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Finkleton #1
The Magic of Finkleton
Most folks say, "Mother Nature controls the rain." However this is not the case in the village of Finkleton.
In the perfect little village of Finkleton, the weather is always perfect. Every farm grows the best, biggest, healthiest crops in the entire world, and everyone is happy.
Soon after the Finkles inherit their Uncle Harry's shop and move to Finkleton, they discover magical secrets hidden in his shop. One clue at a time, Jack, Lizzy and Robert learn the town's amazing secret. No, Mother Nature is not in charge in Finkleton!
Ever since Uncle Harry's death, the weather has not been cooperating. Farms are starting to fail. Will the Finkle children be able to solve all the magical mysteries before the village is destroyed?
Come along to Finkleton. A very special, magical adventure is about to begin!
Age Range 9-12
Childrens / Middle Grade Fiction
In the perfect little village of Finkleton, the weather is always perfect. Every farm grows the best, biggest, healthiest crops in the entire world, and everyone is happy.
Soon after the Finkles inherit their Uncle Harry's shop and move to Finkleton, they discover magical secrets hidden in his shop. One clue at a time, Jack, Lizzy and Robert learn the town's amazing secret. No, Mother Nature is not in charge in Finkleton!
Ever since Uncle Harry's death, the weather has not been cooperating. Farms are starting to fail. Will the Finkle children be able to solve all the magical mysteries before the village is destroyed?
Come along to Finkleton. A very special, magical adventure is about to begin!
Age Range 9-12
Childrens / Middle Grade Fiction
184 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2011
46 people are currently reading
3805 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Hilton
7 books431 followersK.C. is a wife, mother and manages the family business. K.C.’s husband refers to her as Hobbit size and claims that she is “nuttier than a fruit cake.”
She owns a complete set of pink tools, believes in aliens and secretly wants to become a badass ninja. In her spare time, she can be found daydreaming about leaving work early to eat chocolate and drink wine. Sometimes her dreams come true.
Website: www.kc-hilton.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KcHiltonAuthor
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsKcHilton
She owns a complete set of pink tools, believes in aliens and secretly wants to become a badass ninja. In her spare time, she can be found daydreaming about leaving work early to eat chocolate and drink wine. Sometimes her dreams come true.
Website: www.kc-hilton.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KcHiltonAuthor
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsKcHilton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 13, 2011
I had the great honor of reading The Magic of Finkleton when it was in a writer's forum. It was of course the un-edited version.
This story will draw you in from the start and hooks you at the end of each chapter.
As an adult I quite enjoyed the story and wanted to get a child's point of view (I was curious) so I read it to my children (laptop in hand) before they went to bed (it took a few evenings) but they enjoyed it very much!
As a parent I loved the many questions they had at the end of each chapter; wanting to know what was going to happen next (they knew I had read it). My children laughed and giggled in regards to the Finkle children and many of their actions and comments throughout the story. The looks on their faces when a secret was found was precious.
They loved all the magical secrets and were trying to guess certain things throughout the read; like putting together a puzzle and they wanted me to read it faster.
This was a cute and fun adventure. The tone was written very well and easy for a child to understand (my youngest is 6). Although Finkleton is not a real place (on any map as Hilton claims in her story) my children say they want to go there one day.
For a story to hold the interest of my children and keep them talking about it for days deserves 5 stars in my opinion.
When the actual book is released, I will be buying it for my children to have and to read for themselves.
I thanked Hilton for allowing me to read it to my children and she enjoyed hearing about their comments.
I also want to add that my daughter wants me to buy her an hourglass. She now believes they are magical! I told her I would buy her one, but I informed her they are only magical in Finkleton :)
This story will draw you in from the start and hooks you at the end of each chapter.
As an adult I quite enjoyed the story and wanted to get a child's point of view (I was curious) so I read it to my children (laptop in hand) before they went to bed (it took a few evenings) but they enjoyed it very much!
As a parent I loved the many questions they had at the end of each chapter; wanting to know what was going to happen next (they knew I had read it). My children laughed and giggled in regards to the Finkle children and many of their actions and comments throughout the story. The looks on their faces when a secret was found was precious.
They loved all the magical secrets and were trying to guess certain things throughout the read; like putting together a puzzle and they wanted me to read it faster.
This was a cute and fun adventure. The tone was written very well and easy for a child to understand (my youngest is 6). Although Finkleton is not a real place (on any map as Hilton claims in her story) my children say they want to go there one day.
For a story to hold the interest of my children and keep them talking about it for days deserves 5 stars in my opinion.
When the actual book is released, I will be buying it for my children to have and to read for themselves.
I thanked Hilton for allowing me to read it to my children and she enjoyed hearing about their comments.
I also want to add that my daughter wants me to buy her an hourglass. She now believes they are magical! I told her I would buy her one, but I informed her they are only magical in Finkleton :)
March 19, 2011
No Spoilers! I don't do that!
First things first... The book cover is georgeous! Seriosly, I can't wait to see the actual book. I bought the ebook.
Second... The writing is straight forward and direct to the point. It wasn't overly descriptive. It had just the right amount of description to keep me from skipping like I tend to do in most books, when I get bored. I liked the writing style.
