God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea by Rose Chandler Johnson

God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, July 2013)
In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweet iced tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday moments.
God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender devotional points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to God in those quiet moments of reflection.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

God, Me and Sweet Iced Tea is a refreshing title for Rose Chandler Johnson's devotional.  Just reading the title makes you want to leisurely sip tea and have some quiet time with God.  The daily thoughts that Johnson shares with her readers are sweet nuggets from God's Word;  Something you want to enjoy, savor and meditate on throughout your busy day.  I liked the way the book is laid out so that you can spend two days on a thought if you wish:  one day reading Johnson's inspirational thought that she shares with her readers and then using second day digging deeper with scriptures she's shared and journal thoughts to dwell on and write about.  Pick up a copy for yourself and find refreshment in time alone with God.  

Rose Chandler Johnson's devotions, poems, and articles have appeared in numerous Christian publications. She enjoys writing for her popular blog, Write Moments with God, and engaging with her readers. Rose is from a tiny Georgia town, and has lived near Augusta, Georgia, for the last twenty-eight years. For the last twenty years, Rose has been a French and English teacher. She's also worked as a counselor, librarian, and ESOL teacher. Rose enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her six children and their families.

A copy of this book was provided for in exchange for my review and hosting this tour by...

Yea Me!

It's that time again.  And guess what????  I think I have the night to myself so I get to participate.  Yea me!

Katie and the North Star by Bethany Lopez and Katie Lopez

 
Title: Katie and the North Star
Authors: Bethany Lopez and Katie Lopez
Illustrator: Hetty Mitchell
Publication Date: March 13, 2015
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 26
Recommended Ages: 2 to 6 
Summary: Katie and the North Star is a book filled with adventure, joy, and imagination. Join Katie as she learns why she can't keep the North Star all to herself.  

* PRICE DROP *

* "Katie and the North Star" is available as an e-book for only 99 cents from Amazon between April 23 and 25, 2015. Or, subscribers to Kindle Unlimited can grab an e-copy for FREE! *

Amazon * Goodreads

About the Authors: Bethany Lopez and Katie Lopez

Katie and Bethany Lopez are a mother and daughter writing team. Katie is currently navigating through the first grade. She loves reading, writing, and Shopkins. Bethany writes stories for all ages. She enjoys writing full time, and spending time with her family. Katie and the North Star is their first collaboration.

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads   

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)  
Contest ends: May 7, 11:59 pm, 2015  
Open: Internationally  
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Bethany Lopez and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

   

Caterpillar Shoes by Angela Muse

Title: Caterpillar Shoes  
Author: Angela Muse
Illustrator: Ewa Podles
Publication Date: March 26, 2015
Publisher: 4EYESBOOKS
Pages: 28
Recommended Ages: 0 to 8  
Summary: Patches is an energetic caterpillar who is trying to decide what activities to do. In the end, she doesn't put any limits on herself and lives her life to the full.

Amazon * Goodreads

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls, in 2012. Angela's husband, Ben Muse writes suspense/thriller books that can also be found on Amazon. Check out what else she's working on by visiting www.4eyesbooks.com

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: May 6, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open: Internationally  
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

When Calls the Heart : Season 2 Premieres ....

Are you ready for another season of When Calls the Heart?   I jumped at the chance to view season 2 early.  I can't wait to see how this season is going to unfold.  There are some old faces as well as new ones right off the bat in the first episode.  The cast, acting and setting/plot is still superb as was season 1.  Season 2 premiers Saturday, April 25th with 2 hours of awesomeness. Trust me you won't be disappointed with the 2 hr premiere.  You'll totally enjoy how this season starts out.  You'll be wanting more. 

