Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe Teaches Children about being kind to others!

Posted on June 21, 2026 by jjspina

Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe teaches valuable life lessons about being king to others, how to overcome something that frightens you and friendship is important.

I wrote this story after meeting a woman at one of my book signings years ago. She mentioned that her grandson was frightened easily and asked if I would write a story for him. I promised I would and created Jeffrey’s story. Unfortunately, I could not reach her to give her grandson, Jeffrey, this book. By this time he is all grown up and no longer in need of this story. I hope he conquered his fears.

PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER!

Jeffrey is a nervous giraffe due to a terrible storm on the day of his birth. He remembers that day and is frightened of any kind of noise or unexpected things happening to him. His mother tells him that he is stronger than he thinks.

One day Jeffrey meets another giraffe who needs his help. Read this story in rhyme and find out what important lesson Jeffrey learns when he thinks of others before himself.

If your child is frightened about something such as Jeffrey is about lightning, then this is the book for them. Jeffrey teaches children how to overcome their fears by thinking about others who are in need.

Here are what others are saying about Jeffrey on Amazon:

An Amazon review of the children's book 'Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe' highlights its positive message for kids about overcoming self-limiting jitters. The cover of the book features a giraffe.
Cover of the book 'Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe' by Janice Spina, featuring a giraffe illustration and a review highlighting its appeal to children.
Cover of the children's book 'Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe' featuring a giraffe illustration, with an Amazon review quote highlighting its positive message for kids about overcoming insecurities and self-doubts.
A colorful book cover of 'Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe' with illustrations featuring a giraffe, alongside a positive Amazon review highlighting its appeal to children and problem-solving theme.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where there is always something brewing at JEMSBOOKS! Remember to review books for authors who appreciate and welcome your efforts to help spread word about our books.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in award-winning children’s books, Children’s Books, Children’s books for PS-Grade 3, Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A children’s book with family values – Colby the Courageous Cat!

Posted on June 20, 2026 by jjspina

Colby the Courageous Cat is a story about a cat who will teach your children the importance of family, especially about siblings taking care of one another.

I wrote this story about my daughter’s cat, Colby. He was an outside cat who loved to chase squirrels, roam around all night and only came home when he needed some food and love and attention. This story showcases Colby as a different kind of cat who cares for his siblings.

PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER!

Colby is one of a litter of four kittens. The kittens get into all kinds of trouble. Being the biggest and strongest, Colby’s mother expects him to watch over the smaller kittens and keep them safe. Read and find out what Colby does to meet his mother’s expectations.

Here are what others are saying about Colby on Amazon:

Cover of 'Colby the Courageous Cat' with a review highlighting its bright illustrations and rhyming story.
Cover image of the book 'Colby the Courageous Cat' featuring a tabby cat, with a review quote highlighting its charming story and illustrations.
Cover of the book 'Colby the Courageous Cat' featuring a tabby cat illustration, with a review highlighting the adventures of Colby and his kitten siblings.
A book cover for 'Colby the Courageous Cat' featuring a kitten, with an Amazon review highlighting its story about Colby, who protects his siblings.
A book cover for 'Colby the Courageous Cat', featuring a tabby cat, with a review highlighting its suitability for bedtime stories and libraries.
Promotional image for the children's book 'Colby the Courageous Cat' featuring a cat illustration on the cover. The image includes a positive Amazon review highlighting colorful illustrations and the rhyming story, suitable for children with attention deficit and for bedtime.

Introduce your children to Colby and let them learn the importance of family. Happy reading!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JEMSBOOKS! Remember to review books for all the hard-working authors out there who appreciate your efforts to help spread word about our books.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in award-winning children’s books, Children’s Books, Children’s books for PS-Grade 3, Colby the Courageous Cat | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Celebrating our 27th Anniversary!

Posted on June 19, 2026 by jjspina

It is our 27th wedding anniversary! I can’t believe the years have flown by. I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful husband and thank God every day for him.

We usually stay at home and enjoy lobster and steamers but this time we are going out to dinner on our day and the following day we are taking in a show at a local live theatre. I look forward to each day spending time with my best guy.

My wonderful husband bought me a gorgeous vase of different colored roses. I was thrilled! He is so thoughtful. I gave him a poem, ordered a new gas grill and a summer bathrobe. The grill will be coming next week and the bathrobe is coming today. I will not share the robe with you. Haha!

