Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Sheila has read 4 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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Friday, November 30, 2012

Book Blast and $100 Giveaway for Poseidon and the Sea of Fury by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams


Poseidon and the Sea of Fury :

A young Poseidon must triumph over aquatic terrors in this Heroes in Training adventure. The merciless Cronus and his Titan buddies are in hot pursuit of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, who plan to travel across the treacherous boiling sea in order to save a fellow Olympian. They have a boat, but they also have a problem: Poseidon can’t swim and is terrified of the water (well, really of the creatures that lurk in its depths). The group faces danger after danger as they battle singing sirens, a fishy and ferocious Titan named Oceanus, and people-eating monsters sent by Cronus himself. Can Poseidon overcome his fears and help his fellow heroes escape Cronus and his cronies?






Purchase



Heroes in Training by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams deliver fun, adventures, and a few surprises as ten-year-old Olympians go on a journey of a lifetime to discover their true identities and defeat their Titan enemies.


Praise for Heroes in Training
"Readers will gobble this down and look for more, make no mythtake."
~ Kirkus

“This is a fun read, casting Zeus in the role of relatable kid, and there is a nice balance between his primary goal of survival and his sense of destiny and adventure. . . Share this title, and likely more to come, with those still too young for Percy Jackson’s adventures.”
~ School Library Journal



The Series

#1 Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom
#2 Poseidon and the Sea of Fury
#3 Hades and the Helm of Darkness
#4 Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire

Aladdin Paperbacks (ages 6-9)
http://series.simonandschuster.com/Heroes-in-training



Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Book 1)


After pulling a magical thunderbolt from a stone, ten-year-old Zeus goes on the adventure of a lifetime in this thrilling start to a brand-new series! The terrible Titans--merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans--have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe....
   
     Ten-year-old Zeus is mystified (and super-annoyed) by the fact that he keeps getting hit by lightening. Every. Single. Year. He also longs for adventure, as he has never been far from the cave where he grew up.

     Zeus gets his wish--and a lot more than he bargained for--when he is kidnapped by dangerous, giant Titans! In self-defense, he grabs the first thing he sees--an actual thunderbolt he pulls from a stone that is covered in mysterious markings. Zeus is the only one who can decipher the markings, and sets off on a quest to rescue his youthful fellow Olympians from the evil Cronus. Armed with his trusty thunderbolt (named Bolt, of course), Zeus is on an adventure of a lifetime--and a journey to fulfill his destiny as King of the Gods.



Hades and the Helm of Darkness (Book 3 coming April 2013)


The Heroes in Training are entering the Underworld—if Hades can conquer his canine fears, that is.

The Underworld usually isn’t really meant to be a fun place—but tell that to Hades! He loves the dark and the stinky smell of sulfur. However, there is one thing that Hades is not a fan of: dogs. And when Zeus and his fellow Olympians encounter Cerberus—a snarling, three-headed dog—Hades must conquer his fears and tame the hound so everyone can continue into the Underworld and deposit their Titan prisoner, Oceanus, back where he belongs!

But with magical water that causes forgetfulness, hot beds of lava, and another epic battle with two more Titans standing in their way, will Zeus and his heroes make it out of the Underworld with everyone intact?



Author Suzanne Williams

Suzanne Williams is the award-winning author of nearly 40 books for children, from picture books and easy readers to chapter books and middle grade fiction series. A former elementary school librarian, she lives near Seattle. Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children's choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. She is co-author (with Joan Holub) of the popular Goddess Girls series(for ages 8 - 12) and Heroes in Training (ages 6 - 11). Other series include Fairy Blossoms and Princess Power.








Author Joan Holub

I graduated from college in Texas with a fine arts degree, and then freelanced as an art director at a graphic design firm for eight years. I dreamed of working in children's books, so I moved to New York City and became associate art director in Scholastic trade books, where I designed books for children and worked with editors and illustrators. It was a great job.

I illustrated my first published children's book in 1992 and soon began illustrating full time. I began completing manuscripts and mailing them out to publishers in the early 1990s. In 1996, I sold my first two manuscripts -- Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book (Scholastic) and Pen Pals (Grosset & Dunlap). Yippee!

Now I write full time and have written and/or illustrated over 130 children's books. Creating books that entertain, inform, and interest children (and me) is a fabulous job that I truly love.





Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/9/12


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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Book Blast and $100 Giveaway for Keegan's Chronicles Trilogy Set by Julia Crane


Keegan's Chronicles Trilogy Set
Books 1-3


Coexist:
 
Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.

In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.


Conflicted: 
Keegan, is only alive now due to Black Magic, and her bond with her Chosen is broken. She cannot remember Rourk at all.

For the first time, she feels like a normal teenager. She is dating Donald, her long-time crush, and everything seems perfect. But Rourk still feels their bond, and despairs for the woman he was always meant to love.

Keegan's best friend Anna is determined to find a way to use her powers to return Keegan's bond, no matter what it takes. The question is does Keegan even want it?


Consumed: 
Keegan has dealt with a lot over the last two years: Death, black magic and the loss of her bond to her chosen mate. But on her eighteenth birthday, the bond with Rourk returns.

Now, Keegan faces her hardest decision. Tradition requires elves marry at eighteen. If she accepts the path laid out for her, she will be spared a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. But will that life ever really be her own?


Praise:

Really enjoyed this book. The story draws you in, and the characters are engaging, especially Rourk. I've never read a book about elves, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This was really good. Would recommend to anyone interested in a quick, fun, paranormal read. 
-- Amazon Reviewer

I am not one for Elves or Fairies but yeah these Elves RULE! What is not to love? You have an age old prophecy, destined loves, a great family and amazing friends. Not to mention .... Rourk *yummy* All that is left is the amazing way it all is put together into this fantastic story. 
-- Amazon Reviewer

If you pick up this book, I'm sure it will not disappoint, it had everything, it was cute, yet dark..and well that combo just makes for a perfect book on my shelf, Julia has truly written an amazing read. (: 
-- Haley @ Ya-aholic.com


Purchase
Amazon * Nook * iBooks



Author Julia Crane:

Julia Crane is the author of the YA paranormal fiction novels: Keegan's Chronicles, Mesmerized, Dark Promise and Eternal Youth. Julia was encouraged by her mother to read and use her imagination, and she's believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Julia has traveled far and wide to all the places her grandmother told her about, gaining inspiration from her journeys to places like Nepal, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Italy, France and many more. And who knows? Maybe the magical creatures she writes about are people she met along the way.

Julia Crane has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

Links
Book Blast Giveaway Deatils (Starts November 29th)
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/9/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Book Blast and $50 Giveaway for First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch by Samuel Ben White


First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?



Purchase



Praise:

"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."
~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."
~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."
~Scott, Saudi Arabia


Also Part of the Series:


Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?





Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told-will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.





Purchase



Author Samuel Ben White

Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.





Links




Tour Schedule





Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Sam then you can leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Friday, November 23, 2012

Review and Giveaway of Checkin’ It Twice and Other Heartwarming Holiday Tales

Product Details:

  • Title: Checkin' It Twice and Other Heartwarming Tales
  • Authors:Ed, Jennifer Ricks, Lee Ann Setzer, Jennifer Carson Shelton, Rob Smales, Janice Sperry, LisaAnn Turner, Michael D. Young, Brenda J. Anderson, Amie Borst, Weston Elliott, Kasey Eyre, Gussie Fick, Angie Lofthouse, Teresa G. Osgood, Brian C. Ricks,
  • Paperback: 152 pages
  • Publisher: Rosehaven Publishing & Distribution (October 31, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1931858241
  • ISBN-13: 978-1931858243
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.






Book Description:
October 31, 2012
Can Santa learn a lesson from the Savior? Can a foreign exchange student help you see Christmas a little more clearly? Do things really look better from a distance? And just how many holiday ornaments does one woman need? Get in the Christmas Spirit with Volume 2 of award-winning stories from LDS Publisher's 2010 and 2011 Christmas Story Contests!

My Review
The first story in the book, Checkin' It Twice, by Michael Young sets the mood for this wonderful new Christmas book. The story is centered around Santa Claus and his naughty list. Santa learns that he needs to remember this, “Tis the season. Remember the reason.” Santa realizes he has been so busy judging others whether they are naughty or nice that he has forgotten that he needs to be loving all people, regardless, just like Christ. As I said, this was the prefect story to begin this book of Holiday Tales.