About the series:

The series is inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series about the Canadian West. “When Calls the Heart” tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coalmining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Living in a turn of the century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

I'm excited about season 2 what about you?  Did you watch season 1?  Are you a Janette Oke fan?  Head over to the web site here and take a peek around.  There are all kinds of videos and trailers to watch for this new season.  I'm also excited to share with you that Fly By promotions has offered me to give one of my blog followers the complete 1st season of When Calls the Heart in DVD form.  This giveaway is open til May 7th.  Giveaway open to US & Canada residents only please.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

A free code was provided for my viewing in exchange for this post and my honest review by ...

Meditation is an Open Sky

Title: Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids
Author: Whitney Stewart
Publisher: Albert Whitman
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Format: Hardcover/Kindle

Feeling mindful is feeling good! You know when you’re having a bad day, you have that wobbly feeling inside and nothing seems to go right? Find a quiet place, sit down, and meditate! In this daily companion, kids of any age will learn simple exercises to help manage stress and emotions, find focus, and face challenges. They’ll discover how to feel safe when scared, relax when anxious, spread kindness, and calm anger when frustrated. Simple, secular, and mainstream, this mindfulness book is an excellent tool for helping kids deal with the stresses of everyday life.

For More Information

• Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Purchase at Albert Whitman & Company.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads. 

Meditation is an Open Sky is an excellent book to use to share with children how they can openly express their feelings.  I have been taking a conscious discipline training class and this just so goes along with it.  I'm going to use this book as a resource tool in my classroom.   Each page is packed with good tools to use with children teaching them how to handle their feelings and emotions.  Excellent. 

Whitney Stewart grew up in New England and graduated from Brown University. She published her first award-winning, young adult biography after interviewing the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, the subject of two of her books. She trekked with Sir Edmund Hillary in the Everest region of Nepal; interviewed Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon, Burma; and traveled extensively in Asia to research the lives of Deng Xiaoping, Mao Zedong, and Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. She is the author of three middle-grade novels and multiple middle-grade nonfiction books, including an unknown tale of Abraham Lincoln and artist Francis Bicknell Carpenter. Her newest picture books include A Catfish Tale, a bayou retelling of the Grimm brothers’ Fisherman and his Wife, and Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids.

For More Information

• Visit Whitney Stewart’s website.
• Connect with Whitney on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Whitney at Goodreads.
• Visit Whitney’s blog.
• More books by Whitney Stewart.
• Contact Whitney.

a copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....

Sneak Preview...It's coming stay tuned

 
These bonus phrases/words are for the up coming post later this week be sure to return.  There's a giveaway involved. You won't want to miss especially if you are a FAN! 

April 23 - When Calls the Heart
April 24 - Season 2 Premieres
April 25 -  tonight
April 26 -  Hallmark
April 27 - 2 Hours
April 28 - Janette Oke
April 29 - Coal Valley
April 30 - Hope Valley
May 1 - Happy May Day
May 2 - Erin Krakow : Elizabeth
May 3- Daniel Lissing : Jack 
May 4 - Lori Loughlin : Abigail 
May 5 - Jack Wagner : Bill Avery
May 6 - Pascale Hutton : Rosemary
May 7 - Happy Mother's Day

Little Green by Arnold Rudnick

LITTLE GREEN – Little Green Frog wants to be special, and he hops out of the swamp, asking “Isn’t it possible?” he could be a goose, horse or kio. While the reader learns about animal groups, skills sounds and traits, Little Green learns it’s important to be himself.

Arnold Rudnick has a gift for creating fascinating stories to challenge children toward self-improvement and self-esteem. In LITTLE GREEN he introduces a little green frog (beautifully realized by illustrator Marcelo Goreman) who has big dreams to be special. 
 

ISBN: 0981587976

Publisher: Paraphrase, LLC

This is the cutest book.  The author brings our a great lesson just be yourself, don't try to be something you're not.  It's when we try to be something we're not that people see through us.  A very good lesson and kids will love it as they read the rhyming meter story.  A good book 2nd & 3rd graders will be able to even read by themselves.  It's a book that is going to go into my classroom library. 