Here are some memories over the years1

A smiling woman and man pose together in a colorful garden filled with flowers and greenery.
John and me 71st Bday
A smiling couple enjoying dinner at a restaurant, with wine glasses in front of them and other diners visible in the background.
A couple wearing matching New England Patriots face masks, posing together in front of a festive holiday wreath and decorations.
A smiling couple poses for a selfie in a cozy indoor setting, with decorative items and a mirror in the background.
A smiling older man and woman taking a selfie in a cozy restaurant setting with warm lighting.
John & I at Vito Marcelli’s
A smiling man and woman take a selfie with a scenic ocean view in the background, during sunset. The man is wearing a polo shirt and the woman has sunglasses and hoop earrings.
A smiling couple wearing sunglasses, standing together outdoors with a green mountainside and calm water in the background.
A smiling man and woman taking a selfie together in a well-lit indoor setting.
A cheerful couple takes a selfie by a scenic waterfront with boats, hills, and a blue sky in the background. They are wearing sunglasses and headphones.
A joyful elderly couple sitting at a brightly colored green table in a restaurant, each holding a large beverage. The man on the left is smiling and wearing a blue striped shirt, while the woman on the right is wearing a patterned top and adorned with earrings. A menu and candle are on the table, and a bar with bottles is visible in the background.
A cheerful couple dining at a table in a restaurant, clinking glasses of wine together. The setting includes a white tablecloth, elegant glassware, and warm lighting.
A smiling older man holding a cocktail with a slice of orange, seated at a table with wooden walls in the background.
An older man in a blue polo shirt smiles and lifts a large glass of dark beverage in celebration, seated at a table with a pizza topped with cheese and a basil leaf in front of him, and a glass of water nearby.
An older man in a blue shirt stands on a balcony overlooking a coastal view with buildings in the background.
A man and a woman sitting at a table in a lively restaurant, smiling at the camera. The woman has dark hair and is wearing a patterned top, while the man has white hair and is wearing a maroon polo shirt. In the foreground, there is a drink with a lemon slice and a decorative lantern on the table. The restaurant features plants and warm lighting.
A couple enjoying a meal at a restaurant, sitting at a table adorned with flowers and candles, with plates of food in front of them.

May we be blessed with many more, God willing! We have had many wonderful times and we look forward to many more.

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where there is always something brewing at JEMSBOOKS!

Remember to review books for authors everywhere who will appreciate and welcome your efforts to help spread word about their books. Thank you!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in celebrate, love, Wedding Anniversary | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

A sweet story for children about animals – Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey!

Posted on June 18, 2026 by jjspina

If your children love animals, then they will love my children’s book, Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey! It’s a sweet story which will have your children dancing along with Sebastian and Marvin.

I wrote this story for my youngest grandson who was three years old at the time. He is now going on 12. He loved his story so much that he brought it to school to share with his class and teacher.

PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER!

When a little boy, Sebastian, goes to the zoo he meets Marvin the monkey. Sebastian loves monkeys and likes to watch them climb the trees. Something amazing happens when Sebastian’s toy phone suddenly plays music.

Children will learn valuable life lessons about being kind to animals.

Here are what other readers are saying on Amazon:

Illustration of a book cover titled 'Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey' featuring a cartoon boy holding a toy phone and a monkey in the background, accompanied by a whimsical description of a magical experience at the zoo.
An illustration of the children's book 'Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey', featuring a cartoon monkey and a child, with text highlighting a positive Amazon review about the book.
A colorful book cover of 'Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey' featuring a monkey and a boy, with a review highlight suggesting fun and interactive reading.
An illustration of a children's book cover titled 'Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey,' featuring a monkey and a young boy, along with an Amazon review quote promoting the book.
A digital illustration of a book titled 'Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey' featuring a young boy and a monkey, with a review highlighting its suitability for preschoolers.

Introduce your children to Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey today and watch how they react to this fun rhyming book with colorful illustrations and a valuable life lesson. It can be a time for family to read together. Happy Reading!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your kind support. Please come back again soon where there is always something brewing at JEMSBOOKS! Remember reviews are appreciated by authors everywhere.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in award-winning children’s books, Children’s Books, Children’s books for PS-Grade 3, Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A new home for the 95-gallon fish tank!