Fishing Buddies by Ron Smales is another story about Santa, as he helps Widower, Bill, make it through Christmas Eve without his late wife. They spend the evening together and Bill doesn't realize who he is spending his time with until he has to leave suddenly and he sees a light up in the sky heading away from him. You can feel the loneliness of Bill and the kindness that Kris shows to him.
The story that brought me to tears was, Broken Things, by Angie Lofthouse. This is the story of Kendall and her journey to forgive herself and experience the gift of repentance in her life. Her friend Patrick has just recently returned from his mission and Kendall doesn't feel that she is worthy to be his friend or girlfriend. With the help of her friend and the baby Jesus, she realizes on Christmas morning that she can once again become whole.I loved this story a lot!
A story that many people will be able to relate to in these hard economic times, is Gifts From Jesus, by Kasey Eyre. This story is one of faith, service, kindness and love. It also brings home the idea that the gifts from Jesus bring more happiness in our lives than any other presents we can receive. 

These are just a small sampling of the stories that you will find in this book. They can be used for talks, lessons, Family Home Evening and also shared each night with your family. They will bring the true Christmas spirit to your home. They truly are, as said in the title, heart warming stories that will bring you and your family closer to the Savior this Christmas time. 

The publisher is offering an e-copy of Checkin' It Twice to one of my lucky readers. So go to the Rafflecopter form below and see how easy it is to enter to win.
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Good News From The Publisher!!!

The Bonuses


We're feeling the Christmas Spirit here and have decided to extend our Release Day Bonus Goodies through the middle of December.

Buy a print copy of Checkin' It Twice from Amazon.com any time between now and December 15th and get a sleighful of Bonus Goodies absolutely free!!

What do you get?

Checkin' It Twice eBook
Available in five popular ebook formats (epub, mobi, prc, lrf, pdb) bundled into one zipped file. Give the print book as a gift and keep the ebook for yourself!




Stolen Christmas eBook
The first of LDS Publisher's Christmas anthologies (see details here). Available in five popular ebook formats (epub, mobi, prc, lrf, pdb) bundled into one zipped file.


Santa Bingo
Get ready for the holidays with this Santa-themed Print & Play bingo game. Also includes instructions for playing Memory & Go Fish. This family edition comes as a printable, full-color .pdf file, and includes 12 Playing Sheets and 50 Image Cards.




Nativity Bingo
This nativity-themed Print & Play bingo game is a great Christmas Eve activity for the entire family. The family edition comes as a printable, full-color .pdf file with 12 Playing Sheets and 50 Image Cards. Also includes instructions for playing Memory and Go Fish, as well as an information sheet on the meanings behind the symbols of Christmas.




Holiday Word Puzzles
Keep the family entertained during Christmas break with this Christmas-themed Print & Play collection of word puzzles and games for the whole family. Includes 9 word searches (easy & medium), 9 fallen phrases, 9 letter tiles, 4 double puzzles, 9 crypt-o-grams, and a stained glass ornament craft! 35 pages of fun!



Claim Your Bonuses

It's easy to claim your bonuses. Simply forward your e-mailed Amazon receipt to citbonus@rosehavenpublishing.net and you'll get a reply e-mail with download instructions

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Book Blast and $50.00 Giveaway for Finding the Baby Jesus by Kimball Fisher


Finding the Baby Jesus 
by Kimball Fisher

After being forced to wear lederhosen for the annual holiday card picture, twelve-year-old Chris thinks that the least his parents can do is get him the Tony Hawk skateboard he wants for Christmas. But when he recovers the hand-carved Baby Jesus that everyone thought had been destroyed in a fire the year his Grandma died, Chris realizes that some gifts are even more important than skateboards.

When the author had to discontinue a cherished tradition of reading Christmas stories out loud with his family and holiday guests each week in December, he wrote Finding the Baby Jesus. He had been unable to locate enough meaningful stories that could be read in a single sitting with wiggly children.