About the Author: ARNOLD RUDNICK has written for many television shows, including THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, STAR TREK: VOYAGER and THE NEW ADDAMS FAMILY.

Author Website: http://isntitpossible.com and http://espete.com

Follow on

Twitter @isntitpossible or arnoldrudnick

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/arnold.rudnick

FB Fan Pages:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Green/367225250007330

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ES-Pete-Sixth-Grade-Sense/239256356097969

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for this post by World of Ink

Double Cross by Diann Mills

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Double Cross Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 1, 2015) by Diann Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at her website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Cross, go HERE.

MY gMovies review with 2 week free trial period plus one 6 month trial code winner

About gMovies:

Join over 2 million people who are already enjoying gMovies on a monthly basis!

·  Instant access to over 300 hundreds Christian movies and TV shows with new titles added monthly

·  The whole family can enjoy a variety of entertainment including Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Documentaries, Thrillers and more

·  Stream from iPad, Android, or your PC

·  Only $4.99/month (obviously, for YOU it’s FREE)

·  No contract; cancel anytime

·  Powered by UP, American’s favorite TV network for uplifting entertainment

gMovies offers instant access to almost 300 faith friendly feature films of every genre, in addition to animated stories, television series and biblical documentaries. Always available on your computer or mobile device, gMovies also includes the bible-based animated series “Pahappahooey Island;” teen drama “Much Ado About Middle School” starring Bill Cobbs, Lee Meriwether and Amanda Waters; and the “Left Behind” drama series starring Kirk Cameron and based on the New York Times bestselling books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

gMovies is operated by UP, America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, so rest assured that you are being offered the very best in faith conscious entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ has twice awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to UP for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” UP is the only television network to be so honored.

Well I had never heard of gMovies before this review opportunity came along.  After accepting the tour I started looking and found many movies that I want to watch.  I don't know if my 6 month free code will be long enough time to get them all in.  gMovies seems like an excellent way to go.  You can monitor the movies your kids, preteens, etc are watching.  You'll find all kinds of fun, family friendly, Christian based movies.  It's a wonderful place to hang out and have a family fun night.  Best part is the price, under $5 a month.  Many families send over $5 in a weekend on red box movies.  There are over 300 movies at your finger tips to choose from.

I watched ......

Finding Normal
In a town with no wi–fi, lattes or credit cards, Dr. Lisa Leland (Candace Cameron Bure) begins to discover what a meaningful life is all about.

Hear over to gMovies here and learn more about them.  While you're there take your time to try out  a FREE 2 Week Trial— it’s open to everyone!  It's pretty easy to try and you don't have to give your credit card information to try this.  If you have any questions you can email me and I'll send you an email tutorial to get this 2 week FREE trial period started.  You can also enter to win a 6 month Free subscription code. 

READER CODE for 2 Wk FREE Trial (not the winner of your giveaway!!)

1. https://vod.gmovies.com/gmovies/secure/signup?productid=38

2. enter code: FREETRIAL32

The video player on the gMovies website is Adobe Flash Player based. You will just want to ensure that the web browser you are using to access is able to run the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. Also, to maintain the highest quality stream, please ensure your internet download speed is at least 3.0 Mbps.

Win your own FREE 6 month subscription code

Want to win????  Visit here and tell me in a comment which would be your first movie you'd watch?  or which movie category you are most excited to watch from?  I'll draw a winner for the 6 month Free code May 1st.   Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you.  Giveaway is open to US & Canada residents only please.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

A free code was provided for my viewing in exchange for this post and my honest review by ...

Grace of God DVD movie review with giveaway

ABOUT GRACE OF GOD

Having lost his faith many years ago, Detective Bill Broadly is called to investigate the disappearance of the local church's collection plate. As he questions its various church members, rumors swirl as more congregants learn about the theft. When one unexpected church-goer confesses to stealing the funds, the confession resurrects Broadly's views on God, and helps him see that through faith and belief there really is rebirth and redemption.