Posted on June 15, 2026 by jjspina

Recently we sold our 95-gallon fish tank to a lovely mother and son. Susan sent me a photo of the tank in its new home and another tank that she has. Thank you, Susan and Dan, for creating such a remarkable home for fish in the tank.

Susan did a wonderful job of filling the tank with new innards that await the fish that she will introduce soon. It looks great!

A well-decorated aquarium with driftwood, rocks, and aquatic plants, positioned on a black stand, against a neutral wall.
A well-decorated aquarium featuring various aquatic plants, rocks, and driftwood, with several small fish swimming inside, positioned on a black cabinet with books and decorative items.

We may miss our fish but do not miss the work involved in caring for it. Our four remaining fish and anemone are happy in our small fish tank. Clown fish is reminding the rest of the fish that he is still king of the water there.

Here is our small tank in action.

A close-up of a clownfish swimming near a sea anemone, featuring vibrant colors and intricate tentacles.
Clown with Anemone
A close-up view of a sea anemone with pink tentacles, resting on a rocky surface in an aquarium, surrounded by small pebbles.
Anemone
A yellow fish swimming in an aquarium with bubbles rising, algae-covered rocks, and a decorative element resembling a stone or treasure.
Yellow Wrasse
An aquarium featuring colorful pebbles, green algae, and a decorative rock structure, with bubbles rising in the water and aquarium equipment visible in the background.
Clown hiding – other fish sleeping
Two seahorses among colorful pebbles in an aquarium, with a black fish in the background and green aquatic plants.
Clown and Scouter Blenny (in left back corner)

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JEMSBOOKS! Remember to review books for all the hard-working authors out there who will treasure your reviews and appreciate your efforts.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in clown fish, fish, fish tanks, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Summer is here!

Posted on June 12, 2026 by jjspina

Before we went on vacation the weather was in the 50’s and 60’s F. Since we came back the heat is revving up and summer is here! This week it has been in the high 80’s!

There were no bushes blooming before we left but now that we are back all our roses and rhododendrons are blooming profusely. I snapped photos but since then they are slowly losing their blossoms too quickly.

As usual I am sharing some of the lovely flowering bushes for you to enjoy.

A bush blooming with clusters of purple rhododendron flowers surrounded by green foliage.
Lavender Rhododendron
A close-up view of a lush green shrub featuring vibrant pink flowers, surrounded by rich foliage and dappled sunlight.
Bright pink Rhododendron
Close-up of a vibrant yellow flower surrounded by green leaves.
Day Lilies
Close-up of a vibrant pink rose surrounded by lush green leaves and other blooming roses in the background.
Pink Roses
Close-up of vibrant pink rhododendron flowers surrounded by green leaves.
Pink Rhododendron
A flowering rose bush with bright pink blooms, surrounded by green foliage and mulch, set against a backdrop of trees and a winding driveway.
More Red Roses
A close-up of a rose bush featuring vibrant red blossoms and green leaves, surrounded by lush greenery.
Red Roses
A flowering pink bush with vibrant blooms and green foliage, situated near a paved driveway surrounded by mulch.
Pink Roses that are spreading
A lush green bush featuring clusters of light purple flowers surrounded by vibrant green leaves.
Lavender Rhododendron

I love seeing all these flowering bushes display their beauty. I hope you do too!

My son and family gave me a lovely pot of varied flowers for Mother’s Day before we left for our cruise. When we returned home, unfortunately, it had tipped over unbeknownst to my son who checked the house daily and fed our fish. God bless him!

Today I tried to fix it with more soil and watered and gave it food to cheer it up. I hope it will do better over the next few days.

A potted plant featuring colorful flowers, including orange and pink blooms, placed on a decorative stand against a light-colored background.

Wherever you live, I pray that you are having some good weather and are enjoying life each day that you are given. Each day is a gift. The older I get, I treasure each morning more when I wake that I can appreciate the day with many thanks to God. May all good things come your way. God bless!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where there is always something brewing at JEMSBOOKS!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Rhododendron, roses, Summer flowers, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

We sold our 95 gallon fish tank!

Posted on June 11, 2026 by jjspina

I mentioned before that we were going to sell our fish tank. Well, we finally did to a lovely mother and son. We sold it on FB Marketplace. We had never sold anything there before and would recommend doing it. Great place to connect with buyers.

