Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Distance and Learning and Teaching, Oh My! Episode 6: Point of View (POV)

Welcome to #DistanceandLearningandTeachingOhMy, a #distancelearning video series for #middleschoolstudents, #middleschoolteachers, and #parents or #guardians with a #middleschooler #surviving distance learning.

This episode is all about #pointofview, also known as # POV or #perspective. So, if you’re ready to tell your side of the story, watch the video… now. 

If you’re interested in more #teaching videos, I plan on posting at least one video a month for the remainder of the school year. If time is kind to me, I may post more. Thank you for the new subscribers I got this week. You made my word-nerd heart pitter patter with pride.  

Any of the websites, YouTube videos, or Google documents I use in my videos are linked below. Borrow them if you like. All that I ask in return is for you to, as my younger son says, “drop a like.” If you’d like to subscribe and share, well, I won’t be mad at you. Thanks for watching.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Distance and Learning and Teaching, Oh My! Episode 5: Figurative Language

Welcome to #DistanceandLearningandTeachingOhMy, a #distancelearning video series for #middleschoolstudents, #middleschoolteachers, and #parents or #guardians with a #middleschooler #surviving distance learning.

This episode is all about #figurativelanguage and focuses on painting with words. So, if you’re ready to not mean what you say, watch the video… now. 

If you’re interested in more #teaching videos, I plan on posting at least one video a month for the remainder of the school year. If time is kind to me, I may post more. Thank you for the new subscribers I got this week. You made my word-nerd heart pitter patter with pride.  

Any of the websites, YouTube videos, or Google documents I use in my videos are linked below. Borrow them if you like. All that I ask in return is for you to, as my younger son says, “drop a like.” If you’d like to subscribe and share, well, I won’t be mad at you. Thanks for watching.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Distance and Learning and Teaching, Oh My! Episode 4: Plot

Welcome to #DistanceandLearningandTeachingOhMy, a #distancelearning video series for #middleschoolstudents, #middleschoolteachers, and #parents or #guardians with a #middleschooler #surviving distance learning.

This episode uses “Hansel and Gretel” to teach the five elements of plot. So, if you’re ready to get a little #wicked with #plot, watch the video… now. 

If you’re interested in more #teachingvideos, I plan on posting at least one video a month for the remainder of the school year. If time is kind to me, I may post more. Thank you for the new subscribers I got this week. You made my word-nerd heart pitter patter with pride.  

Any of the websites, YouTube videos, or Google documents I use in my videos are linked below. Borrow them if you like. All that I ask in return is for you to, as my younger son says, “Drop a like.” If you’d like to subscribe and share, well, I won’t be mad at you. Thanks for watching.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Distance and Learning and Teaching, Oh My! Episode 3: Theme

Welcome to #DistanceandLearningandTeachingOhMy, a #distancelearning video series for my #middleschoolstudents, fellow #middleschoolteachers, and any #parent or #guardian with a #middleschooler who is #surviving distance learning. 

This episode is all about #theme and is created specifically for seventh grade middle school students. If you’re interested in more #teaching videos, I plan on posting at least one video a month for the remainder of the school year. If time is kind to me, I may post more. Thank you for the new subscribers I got this week. You made my word-nerd heart pitter patter with pride.  

Any of the websites, YouTube videos, or Google documents I use in my videos are linked below. Borrow them if you like. All that I ask in return is for you to, as my younger son says, “Drop a like down below.” If you’d like to subscribe and share, well, I won’t be mad at you.

Thanks for watching. Tune in next time for another episode. TTFN… ta ta for now!

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Coffee Break Book Reviews with Author June Smalls

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present this week’s episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews.

This week, I interviewed #PB #author, June Smalls about her #nonfiction picture book, She Leads, about the elephant matriarch. If you’re interested in reading a book about elephant facts and their familial bonds, click the link below to buy She Leads.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy. 

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next time for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews. 

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book by clicking https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/she-leads-june-smalls/1134542815.

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

“Talitha Koum…Little Girl, Get Up!”

‘Talitha koum, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’”
— Mark 5:41

I don’t know about you, but my life has had so many ups and downs lately that I could legit open an amusement park. To be honest, I’m kinda sick of this COVID coaster and just ready to ride the carousel for a month or five. Definitely five…

The school year has begun with distance learning, and though I am crazy grateful, it’s been an adjustment… an expensive adjustment. We have spent an exorbitant amount of dollars getting our WiFi up to par and replacing archaic computers with ones built to withstand the havoc of online teaching. Even with all of these safeguards, I’m still freezing during my Google Meets. Oh, to the well.

