<?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>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 09:40:25 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.christinafrancine.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Reading Nook                                           Book Blitz:                                                 ‘Dream Guardian’ by Christina Francine]]></title><description><![CDATA[Check it out. Reading Nook is for bookworms and has been nominated for the Blogger Recognition Award. They feature news about books, reviews, and interviews with authors.]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/https-readingnook84-wordpress-com-category-promotional-posts-book-blitz</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6abbc0038540df4e4554c140</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Reviews My Books Have Received]]></category><category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:54:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_f9dbfc66f11e46dfa2b3410752fbbf27~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_770,h_200,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cuckoo]]></title><description><![CDATA[An Alec Theron Thriller Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Robert Kerin's Facebook Copyright / Publication Date: May 31, 2012 (originally published around 2012) ISBN-10: 1477574913 ISBN-13 / EAN: 9781477574911 Generally ranges between $10 to $15 USD for standard paperback editions, depending on the retailer. Copies can typically be found online through major book platforms like Amazon, as well as independent bookseller networks and online marketplaces (such as Biblio or eBay). Book Review by...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/cuckoo</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ab7a8b00f6358bffa08c1d2</guid><category><![CDATA[Authors]]></category><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Crime Thriller Book]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 11:27:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_a7752bd0671141d98f726930412f2ea4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_726,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Everyday Justice: Setting the World Right One Shopping Cart at a Time]]></title><description><![CDATA[A timely book for those dealing with global impact crisis and sprawling political overreach today, and honestly, for anyone worldwide needing positive reminders, suggestions, and a way of putting things into perspective. It certainly would be easy to fall into paralyzed cynicism. Stuczynski provides a reflective guide and aids readers in reclaiming personal agency through the cumulative power of micro-actions. He recommends that readers not wait for perfection and cultivate care for ourselves an]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/everyday-justice-setting-the-world-right-one-shopping-cart-at-a-time</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ab25edda6d8d9eec934f921</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Make a Difference]]></category><category><![CDATA[Self Help]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:07:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_4ddb0e15bf4241a5a4a74ff8ab1c8e36~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_445,h_689,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Positions of Trust]]></title><description><![CDATA[Robert Kerins 318 pages Published Dec. 2012 ISBN # 10: 9781481140935 ISBN # 13: 9781481140935 Available at Amazon Walmart Waterstones An absorbing thriller with true grit and an insider's perspective Positions of Trust is a compelling crime novel that commands attention from cover to cover. Meeting Robert Kerins in real life and having him sign my copy revealed a kind, deeply intelligent man who has clearly witnessed a great deal through his career. That real-world experience as a retired...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/positions-of-trust</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a9fe9718327f2a81c089364</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:08:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_871252c0c9a447d7a57cc61355ed3ff0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_600,h_600,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[LeGuin’s Message to Young People in Her Book, A Wizard of Earthsea]]></title><description><![CDATA[by:  Ursula K. Le Guin Genre:  Magical Fantasy Publisher: Clarion Books Publication Date:  1968 272 or 294 pages (depends) ISBN-10: 0547722028 ISBN-13: 978-0547722023 Available at most bookstores and libraries A deep dive into LeGuin's Earthsea, an analysis by Christina Francine   LeGuin implies maturity means more than achieving power. Maturity also means being conscious of decision choices and then being responsible for them. LeGuin shows this through her young character Sparrowhawk, who...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/leguin-s-message-to-young-people-in-her-book-a-wizard-of-earthsea</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8347dd3a73f167659bdc10</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:23:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_4967cf7401ca465b885a27dcfe075754~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_298,h_475,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The People Could Fly. American Black Folktales.]]></title><description><![CDATA[When selecting appropriate multicultural books for classrooms, teachers need to keep more than the books' messages in mind. They also need to investigate who the authors are. When teachers are sensitive to and aware of the author and the message they convey, they provide a fairer representation of various cultures and countries to their students]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/~-appropriate-books-for-the-classroom-~</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a7241d02df0f1eeb2f3be16</guid><category><![CDATA[For Teachers]]></category><category><![CDATA[Make a Difference]]></category><category><![CDATA[Children]]></category><category><![CDATA[Authors]]></category><category><![CDATA[Literature]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:16:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_5c3f34c3c66c44b088ced10a486e6dc7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_757,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nettle &#38; Bone]]></title><description><![CDATA[by T. Kingfisher Tor Trade - Publisher Feb. 28, 2023 272 pages ISBN# 10-1250244005 ISBN# 13-978-1250244000 Book Review by Christina Francine A Refreshingly Twisted Fairytale T. Kingfisher’s Nettle &#38; Bone is a delightful, macabre subversion of the traditional fairy tale that hooks from the very first page. It is a rare pleasure to encounter a fantasy novel that manages to feel both comfortingly familiar in its archetypes and startlingly original in its execution.   What strikes most about this...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/nettle-bone</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5bd370e447e3bde587d788</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 19:33:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_4c9a86da7cb44da9844e82d9b8cd5fd8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_965,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commonalities &#38; Conscience in Two of Joyce’s Dubliners Stories]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Collection of Short Stories by James Joyce Penguin Publishing Group First Published: June 15, 1914 368 pages ISBN # 9780140186475 Reading Guide Available at most bookstores and most likely, your nearest library Amazon Barnes &#38; Noble Bookshop.com by Christina Francine                                      Figure # 1. Dubliner Book Cover. Source:  Penguin Publishers  James Joyce transcends the ages with a message from his anthology, Dubliners, that people today need to hear. This warning is...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/commonalities-conscience-in-two-of-joyce-s-dubliner-stories</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4be0710e6d4656949e5ce0</guid><category><![CDATA[Literature]]></category><category><![CDATA[Article/Analysis]]></category><category><![CDATA[Literary]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:54:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_51980c8ed4c548aab08f278d51828c59~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_877,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fellowship of the Ring]]></title><description><![CDATA[J. R. R. Tolkien https://www.tolkienestate.com/ 423 pages NOTE:  Fellowship of the Ring was first published by the British publishing house George Allen &#38; Unwin on July 29, 1954 (which was run by Sir Stanley Unwin, who famously paid his 10-year-old son Rayner a shilling to review the manuscript of The Hobbit years earlier).                                                                                  Fig. 3. Cover art for the audiobook edition of J.R.R.                                      ...]]></description><link>https://www.christinafrancine.org/post/fellowship-of-the-ring</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a34355c881c4b5f4c4640be</guid><category><![CDATA[Reviews I've Given Others' Books]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:35:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c85c5a_1287c31ceca3421a97b5a250911dc9c2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_500,h_500,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Christina Francine</dc:creator></item><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. Reading'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></channel></rss>