John has since set up a smaller tank with the remaining four fish and an anemone that I featured here before. Now we have a large area to fill in our foyer. It feels strange not to have the fish there but John doesn’t miss all the work to take care of the fish.

Here are some photos of the empty tank and before with all our fish. Sad to say goodbye.

A large empty aquarium with a black wooden stand, situated against a gray wall in a brightly lit room.
Two brightly colored fish with purple and yellow hues swimming over a bed of small, smooth pebbles in an aquarium.
A fish with a yellow stripe peeks out from between rocks in an aquarium.
A vibrant underwater scene featuring three colorful fish swimming among textured coral formations.
A close-up image of a marine creature resembling an octopus, featuring a mottled brown and beige coloration, resting on a textured surface.
Underwater scene featuring a brown starfish with distinctive patterns resting on sandy ocean floor beside a white sea anemone with flowing tentacles.
A close-up of a fish with a striped body swimming near colorful coral.
Stripper
A colorful aquarium scene featuring two tropical fish swimming near coral and a water pump, with a blue background.
Stripper, Foxface & Trigger
A colorful clownfish with a yellow stripe swims near a soft coral anemone composed of long, flowing tentacles.
A close-up view of a striped pufferfish in an aquarium, with vibrant colors and intricate patterns on its skin.
A colorful underwater scene featuring various types of coral and small tropical fish swimming around in an aquarium.
A colorful aquarium scene featuring several fish, including a yellow fish and multiple clownfish swimming near coral.
A colorful saltwater aquarium featuring various fish species, vibrant coral structures, and a starfish, with a sandy bottom.
A colorful aquarium scene featuring various tropical fish swimming among rocky coral formations.

So many memories of all the fish we had that we will always remember with fondness. I have kept one of our saltwater creatures alive in my book, Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab.

Book cover for 'Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab' by Janice Spina, featuring an illustration of a hermit crab and a gold award seal.
Clarence Henry book cover
A close-up image of a clam with an orange octopus partially visible in the background, resting on a sandy substrate with small shells and pebbles.
Clarence Henry

Than you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your kind support. Please remember to review books for the hardworking authors out there. Come back again soon where there is always something brewing at JEMSBOOKS!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab, clown fish, fish, fish tanks, tropical fish, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A new review of Hunting Mariah – award-winning mystery/suspense/serial crime novel!

Posted on June 6, 2026 by jjspina

I recently received this lovely review on Goodreads of Hunting Mariah. I was thrilled to read it. Thank you, Shopia Burell, for taking the time to write this. I appreciate your kind words.

A review of the thriller book 'Hunting Mariah' featuring an image of the book cover and the reviewer, Shopia Burell. The review highlights the suspenseful and emotional aspects of the story.

I hope if you haven’t read this thriller yet that you will soon. It has a sequel that you will want to read to continue the story. They are both unputdownable novels if you love fast-paced thrillers with shocking endings.

JEMSBOOKS NOVELS FOR 18+ are available on Amazon as paperbacks, Audiobooks, and ebooks (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble as paperbacks.

Hunting Mariah – Kindle edition by Spina, JE. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Amazon.com: Mariah’s Revenge (Sequel to Hunting Mariah) eBook : Spina, JE: Books

his book as well as all my novels for 18+ are in three formats – paperback, kindle, and audiobook. This book has won a First Lines Contest with Authorsdb and a book award from Maincrest Media Book Awards for thrillers.

One reader mentioned that he was shocked after reading this book since he knew me as a children’s book author of sweet, innocent stories. This book is anything but sweet and innocent. It is my debut novel back in 2014 and came from a dream and something I saw on the news at the time my daughter was going to enter college.

I had many nightmares while I was writing this book and waited four years before picking it up again to continue the story. I hadn’t planned on writing a sequel, but readers requested that I do. They wanted to know what happened to Mariah afterward. The nightmares began again and continued until I completed the second book. The killer had his say and left me alone after that. Thank goodness! Sigh!

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again where something is always brewing at JEMSBOOKS! Remember to show authors some love by reviewing books wherever you purchased them. We appreciate the time and effort it takes to do that. God bless you!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in book reviews, crime/mystery/thriller, Hunting Mariah, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Back to business now – vacation is over!