Praise for Finding the Baby Jesus:
“Tender and true, this warm Christmas tale brought tears to my eyes.”
–Heather Vogel Frederick, author of the much-beloved Mother-Daughter Book Club series and Oregon Book Award winner for The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed

“A touching story that speaks to the importance of family, giving, and the true spirit of Christmas.”
–Matthew Kirby, author of Icefall, winner of the Edgar Allen Poe and the Pen Center USA Literary Awards for Children’s Literature

“Deeply moving. Poignant.”
–Deborah Halverson, former editor at Harcourt Children’s Books and author of Honk If You Hate Me, a Gayle McCandliss Literary Award Winner

"The perfect little book to tuck away with your Christmas things and bring out year after year to read with family. As mother to three boys, I can't imagine a better protagonist than Chris. His typical teenage attitude followed by the softening of his heart towards a friend teaches a poignant and very relatable lesson on the true meaning of Christmas."
–Amazon review

"After I read this short story I felt like I had read a novel--every sentence is packed with action and imagery. I was emotionally connected to the characters, and the story is touching. I didn't see the plot twist at the end coming! A great story to read every Christmas."
–Amazon review


Purchase


Author Kimball Fisher


Kimball Fisher writes novels for young readers. He is also a best-selling business author, professional speaker, and management consultant. Some of his past jobs include: sailboat builder, ghost writer (not as scary as it sounds), illustrator, and factory manager (more scary than it sounds). For fun he builds furniture, stained-glass windows, and writing pens.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities (with minors in English, Asian Studies, and Japanese), and a Master of Organizational Behavior degree from Brigham Young University. He and his amazing wife Reenie live in Portland, Oregon, where they have seen pheasants, coyotes, and a bobcat in their own backyard.

Links



Blog Tour
November 23rd to December 21st
Tour Schedule

Blast Giveaway:
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/21/12




Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Review of Rosemary Opens Her Heart by Naomi King

Product Details:

  • Title: Rosemary Opens Her Heart
  • Author: Naomi King
  • Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: NAL Trade (November 6, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0451237978
  • ISBN-13: 978-0451237972
  • FTC FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

Book Description:

November 6, 2012 Home at Cedar Creek (Book 2)

Another spring reminds the Amish of Cedar Creek, Missouri,
that for everything there is a season.

Zanna Lambright is finally marrying Jonny Ropp, and friends and family have come from far and wide to celebrate. Among them is young widow Rosemary Yutzy, mother of toddler Katie, whose husband was tragically killed last fall. With a willing heart Rosemary has taken over care of her in-law’s family and continued to run a baked goods business from home, but privately she still mourns her lost Joe…and is unprepared for the changes that are coming…

Rosemary’s father-in-law wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright’s—a move that will require the Yutzys to relocate from their nearby town to Cedar Creek. Moreoever, it will bring Rosemary into constant contact with Matt, who is making no secret of his romantic interest in her. The challenges of contemplating a future unlike any she expected are overwhelming for Rosemary. And although Matt is strong and kind, his courtship is so persistent, she often wants to run the other way. As Rosemary struggles to see beyond her immediate joys and sorrows, will she embrace the outpouring of welcome and support from the people of Cedar Creek…and accept this new chance to open her heart to a more abundant life?

My Review:
I liked this book, but I wish I would have read the book that came before. I felt like I couldn't connect to all of the characters as quickly because there was a lot of back story that wasn't there, and it felt like I should have already known about their history, but I didn't. It took me longer to get into the story. I love this author's writing, but this is a book that will be enjoyed more if you have read the first book in the Home at Cedar Creek series. 

As far as the story, it was a journey for the young Amish widow Rosemary who had lost her husband and had a young daughter. Then we meet Matt who is looking for love, and falls immediately in love with Rosemary the first time he sees her. He comes on very strong and actually scares Rosemary a little. She says she isn't ready for a new relationship. Matt doesn't give up, but ends up winning over her daughter. This in turn wins over Rosemary. 

The other storyline involves characters Abby and James. Abby has loved James for a long time, but he first fell in love with her sister, Zanna. I almost loved this part of the story the best. It was great to see how James's eyes are slowly opened to what a wonderful women Abby really is. It made me so glad to finally see James realize that he was in love with her.

In conclusion, I really love reading about the Amish people. They have their heads on straight and live good lives of industry and high values. They put family and God first in their lives. This is why it is always a breath of fresh air to read a novel about them. Naomi always gets this part right portraying the Amish. I would always pick up a novel written by this author. She also writes Amish romance novels under the name of Charlotte Hubbard and I have reviewed her books under that name. If you like books about the Amish, you will like Rosemary Opens Her Heart, but I highly suggest reading the first book in the series first, because you will know all of the characters better, and won't feel like you are coming into a movie half way in.