Third... I wasn't bored. It definately held my interest. The prologue and first chapter was pretty gripping, I was hooked. I tend to read mostly young adult. This book did not contain any sex, violence or cursing... Seriosly it's nice to read a generally good book once in a while. They're hard to find!
Last but not least... Overall it was a wonderful read. The Finkle children finding the secrets and eventually learning to work together is a lesson to be learned for all young teens. I liked the funny parts and could imagine everything perfectly. It's too bad Finkleton isn't real. I now want an hourglass myself, lol.
First things first... The book cover is georgeous! Seriosly, I can't wait to see the actual book. I bought the ebook.
Second... The writing is straight forward and direct to the point. It wasn't overly descriptive. It had just the right amount of description to keep me from skipping like I tend to do in most books, when I get bored. I liked the writing style.
Third... I wasn't bored. It definately held my interest. The prologue and first chapter was pretty gripping, I was hooked. I tend to read mostly young adult. This book did not contain any sex, violence or cursing... Seriosly it's nice to read a generally good book once in a while. They're hard to find!
Last but not least... Overall it was a wonderful read. The Finkle children finding the secrets and eventually learning to work together is a lesson to be learned for all young teens. I liked the funny parts and could imagine everything perfectly. It's too bad Finkleton isn't real. I now want an hourglass myself, lol.
March 19, 2011
I couldn't wait for this book to come out!
I liked the clean fun adventure it contained as well as the funny bits.
I have to agree with another review, that this book was straight to the point. It didn't contain a bunch of over description, like many books do, just to gain pages. A story can be well written without all the extra junk, that I skim over, it had just the right amount in my opinion.
Semi-Spoiler Below ***
I especially liked it when Robert found the magical lever. If I had found it, I would have tortured my sister everytime she went outside lol. Oh, and I loved it when Jack slammed the door in Lizzy's face, I laughed, I have issues... Enough said, lol.
I wonder if Hilton will be giving away any hourglasses if she does a book giveaway??? Hint.. Hint.. :)
Oh, and I hope she rights a sequel... With that ending... It's a must!
It wasn't a cliffhanger, but it gives way to another book and I liked it.
I liked the clean fun adventure it contained as well as the funny bits.
I have to agree with another review, that this book was straight to the point. It didn't contain a bunch of over description, like many books do, just to gain pages. A story can be well written without all the extra junk, that I skim over, it had just the right amount in my opinion.
Semi-Spoiler Below ***
I especially liked it when Robert found the magical lever. If I had found it, I would have tortured my sister everytime she went outside lol. Oh, and I loved it when Jack slammed the door in Lizzy's face, I laughed, I have issues... Enough said, lol.
I wonder if Hilton will be giving away any hourglasses if she does a book giveaway??? Hint.. Hint.. :)
Oh, and I hope she rights a sequel... With that ending... It's a must!
It wasn't a cliffhanger, but it gives way to another book and I liked it.
May 13, 2011
Okay! I was lucky enough to read this after the truly awesome K.C. Hilton sent me a copy! I was just leaving for the airport on Saturday when I saw the post had arrived and luckily I had a few seconds spare to open the envelope and see what was inside - and then excitedly pop the book into my bag because it's a small, light paperback that would not break my back to carry to Amsterdam and back.
At 184 pages and with a compelling storyline, it's a very quick read - I ended up finishing it while still at the airport. :D (Which meant that The Subtle Knife was not displaced as my "plane book" after all.) Once I was done, I totally did the dorky thing of hugging the book to me and squealing. But, like, quietly, because there were hot Dutch flight attendants around.
And this is telling you nothing of the story itself, so let's begin! You know what it reminds me of? All those childrens' TV shows that I adored when I was younger, like Ocean Girl, Mirror, Mirror, Butterfly Island, etc - where you have these totally normal kids who just happen to find some magic, and then it's all adventurous and marvelous and they have to save the bush/their town/the world/the universe. I could totally see this all playing out so vividly in my mind, and I think I was mentally casting the three kids from Round the Twist (Jeffrey Walker era) as Robert, Jack and Lizzy.
The story is absolutely charming. I loved the setting, it has that cosy historical feel to it that I just adore (Lizzy wears petticoats! They travel by horse-drawn carriage!) and that fits so well with the whole small-town British thing. Finkleton is kind of like Brigadoon, only it exists all the time; so maybe it's not like Brigadoon at all, but it has magic in it, and that magic only covers Finkleton. The weather is always perfect - for everyone. Everyone has precisely the right amount of rain and sunshine for their crops but, as the blurb suggests, this isn't just Mother Nature's doing.
Maybe I'll hop behind a spoiler-cut.
I swear, this totally needs to be a TV series. Or, like, a real place that I can visit. :D For now, I'll just content myself with reading the book again and imagining.
At 184 pages and with a compelling storyline, it's a very quick read - I ended up finishing it while still at the airport. :D (Which meant that The Subtle Knife was not displaced as my "plane book" after all.) Once I was done, I totally did the dorky thing of hugging the book to me and squealing. But, like, quietly, because there were hot Dutch flight attendants around.
