Author Talks & Reviews

Since Bebe and Poppy made their debut, they have traveled quite a distance. They have been seen in several cities in California, Washington State, Arizona, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Hawaii, Japan and New Zealand. Not bad for a couple of lizards, it must be those tennis shoes that help them travel so far, so fast!

"I just finished reading "Why Lizards Wear Tennis Shoes" and enjoyed it very much . . . the pictures are adorable and have so much personality. I find it a perfect book to read to little ones . . . This book is an excellent opportunity to instill into children good values and to recognize what is important to them.

Irene Edmonds – Bakersfield, California

Grace loved "Why Lizards Wear Tennis Shoes. She took it to school to share with her friends . . . it wound up on Reading Buddy Day with the 5th and 6th graders. The older kids each took turns reading a page of the book to the 1st graders! Her teacher said that the kids loved the illustrations and it provided a great discussion on how special God made lizards.

Michelle Nelson – Queen Creek, Arizonia

My family deeply appreciated your excellent book: Why Lizards Wear Tennis Shoes. Using an interesting story line, your well-written text introduces readers of all ages to core character qualities so important in today's world. It sets forth a clear, positive message in a fun way that instructs without being preachy. We also commend you book's excellent art work . . . colorful and striking . . . it gives us all a clear visual presentation of what's going on in the lives of those friendly lizards, Bebe and Poppy. We look forward to the next adventure books in your Bebe and Poppy series.

Bob Chadwick – Pebble Beach, California

Outstanding work for children of all ages . . . I liked its moral under tones.

Eileen Conner – Columbus, Ohio

The Adventures of Bebe and Poppy is a heart warming, captivating story with animal characters who encourage good character traits . . . lots of colorful pictures and details. My son looked forward to the next page to see what was going to happen to the characters . . . a great read for children and adults of all ages . . . looking forward to the next adventures with Bebe and Poppy.

Patti Porter – Matthews, North Carolina

Thank you for writing Why Lizards Wear Tennis Shoes . . . I really like the mean alley cat.

Nate Greene (2nd Grade) – Hollister, California

We are really enjoying "Why Lizards Wear Tennis Shoes." It's a really good book. Thank you for signing it, too . . . that meant a lot. It's a WONDERFUL book . . . Thanks!

Abby Greene (3rd Grade) – Hollister, California

I have just finished reading "Why Lizards Wear Tennis Shoes" . . . purchased a copy to put away for my future grandchildren . . . What a delightful story! The characters are so real that they seem to jump right off of the pages and into the hearts of children of all ages! This is a great beginning of a series. I encourage other parents grandparents and educators to take a look at the whimsical characters that have such a positive story to tell.

Melody Stein – Pacific Grove, California

I absolutely love the story . . . the band-aid on the tail is a stroke of genius . . . already looking forward to the next episode to see how my new found friends cope with a new dilemma. As life is full of misadventures . . . the sooner we learn how to face troubles and move forward . . . the better prepared we are. Obviously, Bebe and Poppy know how to make lemonade out of lemons.

Maria Mann – Wilmington, North Carolina

ADULT BOOK REVIEWS: 

CHECKMATE: 

This novel of suspense, mystery, and intrigue is unique in its subject matter and vivid descriptions. Intensity and interest build in this fast-paced mystery. Well-written and well-researched this novel has excellent character development and detailed location descriptions. A must-read mystery novel that will thrill readers.

Bob Chadwick, Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

CHECKMATE, A WORTHWHILE READ. An interesting book covering California, Oregon, Brazil, and France. A group of foreign "sleeper cells" wants to overthrow the government by recruiting young people and placing them in key positions. FBI agents chase thes spys around the globe to gather information on their activities and break-up their organization. The characters were will written and one can see the author's familiarity with the areas they work in. This is definitely a worthwhile novel to read.  Bj7eick

COMPLEX INTRIGUE  -  I couldn't put this book down. It grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me intrigued until the very end. The author wove together multiple story lines like a tapestry. I was never sure who the bad guys were until all was revealed. I can't wait for the next book Kathleen writes.  C. Octi

After my wife read it. I did too . . .