Purchase the book here...

Naomi King
Best Price $2.69
or Buy New $10.99

ABOUT NAOMI KING:
I’ve called Missouri home for most of my life, and most folks don’t realize that several Old Older Amish and Mennonite communities make their home here, as well. The rolling pastureland, woods, and small towns along county highways make a wonderful setting for Plain populations—and for stories about them, too! While Jamesport, Missouri is the largest Old Order Amish settlement west of the Mississippi River, other communities have also found the affordable farm land ideal for raising crops, livestock, and running the small family-owned businesses that support their families.

Like my heroine, Miriam Lantz, of my new Seasons of the Heart series, I love to feed people—to share my hearth and home. I bake bread and goodies and I love to try new recipes. I put up jars and jars of green beans, tomatoes, beets and other veggies every summer. All my adult life, I’ve been a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and we hosted a potluck group in our home for more than twenty years.

Like Abby Lambright, heroine of my new Home at Cedar Creek series, I consider it a personal mission to be a listener and a peacemaker—to heal broken hearts and wounded souls. Faith and family, farming and frugality matter to me: like Abby, I sew and enjoy fabric arts—I made my wedding dress and the one Mom wore, too, when I married into an Iowa farm family more than thirty-five years ago! When I’m not writing, I crochet and sew, and I love to travel.

I recently moved to Minnesota when my husband got a wonderful new job, so now he and I and our border collie, Ramona, are exploring our new state and making new friends.
To find out more about Naomi, please visit her at http://www.naomikingauthor.com/.
Visit her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NaomiC.King
On Goodreads at:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5163868.Naomi_King
 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Book Blast for Imperfectly Beautiful by Diony George


Imperfectly Beautiful by Diony George


At 1:30 am, in New York City, Regan Wright is ripped out of a sound sleep with a jolt - her heart thuds in her ears and her face feels flushed. Straining to hear anything out of the ordinary, she fumbles to turn on the bedside lamp. Nothing seems out of place. Suddenly her stomach twists in knots - it's her identical twin, Rebecca. Something is terribly wrong...

Though twins, Rebecca and Regan couldn't be more different.

Independent and outspoken, Regan chose a high-profile career as a fashion designer in New York City. Despite her hard-earned success, Regan’s become disillusioned by the glamour and the glitz. She’s tired of coming home to a lonely penthouse apartment welcomed only by her cat and has all but given up on ever finding “Mr. Right.”

Steady and reliable, Rebecca chose to be a wife and stay-at-home mom. From the very first moment she met James Conrad—tall and muscular with eyes as blue as a cloudless sky—she was captivated. Married and four children later, Rebecca’s life is not what she expected. Her marriage has lost its shine and her sweet babies have become challenging and often unappreciative children.

Both Rebecca and Regan must discover, a higher power has the answers to what matters most, but when a serial killer strikes nearby, and his victims look eerily similar to the twins, will it be too late?


Praise for Imperfectly Beautiful

“5 Stars! Great Novel-Romance with Suspense. Captures your attention from the very beginning...then difficult to put down...A good solid read!”
-Booklover, amazon review

“This was a great book. I could relate to Rebecca and the trials she was going through with her marriage and her children. I feel this way at times too. I liked the suspense and it was enough to keep my hooked…” 
-K. Neilson, Utah

“I enjoyed the development of the characters. Lots of dialogue took me right into the everyday lives and struggles of each person. The underlying story of the unsolved murders of women who look like the twin sisters simmers through out the chapters until it finally boils over into an exciting ending! I recommend it!”
-J.T. Bolla, Washington

Purchase



Author Diony George


Diony George is a wife, full-time mom of seven, grandmother of two, and a published author of uplifting women’s fiction and inspiring nonfiction. She is also a regular contributing writer for Deseret Connect and FamilyHow. Originally from Alaska, she currently lives in Salt Lake City with her family. Besides writing she loves to read, especially romantic suspense, bake, sew and craft.

Her current fiction WIP, Inside the Heart, is based around the kidnapping and disappearance of four-year-old Emma and is slated for release in Feb 2013. Her next nonfiction book, Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away will be released by Cedar Fort, Inc in July 2013.

