ook reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

The Magic of Christmas – The Magic of Love
by Susan Brougher
ISBN: 9781478737612
Synopsis*:
Susan writes of adventures common to children, and fondly recalled by many adults. Her rhymes flow sweetly along with the illustrations and are written in a format easy to read to children or for helping a child beginning to read for themselves. Cat lovers will relate to Stealthy Cat that climbs, and then descends the Christmas tree, and they will be tempted to adlib sharing experiences of their own.
Susan’s poems display loving family relationships. Growing up, many of her days were spent playing with her sister, two brothers, and neighborhood friends. Being outdoors in nature gave Susan the inspiration she needed to express her feelings through writing. Winters brought lots of snow and the making of snow angels as she swished her arms and legs while looking up at the sky dreaming, snowflakes falling, melting on her face. Like many little girls then and now, she loved dolls. She recalls having only a few, her favorite being Tinker Bell, who sprinkled fairy dust as she flew.
Susan writes in her first book, The Strongest Bond, that while growing up she believed in the magic of love that could wave a wizard’s wand, and change her from a scullery maid into Cinderella. In this book of beautifully illustrated poems for children, she looks to captivate imaginations with Christmas memories of when she was a child. She shares them in the spirit of the magic of Christmas.
* courtesy of Amazon.com
Featured Review
A Christmas Story for All Seasons
Most adults retain childhood memories of Christmas, which seem, in retrospect. so much better than the memories made today. In this lovely illustrated book, Author Susan Brougher relates both memories past and present in a storytelling poem, which is both lively and cheerful. The meter is off a bit but not enough to detract from the beauty and charm of this book.
It’s important for children to learn of the past while enjoying the present. The author puts the birth of Jesus into her poems, where He belongs this time of year. The subtle yet natural way that the author blends Christmas with the night Christ was born is beautifully and tastefully done.Children will also love hearing about picking out real trees, instead of the poor imitations in today’s world.Yet this poem teaches as well. We need to save the trees to protect them and the earth.
This is a book which encourages children from 2-7 to ask questions. It’s a perfect ‘read to’ book as well as for those just learning to read on their own–a book young ones will treasure throughout the year. Both the poem and illustrations make this book a delightful story for adults of all ages, taking them back to memories of their own youth; bringing back a little of its magic
This is the type of Christmas my own children enjoyed and will be perfect for my grandchildren. There is something about Christmas past that is lacking in today’s technological world. Author Susan Brougher brings it back to readers with a little ‘fairy dust.’
– Reviewed by Micki Peluso on Amazon
Other Reviews
Delightful Poems, Great Artwork, Fabulous Choice for Parents & Grandparents for Christmas Gifts
I can’t remember the last children’s book I read that consisted of poems and color illustrations. Probably it was as a youth, reading Dr. Seuss.
Any author who opens with a quote from Laura Engalls Wilder is certainly on the right track to my childhood days.
The poems are quick, snappy, upbeat and should keep every listener glued to every word. But, the real eye-catcher? Excellent, full color illustrations of boys, girls, and a seemingly sassy cat not unlike my youngest, Candy. Oh, because of her antics, similar to those hinted at in the poem, we close off the den after decorating for Christmas.
Recollecting those memories mentioned above is, I suggest, strong evidence that The Magic of Christmas is indeed The Magic of Love, making this book a great purchase for any parent or grandparent.
– reviewed by Andy Anderson on Amazon
Heartwarming poems with great illustrations
This book contains five enjoyable and beautiful Christmas poems for children, along with many full-page colored illustrations. Two of them include Jesus, which I was happy to see. But if you’re not a Christian, you can still enjoy the other three just as wonderful poems that include Santa Claus.
The poems are full of Christmas atmosphere while playing in the snow (didn’t do much of that in Los Angeles as a kid haha), and picking a Christmas tree, which was a fun childhood reminder.
This is a great book to enjoy with your children or grandchildren especially if your Christmas is cold and you’re sitting near a fireplace.
– reviewed by LASeoulGuy on Amazon

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!
Self Publishing Advisor

Like this:
Like Loading...
Related