And this is telling you nothing of the story itself, so let's begin! You know what it reminds me of? All those childrens' TV shows that I adored when I was younger, like Ocean Girl, Mirror, Mirror, Butterfly Island, etc - where you have these totally normal kids who just happen to find some magic, and then it's all adventurous and marvelous and they have to save the bush/their town/the world/the universe. I could totally see this all playing out so vividly in my mind, and I think I was mentally casting the three kids from Round the Twist (Jeffrey Walker era) as Robert, Jack and Lizzy.
The story is absolutely charming. I loved the setting, it has that cosy historical feel to it that I just adore (Lizzy wears petticoats! They travel by horse-drawn carriage!) and that fits so well with the whole small-town British thing. Finkleton is kind of like Brigadoon, only it exists all the time; so maybe it's not like Brigadoon at all, but it has magic in it, and that magic only covers Finkleton. The weather is always perfect - for everyone. Everyone has precisely the right amount of rain and sunshine for their crops but, as the blurb suggests, this isn't just Mother Nature's doing.
Maybe I'll hop behind a spoiler-cut.
I swear, this totally needs to be a TV series. Or, like, a real place that I can visit. :D For now, I'll just content myself with reading the book again and imagining.
May 8, 2011
THE MAGIC OF FINKLETON BY KC HILTON
I have yet to read a book from the Night Publishing stables that has not left me in awe of the brilliant writing ability of it’s authors.
The Magic of Finkleton by KC Hilton is no exception.
William Finkles’ uncle dies unexpectedly leaving his store and home to his nephew. Ironically Williams’ family home is burnt to the ground at exactly the same time. So the family due to this qwerk of fate relocate to the village of Finkleton.
Sceptics would say ‘coincidence naturally’ but the dwellers in Finkleton would state even more clearly ‘that’s the magic of Finkleton.’
William, his wife Emma and their three children Jack, Elizabeth and Robert settle into their new home and start to become established in the welcoming village. The old fashioned store holds many secrets that the children discover one by one. Elizabeth (Lizzie) the bookworm through her obsessive factual reading of her great uncles’ books. Jack through his obsession with tidyness, and Robert through his obsession with machinery.
The dusty old shop slowly allows each of the children to discover their Great uncles’ secrets. Each child at first is determined to keep their discoveries well hidden from their siblings until the opportunity arises for them to disccuss their finds in full.
Through trial and error the children correct the crop rotation by learning to control the weather. To state more would give this wonderous storyline away.
As it states in the prologue …….. Some folks say Finkleton holds the luckiest lands in England. Others shrug instead and say that it’s a magical place.
This is a striking book for all ages and which of us can ignore the magic that fate has to offer. I would urge you to buy this book and enjoy it’s magic.
Highy Recommended 5 stars.
ã Teresa Geering 08/05/2011
I have yet to read a book from the Night Publishing stables that has not left me in awe of the brilliant writing ability of it’s authors.
The Magic of Finkleton by KC Hilton is no exception.
William Finkles’ uncle dies unexpectedly leaving his store and home to his nephew. Ironically Williams’ family home is burnt to the ground at exactly the same time. So the family due to this qwerk of fate relocate to the village of Finkleton.
Sceptics would say ‘coincidence naturally’ but the dwellers in Finkleton would state even more clearly ‘that’s the magic of Finkleton.’
William, his wife Emma and their three children Jack, Elizabeth and Robert settle into their new home and start to become established in the welcoming village. The old fashioned store holds many secrets that the children discover one by one. Elizabeth (Lizzie) the bookworm through her obsessive factual reading of her great uncles’ books. Jack through his obsession with tidyness, and Robert through his obsession with machinery.
The dusty old shop slowly allows each of the children to discover their Great uncles’ secrets. Each child at first is determined to keep their discoveries well hidden from their siblings until the opportunity arises for them to disccuss their finds in full.
Through trial and error the children correct the crop rotation by learning to control the weather. To state more would give this wonderous storyline away.
As it states in the prologue …….. Some folks say Finkleton holds the luckiest lands in England. Others shrug instead and say that it’s a magical place.
This is a striking book for all ages and which of us can ignore the magic that fate has to offer. I would urge you to buy this book and enjoy it’s magic.
Highy Recommended 5 stars.
ã Teresa Geering 08/05/2011
March 28, 2011
I read mostly young adult, but felt compelled to read this one. This is Hilton's debut book and It was really good. The age group for this book is spot-on.
It held my interest to the last page. The slow build up was nicely done. Will there be a sequel? If so, I'll read it.
It held my interest to the last page. The slow build up was nicely done. Will there be a sequel? If so, I'll read it.
October 6, 2011
When I saw this book's gorgeous cover and read the glowing reviews, I got this book for my kids so we could discover along with the Finkle kids the secrets they stumble upon in Finkleton. After reading the synopsis to my daughter she told me outright that it sounded very predictable. She didn't seem excited as I was to read it along with me. Nonetheless, I snuggled with my kids on the bed and began reading. The first chapter was promising but by the third chapter, my son told me there was too much dialogue and not enough action.
Both my kids were right.