Links


Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/29/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

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Sunday, November 18, 2012

Review and GIveaway for,The 13th Day of Christmas, by Jason F. Wright. Also, a Guest Video From Jason Just For My Readers!

Product Details:

  • Title: The 13th Day of Christmas
  • Author: Jason F. Wright
  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain (October 9, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1609071778
  • ISBN-13: 978-1609071776
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.






Book Description:
October 9, 2012

Marva Ferguson has a very personal Christmas tradition that happens every December 26. As an aging widow, the tradition means more to her now than it ever has. Her newest neighbor, nine-year-old Charlee, loves Christmas too. But her family has fallen on hard times and things get worse when Charlee becomes critically ill. Then, on December 12, Charlee makes a wonderful discovery. A mysterious note is delivered that promises twelve days of gifts and stories that will reveal the truth behind the beloved Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. As the days go by, the gifts hint at a possible lost lyric. Was there once a 13th day of Christmas? And if so, could its magic change or save a life? If Marva knows something about the letters from the Elves, she s not telling. However, you don t live as long as Marva Ferguson and not have a secret or two including a whole lot of faith in your apron pocket. Filled with laughter, tenderness, and hope, The 13th Day of Christmas invites us to see how an old Christmas favorite can turn into a true Christmas miracle.
 Book Trailer

My Review: 
If you have never read any of Jason Wright's books you are in for a treat. His books will always leave you with a good feeling and some life lesson learned. This life lesson will enhance your life for the better. The 13th Day of Christmas follows this same pattern as the other books written by Jason; such as The Christmas Jars, The Wednesday Letters, and The Cross Gardener.





The 13th Day of Christmas has two of the most memorable characters that I have "met" in a long time. Miss Marva, the older lively widow, and sweet nine year old Charlee. These two unlikely friends soon become the world to each other.With Charlee's family having fallen on hard times, Marva turns her loneliness into taking care of this family. When Charlee becomes ill, Marva is there to lift up Charlee's family and give hope to Charlee. This novel is centered around the holidays and Miss Marva's Christmas tradition of using her advent calendar through the 26th of December. With Charlee in the hospital, someone soon is sending her notes and presents doing The 12 Days of Christmas tradition. This story has so much reality interlaced in it's pages your heart will hurt for the characters; job loss, death of a child, loss of a spouse, cancer and marital problems. With Jason's unique writing style that brings his characters to life, you will be wrapped up in Charlee's fight to live and Marva's intensity to give of herself and her love for this young girl. Be prepared to shed a few tears before you read the last page of this book. 

The 13th Day of Christmas will become a new favorite classic read during the Christmas season and beyond. With the message that we should not only celebrate Jesus Christ's life one day a year, but to celebrate his life by also living like him the other 364 days; this will stay in your heart for a long time. Thank you Jason for another heart warming book!

Here is the awesome video interview that Jason did for you, the readers of my blog. I love this!!


I'm so happy to offer a copy of The 13th Day of Christmas to one of the lucky readers of my blog.(USA ONLY) You can either give it as a great Christmas present or keep it for your own family.


Wright Jason F
Best Price $9.70
or Buy New $10.63


 


About The Author:
Jason Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author.
He is the author of The James Miracle (2004); Christmas Jars (2005); The Wednesday Letters (2007); Recovering Charles (2008), Christmas Jars Reunion (2009); Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle (2009); The Cross Gardener (2010); The Seventeen Second Miracle (2010); The Wedding Letters (2011); and The 13th Day of Christmas (2012).
Articles by Jason have appeared in over 50 newspapers and magazines across the United States including The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, and Forbes. He has been seen on FoxNews, CNN, CSPAN and on many local and national radio shows.
Jason is also a popular speaker who speaks to over 100,000 annually on topics ranging from the value of service, the joy of failure, the lost art of letter writing and many other topics.
He lives with his wife, Kodi, and their four children in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Like Jason on facebook and follow on twitter. Check out Jason Wright's website {here}

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Review of A Night on Moon Hill by Tanya Parker Mills



Product Details:
  • Title: A Night on Moon Hill
  • Author: Tanya Parker Mills
  • Paperback: 301 pages
  • Publisher: Walnut Springs Press. (September 20, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 159992868X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599928685
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review copy from Walnut Springs in exchange for an honest review.








