<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Christina Francine - Author/Educator]]></title><description><![CDATA[Website of Christina Francine, Author & Educator. Author's books, articles, book reviews, and blog. Learn how to book Christina to read or visit.]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:10:15 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.christinafrancine.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Crown Hill]]></title><description><![CDATA[Crown Hill is a labor of love that feels deeply personal, likely because it was inspired by the author’s own experience renovating a hilltop farmhouse over the course of two decades. It is a thoughtful exploration of how our environment reflects and influences our personal growth. For readers who enjoy stories that blend history with a touch of the ethereal, and if they’re interested in how physical spaces can hold the resonance of the lives lived within them, this novel offers a unique and touc]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/crown-hill</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2823ef2d2809110fe90e65</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Make a Difference]]></category><category><![CDATA[Self Help]]></category><category><![CDATA[Authors]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:43:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_9ec40f20ea6f4374961f3a383bdab395~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_331,h_500,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chivares and the Toothy Surprise!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chivares and the Toothy Surprise, Khadidja M’hamdioua delivers a heartwarming and visually engaging story that turns a common childhood milestone into a magical adventure. Perfectly paced for the 3–6 age range, this book is an essential tool for parents and educators looking to navigate the 'surprises' of growing up with comfort and joy. A must-read for anyone with a little one about to lose their first tooth or a mature family member about to get false teeth!]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/chivares-and-the-toothy-surprise</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1874edcc403ab10fbfda1f</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Children]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 17:17:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_6013a74597e6430596c662fc50771e17~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Few Books Christina Read in 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[It's not many, and not all are pictured or mentioned on Goodreads.  Below is the first book for 2026. Why reading is good for us , says Healthline. Reaing's Impact  on the Brain: Cognitive Benefits and Neurological Changes,          says NeuroLauch  (Grey Matter Matters) Upcoming First for 2026 J.R.R. Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring I've put off reading this series because each is quite a commitment, especially when working a full-time job while also being an author.]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/a-few-books-christina-read-in-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69526263aed82543611df12f</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Reviews My Books Have Received]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:35:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_af37dd6e789b4967b0a8fa620e00cb91~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lord of the Dark Sun]]></title><description><![CDATA[For readers who enjoy finding and experiencing a blend of science fiction and romance done well, Lord of the Dark Sun is one to pick up. I found mine in a used bookstore. Though published a while ago (Dec. 2002), an excellent story never expires.]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/lord-of-the-dark-sun</link><guid isPermaLink="false">683deecc35b10f92161b2cec</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:39:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_8589ff396309419ba03260d3855ffa5e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_295,h_475,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Comparison of Didion’s                              In Cold Blood                                              and Capote’s                                       Slouching Toward Bethlehem]]></title><description><![CDATA[Although Joan Didion’s Slouching Toward Bethlehem and Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood are 

considered literary or new journalism, their work has some differences. Of course, there are other similarities, such as observations about human nature, seemingly trying to solve a life mystery about people, and creating a grim atmosphere. Both play with facts using the lens of their opinions, which should be considered when reading their work. Authors should be careful; otherwise, fact will not be fact an]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/a-comparison-of-didion-s-in-cold-blood</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6807962f5a82cbea98f9e66f</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Article/Analysis]]></category><category><![CDATA[Authors]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:48:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_e138beb193e249b2aa8e54af203746d7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_666,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Author Visit at Hamburg Library]]></title><description><![CDATA[Christina Francine at Hamburg Library]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/author-visit-at-hamburg-library</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67e7b84d89f652c76e9328e2</guid><category><![CDATA[Authors]]></category><category><![CDATA[Author Visit]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:10:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_7a6f5ca9eeb34155b745238503e0fb73~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gods &#38; Monsters]]></title><description><![CDATA[God &#38; Monsters R. M. Gayler                        Cover Design by Melissa Williams Design Interior typesetting and Layout by Melissa...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/gods-monsters</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67d091af6e313c4d42633f73</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:44:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_9d5d903db869429f910f63b42687a7b4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_350,h_547,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rooted in Dreams]]></title><description><![CDATA[Christina Francine's review of Rooted in Dreams by Sam Hertz]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/rooted-in-dreams</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67a77e7465a9f4391fc46f3c</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:02:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_bd1a3ed0eddd4e0d8943fb9aa56394d4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_300,h_478,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Good Witch of Abbotsford ]]></title><description><![CDATA[A fanciful story about a good-hearted witch named Morag who saves children from bad witches. Hutton based her adventure on one of Sir Walter]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/the-good-witch-of-abbotsford</link><guid isPermaLink="false">679e78ffaf5a9073dc09640a</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Children]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 01 Feb 2025 19:48:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_b77898d19bfc498e9c5a657016c53248~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_978,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Christina Francine Visits East Aurora Library]]></title><description><![CDATA[Christina Francine visits East Aurora Public Library March 22, 2025]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/christina-francine-visits-east-aurora-library</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67604ccb3d35fb94804199b2</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:07:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_7a4a3c870dcf4f8fa3d66d93ae5c7a11~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rush]]></title><description><![CDATA[Brief Book Review of RUSH by Megan Matthews]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/_rush</link><guid isPermaLink="false">675f415fc7e1284a55f1886a</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:01:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_64a2f0daaefc4ab6a6ffc5b4ba60a1a8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_938,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Author Interview at The Author Cafe]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nov. 5, 2024 Many thanks to The Bookshelf Cafe News for the Author Interview. https://www.thebookshelfcafe.news/https://www.thebookshelfc...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/author-interview-at-the-author-cafe</link><guid isPermaLink="false">672c8ba3493261a696fc23b6</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category><category><![CDATA[A Visit With...]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:56:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_bca8daee916c4da59b863ab9a7837870~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_253,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Interesting Read for Educators of Writing in the Classroom]]></title><description><![CDATA[AI and writing in the classroom.