From then on we struggled through it. My son lost total interest and my daughter and I were bored. The story had an interesting premise about a family who inherited their Uncle Harry's shop and moved to Finkleton, where they discover magical hidden secrets in the shop. The setting is England but the time is unclear leaving us to guess that it took place sometime in the 19th century. I liked this because I envisioned a wholesome story with children who wouldn't be distracted by modern technology but rather would cleverly use their wits to solve the mystery of Finkleton. While the story is wholesome, we did not consider the children witty. Except maybe for Robert, the youngest, who figured things out and took an interest in the hourglasses. But we did like how in the end they came to work together for the good of their town.
The problem was that the story was very slow with not much suspense. The excessive dialogue was irritating because it did nothing to move the plot forward. Each chapter could have been easily cut in half. Too much telling and not enough showing. An editor would have caught this and helped to polish the text.
We really wanted to like this book but in the end, my daughter and I didn't care for any of the children (Jack 14, Lizzy 12 and Robert 8) who bickered like preschoolers and cried often. All the children acted younger than their age. My daughter remarked that Lizzy seemed more like a 7 year-old in her behaviour. I could see that she couldn't relate to her. Moreover, character development was lacking as well as the magical wonder we were expecting. Even Mr. Lowsley, the antagonist (if we could call him that) was quite tame.
This book might work for a young audience but savvy middle-graders who are used to action and adventure and meatier plots... well they might just roll their eyeballs and move on. But that's only our family's opinion. Sometimes tame and predictable is good too.
Both my kids were right.
From then on we struggled through it. My son lost total interest and my daughter and I were bored. The story had an interesting premise about a family who inherited their Uncle Harry's shop and moved to Finkleton, where they discover magical hidden secrets in the shop. The setting is England but the time is unclear leaving us to guess that it took place sometime in the 19th century. I liked this because I envisioned a wholesome story with children who wouldn't be distracted by modern technology but rather would cleverly use their wits to solve the mystery of Finkleton. While the story is wholesome, we did not consider the children witty. Except maybe for Robert, the youngest, who figured things out and took an interest in the hourglasses. But we did like how in the end they came to work together for the good of their town.
The problem was that the story was very slow with not much suspense. The excessive dialogue was irritating because it did nothing to move the plot forward. Each chapter could have been easily cut in half. Too much telling and not enough showing. An editor would have caught this and helped to polish the text.
We really wanted to like this book but in the end, my daughter and I didn't care for any of the children (Jack 14, Lizzy 12 and Robert 8) who bickered like preschoolers and cried often. All the children acted younger than their age. My daughter remarked that Lizzy seemed more like a 7 year-old in her behaviour. I could see that she couldn't relate to her. Moreover, character development was lacking as well as the magical wonder we were expecting. Even Mr. Lowsley, the antagonist (if we could call him that) was quite tame.
This book might work for a young audience but savvy middle-graders who are used to action and adventure and meatier plots... well they might just roll their eyeballs and move on. But that's only our family's opinion. Sometimes tame and predictable is good too.
January 15, 2012
How is this possibly boring??
Full review at: http://generalconfessions.weebly.com/...
**Edit: After reading an ARC of Return to Finkleton, I have decided that I loved that one much more than this and believe I will give this one four stars instead of the initial five. Still love this one though!
Full review at: http://generalconfessions.weebly.com/...
**Edit: After reading an ARC of Return to Finkleton, I have decided that I loved that one much more than this and believe I will give this one four stars instead of the initial five. Still love this one though!
March 21, 2011
I enjoyed this book very much and so did my daughters. It's definately for 9-12 year olds, but I found it interesting as well.
From my daughter's point of views: They loved all the secrets and the Finkle children.
From my daughter's point of views: They loved all the secrets and the Finkle children.
April 26, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. Great imagination and fun for me to read. I can easily see this book as the perfect bedtime story.
March 19, 2011
Glad I read it! It's a good read. It has funny parts and I loved the Finkle kids finding the secrets. A+++
February 14, 2016
After their house is mysteriously burnt, the Finkles learn that their Uncle Harry had died the exact same night, and he left all his belongings to them, including his general store. The Finkles pack up what didn’t burn in the fire and move to Finkleton to start a new life. The three children are Jack, Lizzy, and Robert, who are all uniquely different from another. Jack is the oldest and thinks he is the brightest. He enjoys numbers and organizing things. Lizzy is the bookworm of the family, and Robert is the youngest.
The family moves into the apartment above of the general store. Lizzy is sad that all of her books were burnt in the fire, but instantly became happy when her father told her that Uncle Harry had a library in a secret room in the store. Most of the books are non-fiction, and Lizzy wants to read them all. Robert investigates the store and finds a strange room filled with hourglasses that are labeled and has a string attached to each of them, but one of the strings was broken.
The family reopens the store, with a few customers complaining about all the rain because Finkleton use to have the perfect weather for farming. A stranger named Mr. Lowsley shows up several times asking about land he could buy. Robert doesn’t like this man, and believes that he is up to no good.
Then, Robert pulls on a wood lever hidden in the store and the rain suddenly stops. Did Uncle Harry control the weather in Finkleton? Why does Mr. Lowsly want to buy land in Finkleton?