Book Description:

September 20, 2012

Swimming is Daphne's one refuge until the night she finds a body in her pool.

University professor and renowned author Daphne Lessing has never felt at ease in society. But a disturbing occurrence in her once calm and controlled existence suddenly unearths events from her past and thrusts an unusual child into her life.

Ten-year-old Eric has Asperger's syndrome and is obsessed with fishing and angels. Soon, Daphne finds herself attached to him and faced with a choice: Does she leave him and return to her solitary, ordered life, trusting others to do right by him, or does she allow this bright child to draw her into the world she has tried to shun? And what about the man that came into Daphne's life with Eric? Will she be able to shut him out as well?




My Review:
I picked up A Night on Moon Hill and was immediately surprised about how fast I was pulled into this story.The novel starts with a bang and a big mystery about the body that Daphne finds floating in her swimming pool. Though Daphne seems to be a hard to relate to character, she is very intriguing. As her story and life unfolds, you can't stop reading because you want to know more. 

The story becomes even more interesting when 10 year old Eric, a precocious young boy with Aspergers Syndrome, enters her life. Daphne is drawn to this intelligent child and finds that they have so much in common. I loved Eric as he reminds me of several children that I have taught in the past that fall somewhere along the ASD Spectrum.Here is some information if you don't know a lot about ASD.

What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities which affect behavior, communication and social interaction. Most children with ASDs appear to develop relatively normally until the ages of 18 to 36 months. During this window parents or professionals begin to notice developmental delays. Mild forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder may resemble a learning disability while more severe forms may involve substantial impairment of communication, learning and social abilities, abnormal responses to sensory stimuli and sometimes self-injurious behavior. Individuals with Autism may have one or two skill areas which exceed age-matched peers’ skill levels. These skills frequently appear in the areas of mathematical computation, music, art or memory. Children with milder forms of ASD may be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or with Asperger’s Disorder.


I wanted to point out that I read the first 100 pages so fast it shocked me! I looked down and there was page "100". This story is so well written, and with characters that bring you into the story so deeply, you will have this novel read in no time. What will you find in this novel? A great combination of suspense, angst, romance and relationships that will truly make you think. You will also look at life and people a little differently. I love the respect and care that Tanya has given to the tender subjects found within the pages of this novel. For all of this, I'm giving this book 5 stars!





Tanya Parker Mills...
Best Price $11.87
or Buy New $13.49

About the Author:

Tanya Parker Mills grew up overseas in some pretty volatile areas and, as a result, likes to write fiction that builds understanding between people and cultures. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science and worked for Sunset Magazine for a couple of years as an Assistant Editor for Trade Publications. Her first novel, THE RECKONING, was a 2008 Whitney Finalist, the 2009 Indie Book Award Winner for Multicultural Fiction, and the 2010 Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Award Winner for Mainstream/Literary Fiction. Her new novel, A NIGHT ON MOON HILL, just came out in September and was inspired by her son, Jason, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at age six.

You can reach Tanya here at her website http://www.tanyaparkermills.com/ 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Blog Tour Review of Nightingale by David Farland




Product Details:

  • Title: Nightingale
  • Author: David Farland
  • Hardcover: 496 pages
  • Publisher: East India Press (March 14, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1614757879
  • ASIN: B008SMUL2E

 


Book Description:

March 14, 2012

Some people sing at night to drive back the darkness.  Others sing to summon it. . . .

Bron Jones was abandoned at birth. Thrown into foster care, he was rejected by one family after another, until he met Olivia, a gifted and devoted high-school teacher who recognized him for what he really was--what her people call a "nightingale."

But Bron isn't ready to learn the truth. There are secrets that have been hidden from mankind for hundreds of thousands of years, secrets that should remain hidden. Some things are too dangerous to know.  Bron's secret may be the most dangerous of all.


In his remarkable young adult fantasy debut, David Farland shows why critics have called his work "compelling," "engrossing," "powerful," "profound," and "ultimately life-changing."
My Review:
Nightingale is a great read. Though the main character Bron is a teenager, don't think this book was just written for teens. The action and storyline creates enough interest in Bron and his powers and the mysterious group of people, called the Masaak, who are more powerful than the human species. We find out soon that Bron's real father is after him and his powers.This is where the real suspense and action starts when the Masaak hunters, the Draghoul, come after him. 

