture.

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What is your favorite food item from the mall?

It’s a tie – Orange chicken with fried rice, and Auntie Anne’s pretzels! There’s a great Chinese place in the local mall that makes some of the best orange chicken and fried rice. And you can’t go wrong with Auntie Anne’s – I love their Garlic Parmesan pretzels with the cheese dip!

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What is your favorite past time?

Another tie – Reading and writing. I love books, and as soon as I finish one and write a short review for the blog, I usually feel the need / itch to pick up another one to start within 24 hours.

When I’m not reading, you’ll usually find me working on the blog, or dreaming up a story idea in one of my notebooks, on a legal pad, or on my laptop. I’ve been writing stories down for well over 18 years now, and I always have a working pen and notebook / pad of paper with me at all times.

I Tag:

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.05.16
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Getting Personal #35: Back to School

Back to School - pinterest

Image Credit: pinterest.com

Thinking about the first day of school tomorrow for kids, parents, and teachers in southeastern Virginia, I wanted to share a comment that I made, in response to the Back to School post on Ellis Nelson Books:

I loved almost everything about school, with the exception of math. However, that attitude started to change in my freshman year of high school. I had an amazing teacher, Mrs. Zwemer, for Geometry. Almost immediately, she could tell that I was struggling and offered to stay after school with me every single day, if I needed it. She quickly became one of my favorite teachers and a confidant of sorts, since I had just started the still-fresh International Baccalaureate (IB) program at a high school that was 15 miles from home. She helped me learn to appreciate math. I didn’t have her in 10th grade for Algebra II, but I was thrilled when I was able to have her again for both junior and senior years. I still remember how proud she was of the effort and dedication I put into the Internal Assessment (IA), where I had devised a student survey of their favorite roller coasters at the Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion theme parks and then used math concepts to analyze the data.

She taught math with a fervent passion, raised a beautiful family, and fought cancer valiantly. She beat breast cancer, had an eight-year remission, and then she was diagnosed with metastatic disease the year after I graduated from high school. This diagnosis caused her early retirement in 2012, and everyone mourned, after teaching for just 18 years. I have a greater appreciation for Buzz Lightyear because of her – Anything and everything Buzz-related decorated her classroom.

She died, peacefully, on January 2, 2015. She was 56 years old. My mom and my now-husband went to her funeral with me, and both of them were lucky enough to have met her several times before the cancer took her away. I think of her every day. She lives on in all of us. To infinity and beyond!

Buzz Lightyear - wundur

Image Credit: wundur.co.uk

I hope everyone has a great start to the new school year!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.05.16
by

Writing Prompt #11: “30 Day Writing Challenge” (Day 5)

Writing - pinterest

Image Credit: pinterest.com

Here’s the list!

  1. List 10 things that make you happy
  2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
  3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
  4. Write about someone who inspires you
  5. List 5 places you want to visit
  6. 5 wins to your heart
  7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
  8. Something you struggle with
  9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
  10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
  11. Something you always think “what if…” about
  12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
  13. What are you excited about
  14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
  15. Bullet-point your whole day
  16. Something that you miss
  17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
  18. Post 30 facts about yourself
  19. Discuss your first love
  20. Post about three celebrity crushes
  21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
  22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
  23. A letter to someone, anyone
  24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
  25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
  26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
  27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
  28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
  29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
  30. Your highs and lows for the month

List 5 places you want to visit

  • Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay - wikipedia

Photo collage of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

I’ve always wanted to see my Packers play a home game at Lambeau Field – Just not in a blizzard!

—

 

  • Hawaii
Hawaii - trafalgar

Image Credit: trafalgar.com

Ever since my parents went to Hawaii for a week in the summer of 2009, I’ve wanted to go! There are so many things I want to do there: Attempt to surf at Waikiki Beach, climb Diamond Head, go to Pearl Harbor, see where Jurassic Park was filmed, and more!

—

  • Italy
Italy - cntraveler

Image Credit: cntraveler.com

Just search “Italy” in Google Images and you’re instantly flooded with amazing sights! I want to visit Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Florence, and all the famous monuments. I have several friends who have honeymooned in Europe, including Italy, and I’ve always been jealous of their photos!

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  • San Francisco, California
Baker Beach, San Francisco

Baker Beach. Image Credit: californiabeaches.com

I want to see all the tourist spots: The Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, the Full House house, Chinatown, and more!

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  • Alaska
Alaska - mcl

Image Credit: ncl.com

Ever since I was 10, I’ve wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise! The scenery up there is absolutely breath-taking!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.04.16
by

Getting Personal #34: Six Years

Love Quote - picturequotes

Image Credit: picturequotes.com

Today, Al and I celebrate six years together.

Wow!

Time flies when you’re having fun.

I want to share a few special pictures with you, my readers. But, other than that, I’ll keep this post short.

—

I’ve expressed my love for Al several times on the blog:

So, here’s six photos that are very special to me.

Al - November 2010

November 2010: This was a candid shot taken at the Alpha Sigma Tau Anchor Banquet, just a couple months after we started dating. Photo Credit: Tina Bird Stewart.

Al - August 2013

August 2013: I entered a contest on Busch Gardens’ Facebook page, and ended up winning VIP passes to their KC and the Sunshine Band concert! We had a blast!

Al - August 2014

August 2014: We decided to visit the Norfolk Zoo for the first time in years, and had a great time! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Al - December 2014

December 2014: This was Al’s company Christmas party at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. I absolutely loved the Kate Spade sparkly dress!