Posted on June 5, 2026 by jjspina

Now that I am back from vacation, caught up with the emails (almost), regular mail, paying bills, and of course washing mountains of clothes, I will have to get back to my WIP, Gateskin Chronicles Book 6. This is the last book in the series. It will be a good feeling to complete it but at the same time I will feel sad to say goodbye to all these beloved characters.

Promotional banner for 'The Powers of King Gateskin: Gateskin Chronicles Book 5' by Janice Spina, featuring multiple book covers from the series, author recognition, and reading age recommendations.

Purchase YA books here.

I will have to inform my promoter, BMGN about my latest award for Gateskin Chronicles Book 5: The Powers of King Gateskin. It recently received a Gold Medal from @Moms Choice Awards!

As I have already mentioned previously, I have some other WIPs waiting for my attention on a back burner that keep poking me to pick them up and get started. Sigh! I will do my best to work on them soon after this WIP is completed. But there are several short stories that I may write before I get to them. Please don’t tell them that. I don’t think I will get a minute of peace or sleep if they find out. Haha!

I may have some other projects to share soon. I can’t say right now because they are in the process of development and I don’t want to jinx myself. Keep coming back for more updates.

On my latest trip I shared some of my cards and bookmarks with others who asked what I do now that I am retired. They may have been sorry they asked. If you ask me about my books, there is no stopping me. The poor guy who was on one of the flights I took coming home got an earful, but he did ask me plenty of questions about my books. It was his own fault! Haha!

Well, I hope you will check out Gateskin Chronicles soon if you haven’t already. It is an epic fantasy that is garnering plenty of attention out there from all over. I can’t keep up with the emails and such. In fact, all my books are drawing attention, so much that I can’t handle it all on my emails! Yikes!

It’s funny, I have been writing for a long time and publishing since 2013, and now everyone is suddenly interested in my books! Who knew? I hope something good comes out of all this attention. I am getting older and may not be around to appreciate it all. They had better hurry out and discover me soon!! Sigh!

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon and remember to review books that you love to help spread word about authors’ books. JEMSBOOKS is where something is always brewing!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Gateskin Chronicles, Mom’s Choice Awards - Gold Medals, Return of the Dragons: Gateskin Chronicles Book 4, Search for the Medallion (Gateskin Chronicles Book 3), The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1), The Powers of King Gateskin: Gateskin Chronicles Book 5, The Unknown Territory (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2), Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels, YA fantasy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Two-week Viking Cruise – Trade Routes!

Posted on June 4, 2026 by jjspina

We recently went on a two-week Viking Cruise to the Trade Routes. It was a wonderful trip and we saw some beautiful places.

Here is our itinerary where we traveled below:

A printed schedule for the Viking Saturn cruise, detailing ports of call from Barcelona, Spain to Bergen, Norway from May 16 to May 30, 2026. Includes a map and daily itinerary with arrival and departure times.

Our first stop was Barcelona, Spain where we came on board the Viking Saturn. It is always good to unpack and discover the ship and all its luxuries and FOOD! There was plenty of that. I think I gained a few pounds on all the sweets which I don’t usually eat! Yikes!

I have many photos to share below of each stop. Unfortunately, my husband injured his back and was in pain after the third day and couldn’t go on a couple of excursions. He visited the doctor and received meds and shots. He also used a cane and then a walker in order to get around faster. He is still in pain now that we are home but will be visiting a doctor soon. Otherwise, it was a wonderful trip.

Scenes below are of Spain – Barcelona, Cartagena and Malaga:

Several sailboats on calm blue water under a partly cloudy sky.
Sunset over a calm ocean with clouds and a silhouette of palm trees in the foreground.
View of the intricate rooftop and architecture of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, featuring unique shapes and designs against a clear blue sky.
A couple poses for a photo in front of a grand, intricately designed cathedral, with stone carvings visible on the building's facade. Other tourists can be seen in the background.
Large wooden double doors with intricate geometric carvings, flanked by stone walls and a nearby parked vehicle on a cobblestone street.
A large, brown wooden door with decorative designs at the top, situated within a stone building on a narrow street.
An empty ancient amphitheater with a circular seating area, steps, and visitors walking throughout the structure under a clear blue sky.
Aerial view of a bullring surrounded by modern buildings, featuring an arena with sandy ground and tiered seating.
A panoramic view of a coastal port with buildings and structures in the foreground, featuring several boats and ships in the water, under a clear blue sky.
A distant view of a historic building in a city, featuring a partially visible roof structure under construction. Tall modern buildings and a crane are present in the background, with greenery and older structures in the foreground.
A stone building with arched entrances and balconies, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, on a clear blue sky day.
A vibrant jacaranda tree in full bloom, showcasing clusters of purple flowers against a clear blue sky, with a yellow building and city scene visible in the background.
A man and a woman sitting on a bench next to a bronze statue of a seated man in an outdoor plaza, surrounded by buildings and trees.
An ornate stone archway featuring intricate carvings and sculptures, leading to a large, dark wooden door with metal studs, surrounded by a decorative iron railing.
A seafood vendor at a market, standing behind a counter filled with various shellfish, including oysters, barnacles, and snails. The vendor is wearing an apron and gloves, while price signs in Spanish indicate the costs of the seafood on display.
A market stall featuring a variety of cured meats displayed in packages, with a vendor engaging customers. The stall is well-lit, and there are other food items visible in the background.
Vibrant market stall displaying a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including cherries, peaches, apricots, and grapes. Handwritten price signs are visible alongside the produce.
A vibrant market stall filled with an assortment of fresh fruits, including cherries, melons, and oranges, with a vendor weighing produce in the background.
A vibrant fruit market stall displaying a variety of fresh tropical fruits including dragon fruit, mangosteen, avocados, and more. A vendor stands behind the counter, with colorful fruits arranged in baskets.
A serene sunset view over the water, featuring a silhouette of a mountain against a gradient sky transitioning from dark blue to warm orange and yellow tones.

Scenes of Porto, Portugal:

A woman standing on a riverfront promenade, looking at her phone, with a small boat docked nearby and a large bridge in the background. The scene includes hills with buildings on top, under a clear blue sky.
Interior view of a grand church featuring an ornate ceiling, intricate architectural details, and a prominent altar with golden accents, with visitors seated and standing throughout the space.
A detailed Baroque altarpiece depicting a crucifixion scene with a sculpted figure of Jesus on the cross, surrounded by ornate gold decorations and angels. In the foreground, two people are visible, focused on the altar.
Boats docked by a waterfront, with colorful flags and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
Historic gray building with intricate architectural details and a tall tower, featuring the letters 'BBVA' on the facade, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.

Falmouth, England:

A picturesque view of a castle on a hill surrounded by greenery, with a sandy beach in the foreground where two people stroll. In the water, two kayakers paddle while boats are anchored nearby.
A view of a coastal village with low houses and a hillside, with several buses parked in the foreground and people walking nearby.
A herd of cows grazing in a lush green field with trees and hills in the background.
View of residential houses along a street, featuring various architectural styles, chimneys, and greenery along the roadside.

Bruges, Belgium:

A picturesque brick building with a pointed tower surrounded by lush greenery, reflecting in a calm river on a sunny day, with people enjoying outdoor seating nearby.
A picturesque brick building with intricate details, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky, with a person walking in the foreground.
A busy boat filled with passengers cruising down a scenic canal on a sunny day, with another boat visible in the background.
A storefront with a door featuring a humorous sign about friendship and chocolate. The sign reads, 'There is nothing better than a friend unless it is a friend with chocolat.' The door has a small sign indicating 'Open' and 'Airco.' Decorative flowers and a sign for a chocolatier can be seen.
A horse pulling a carriage in a cobblestone street, with a man in shorts walking alongside and a shop featuring chocolate in the background, adorned with colorful flower decorations.
Exterior view of a chocolate shop named 'Le Comptoir de Mathilde,' featuring floral decorations, a sign reading 'Chocolaterie,' and tourists in front of the store.
A picturesque street view featuring an archway leading to a courtyard, flanked by two historical buildings. One building has a mix of brick and wooden architecture, while the other displays a shop sign for Belgian tapestries. A line of people is gathered outside, enjoying a sunny day.
A scenic view of a canal in a historic European town, featuring a stone bridge with pedestrians, a boat with passengers on the water, and charming old buildings with colorful rooftops under a clear blue sky.