Starring: John Ratzenberg, Erin Bethea, Lorenzo Lamas
Studio Name: Phase 4 Films
Rating: Not Rated
Format: DVD
Run Time (in minutes): 99 minutes
Language: English
Audio Tracks: Digital Sound
Shipping Weight (in pounds): 0.15

Order from Walmart

This movie was totally not what I was expecting.  The sub title is A story of Easter Traditions.  There was nothing about Easter in this movie.  The theme of redemption, love, grace, and forgiveness is there.  Also says it is based on the Ten Commandments.  ok maybe thou shalt not steal, love thy neighbor, shalt not covet.  We are really stretching it I think.  I can't say the acting was the best I've seen in Christian movies.  My daughters would say it was cheesy. The story plot could have been better developed. Yes, it is a family movie.  No bad language, scenes, etc.  I'm going to give one reader a chance to see for themselves.  You may like the movie.  FlyBy Promotions has a copy to send to one of my readers.  Tell me an Easter Tradition you and your family share.  Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you.   Giveaway valid in US & Canada only.  I'll draw a winner on April 25th. 

A copy of this book/doll set was provided for my viewing in exchange for my honest review by ...


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products  mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Enough Already: Winning Your Ugly Struggle with Beauty by Babara L. Roose

Enough Already by Barbara Roose | Blog Tour and Weekend Getaway Giveaway

Author: Barb Roose

 

Learn how to recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others, in Barbara Roose‘s new book, Enough Already. What would it take for you to believe you are enough already? Most women know God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up.

Barbara is celebrating the release with a giveaway! One reader will receive a cash card and writing supplies for her own inner-beauty weekend getaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 cash card for your own inner-beauty weekend getaway
• A notepad/pencil set for your inner-beauty quiet time
• A copy of Enough Already

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 12th. Winner will be announced April 13th on Barbara’s blog.

  {NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

{More about Enough Already}

Enough Already (Abingdon, March 2015)

Recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others.
Most women know that God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up. Enough Already will:

—Elevate the soul-freeing, spiritual truth that God is the Creator of beauty and that women are called to appreciate and care for themselves as his own.
—Enable women to accept God-given beauty so that when they look in the mirror they see his handiwork, not their flaws.
—Equip women to win the ugly struggle with beauty once and for all.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Barb’s website.

 

Barb is honest, candid, and down-to-earth in her book Enough Already.  Everything she shares with her readers is most helpful.  Enough Already isn't a hurry lets get this read kind of book.  You want to have time to digest what is being said.  It is more of a Bible study type of book.  A book you can use individually or in a group setting.  Each chapter ends with group discussion questions and personal reflection journal questions.  It is a wonderfully, insightful book that women of all ages, young and old alike, will find helpful in more ways than one.  Roose equips the reader with knowledge of God and His Word to win the inner struggle and battle for beauty and help you become God's beauty in our world today.  The author shares stories of her own personal struggles with beauty.  I'd advise you to pick up a copy of Enough Already and begin your journey to inner healing. 
 

{More About Barb Roose}

Barbara Roose is an African-American, wife, mother, and pastor with a passion for creatively communicating God’s truths in a manner that is relevant and easy for people to apply to their lives. In February 2002, she joined the staff at Cedar Creek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio. Currently, she is the Directional Leader and Pastor of Spiritual Formation. For the past eight years, she has had the privilege to serve as periodic teaching pastor to 10,000 (average) weekly attendees. Since 2010, she has spoken at various women’s conferences in the U.S. and Honduras. In October 2012, she was a guest speaker for best-selling author and former Women of Faith speaker, Nicole Johnson’s Seasons Weekend Experience. Barbara and her husband, Matt, have been married 21 years and live in Toledo, Ohio.

Find out more about Barb at http://www.barbroose.com.


A copy of this book was provided for in exchange for my review and hosting this tour by...