CHECKMATE was a delightful surprise. I was ensnared from the get go. Combining the suspense of Clive Cussler with the playful textures of Peter Mayle, the aughor envelopes the reader into a complex choreography of cloak & dagger and believable human foibles. The intrigue is rich, complex, and totally believable. I find myself eager to read her other works.  F. Octi

A NICE EVENING READ:  Kathleen Ambro has written a fantastic book. A nice evening read I couldn't put down. I read the entire book in one evening. I lack sleep, but I have a smile of contentment having enjoyed every page. L. Deupree

HARD TO PUT DOWN. I love a good mystery. Knowing this author is sneaky, I was suspicious of every character. I never knew who all the "bad guys" were. There were obvious ones, but I had to keep reading to find out who was going to get knowcked off and who I wasn't sure about. Love her descriptive writing, her character development and her obvious research. It's a quick read. I think I picked it up 3 times and then of course was disappointed because it was over. That's okay, I am sure there will be more coming. C. Vetter

WEALTH, SORROW, REDEMPTION:

Fascinating Biography!  Each chapter in Wealth, Sorrow, Redemption: The Adventurous Life of a Countess covers a section of  Enid's life, and it was never boring. It is amazing that she hasn't been written about before. The book is well researched and keeps a good pace at telling her life story. I read the book rather quickly and was really impressed by all that the countess did in her life. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys biographies or unique tales.  Sarah Anne Carter

A Great Read!  This is a fast paced story about a real person who was an heiress, married into royalty, then went on to have many twists and turns in her life that no one would guess and are truly amazing! I really enjoyed thiis book and it's a perfect Book Club pick!  Verified Amazon Customer

An Adventure!  Wealth, Sorrow, Redemption is a biographical novel written over several  years. Kathleen Ambro compiled extensive research and interviews to collect the content that makes this book rich and exciting. This story begins in 1904 and continues until the end in 1985. As the story of Countess Kinnoull progresses, she embarks on a journey like no other in her time. Exploring many opportunities, that contribute to the richness of her life and subsequently her story. This story moves from London, England through Europe and on to Africa ending up in the United States. This is my first experience reading a biographical novel, and I enjoyed the adventure. Thank you, Kathleen for your dedication and diligence in writing Wealth, Sorrow, Redemption.  Elizabeth M. Engelhardt

You've Got to Read This Book!  This book takes you on a ride through a woman's life you've probably never of but who you will never forget. It's just amazing how many things one person could accomplish and experience in one lifetime, and this book takes you through them all. This is not the typical book I would pick up to read, but I'm so glad I did.  Karen

A Well Crafted Tale!  A well crafted tale of an amazing lady. Ms. Ambro's ability to weave years of research across multiple continents with creative vitality puts this book right up there with anything found on the New York Times bestseller list.  Octi

Extraordinary Secret History Told for the First Time!  A somewhat aloof, aristocratic Englishwoman dies in self-imposed exile on the California coast. What compelled the Countess of Kinnoull to make her home 6,000 miles from her former family and friends? And what were the tragic and extraordinary secrets she took to her grave near Carmel-by-the-Sea? Kathleen Ambro has recreated the compelling true story of this mysterious woman, from the giddy excitement of an early marriage to an English playboy, the tragic loss of an infant child and to the inheritance of an enormous fortune which enabled a life of reinvention, adventure, espionage, missionary work, and philanthropy. In the Google age, it seems incredible that so little was known about someone who played a significant role in major political and religious events in the 20th century. Thanks to years of evidently painstaking research in Europe and the US, Kathleen has put right that wrong with this well-crafted, highly readable and engrossing work.  Roger 4820 - United Kingdom