This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
When I was young, I couldn’t stop reading. One day, I stapled bits of paper together and made my very own blank book. My plan was—(drum roll, please)—to write my own mystery novel. I titled it The Mystery of the Missing Banana and Stolen Diamond. The only problem was, I wrote most of it secretly in science class when I should have been paying attention to the teacher. You can probably guess how bad my grades were in science that year, but it sure beat dissecting poor little frogs!
The idea for Molly’s Big Decision came to me in a dream. You know that moment when you’re waking up in the morning and you’re not quite sure what day it is? You’re not asleep, but you’re not fully awake either.
I dreamed of a little girl happily skipping down a hill away from a beautiful palace, holding a golden pouch full of magical, coloured tokens. Bit by bit, over the coming weeks, I dreamed the rest of the story. That’s when I realized I needed to write it all down and turn it into a book.
Reading is my #1 way to relax. I enjoy action novels with a brave hero—much braver than I could ever be! I also love baking, designing, or chatting with a friend over a good cup of coffee. I live on the East Coast of Australia with my husband, Steve.
Find me at: carmenlallen.com
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Molly's Big Decision is a heartwarming children's storybook written by Carmen Allen with illustrations by Jaime Buckley. It follows Molly, a young girl who lives in an orphanage with other children who are mistreated by their caregivers. One day, as she is looking out of her window, a magical palace suddenly appears in the sky. Although she is surprised by its appearance, Molly remembers her late father's bedtime story about a magical blue and emerald palace that travels to different villages across the country. She wants to see what is inside the palace, but due to the orphanage's restrictive rules, this may never happen. However, on her birthday, she receives an invitation letter from the palace's King to tour the place. After spending an amazing day at the palace, the King offers Molly a life-changing opportunity.
Molly's Big Decision is an adventurous and magical story that teaches transformative lessons. Carmen Allen uses familiar fairytale-like characters to help children understand the importance of compassion, unconditional love, and the kingdom of heaven. She addresses significant issues such as child abuse, adoption, and free will, with the latter being the central theme of the story, highlighting how free will is a privilege that everyone is given, and that it should be used wisely. Accompanying the story are beautiful illustrations that perfectly depict the characters and their surroundings, providing readers with a visual narrative. The book is well-written and visually appealing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading emotionally engaging children’s storybooks.
