Bring On Lemons

 5 Stars for Flowers for Gaia About the Book: Call her Earth, or call her Gaia, years from now, our planet is almost uninhabitable as a result of environmental chaos and war. In the middle of the ocean, two small, conjoined islands still thrive and serve as home to a unique population of survivors, the Wiconi. These peaceful, agrarian-based islanders have genetically evolved affinities that allow them to influence earth, water, air, and fire, talents they use to protect and aid Gaia, the Earth Mother. They are her Guardians.   When three technology-laden ships from the dying outer world land on the islands, cultures collide. The newcomers, Terrans, build industries that quickly threaten the environmental health of the Wiconi lands. The island Guardians stage protests and increasing resistance to these destructive practices. The Terrans, blind to the dangers of their industrial expansion, put a bounty on the troublesome natives and begin hunting them like animals.  ...

 I was recently asked to introduce myself and recommend 10 books. In case you're new here, this may be a lovely place to start. All of the book recommendations can be found in a longer form on this blog as well. HELLO chilly Wisconsin!   My name is Crystal Otto and I love books - particularly the paper kind because they smell and feel amazing! I love owning books, reading books, looking at books, sniffing books, collecting books, talking about books, helping promote books, and I'm currently writing a book. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this class because I love the idea of sharing my love of books with students.  My 11 year old daughter is taking a summer school class where she is hoping to write her first book and I like to think that her love of books, reading, and writing all began when I was pregnant with her. I probably shouldn't try to take all the credit though - we all know it's God's plan, right?   When I'm not thinking abo...

 If you find yourself in Brown County (that's Green Bay Wisconsin and surrounding cities), Manitowoc County, Door County, or Kewaunee County, I strongly urge you to call The Wildflower Supper Club and make a dinner reservation: 920-388-6076. Now, let me tell you why (of course it involves a story, so get comfy): A few weekends back, I had a free evening with just one of my delightful children. We decided to drive North on Hwy 42 in search of a meal. It was Saturday evening and neither of us had anything in mind, other than trying something new and relaxing (my daughter is 11). We pulled into Kewaunee and saw quite a few cars on Ellis Street by The Wildflower Supper Club. We decided to see what all the fuss was about. Before going in, we checked their facebook page  and decided immediately that we wanted to go inside. The atmosphere and menu photos had us convinced this would be a fantastic experience! Let me just say, we were NOT disappointed! We walked in and even though the...

    Thank you immensely to author Kim McCollum and WOW! for letting me join in the book blog tour for  Harriet Hates Lemonade!  It's perfect for readers who have loved similar books like A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.    Before we get to my 5 star review, here's more about the book: Meet Harriet. But don’t be surprised if she isn’t interested in meeting you.  Harriet has life all figured out, and she doesn’t hesitate to inform others of their shortcomings. Though her attempts to become president of the homeowner’s association failed, that doesn’t stop her from berating “off-leash-dog-man” or reporting the neighbor who had the audacity to leave their easter decorations up an entire week past the holiday. The problem is, unbeknownst to her, Harriet’s rigid rules and judgmental opinions are not her own. Her ordered life plunges into chaos when a twelve-year-old neighbor knocks on Harriet's door seeking help because the girl’s...

 5 Star Review of...   Michael R. French’s  THE GOOD MOTHER TEST What makes a good mother you ask?  That’s a great question and we ask that YOU leave your answer in the comments - thanks!  And now onto Crystal Otto's 5 star review as part of the WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour for author Michael R. French with his latest book The Good Mother Test!  About the Book: When Emily, a bright but impulsive UCLA student, gives birth to her daughter Violet, she vows to be the kind of mother she never had: endlessly loving and fiercely protective. But single motherhood is a test with no right answers.  As Violet’s brilliance and independence unfold, Emily’s instincts clash with a world obsessed with achievement. Then Violet’s father, Doug, returns, now partnered with Amanda, a celebrated therapist unable to have children of her own. What begins as an amicable co-parenting plan becomes a psychological struggle for Violet’s heart and future.  Told thr...

  Cheeseburger Deluxe Teaching Students About Detail Writing                 By Crystal Otto                       February 26, 2026                                                                                   THIS OR...                                               THIS???   “It’s time for dinner!” mom hollers loudly from the kitchen. You’ve been at school all day and your tummy is growling. You race excitedly into the kitchen asking pleadingly with big eyes “wh...