Policies and disclaimers

All my reviews are honest and my opinions are my own. I reserve my right to share the full extent of my opinion, including, but not limited to, low-ratings, criticism and call-outs where needed, especially regarding (unchallenged) problematic contents.

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I try to review materials in a timely manner, but I cannot guarantee to have my review ready by release date, the requested deadline date and/or the requested time frame.

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I reserve my right to not finish and/or not review a book or album I received for reviewing purposes. If this happens, I will communicate the reason why privately.

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I do not review books or albums I did not finish (‘DNF’). I will email you privately that I was unable to finish your book or album, and as I deem appropriate, I may give specific feedback as to why. I do not return physical copies of DNF books/albums.

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I am open to reviewing sequels, but I need to be provided previous books in the series and, if relevant, any other books and companions needed to properly review the requested book.

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I am open for review requests for multiple books, whether it’s multiple separate books or part of a series. Requesting multiple book reviews at once dramatically increases my turn-around time as I am not always able to read the books back to back. 

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I post my reviews on my site www.HearthandGnome.com. 

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I consider myself an #OwnVoices* reader/reviewer for books with characters who are neurodiverse. Please, be aware that my experience is just one experience and cannot and will never reflect any community as a whole and the nuances of each individual experience.

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I (currently) do not accept requests to participate in blog tours.

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*Being an #OwnVoices reader/reviewer means that I share/parent that particular identity with one or more of the (main) characters in the book. However, my experience is not universal and cannot and will never reflect the individual experiences of other people in the community. More information about #OwnVoices can be found on the site of Corinne Duyvis (the author who coined the term).

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Preferences

I accept children’s, middle grade, young adult nonfiction and fiction and adult nonfiction relating to parenting and/or education. I accept electronic books except for picture books. If you want me to review your picture book, you will need to provide a physical book. I am also interested in reviewing music for children including folk, folk-inspired, and newly composed music. I am not interested in highly commercialized versions of classic children’s songs.

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I accept prose, verse, novellas, short stories, poetry, and picture books written in English. I do not review religious books/music.

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I do accept self-published books but please ensure your work is publication-ready.

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I would be delighted to review works by/about/for homeschooled young people and caregivers. If you are requesting a review of a work by an author under the age of 18, please note this in your request.

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About my reviews

I write my reviews with my customers and clients in mind: home educators or teachers in alternative school settings who are interested in affirming natural child development, connecting with nature, and building a more just and equitable world.

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My reviews typically including a self-made graphic with the book’s cover, author, title, and a statement that I have received a free review copy. I also include a brief summary (avoiding spoilers), my assessment of the work’s strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions for how parents/caregivers might use this work in their home/school. I will also give a star rating (more on that below) as well as a link to purchase. I may also include content warnings if applicable.

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Rating system

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Highly recommended. (★★★★★)
Recommended. (★★★★☆)
Recommended, with caveats. (★★★☆☆)
Not recommended. (★★☆☆☆ // ★☆☆☆☆)

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How to request

To submit your request, email me at kimberly@hearthandgnome.com with the subject line ‘’Review request: [book title] by [author]’’ and include the following information:

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• Brief book synopsis/description.

• Name of the series (if applicable)

• Genres/subgenres

• Publishing imprint (if applicable)

• Length of the book (word count)

• Format(s) of the book you have available.

• Any content and trigger warnings applicable

• Any on-page representation

• Publication date

• Preferred deadline or timeframe for the review.

 

I only accept requests sent to the aforementioned email address. Please, don’t submit review requests any other way.

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Turn-around time

I have a turn-around time of at least four weeks after receiving the book. When requesting, please keep this turn-around time in mind and possible shipping times to the US for physical review copies. Please also consider additional shipping fees due to the current tariff war we find ourselves embroiled in here. If it occurs that I am busy in general, at the time of requesting, or around the preferred deadline, I will let you know.

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Fees

I do not charge for my reviewing services. I will refuse any shipment that reaches me requiring extra fees due to the tariff war and I cannot return any physical copies, including those that I DNF. If you would like to offer a free DIGITAL copy, for a giveaway to one of my readers/customers, that is always appreciated.