Engaging read & fantastic study guide available, November 12, 2013

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Book Preview Review - This review is from: Emerson's Attic: The Blue Velvet (Paperback)

Book Description:

"Emerson McBride is a normal American teenager. She goes to school, plays soccer, and roams the mall with friends. Her life is just like that of any other 14 year old's until she is sent to clean the attic in the old Victorian as punishment for fighting with her younger brother. Suddenly she is thrown back in time to a totally foreign world. Frightened and armed only with dreams of her grandfather, Emerson ventures into the unknown. How did she get here? Who are these people? Who is she and why is she here? These questions and many more follow Emerson into a new life in a new land. "

In becoming a grandmother, Davis became aware of the need and want to leave a legacy for her grandchildren by writing wholesome stories and challenge her readers. Her purpose is to enthrall young readers by introducing new vocabulary, geography, history, mystery and a bit of science. The cover art is wonderfully illustrated. Easily yet creatively well written and incredibly descriptive. The story begins and immediately draws the reader into the fast paced and exciting plot.

A study guide for educators, librarians and students is available directly from the author. It is incredibly helpful, very detailed, fun and easy to follow. She offers a character list, chapter questions, vocabulary review, activities, word searches and crossword puzzles. It's easily aware that much time, love and dedication went into the creative writing and study guide.

Chapter questions are multilayered and not only thorough, but also very engaging especially for those readers who struggle with reading comprehension. (Each question helps the reader by not only simply reading the story but to understand the why's and how's giving them a deeper understanding of what's going on in the plot.) Questions are asked in hopes of connecting the reader to the story through one's own personal experiences as well. Davis helps to make the reader think deeper and try to relate. These questions begin as a platform for connections to everyday life.

I personally loved how some questions prompt further research by asking the reader what things are - those not commonly known to a young reader. For example: steamer trunk, pixie hair style, cheval mirror, where would you shop in 1892, etc. I would recommend this story to readers in grades 4-8.

Looking forward to the next adventure entitled, Emerson's Attic: Smoke and Mirrors.

New Teacher and Student Mystery, October 2, 2013

By Violet -

A special read for students in upper elementary grades. A super read aloud for teachers and/or students to share and discuss. Lively paced suspense mystery that will delight and hold their interest. Looking forward to future books by author Kathleen Davis.

Judith Coopey (Mesa, AZ)

This review is from: The Blue Velvet (Emerson's Attic) (Kindle Edition)

The Blue Velvet is an adventure from the first sentence. Emerson, an average American teenager, is mysteriously transported to another time and place -- the elegant country manor of an English Lord, where she learns what it is like to serve at the pleasure of others. But Emerson,or Emma as she is called by her fellow servants, is quick and curious and not about to ignore the mysterious happenings and characters she encounters. This little mystery wrapped in another time and another place will intrigue young readers and leave them wanting more. Fortunately, this is just the first in the Emerson's Attic Series, so they won't be disappointed. There is more to come! This slim little volume will make a lovely and memorable gift for all the young girls in your life. The cover alone is worth the price!

EMERSON'S ATTIC, THE BLUE VELVET, August 19, 2013

By Anna Jane

This review is from: Emerson's Attic: The Blue Velvet (Paperback)

Kathleen Andrews Davis's groundbreaking new novel, "Emerson's Attic, The Blue Velvet," is a tribute to her creative writing talents.
Her, "legacy of words," is a wholesome story of a generation of children and young adults dealing with the challenges of life without computers and cell phones.
Opening an old steamer trunk, Emerson Amelia McBride/Emma, the main character, finds a very large blue velvet hat. Admiring herself in an old cheval mirror she becomes faint and disorientated.
Waking up, Emma finds herself back in the year 1892 on an English Estate. Could this be a dream or did she actually time travel?
Interwoven within the story is how her beloved grandfather guides her gently into the unknown.
As the story progresses, one finds themselves totally captivated within the various characters personalities, journeys and conflicts between good and evil.
The beautiful illustrated book cover provides an array of interesting details and colors that are held within the twenty chapter, 112 page novel.