When I received this book in the mail, my first thought was “This is a dazzling cover.” After reading the page and a half prologue, I was hooked into the world of Finkleton. It was a nice change to read an original book that doesn’t involve vampires and werewolves. I got a kick out of the kids bickering back and forth in the beginning of the book and enjoyed it when they started to work together to solve the mystery of Uncle Harry’s store. The Magic of Finkleton is a great read for both children and adults!
The family moves into the apartment above of the general store. Lizzy is sad that all of her books were burnt in the fire, but instantly became happy when her father told her that Uncle Harry had a library in a secret room in the store. Most of the books are non-fiction, and Lizzy wants to read them all. Robert investigates the store and finds a strange room filled with hourglasses that are labeled and has a string attached to each of them, but one of the strings was broken.
The family reopens the store, with a few customers complaining about all the rain because Finkleton use to have the perfect weather for farming. A stranger named Mr. Lowsley shows up several times asking about land he could buy. Robert doesn’t like this man, and believes that he is up to no good.
Then, Robert pulls on a wood lever hidden in the store and the rain suddenly stops. Did Uncle Harry control the weather in Finkleton? Why does Mr. Lowsly want to buy land in Finkleton?
When I received this book in the mail, my first thought was “This is a dazzling cover.” After reading the page and a half prologue, I was hooked into the world of Finkleton. It was a nice change to read an original book that doesn’t involve vampires and werewolves. I got a kick out of the kids bickering back and forth in the beginning of the book and enjoyed it when they started to work together to solve the mystery of Uncle Harry’s store. The Magic of Finkleton is a great read for both children and adults!
March 31, 2011
This is a great book for kids to explore their imaginations!!!!
March 21, 2011
this book has a great imagination an fantasy
March 21, 2011
I just love a good book... Don't you?
A+++
A+++
August 31, 2011
A very fun and entertaining read.
The story was fresh and original and the writing flowed beautifully.
I loved the characters and didn't want the book to end. the second book
in the series comes out 2012 and I will definitely be buying it.
If you enjoy middle-grade novels, then pick up "The Magic of Finkleton"
it's a fast, easy read and I'd recommend it to everyone.
- R.D.
The story was fresh and original and the writing flowed beautifully.
I loved the characters and didn't want the book to end. the second book
in the series comes out 2012 and I will definitely be buying it.
If you enjoy middle-grade novels, then pick up "The Magic of Finkleton"
it's a fast, easy read and I'd recommend it to everyone.
- R.D.
March 20, 2012
Overall this was a good book.
*** Spoiler Below ***
Hourglasses controlling the weather. Who would have thought?
Uncle Harry Finkle owns a shop and breaks a string to an hourglass just before he dies. Immediately the mystery of these hourglasses pull the reader into the story. At the same time his newphew's home is destroyed by a severe storm. Again, the broken hourglass string and the unexplained storm are a mystery. Awesome prologue and major hook.
The Finkle family moves to Finkleton to run Uncle Harry's shop, since they inherited it and they need a place to live. Coinsidence? The three Finkle children are introduced during the move.
The Finkle family finally arrives at their new home/shop. Robert, the youngest of the brood, finds a lever that turns out to be magical. It controls the rain. He wants to keep the secret lever a secret... His secret. I really liked this part and could see him touching the lever.
Throughout the story the Finkle children (Jack, Lizzy and Robert) continue to find clues and other secrets and eventually bring them all together. Robert discovers the secret of the hourglass room and finds the broken string on an hourglass. Jack finds a hidden journal and with the help of his younger brother Robert, figures out the mysterious large map. Lizzy finds a letter from Uncle Harry.
A believeable explanation of how the hourglasses control the weather is also explained.
The last names of people in Finkleton are fun. Example Mr. Appleton (grows apples), Mr. Parchetty (grows peaches) and so on. The names are easy for a young reader to remember. Of course there must be a bad guy and his name is Mr. Lowsley (He's a Low sort of man).
Ultimately a few bad things happen. Another broken string on an hourglass and of course the secret lever breaks. Remember these control the weather? Robert quickly learns that keeping a secret isn't always a good thing.
The story ends with all things being put right again. A happy ending like most stories for this age group. But the story doesn't end there. Another secret is discovered and leaves the book open for a sequel.
*** Spoiler Below ***
Hourglasses controlling the weather. Who would have thought?
Uncle Harry Finkle owns a shop and breaks a string to an hourglass just before he dies. Immediately the mystery of these hourglasses pull the reader into the story. At the same time his newphew's home is destroyed by a severe storm. Again, the broken hourglass string and the unexplained storm are a mystery. Awesome prologue and major hook.
The Finkle family moves to Finkleton to run Uncle Harry's shop, since they inherited it and they need a place to live. Coinsidence? The three Finkle children are introduced during the move.
The Finkle family finally arrives at their new home/shop. Robert, the youngest of the brood, finds a lever that turns out to be magical. It controls the rain. He wants to keep the secret lever a secret... His secret. I really liked this part and could see him touching the lever.
