Books with author Charlene Chua

How many hugs is too many? This girl's had enough! This humorous picture book explores compassion and the importance of setting boundaries. After coughing up a hairball, a girl's cat doesn't feel well. So the girl offers to give her cat a hug, which makes the cat --- and the girl --- feel better. A dog notices and asks for a hug, too. Then some ducks come along asking for hugs. And a skunk . . . and a bear --- and a porcupine! One animal after another comes asking the girl for a hug until she's simply had enough. How much more of this can she take?With spare text and wonderfully expressive illustrations, Charlene Chua has created a playful, funny picture book with an original premise. The story shows how important hugs can be to our happiness --- even the most unlikely of creatures sometimes need one! --- but that doesn't mean they're always welcome. The book is full of laugh-out-loud moments, most of which are found in illustrations that vividly portray the girl's emotions as she grows more worn out with every encounter, encouraging visual literacy. Each spread also shows a hint of the animal that will appear next, building anticipation for what's to come. There are character education connections here to compassion, tolerance and empathy, and a terrific opportunity for discussions about boundaries.

More than anything, Jennifer wants to be happy. But when she’s embarrassed to step out her door, is happiness even possible?At 27, Jennifer’s out of work, her mom just died, and despite stellar qualifications, every job interview ends in rejection.Haunted by the teasing, taunts, and fat jokes that defined her childhood, Jennifer blames her unhappiness on her ever-growing waist-band.And she’s ready for change.Messy and real.Beautiful and harsh.When Comes The Joy (previously titled Skinny Me) explores one woman’s journey along the road of forgiveness, healing, and strength.Ready to read? Click the buy button and order your copy of this gripping story today!Here’s what readers are saying:“Exceptionally and intuitively written. Raw, emotional, and witty too!” The Miscellaneous Mom“This is one of those books that stays with you LONG after you've read it. Truly thought provoking and inspiring.” – K. Brown, Amazon Reviewer “This story hit me in the gut. A definite must read!” - Sarah M, Amazon Reviewer “I cried and laughed and hated for the story to end…I couldn’t put it down!” - Bre, Amazon Reviewer “This book hits the heart deeply. I loved every page.” - Fawn K, Amazon Reviewer“I binge read chapter after chapter.” MamaBear, Amazon Reviewer “It's like the author looked right into my soul.” - Jolie Carter, Google Reviewer“I loved this book … Sometimes it was heart wrenching, and sometimes I laughed out loud. Carr's writing is solid and the characters were captivating.” – Jennilovesbooks, Amazon Reviewer“Charlene Carr is the Canadian Jodi Picoult!” - Amazon ReviewerBook Club discussion questions are available on the author’s website.

Sometimes getting exactly what you want is the worst thing ever.Dream job? Check. Man to make every woman you know stop and turn? Check. But when having one means giving up the other, what’s a girl … excuse me, woman to do?Eloise Grant, a successful and driven Public Relations Consultant, has worked her whole life to make sure she never has to depend on anyone but herself.But when she’s offered the promotion of a lifetime, depending on herself means leaving her friends, her family, and the man she loves behind.Whatever choice she makes, Eloise’s life is about to unravel.Smart and engaging.Heart wrenching and unpredictable.By What We Love, book 3 in the A New Start stand-alone series, is the story of a woman desperate to have it all, while battling with memories of a past she’d rather forget.Ready to read? Click the buy button and order your copy of this compelling story today!Here’s what readers have to say about By What We Love“This book was delightful, frustrating, hilarious, sad, insightful and hopeful but most of all, it was real.” – Gem Otto“By What We Love is a book that I LOVE. It is full of things to think about, contemplate, ruminate, discuss and perhaps even dream about… if you are a workaholic or are married to, or a partner of, a workaholic, this is a MUST READ.” – Sandra, Goodreads Reviewer“Such feels! Oh the surprises! … this book may be permanently etched on my heart… you should read this book. Seriously.” – Kitty’s Book Spot“With every page turn, the plot thickens somehow, making it an engaging read with lots of action.” – Katie Postlethwaite“Charlene Carr keeps amazing me by her life lessons. Can't wait for the next one!” – Amazon Reviewer“Any career driven woman could sympathize with Eloise… having to choose between their career and their family… you can see yourself in the main character’s shoes.” – Lorrea at WhatChaReadin’?“Charlene Carr takes you on a journey of the heart.” – Amazon Reviewer“I have never written a review for a book before but felt compelled to write one for By What We Love. I was drawn into the story from page one… I really enjoyed this book!” – Yvette Hernandez“Eloise is a very likable character… She's strong willed and a go getter. I cheered for her, I laughed with her, my heart broke with hers. Great writing!” – Jolita AubinBook Club discussion questions are available on the author’s website.

Jennifer’s not perfect. Not even close. But she may just capture your heart.At 27, Jennifer’s out of work, her mom just died, and despite stellar qualifications, every job interview ends in rejection.Haunted by the teasing, taunts, and fat jokes that defined her childhood, Jennifer blames her unhappiness on her ever-growing waist-band.And she’s ready for change.Messy and real.Beautiful and harsh.When Comes The Joy (previously titled Skinny Me) explores one woman’s journey along the road of forgiveness, healing, and strength.Ready to read? Click the buy button and order your copy of this gripping story today!Here’s what readers are saying:“Exceptionally and intuitively written. Raw, emotional, and witty too!” The Miscellaneous Mom“This is one of those books that stays with you LONG after you've read it. Truly thought provoking and inspiring.” – K. Brown, Amazon Reviewer “This story hit me in the gut. A definite must read!” - Sarah M, Amazon Reviewer “I cried and laughed and hated for the story to end…I couldn’t put it down!” - Bre, Amazon Reviewer “This book hits the heart deeply. I loved every page.” - Fawn K, Amazon Reviewer“I binge read chapter after chapter.” MamaBear, Amazon Reviewer “It's like the author looked right into my soul.” - Jolie Carter, Google Reviewer“I loved this book … Sometimes it was heart wrenching, and sometimes I laughed out loud. Carr's writing is solid and the characters were captivating.” – Jennilovesbooks, Amazon Reviewer“Charlene Carr is the Canadian Jodi Picoult!” - Amazon ReviewerBook Club discussion questions are available on the author’s website.