Another life whammy is that I got another rejection from a publisher. As weird as this sounds, it was my best rejection letter by far, but the pain is real with this young Jedi. I went through the typical emotions: sorrow, frustration, realization, panic, disillusionment, and hopefully soon, acceptance. There are few things more difficult then putting your heart in a stranger’s care and hoping they love and accept it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m utterly grateful for the experience and the beautiful wisdom the editor gave me. I just wish I had a different outcome.

To further the storm, my dad is in the hospital, again. The prognosis is BAD. Before COVID hit, my dad was in the ICU because his heart stopped… three times. He is diabetic and had a finger infection. The infection became so horrific that it essentially was poisoning him, and his heart was too weak to continue. We thought we lost him, but the amazing doctors and nurses saved his life. He lost his finger but kept his life, which in the grand scheme of things isn’t that great of a loss.

Now, he’s back in the hospital with a foot infection. The doctors will probably have to amputate it, but they’re worried about his heart and liver. The prognosis is worse than ever before. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions in place with COVID-19, he is battling this beast alone, and he’s scared. If you pray, please pray for my pops.

On a weird note, I found a chicken last night while walking my dog around our lake. No lie. A chicken. A fricken chicken. She was perched on top of a bush, soaking wet, and terrified. We knew that if we didn’t help get her to safety, she’d become a meal for a coyote. So, I peeled off my over shirt, praise God I had a tank top on underneath, wrapped her up, and carried her home. She’s now pecking away contently in my enclosed garden. Hopefully, we will figure out who she belongs to, but until then, Henrietta (working name) is one happy little clucker.

So, where does all this malarkey lead me? I have absolutely no idea. I guess I’m just persevering and surviving at this point. Aren’t we all?

During my Bible time today, I read the verse at the beginning of this post, and it hit me. Though in this passage Jesus is saving a little girl from death, it still resonates with my weary soul. Regardless of what obstacles I face, or how often I feel like I’ve come to my wits end, all Jesus has to say is “Get up!”

So, that’s what I am choosing today… to get up. I’m choosing to take another shaky step in the direction of self improvement. Just one more stinking step. That’s about all I can muster at the moment, and that’s okay. More than okay, actually. That’s shake you to the core fan-FREAKING-tastic.

Now, it’s time for me to go check on my chicken. I never thought I’d say that statement in a million years. Oh the hilarity.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

Meet Henrietta, the lake chicken.

Meet Henrietta, the lake chicken.

Henrietta says, “Get up, girl!” Listen to Henrietta.

Henrietta says, “Get up, girl!” Listen to Henrietta.

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Bunny Tales with Zeb: “Hansel and Gretel”

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic #fairytales. Please join us as we read the terrifying tale, “Hansel and Gretel.” One could say this is a sweet tale. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of #BunnyTaleswithZeb.

How can you help?

If you’re inspired by our video and want to adopt your own bunny, click here. This bunny rescue, Kribs for Kritters, is based out of Lake Elsinore, California. If you don’t want to adopt, you can always financially gift this rescue. Jude, the lady in charge, has devoted her entire life to helping rabbits, and she’s incredibly generous and selfless. I’d love for her to be blessed for all of the sacrifices and dedication she gives to these sweet babies. 

Tune in next time for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. 

TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Distance and Learning and Teaching, Oh My! Episode 2: Summarizing

Welcome to #DistanceandLearningandTeachingOhMy, a #distancelearning video series for my #middleschoolstudents, fellow #middleschoolteachers, and any #parent or #guardian with a #middleschooler who is #surviving distance learning. 

This episode is all about #summarizing. This lesson is specifically for seventh grade middle school students, and I have modified it to differentiate for all levels of learning. If your child is advanced, then I suggest for them to write a multi-paragraph summary (at least five paragraphs in length). So, if you’re ready to get your #summary #writing on, watch the video… now. 

If you’re interested in more #teaching videos, I plan on posting at least one video a month for the remainder of the school year. If time is kind to me, I may post more. Thank you for the new subscribers I got this week. You made my word-nerd heart pitter patter with pride.  

Any of the websites, YouTube videos, or Google documents I use in my videos are linked below. Borrow them if you like. All that I ask in return is for you to, as my younger son says, “drop a like.” If you’d like to subscribe and share, well, I won’t be mad at you. Thanks for watching.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Bunny Tales with Zeb on a Mini Vaca…

Welcome back to #BunnyTaleswithZeb. This week we’re taking a break. If you didn’t know, I’m a middle school English teacher, and with distance learning… and all things Covid, life has been a little busy. Don’t stress, my bunny crew. We will be back in a few weeks. So, until that time, watch some older episodes, drops some likes, and check out the available bunnies for adoption at Kribs for Kritters. 