Amsterdam, Netherlands:

View of multiple arched bridges spanning a canal, surrounded by greenery and reflections on the water.
A view of traditional Dutch canal houses along the water in Amsterdam, featuring houseboats and trees lining the canal.
A view of historic buildings along a waterfront, featuring a prominent church with multiple domes and towers in the background.
A multi-story building showcasing Asian architectural style with a green and gold roof, situated next to a body of water, surrounded by modern buildings.
A view of several boats moored on a canal in Amsterdam, with historic brick buildings in the background and a large structure resembling a mill.
View under a stone bridge with a bicycle on top, spanning a quiet canal with reflective water and trees along the banks.
Selfie of two women smiling at the camera in a modern building with elevators in the background.

Our wonderful guide in Amsterdam, Wendy!

Honfleur, France:

A scenic view of a hillside populated with a mix of historical and modern architecture surrounded by lush greenery.
A Ferris wheel in a scenic town surrounded by lush greenery and hilly landscapes.
A scenic view of a town with a mix of rooftops and green hills in the background.

Due to John’s injury, we missed the excursions to Portsmouth, England, Honfleur, France and Bergen, Norway. We had already been to Norway on another cruise and didn’t need to go on this excursion since we saw a lot of it previously. I took the above photos from the ship above of France.

Views of Bergen, Norway, a small submersible, and a war ship that arrived as we were there.

A brightly lit ferris wheel stands against a foggy backdrop, partially obscured by nearby buildings and satellite dishes.
A military vessel docked at a port, featuring a large crane for loading and unloading cargo, with containers stacked on the deck and a coastal view in the background.
A submarine partially submerged in water, docked next to a pier with a green and gray building in the background.
A white church with a green spire and cross, surrounded by colorful buildings and trees, with a mountainous backdrop under a cloudy sky.
A view of pink buildings with red roofs in the foreground, set against a backdrop of lush green hills and trees, with a small white house visible on the hillside.
A scenic view of a densely populated hillside neighborhood with houses featuring red rooftops, surrounded by lush green trees.

Here are some photos of the ship, tea time, dinners, and the cafe with all the wonderful food. There was plenty of shrimp, King crab and Dungeness crab. Each night they had a different meat at the carving station. Of course they had plenty of salads and desserts which I ate each night. I gained a few pounds but will be working to get it off again now that I am away from the cafe.

There are also four other restaurants to visit beside the World Cafe. We dined at The Restaurant most nights and ate at the World Cafe each morning and afternoon. There is a visit to the bridge also which was interesting.

A modern buffet counter with a variety of food options, including fruits and desserts, and a staff member in a white chef's coat preparing dishes.
A smiling older couple taking a selfie indoors, with a cruise ship visible through the window behind them.
An older man sitting at a dining table with a fork in hand, enjoying a colorful plate of fruit. A coffee cup and a glass of water are also on the table, along with a pitcher, in a modern restaurant setting with large windows overlooking the water.
A tiered serving stand filled with assorted pastries, including scones, macarons, and small cakes, accompanied by a teapot and cups of tea on a wooden table.
A smiling woman with long gray hair sitting at a table in a restaurant, raising a glass of red wine. She is wearing a navy blue blouse and a light cardigan, with a plate of food in front of her.
A plated meal featuring slices of meat with a glossy sauce, accompanied by mashed potatoes, a green vegetable, and a potato cake. In the background, there's a glass of red wine and a plate of fries.
A woman with long gray hair, wearing a colorful scarf, smiles while raising a glass of red wine at a restaurant, with a plate of food in front of her.
Close-up of a gourmet dish featuring a tender piece of meat on top of a square of polenta, garnished with fresh greens and surrounded by a rich sauce, with a glass of red wine and water in the background.
Two people smiling together at a restaurant table with a view of a marina in the background. The man is seated wearing a maroon sweater, while the woman stands beside him, both appearing happy. A partially eaten dessert and drinks are on the table.
An elderly man using a walking cane is exiting a room, wearing a patterned polo shirt and grey pants.
Indoor swimming pool area with a glass roof and sun loungers. Several people relaxing by the pool, with some swimming. Bright and airy atmosphere with natural light flooding in.
Interior view of a sunlit lounge area with chaise lounges under a glass roof, showing people relaxing and a clear blue sky above.
A seafood buffet with a variety of dishes including salmon, shrimp, crab, and other seafood options. Guests are serving themselves, with a Norwegian flag visible in the background.
A close-up view of a seafood display featuring lobster and various sauces, with a chef's hand serving the food. Colorful peppers and black stones are also visible in the presentation.
A close-up of a seafood dish featuring shrimp, squid, and chorizo in a savory broth, garnished with fresh herbs and served with a slice of toasted bread.
A smiling waiter in formal attire shakes hands with a seated elderly man at a restaurant table, with a glass of red wine and a tablet visible.
Woman seated on a couch, smiling and holding a cup of tea against a backdrop of ocean views.
Aerial view of a rooftop pool area featuring a larger swimming pool and a smaller hot tub, overlooking a river with industrial scenery in the background, including cranes and shipping containers.
A view from a cruise ship deck featuring lounge chairs and tables overlooking a calm river, with a bridge visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two young men in white uniforms with epaulets stand side by side in a ship's bridge with control panels and large windows in the background.
A ship officer in uniform operating communication equipment on the bridge of a ship, with various control panels and instructions visible.