Throughout the story the Finkle children (Jack, Lizzy and Robert) continue to find clues and other secrets and eventually bring them all together. Robert discovers the secret of the hourglass room and finds the broken string on an hourglass. Jack finds a hidden journal and with the help of his younger brother Robert, figures out the mysterious large map. Lizzy finds a letter from Uncle Harry.
A believeable explanation of how the hourglasses control the weather is also explained.
The last names of people in Finkleton are fun. Example Mr. Appleton (grows apples), Mr. Parchetty (grows peaches) and so on. The names are easy for a young reader to remember. Of course there must be a bad guy and his name is Mr. Lowsley (He's a Low sort of man).
Ultimately a few bad things happen. Another broken string on an hourglass and of course the secret lever breaks. Remember these control the weather? Robert quickly learns that keeping a secret isn't always a good thing.
The story ends with all things being put right again. A happy ending like most stories for this age group. But the story doesn't end there. Another secret is discovered and leaves the book open for a sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 28, 2014**Originally posted on my site BUNNYCATES.COM **
My Thoughts:
I was sent a copy of this book from the author. She, like us, is from Kentucky so I couldn’t wait for it to show up! I think I was more excited about it coming then Sis was! Can I just take a moment to comment on the cover art. GORGEOUS!
Sis (age 10) and I read this one as a “read together” book. Each night, each of us would read a chapter aloud. I really enjoyed it. It was great mommy/daughter time, and the story was fun and different.
From a mom’s perspective, I thought the book was great. I kept thinking The Magic of Finkleton would be an easy way to introduce the topic of a death (which is really a hard topic to introduce to younger ones). In the very beginning Uncle Harry passes away, and the family have to move to take over his store. The story touches on their loss of the Uncle, and throughout the book the continually talk in remembrance of him. I know I am “reading” a lot into it, but I thought that having them talk about Uncle Harry, etc. Shows younger kids, that may well have not had to deal with “death” yet, that it’s ok. People die, that happens. It’s ok to miss them, and ok to go on remembering them. I just thought it was a wonderful piece of the story.
The mysteries kept me (the adult) reading and entertained. I couldn’t wait to find out “what” was going on. =D I enjoyed the kids mouthiness, and then how their secrets bind them as they try to solve the mysteries! Sis and I literally laughed out loud at the kids bantering back and forth at each other. “She’s not a LADY”… LOL
My favorite character in this book has to be lil Lizzy and her love for books. She has a smart mouth and a love for words. That child could definitely have been born to this house. LOL
In the end, I say this is a great book. Would be great for kids say 6+ (with help reading). I enjoyed this one, and Sis’s review of it will be up later this week if you’d like to see her take on the story.
My Thoughts:
I was sent a copy of this book from the author. She, like us, is from Kentucky so I couldn’t wait for it to show up! I think I was more excited about it coming then Sis was! Can I just take a moment to comment on the cover art. GORGEOUS!
Sis (age 10) and I read this one as a “read together” book. Each night, each of us would read a chapter aloud. I really enjoyed it. It was great mommy/daughter time, and the story was fun and different.
From a mom’s perspective, I thought the book was great. I kept thinking The Magic of Finkleton would be an easy way to introduce the topic of a death (which is really a hard topic to introduce to younger ones). In the very beginning Uncle Harry passes away, and the family have to move to take over his store. The story touches on their loss of the Uncle, and throughout the book the continually talk in remembrance of him. I know I am “reading” a lot into it, but I thought that having them talk about Uncle Harry, etc. Shows younger kids, that may well have not had to deal with “death” yet, that it’s ok. People die, that happens. It’s ok to miss them, and ok to go on remembering them. I just thought it was a wonderful piece of the story.
The mysteries kept me (the adult) reading and entertained. I couldn’t wait to find out “what” was going on. =D I enjoyed the kids mouthiness, and then how their secrets bind them as they try to solve the mysteries! Sis and I literally laughed out loud at the kids bantering back and forth at each other. “She’s not a LADY”… LOL
My favorite character in this book has to be lil Lizzy and her love for books. She has a smart mouth and a love for words. That child could definitely have been born to this house. LOL
In the end, I say this is a great book. Would be great for kids say 6+ (with help reading). I enjoyed this one, and Sis’s review of it will be up later this week if you’d like to see her take on the story.
May 27, 2011
Their house burning down left few choices for the Finkle family. Taking over their recently deceased Uncle Harry’s general store in Finkleton was their only option. Arriving in the small England village after hearing father’s stories of Uncle Harry and his store, each of the three children were intrigued just enough to be looking forward to exploring everything. After a modicum of unpacking, they all wanted to look at the store and the house, Jack was the oldest and was looking forward to learning more of the workings of the store and finding the office in disarray, organizing was his first priority. The middle child and only girl was an avid reader and since the fire had consumed her store of books, she was only interested in the promised room of books. Once there, she quickly figured out how they were organized and selected her first nights reading material with the promise to return for them all at some point. As the youngest, Richard was trying to find his own place when he found something much more interesting. The lever under the counter seemed to control the rain. Astonished at his find, Richard wanted this to be his secret from everyone, but as the consequences started making themselves clear, her realized he needed hop to make sure Mr. Bad Guy never found out the true secrets of the success of Finkleton.