We hope you enjoy this episode of mini video about our brief absence.

How can you help?

If you’re inspired by our video and want to adopt your own bunny, click here. This bunny rescue, Kribs for Kritters, is based out of Lake Elsinore, California. If you don’t want to adopt, you can always financially gift this rescue. Jude, the lady in charge, has devoted her entire life to helping rabbits, and she’s incredibly generous and selfless. I’d love for her to be blessed for all of the sacrifices and dedication she gives to these sweet babies. 

If you’re interested in adopting one of Jude’s buns, click here for more information.

Tune in next time for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Distance & Learning & Teaching, Oh My! Episode 1: Growth Mindset

Welcome to #DistanceandLearningandTeachingOhMy, a #distancelearning video series for my #middleschoolstudents, fellow #middleschoolteachers, and any #parent or #guardian with a #middleschooler who is #surviving distance learning. 

This episode is all about #growthmindsets: what they are, whether you have one, and how you can #cultivate one. I spend a good portion of the lesson helping my students navigate my #PowerSchoolLearning page, so you may want to skip through the first part of the video until you get to the crux of the lesson. So, if you’re ready to get your #growthmindset on, watch the video… now. 

If you’re interested in more #teaching videos, I plan on posting at least one video a month for the remainder of the school year. If time is kind to me, I may post more. Ultimately, my #priorities are to my #students, and my own son who is distance learning in middle school this year, as well. So, a lot of the videos will cater to them first. 

Any of the websites or Google documents I use in the video have been linked below. Borrow them if you like. All that I ask in return is for you to, as my younger son says, “drop a like.” If you’d like to subscribe and share, well, I won’t be mad at you. Thanks for watching.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

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Tags: #ReadAlouds, #ReadingCommunity, #HomeSchooling, #DistanceLearning, #ELA, #English, #Englishteacher, #middleschoollessons, #middleschoolenglish, #growthmindset, #WritingComunity, #middleschool, #JUSDshares, #Parents, #Parenting, #middleschooler, #jmspantherpride, #GoldenWheatLiterary, #TheWritePlanPodcast, #TheWritePlanBlog, #DistanceandLearningandTeachingOhMy, #seventhgrade, #7thgrade, #seventhgrader, #7thgrader, #growthmindsetlessons

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Illustrator of The Pencil Eater, Steve Page

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present this week’s episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews.

On the last episode, I interviewed #PB #author, Stacey Corrigan. This week, we’re getting to know the illustrator of The Pencil Eater, Steve Page. If you’re interested in reading about a pencil eater and his generous friend, Shay, click the link below to buy The Pencil Eater.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy. 

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next time for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews.

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book by clicking here

Follow Steve Page on Instagram: @rapscallion.monkey

Steve Page’s Website: https://stevepage.carbonmade.com

The Pencil Eater illustrated by Steve Page

The Pencil Eater illustrated by Steve Page

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 14: Rapunzel

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic #fairytales. Please join us as we read the bewitching tale, “Rapunzel.” One could say this is a hair-raising tale. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of #BunnyTaleswithZeb.

How can you help?

If you’re inspired by our video and want to adopt your own bunny, click here. This bunny rescue, Kribs for Kritters, is based out of Lake Elsinore, California. If you don’t want to adopt, you can always financially gift this rescue. Jude, the lady in charge, has devoted her entire life to helping rabbits, and she’s incredibly generous and selfless. I’d love for her to be blessed for all of the sacrifices and dedication she gives to these sweet babies. 

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption event every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she’s not too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, Jude is taking a much-needed break. We will return with a new bunny on the next episode. If you’re still interested in adopting one of Jude’s buns, click here for more information.

Tune in next time for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Coffee Break Book Reviews: The Pencil Eater by Stacey Corrigan Illustrated by Steve Page

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present this week’s episode of Coffee Break Book Reviews.

On the last episode, I shared the winner of my #Twitter #PB #Contest on Coffee Break Book Reviews, and now I get to chat all things picture books and writing with her! If you’d like to read a sweet picture book about a pencil eater and his friend, click the link below to buy Stacey Corrigan’s book, The Pencil Eater, illustrated by Steve Page.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy. 

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next time for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews.

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book by clicking here

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 13: “Rumpelstiltskin”

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic #fairytales. Please join us as we read the classic tale, “Rumpelstiltskin.” One could say this is a golden tale. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of #BunnyTaleswithZeb.

How can you help?