This book is action packed, full of great characters and mystery. I loved how the first book builds up this story that will be continued in books to come. I'm so excited to read the next book in the series. If you have never read David Farland's writing, you are in for a real treat. He is a master at his craft and it shows in all of his books. I highly recommend Nightingale for teens and adult readers.
The multi-award winning novel, Nightingale by best-selling author, David Farland is available in hardback, ebook, and now in a special iPad enhanced version. This young-adult fantasy novel has already been turning heads.

Grand Prize Winner of the Hollywood Book Festival, placed first in all genres, all categories.

Winner of the 2012 International Book Award for Best Young Adult Novel of the Year!

Finalist in the Global Ebook Awards
.


"Superb worldbuilding, strong characters, and Dave's characteristic excellent prose.  --Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"A wonderful tale of a young man trying to find his humanity, even though he's not quite human.  One of Farland's very best!"--#1 International Bestseller Kevin J. Anderson

The enhanced version creates an amazing reading experience complete with illustrations from several talented artists and a sample of a soundtrack that coincides with the story. Published by East India Press a publishing company that takes e-books in a whole new direction with enhanced multimedia--soundtracks, movie clips, author interviews and more. From the site: "East India embraces emerging technologies and new distribution methods, producing every novel in three forms:  as an enhanced multimedia experience, as a standard e-book, and as a limited edition hardcover."
Farland has plans for three more books in the series: Dream Assassin, Draghoul, and Shadow Lord.

About the author: 

David Farland has written and edited fifty published books. These include novels for adults, young adults, anthologies, middle-grade readers, and picture books. He often teaches writing workshops, and has trained a number of people who went on to become international bestselling authors—people like Brandon Sanderson in fantasy, Brandon Mull in middle-grade fiction, and Stephenie Meyer in young adult fiction.
As part of his dedication to helping other writers, David writes the David Farland’s Daily Kick in the Pants, an email bulletin for writers or those who would be writers. Many authors rave about how it has helped them. Out of devotion, he provides the Daily Kick free. You can register to receive it at http://www.davidfarland.com/.



You can learn more about Dave and his books/writing seminars here:
 FB:http://www.facebook.com/david.farland1
Twitter handle @DavidFarland
Websites:
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83308.David_Farland

David Farland Amazon Page




 Blog Tour Schedule for Nightingale 
by David Farland 2012

Sept 28- http://www.christydorrity.com/2012/09/nightingale-book-tour.html
Sept 28- http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-giveaway-nightingale-by-david.html
Oct 1- http://www.stinalindenblatt.com/2012/10/bringing-scenes-to-life-guest-post.html
Oct 3- Donna Weaver- http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com/
Oct 4- http://www.rashelleworkman.com/

  Oct 9 -  http://www.ilikethesebooks.com/
Oct 12-http://www.debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/
 Oct 16- http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/

Oct 17- http://peggyeddleman.blogspot.com/ 
Oct 18- http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/
Oct 19- http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/


Oct 23- http://www.karen-hoover.blogspot.com/
Oct 24-http://www.tanyaparkermills.com/
Oct 25- http://davidpowersking.blogspot.com/  
 Oct 26- http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/
Oct 29- http://writersally.blogspot.com/

Oct 30-  www.franklycreative.blogspot.com
Nov 2- http://1000wrongs.blogspot.com/
Nov 5- http://www.ja-bennett.com/
Nov 5- http://astorybookworld.blogspot.com/
Nov 6- http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
Nov 7- http://starcrossedbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Nov 14- http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/

Nov 16-  http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
Nov 16- http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
Nov 19- http://christinebryant.blogspot.com/
Nov 20- http://cindybennett.blogspot.com/
Nov 21- http://writersally.blogspot.com/

Nov 26- http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/
Nov 27-http://www.alicross.com/
Nov 28-http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
Nov 29- http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/
Nov 30- www.blogginboutbooks.com
Dec 3- http://rebeccablevinswrites.blogspot.com/ 
Dec 7- http://kbrebes.blogspot.com/  
Dec 14 - author@jlloydmorgan.com