Secrets have consequences. If given the power, they will lead you into a life you never dreamed of or wanted.Brooke Lake is a girl caught in a town and a life she yearns to escape. Full of fear and questions without answers, she tries to escape, only to lose herself in a world that’s too much for her.Molly Shirley is a woman without a past and no foreseeable future. Her body is her best commodity, so she does whatever she has to do to survive.Broken by lies, Brooke and Molly must explore the parts of themselves they would rather keep secret. Only by confronting the past can they develop the strength to create a life of their own making—a life where love and forgiveness never come too late.- An intriguing drama that both repels and magnetizes the reader to the page, Beneath the Silence follows the story of a woman's struggle to make sense of a dark world. Explore the hold of the past in this gripping novel and witness the strength it takes to break free from pain and create a life worth living.Download your copy today!>> Beneath the Silence is not for everyone. It deals with themes of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse that could be upsetting for some readers.Now with a new cover!

"If you've ever felt ugly, fat, or just not enough for anyone to like you, then this should be in your reading list. Scratch that. At the top of your list." - Goodreads Reviewer Whirling from a life that's crumbling around her, Jennifer Carpenter devotes herself to the one thing she can control: becoming the ideal version of herself—a thinner version—no matter the cost. She isn't always nice. She isn't always likable, but she's honest. Skinny Me is an in-depth look at the complicated layers of insecurity and depression that can stem from seeking self-worth and beauty in the numbers on a scale. This novel is beautiful, harsh, and truthful in its characterization of a woman who is flawed, yet inspirational.

This colorful My BeautyShop Pal Starter Guide has step-by-step instructions on how to create five different hairstyles on your favorite My BeautyShop Pall doll. The illustrations are cute and instructions are easy to follow. Also included is a Certificate of Accomplishment for you Junior Stylist. Complete these hairstyles and your Junior Stylist can showcase their creations on www.MyBeautyShopPal.com to share with friends!

Secrets have consequences. If given the power, they will lead you into a life you never dreamed of or wanted. Brooke Lake is a girl caught in a town and a life she yearns to escape. Full of anger, fear, and questions without answers, she runs from her problems only to lose herself in a world that’s too much for her. Molly Shirley is a woman without a past and no foreseeable future. Her body is her best commodity, so she does whatever she has to do to survive. Broken by lies, Brooke and Molly must explore the parts of themselves they would rather keep secret. Only by confronting the past can they develop the strength to create a life of their own making—a life where love and forgiveness never come too late. - An intriguing drama that both repels and magnetizes the reader to the page, Beneath the Silence follows the story of a woman's struggle to make sense of a dark world. Explore the hold of the past in this gripping novel and witness the strength it takes to break free from pain and create a life worth living. Order your copy today! >> Beneath the Silence is not for everyone. It deals with themes of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse that could be upsetting for some readers. Now with a new cover!

Sometimes getting exactly what you want is the worst thing ever.Dream job? Check. Man to make every woman you know stop and turn? Check. But when having one means giving up the other, what’s a girl … excuse me, woman to do?Eloise Grant, a successful and driven Public Relations Consultant, has worked her whole life to make sure she never has to depend on anyone but herself.But when she’s offered the promotion of a lifetime, depending on herself means leaving her friends, her family, and the man she loves behind.Whatever choice she makes, Eloise’s life is about to unravel.Smart and engaging.Heart wrenching and unpredictable.By What We Love, book 3 in the A New Start stand-alone series, is the story of a woman desperate to have it all, while battling with memories of a past she’d rather forget.Ready to read? Click the buy button and order your copy of this compelling story today!Here’s what readers have to say about By What We Love“This book was delightful, frustrating, hilarious, sad, insightful and hopeful but most of all, it was real.” – Gem Otto“By What We Love is a book that I LOVE. It is full of things to think about, contemplate, ruminate, discuss and perhaps even dream about… if you are a workaholic or are married to, or a partner of, a workaholic, this is a MUST READ.” – Sandra, Goodreads Reviewer“Such feels! Oh the surprises! … this book may be permanently etched on my heart… you should read this book. Seriously.” – Kitty’s Book Spot“With every page turn, the plot thickens somehow, making it an engaging read with lots of action.” – Katie Postlethwaite“Charlene Carr keeps amazing me by her life lessons. Can't wait for the next one!” – Amazon Reviewer“Any career driven woman could sympathize with Eloise… having to choose between their career and their family… you can see yourself in the main character’s shoes.” – Lorrea at WhatChaReadin’?“Charlene Carr takes you on a journey of the heart.” – Amazon Reviewer“I have never written a review for a book before but felt compelled to write one for By What We Love. I was drawn into the story from page one… I really enjoyed this book!” – Yvette Hernandez“Eloise is a very likable character… She's strong willed and a go getter. I cheered for her, I laughed with her, my heart broke with hers. Great writing!” – Jolita AubinBook Club discussion questions are available on the author’s website.