The entertainment was wonderful with many talented singers and musicians. Here are some photos that I snapped along with some selfies of us.

Robert Brendan was the most talented and amazing cruise director I have ever heard and seen! His assistant cruise director was equally talented – Troy Lathan. The four cruise singers were wonderful also! I got to take a photo with some of them below. There was also another singer, Crystal, who sang like Whitney Houston when she sang, I will always Love You! She took my breath away! Wow!

A smiling older woman with long gray hair and earrings, wearing a colorful jacket, poses for a selfie in front of a window.
A smiling woman wearing a light sweater and floral top, standing outdoors on a deck with wooden furniture and a scenic view of a harbor and mountains in the background.
A selfie of an older man and woman smiling, with a view of a harbor containing cruise ships and mountains in the background, taken from inside a building with rain on the window.
A group of five individuals posing for a photo, featuring performers in red, white, and blue striped outfits, with one person in a floral top. The background includes a brightly lit sign.
Wonderful Cruise Singers – David, Amelia, me, Mels & Mikey
A smiling couple poses for a selfie in a venue with theater seating in the background. The man is wearing a black suit with a floral pattern, and the woman is in a floral-patterned blouse.
Fabulous Cruise Director – Robert Brendan
Four performers in striped outfits singing on stage under blue lights.
A musical performance featuring four performers in stylish striped outfits, with a drummer in the background, under stage lights.
A couple smiling for a selfie in a theater, with an audience visible in the background.
A singer in a sparkling blue gown performs on stage with a band in the background, featuring a drummer and keyboardist. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights and a backdrop displaying the Viking logo.
A male singer performing on stage in a formal suit, with a band in the background including a keyboardist and a drummer, under colorful stage lights.
A performer in a black suit singing on stage, with colorful stage lights and a starry backdrop.
A screen displaying the text 'Dancing Under The Stars' with a starry background and decorative lighting in a venue setting.
A last night of music and dancing! I danced my feet off! So much fun!
A person speaking into a microphone in a purple-lit setting, with a microphone stand nearby.
Assistant Cruise Director – Troy Lathan – Fantastic
A woman smiling for a selfie on a cruise ship with a harbor and industrial background, featuring clear blue water and sunny skies.
A smiling man and woman taking a selfie in a crowded venue, with seats and audience members in the background.
A smiling couple with headphones on, posing for a selfie with a scenic view of a coastline and city in the background.
A smiling senior couple posing for a selfie in front of a scenic ocean view with clear blue skies.
A woman with gray hair smiling while leaning on a railing of a cruise ship, with a scenic ocean view and a mountainous landscape in the background.
A smiling couple in sunglasses posing for a selfie in front of a historic cathedral with intricate stonework, surrounded by tourists.

We met some lovely people and made new friends. I also met other lovely new friends – Lee and her husband Mike and her stepmother Pat. I don’t have a phot of them though.

A man and a woman pose together, smiling. The man is wearing a gray blazer over a light blue shirt, while the woman is dressed in a black and white patterned outfit. They are in a spacious indoor setting with attendees in the background.
Joe & Ruth
A smiling older woman wearing a navy sweater and patterned scarf stands next to an older man in a red shirt and navy vest, both in a social setting with other people and soft lighting in the background.
Candra & Frank

It was a wonderful trip, but travel was tough with three plane changes on our way home. This made it difficult for John since he wasn’t walking too well with the pain. It was nice to be away but good to be home again. There is no place like home.

I hope you enjoyed all our photos.Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

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Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

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