The writing and arrangement of the book presents the reader with an excellent fictional novel along with challenging them to seek out classics by including the titles and alluding to their hidden meanings.

Sandra F. Geimer (Olney, MD)

This review is from: The Blue Velvet (Emerson's Attic) (Kindle Edition)

Although summer is almost behind us, and school is fast approaching, "The Blue Velvet" will serve as a great tool and a perfect choice when your child is given a reading assignment. The author was able to capture my imagination and the same will happen to your child.

I read this book in one day because it was impossible to put down; I needed to "find out" what was going to happen next. When an adult can read a young persons' book and find it entertaining, adventurous and COOL; you know you have found a treasure.
This treasure will be enjoyed by many young people and will encourage those who don't read TO WANT to read.

Charlene Connors rate this book 5 of 5 stars.

All young teens will be able to relate to the story and find a "little something" about themselves within the pages.
As a parent, I am not waiting for the "assignment" I will encourage my daughter to read this book and sit back and watch her delight as she discovers all the secrets within the pages.

Thank you Goodreads for this beautiful book. First I loved the cover art, it drew me to the book and made me want to read it. I found the story to be charming and definitely one that I can share with my grandchildren. The plot kept my interest, the characters are engaging and nicely developed, the mystery clever; when it was over I wanted to read more!

Dec 12, 2013 Cassandra rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun little book. It is well written and takes you back in time. I originally thought of my 12 year old daughter when looking at this book. Like a good mom I read it first though and loved it. I then gave it to her and she is in the process of reading it. For her some of the words are difficult but not overly so just a little of a challenge which is good as it will increase her knowledge. She loves the story and the characters.

KDP free days – listed on over 60 websites.

Jenkins Group Book Fair in Seven Springs, PA and Philadelphia, PA

Goodreads 20-book giveaway program.

Direct mail to libraries and schools in 3 counties.

Piece of Cake Press Release Program

Currently promoting readings in costume as a character in the book.

I wish I could tell you that I am a New York Times Best Selling author or at the very least an award wining author, but alas that is not the case.

I live in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania with my husband and a horde of white tail deer who insist on annihilating all my attempts at gardening. We are empty-nesters with two grown daughters and two beautiful grandchildren.

​During my long and varied working life I did business writing including everything from press releases to policy and procedure manuals. I served as managing editor of an in-house newspaper where I enjoyed every aspect of production including writing, photography, and even layout. From there, I wandered into marketing pieces and business plans.

My favorite adventure, however, was fourteen years in the Bed & Breakfast industry. This was my passion. When we left our lovely, old Victorian, it left a hole in my heart and I found myself with an indistinguishable yearning. I needed more. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I just knew I wasn’t done yet!

Having done business writing and enjoying it, the light bulb finally came on and illuminated the fact that, if I liked commercial writing, surely I would like creative writing. Right? Well, some of us are simply slow learners. Once that thought penetrated, ideas for stories started popping into my head.

Coming from a family of artists and authors, and being considered a creative person in my own right, it should have been clear long before this that writing was a pond into which I should dip a toe and test the water.

Being a grandmother was the fuel that fed the fire, and I decided to leave my grandchildren a legacy of words that would outlast any other inheritance I could give. I wanted to write wholesome stories where the characters would have to use their brains instead of computers and cell phones. They would have to think on their feet. They would have to take responsibility and make decisions on their own. And, they would just be darn good kids. I wanted to challenge readers to read more by including titles of other books and alluding to their messages.

Emerson’s Attic opened a world of possibilities and I dove in with gusto. The first draft of The Blue Velvet seemed too fast and easy, and of course it felt that way because it was just the very beginning. I had, and still have, a lot to learn about writing but with the encouragement of friends and family it's coming along.

​In the meantime, the knitting needles have slowed, the flower beds (or what’s left of them) have weeds, Emerson's dollhouse remains unfinished, and my fishing rod leans lonely in a corner of the garage, but I just can’t get enough of “Emerson,” the real one or the character.