What an adorable story. Some of the dialogue and wording felt a bit awkward at times, but I was hooked from the start and simply enjoyed it all the way to the end. While it was set approximately 100 or so years ago, this is one of those timeless fantasies. Simply adored all the children even with their sibling rivalry and teasing. This would be a fun book to read with younger kids (5-8) or to let older kids (8 and up) read on their own. It makes for a wonderful story, creative with some great characters, truly a story for all ages.
What an adorable story. Some of the dialogue and wording felt a bit awkward at times, but I was hooked from the start and simply enjoyed it all the way to the end. While it was set approximately 100 or so years ago, this is one of those timeless fantasies. Simply adored all the children even with their sibling rivalry and teasing. This would be a fun book to read with younger kids (5-8) or to let older kids (8 and up) read on their own. It makes for a wonderful story, creative with some great characters, truly a story for all ages.
August 11, 2012
Returned me to the magic of childhood!
This book, though written for children, can encompass all ages in the way of fairy tales of yore. A magical time when things are not what they seem. Well-written to keep anticipation coming, and flows with mystery and curiosity. An old shopkeeper dies and the village farms of Finkleton are instantly inundated with rain. At the same time a home in another village is struck by lightning and burned. What is happening with the weather?
The home that was destroyed happened to belong to the heir to the old shopkeeper's store and property, and therein lies this delicious story. The displaced family of five arrive in Finkleton and very soon the youngest child makes a mysterious discovery. He keeps it secret but before long his sister, who reads everything readable, learns the secret. But when the weather gets out of control, they must let their older brother know what is happening. Should they tell their parents what they have found? Are there more secrets hidden in the old shop? Is Mother Nature really in charge of the weather?
KC Hilton creates an entire world, not on a different planet, not even in an enchanted forest. No, this is a village surrounded by farms, some very famous and lush farms, in fact the most productive farms and best-tasting produce in the world. But even in such a perfect location, danger can rear its ugly head. I was charmed by this magical adventure and I can tell the next will be exciting, too.
This book, though written for children, can encompass all ages in the way of fairy tales of yore. A magical time when things are not what they seem. Well-written to keep anticipation coming, and flows with mystery and curiosity. An old shopkeeper dies and the village farms of Finkleton are instantly inundated with rain. At the same time a home in another village is struck by lightning and burned. What is happening with the weather?
The home that was destroyed happened to belong to the heir to the old shopkeeper's store and property, and therein lies this delicious story. The displaced family of five arrive in Finkleton and very soon the youngest child makes a mysterious discovery. He keeps it secret but before long his sister, who reads everything readable, learns the secret. But when the weather gets out of control, they must let their older brother know what is happening. Should they tell their parents what they have found? Are there more secrets hidden in the old shop? Is Mother Nature really in charge of the weather?
KC Hilton creates an entire world, not on a different planet, not even in an enchanted forest. No, this is a village surrounded by farms, some very famous and lush farms, in fact the most productive farms and best-tasting produce in the world. But even in such a perfect location, danger can rear its ugly head. I was charmed by this magical adventure and I can tell the next will be exciting, too.
August 26, 2016
In these days of horror and starvation, endless vampires and witchcraft on every TV and Cinema screen who wouldn't be at a loss to think the devil was at work. So it is a pure joy to read, ney endulge and get totally lost into the delightful world of FINKLETON. As an Englishman - well Welshman actually with family links to the aristocracy and a fair knowledge of his language, the idea of an American author from deepest Kentucky writing about a quaint mystical place called Finkleton near Bath (one of my favourite cities) in rich, rural England would you have thought passed me by. I have my biased of course -yet I was given not one Americanism. The characters alive and so beautifully developed and so, so English in their aliveness. Fun, imaginative and a pure delight to be part of the Finkleton life. Unusual and different! You can keep your deep, black Harry Potters of this world this book is pure chemistry! Good Luck KC Hilton! I am proud to be a part of FINKLELAND. Jonathan Evans - Narrator.
June 13, 2011
This is a great book for the young and the young at heart, It is well written and will keep your interest from the first page all the way to the end, It is fun watching the children discover the magic through the story, as the decisions are left to them to decide what they will do with the secrets the have found, and it is very cute as the children have the normal sibling spats, I loved the feeling of this small magical town in England, A place everyone would love to visit, Young readers will enjoy discovering the Magic of Finkleton along with the Jack,Lizzy and Robert (the finkleton children) and it leaves you wanting more at the end of the book.........GREAT STORY....................
September 3, 2011
Magic of Finkleton, filled with mystery and wonders. I really enjoyed how the story wraps around the kids (siblings). By reading this, I couldn't help but think of my siblings, we may bicker about a few things but we do come together when we need too. I personally feel like this book is a teaching when it comes to family. Family backs each other up and protects each other, that is what this family, especially the kids do in the story once it gets going. This story has a lot of character and just to imagine the scene, location, people makes for the reading to just pull you in as if you were there.