Al - July 2015

July 2015: This was just one of our fabulous engagement photos at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront! Photo Credit: Amanda MacDiarmid, owner/operator of Stellar Exposures.

Al - November 2015

November 2015: One of the many spectacular, gorgeous photos of our amazing wedding day! Photo Credit: MacDiarmid, owner/operator of Stellar Exposures.

Happy Anniversary, Al!

Here’s to the rest of our lives!

I love you!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.04.16
by

Writing Prompt #10: “30 Day Writing Challenge” (Day 4)

FSF - qualitylogoproducts

Image Credit: qualitylogoproducts.com

Here’s the list!

  1. List 10 things that make you happy
  2. Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
  3. What are your top 3 pet peeves
  4. Write about someone who inspires you
  5. List 5 places you want to visit
  6. 5 wins to your heart
  7. List 10 songs you’re loving right now
  8. Something you struggle with
  9. Post some words of wisdom that speak to you
  10. Write about something for which you feel strongly
  11. Something you always think “what if…” about
  12. Write about 5 blessings in your life
  13. What are you excited about
  14. Post your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
  15. Bullet-point your whole day
  16. Something that you miss
  17. Post about your zodiac sign, and whether or not it fits you
  18. Post 30 facts about yourself
  19. Discuss your first love
  20. Post about three celebrity crushes
  21. What are 3 lessons you want your children to learn from you
  22. Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs
  23. A letter to someone, anyone
  24. What about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way
  25. Think of any word. Search it on Google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image
  26. Write about an area in your life you’d like to improve
  27. Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now
  28. Post 5 things that make you laugh-out-loud
  29. What are your goals for the next 30 days
  30. Your highs and lows for the month

Write about someone who inspires you

My Grandma Grace was my mom’s mom. I’ll admit, she was my favorite grandparent. I was fortunate enough to have all four of my grandparents until the age of 20, which is exceedingly rare among my age group.

Born in 1917, she survived the Great Depression in Ripley, West Virginia. Her mother was Laura Bethany Powers (My namesake), and Grandma’s childhood was shaped by farming, gardening, cooking, grit, perseverance, and determination. She went to college in Ohio and earned a degree in Social Work.

She married my Grandpa Madan in June 1944, just before D-Day. My Grandpa was in the Army, and they married on the Army base right before he left for Europe.

After the war ended, she struggled to get pregnant. She ended taking DES in the belief that it would prevent miscarriages and other complications. At the beginning of the fifties, my Uncle Richard was born first, and then my mom came along two years later.

My head is full of stories of their adventures in Kendall, Florida. She was a devoted wife and mother while my grandpa owned furniture stores and other businesses. They had many animals, and traveled extensively. They were faithful Christians, volunteers, and wonderful friends to almost everyone.

Because Grandma took DES, my mom had immense trouble having children. My mom endured three miscarriages and other medical issues before I was born prematurely. I ended up being the only grandchild. Grandma was 71 when I born, but was an amazing grandmother from the very start.

She taught me so many things:

  • Cooking – I can almost taste her leg of lamb every Easter.
  • Keeping a beautiful house – The two houses they owned in Coral Gables were always immaculately decorated!
  • A love of traveling – She and Grandpa cruised all over the world!
  • Patience
  • A love of reading, newspapers, libraries, and bookstores.
  • Sets of dishes / china are practical, but also collectible.
  • How to play Scrabble and complete the hardest crossword puzzles.
  • Frozen Oreos are the best Oreos.
  • Keeping the faith.
  • Calling family and friends on the phone on a regular basis.
  • Getting old with grace, peace, and acceptance.

Grandpa, the first of my grandparents to leave this world, passed away on August 25, 2008. Although sad, Grandma Grace was incredibly strong and forgiving. She endured multiple estate sales, and the eventual sale of the home they shared for nearly 10 years on Palmarito Street. After the house sold, she moved in with my Uncle Richard, who only lives a few miles away in Miami.

She passed away peacefully on July 31, 2013, at the age of 96.

Next July marks what would have been her 100th birthday.

I want to do something special then.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

09.03.16
by

Book Review #18: “The Finders Keepers Rule: A Maryellen Mystery”

Maryellen Mystery - amazon

Image Credit: amazon.com

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island.”

~Walt Disney

After reading the first two volumes in Maryellen Larkin’s collection, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her mystery book.

If you haven’t already, I would recommend reading my first two posts before moving forward with this one:

—

Maryellen’s story continues in December 1955. Daytona Beach is busy preparing for its annual dance, and excitement is in the air.

I could almost hear “Rock Around The Clock” in my ears throughout the book. The music of the fifties is amazing!

As Maryellen practices dance steps with her sister Carolyn, and Davy practices football plays, there’s more excitement along the shore. There’s several secrets, a mysterious ring, and a sense of treasure afoot!

This book gripped me by the shirt collar and never let go. I couldn’t put it down! For being a book meant for ages 8 and up, it almost felt like a classic Nancy Drew mystery. There were twists, turns, a bit of danger, and several suspects!

I was happy to see a spotlight on several other characters: Maryellen’s sister Joan, Joan’s new husband, Jerry; and more of Davy.

Once again, this standalone novel proves that 10-year-old kids are just as smart and clever as adults. I was actually sad to get to the end!

If you like the thrill of discovering treasure, history, and a bit of suspense, I definitely recommend this book. This is a new favorite of mine!

To finish out Maryellen’s collection, I will be reading The Sky’s The Limit: My Journey with Maryellen (Choose-your-own-adventure). I hope to have that review published very soon!

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