Ways to distinguish AI composed essays from human composed ones.]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/an-interesting-read-for-educators-of-writing-in-the-classroom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6687c6662f958ce2ed4637d5</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:16:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_78cf52fb836d4b44a8c6f6074839b252~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_650,h_369,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Artists and Creatives Can Get Their Work Noticed]]></title><description><![CDATA[Get noticed as a Creative Type]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/how-artists-and-creatives-can-get-their-work-noticed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65f819e944fd8bf59e422bff</guid><category><![CDATA[Guest Blogger/Writer]]></category><category><![CDATA[Self Help]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:08:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_0ec07ee2562f47f4a3b670a6c3e8c9a6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_624,h_415,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fun and Fitness for the Whole Family with Basketball Dunking]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Guest Poster:  Daniel Sherwin Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At DadSolo.com, he aims to provide other single dads with...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/fun-and-fitness-for-the-whole-family-with-basketball-dunking</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65b29c8873641ec3b7941c2b</guid><category><![CDATA[Guest Blogger/Writer]]></category><category><![CDATA[Children]]></category><category><![CDATA[Make a Difference]]></category><category><![CDATA[Self Help]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:49:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_a02594d022544209910e9e8f83aaa6f7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_975,h_650,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flannery O'Connor and the Job of Being Human, a Look at Roles &#38; Masks:               An Analysis]]></title><description><![CDATA[by Christina Francine             Being human is complicated but doesn’t have to be. People long to be accepted for who they are even though they don’t fit into societal roles. Humans want acceptance in areas such as making a living, or in becoming part of a group, and then cloak themselves with personas to attain those goals. They don’t trust others, however, because they know others sit behind a mask as well. Everyone says they want the truth, want others to be themselves, and then judge...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/flannery-o-connor-and-the-job-of-being-human-a-look-at-roles-masks-an-analysis</link><guid isPermaLink="false">652ed8ddcb4c05d7f845de4c</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Article/Analysis]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:31:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_09025d0438d94517932400651b3ce4cd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Christina Francine at The Bookworm &#38; BW Gifts, LLC in East Aurora, NY]]></title><description><![CDATA[Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 from 1-3 PM 34 Elm Street, East Aurora, NY 14052 ​ Book Signing Stuffed Teddy Bear &#38; Cat Drawing -Special Memory...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/christina-francine-at-the-bookworm-bw-gifts-llc-in-east-aurora-ny</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64d54b51593e597b79e1d87c</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Children]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Aug 2023 20:49:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_87bf68d2ead24f9b819f5c2058abd653~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_349,h_344,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Author Precis: C. S. Lewis]]></title><description><![CDATA[By:  Christina Francine Before reading a precis, here is a precis definition:  The word “Précis” comes from the French language and means “precise” or “to cut brief." A precis is a brief synopsis of another work—for example, a dissertation or a scholarly article. The main purpose of a precis is to sum up any ideas that were stated in the piece, explain the main message, and give readers an idea of how the original piece was structured. ------------------------------------ As you're reading...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/author-precis-c-s-lewis</link><guid isPermaLink="false">649d6616bfa34aa58045e689</guid><category><![CDATA[Authors]]></category><category><![CDATA[Article/Analysis]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:34:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_9fc0b8f00ef64a89b6d54e5d8e78ceaa~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chris Van Allsburg Knows How to Capture Children’s Attention &#38; Get Them to Read]]></title><description><![CDATA[by Christina Francine  What is it that captures children’s interest about Chris Van Allsburg’s  work? His ideas are only part of his ingenuity. The other part is his flare with illustrations. They appear alive and authentic. It’s as if characters and objects moved moments ago out of the corner of the eye. Allburg has published many children’s picture books and they all have an ability to blur the lines between real life and art, to take readers’ hands and coax them into an exciting journey....]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/chris-van-allsburg-knows-how-to-capture-children-s-attention-get-them-to-read</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63c2f9965e6591287978bc27</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Children]]></category><category><![CDATA[Article/Analysis]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:56:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_8a5ab84a1baf4d6abadefb286382aa2c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_360,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Charlotte Perkins Gilman &#38; Women at the End of the 19th and Beginning 20th Century]]></title><description><![CDATA[Charlotte Perkins Gilman &#38; Women at the End of the 19th and Beginning 20th Century]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/charlotte-perkins-gilman-women-at-the-end-of-the-19th-and-beginning-20th-century</link><guid isPermaLink="false">637cf1c04d3890a6e47349e9</guid><category><![CDATA[Article/Analysis]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:23:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_2fca4b21ddd2441396502461d45e6163~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_988,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>