I do want to point out, I usually do not do this, someone in their review stated that this was a kids book and not a YA. First of all the book does state that it is for kids and gives the ages. When you look for a good book to read, I would think that you would check that before you purchase it. Now that you have read the book, you state that one character in the book cried a lot not sure if this person read the same book as me, I didn't see anything that referenced crying throughout the book. If it did, it may have been a few points here and there, not the whole book.... not even 1/4 of the book. I would think the better clarification is pout or upset because "THAT" is what kids do. Kids show their expressions in many ways, that is how the kids in this book became the characters that they are.
What can I say about this book, I know awesome reading. This is the type of book in my opinion that keeps your attention and you can't put it down because you have to know what happens next. I would diffidently recommend this to others of any age. Can't wait to see what happens in the next saga. Thanks KC for your hard work and big imagination, that is what keeps the mind open to all possibilities.
I do apologize for not giving a little bit of a summary to the book. I just feel like that takes away any adventures and excitement that a person should be able to read without ruining it for others. All I can say is get the book and read it, you will not be disappointed. Please remember this is a kids book, so if you think your kids will enjoy get this or if your a big kid at heart I know you will enjoy reading this.
I do want to point out, I usually do not do this, someone in their review stated that this was a kids book and not a YA. First of all the book does state that it is for kids and gives the ages. When you look for a good book to read, I would think that you would check that before you purchase it. Now that you have read the book, you state that one character in the book cried a lot not sure if this person read the same book as me, I didn't see anything that referenced crying throughout the book. If it did, it may have been a few points here and there, not the whole book.... not even 1/4 of the book. I would think the better clarification is pout or upset because "THAT" is what kids do. Kids show their expressions in many ways, that is how the kids in this book became the characters that they are.
What can I say about this book, I know awesome reading. This is the type of book in my opinion that keeps your attention and you can't put it down because you have to know what happens next. I would diffidently recommend this to others of any age. Can't wait to see what happens in the next saga. Thanks KC for your hard work and big imagination, that is what keeps the mind open to all possibilities.
I do apologize for not giving a little bit of a summary to the book. I just feel like that takes away any adventures and excitement that a person should be able to read without ruining it for others. All I can say is get the book and read it, you will not be disappointed. Please remember this is a kids book, so if you think your kids will enjoy get this or if your a big kid at heart I know you will enjoy reading this.
October 7, 2011
Had I not won The Magic of Finkleton as a Goodreads giveaway, I probably would not have had the opportunity to read the book. What a happy bit of fate that I won! This is a most enjoyable young-reader book. As I read it, I was reminded of the Boxcar children. The children in this book work together to solve their problems and help the community, without their parents finding out about the secrets that are hidden in there new place where they live. I like that the story stresses the power of knowledge and reading, without making it seem like a "lesson". The ending made it seem as if there would be a sequel... I hope so!
October 28, 2012
K.C. Hilton must be a lovely person, because despite being unable to write, she's convinced quite a lot of people to give her books 5 stars. I guess she's a good friend in person.
Seriously, my primary-school kids write SIGNIFICANTLY better than this. It's cringe-makingly bad. Bad grammar, no flow, no character development, scarcely even a plot. You'd pat an eight-year-old on the head and say "good work, love - shows promise" if he/she brought this home, but you'd never choose to read it for pleasure, let alone pay money for it. Need I add that it's self-published?
Seriously, my primary-school kids write SIGNIFICANTLY better than this. It's cringe-makingly bad. Bad grammar, no flow, no character development, scarcely even a plot. You'd pat an eight-year-old on the head and say "good work, love - shows promise" if he/she brought this home, but you'd never choose to read it for pleasure, let alone pay money for it. Need I add that it's self-published?
May 28, 2012
A delightful story of three young children who move, along with their parents, to the perfect town of Finkleton. There, they discover the town's secrets, but just how many secrets are there, and how is their family connected ? A magical adventure awaits them!
This was a very enjoyable, quick read. Perfect for younger readers, but still enjoyable for older readers as well. Reading this story made me feel like a kid again!
The magic continues in Return to Finkleton. I'm going to start reading it now! :-D
June 14, 2011
A great book filled with fantasy and magical experiences of three young children. My 10 year old grandson loved the book commenting as he turned practically every page. With much excitement in his voice and in his actions as he continued to read. He could hardly wait to read the next chapter to unveil the many secrets of the book. We both thoroughly enjoyed the book. He has even recommended it to one of his teachers. Will there be a sequel????
July 13, 2013
Sorry, I like many others was seduced by the brilliant reviews, but I am truly sorry to say that the book is not very well written and not very interesting either. The main characters are very unappealing and as some others have said, act much younger than their ages. The writing, as others have said, is too much of the "tell" variety as opposed to the "show".
This is the highest number of "great" reviews I have ever seen for such a lacklustre book. Oh dear.
This is the highest number of "great" reviews I have ever seen for such a lacklustre book. Oh dear.
June 11, 2011
One of the things I really liked about this book is how the author has made the characters very believable with the typical contention that goes on among siblings. This was a very quick and quite enjoyable.
September 19, 2012
Read this in less than 24 hours and really enjoyed it. A light, fun read that is extremely well written in a way that brings both the characters and the town of Finkleton to life!
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