If you’re inspired by our video and want to adopt your own bunny, click here. This bunny rescue, Kribs for Kritters, is based out of Lake Elsinore, California. If you don’t want to adopt, you can always financially gift this rescue. Jude, the lady in charge, has devoted her entire life to helping rabbits, and she’s incredibly generous and selfless. I’d love for her to be blessed for all of the sacrifices and dedication she gives to these sweet babies. 

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption event every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she’s not too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, she sent me the most adorable bunny. Meet McQueen. 

McQueen is newly rescued, and he was rescued from San Jacinto Park. He is originally from another bunny rescue, but Jude brought him to Kribs for Kritters to help another bunny rescue from being overcrowded. McQueen is about one and a half years old, and he has incredible markings. If you’re interested in this adorable bun with unique coloring, click the link and contact Jude. Let’s help find this unique bun his FURever home. Contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next time for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Twitter #PB Contest Reveal

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present this week’s episode of Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I’m going to reveal the winner of my Twitter PB contest. Last week, I asked the #PB #WritingCommunity to enter a contest for the chance to have their book reviewed on Coffee Break Book Reviews, and now I have a winner! If you’d like to know which book won, click the video below. If your book did not get chosen, don’t fret. I’ll do another Twitter contest soon. This is such fun.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy. 

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next time for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews. If you’d like to read this book alongside me, click the link below.

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book by clicking here

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 12: “Star Jewels”

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the uplifting tale, “Star Jewels.” One could say this is a bright, shining tale. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

If you’re inspired by our video and want to adopt your own bunny, click here. This bunny rescue, Kribs for Kritters, is based out of Lake Elsinore, California. If you don’t want to adopt, you can always financially gift this rescue. Jude, the lady in charge, has devoted her entire life to helping rabbits, and she’s incredibly generous and selfless. I’d love for her to be blessed for all of the sacrifices and dedication she gives to these sweet babies. 

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption event every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she’s not too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, she sent me the most adorable bunny. Meet Tynsdale. 

Tynsdale is a newly rescued bunny. Jude rescued him last Saturday night, and she is impressed by his calm demeanor. Tynsdale spends as much time as he can soaking up love in Jude’s lap. His sweet eyes tell the story of his gentle soul, and he is just waiting for his new family. Let’s help find this tranquil bun his FURever home. Contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Power Up by Jessie Mattis

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I interviewed the amazing author, Jessie Mattis, about her debut middle grade novel, Power Up. If you enjoy reading books filled with self discovery, faith, and a good dose of the Holy Spirit, then you’ll love Power Up.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!

Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews. If you’re interested in buying this week’s book, click the link below.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

Buy the book here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SG8R4Q8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#ace-g1639449406

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I reviewed the first book in The Track Series, Ghost, by Jason Reynolds. If you enjoy reading books filled with authentic characters, coming of age wisdom, and impeccable storytelling then you’ll love Jason Reynold’s book, Ghost.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!

Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews. If you’re interested in buying this week’s book, click the link below.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Track-Jason-Reynolds/dp/1481450158

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 11: Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the enlightening tale, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” One could say this is a beary instructive tale . *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

If you’re inspired by our video and want to adopt your own bunny, click here. This bunny rescue, Kribs for Kritters, is based out of Lake Elsinore, California. If you don’t want to adopt, you can always financially gift this rescue. Jude, the lady in charge, has devoted her entire life to helping rabbits, and she’s incredibly generous and selfless. I’d love for her to be blessed for all of the sacrifices and dedication she gives to these sweet babies.

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption event every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she’s not too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, she sent me the most adorable bunnies. Meet Thelma and MacIntosh.

Thelma is the sweet cinnamon bunny and her husBUN is MacIntosh. He was found under an apple tree, so his name fits him perfectly. Both buns love to snuggle and eat snacks. Not only does this duo love each other, but they adore hidey boxes, fluffy blanks, and doing binkies in unison. If you’re interested in adopting this sweet pair, please understand they must be adopted together. Let’s help find these buns their FURever home. Contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

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Molly Shaffer Molly Shaffer

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Tranquility by Christa Conklin

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I tried something different. I interviewed the talented fantasy author, Christa Conklin, about her debut young adult fantasy novel, Tranquility. Make sure you watch until the end of the interview to see which classic rock musician Christa is related to… it pretty much shook me. So, if you enjoy reading books filled with amazing characters, unique worlds, and the fight between good and evil, then you’ll love Christa Conklin’s book, Tranquility.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!

Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews. If you’re interested in buying this week’s book, click the link below.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

Buy the book here:  https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-Christa-Conklin/dp/194888867X

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