Monday, February 29, 2016

Royal Easter Story by Jeanna Young and Jacqueline Johnson

Easter is on it's way and so is the Royal Easter Celebration.   Find out how the King's princesses celebrate and learn that giving and showing kindness is the best way to show your love. The Royal Easter Story is a story you'll want to add to you stack of holiday books to read with your young ones.  It is a story of joy, faith, hope, love and most of all grace. 

 

Book Description

Joy, Grace, Faith, Charity, and Hope are busy with the preparations for the annual Easter celebration, held in a neighboring village. The journey is made more exciting when the girls decide to race their new friends, the five young knights. Along the way, the princesses meet challenges that show their trust in God and kindness of heart.


I review for BookLook Bloggers

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Friday, February 26, 2016

Captian No Beard has more tales to tell.....

I never tire reading Captain No Beard stories.  Carole Roman is still weaving exciting adventures on the high seas with Captain No Beard and his crew.  These books are wonderful tools for teaching students.  I always love to see what tale Roman has to spin and the action Captain No Beard and his mighty crew handles it.  I have four more new ones to share with you.  If you click on the book cover you can get a little sneak peek inside the book @ Amazon.
Read other reviews about this series from previous blog post
Post 1
Post 2

http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Beard-Aurora-Borealis-Stories/dp/1496138708/ref=la_B008ZOXI0W_1_19?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1441473837&sr=1-19&refinements=p_82%3AB008ZOXI0W%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A2656022011
Captain No Beard and his crew of loyal pirates heave anchor for another adventure, this time in the icy waters of the Arctic. Captain No Beard's steering a course due north, sailing by the light of the North Star. Everyone on the crew wonders what the captain's up to, especially as he gets embarrassed when they ask. When the captain finally admits his plan, the crew discovers he plans to steal the aurora borealis, the beautiful northern lights that brighten the arctic sky. They're all shocked. They may be pirates, but even they know stealing is bad. Besides, how can anyone steal the lights from the sky? A charming, engaging tale about doing what's right, Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis is the latest installment in Carole P. Roman's award-winning pirate series. The first book, Captain No Beard—an Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life, received the Kirkus Reviews Best of 2012 award and the Star of Remarkable Achievement. The series presents real-life problems in an imaginary setting and encourages discussion with both parents and educators.

* * * * * *

http://www.amazon.com/Fribbet-Frog-Tadpoles-Captain-Beard/dp/1499145977/ref=la_B008ZOXI0W_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1441473837&sr=1-14&refinements=p_82%3AB008ZOXI0W%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A2656022011
Fribbet's gone missing! The crew searches for the excitable frog and finally find him troubled and crying in the stern. Fribbet is very upset, and it's up to Captain No Beard and the crew to find out what's wrong. Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles is another great voyage into problem solving and friendship, as well as an adventurous trip into the imagination. Join the Captain No Beard and his friends as they learn the value of sharing our troubles with others and that help is always there when we need it.

* * * * * *

http://www.amazon.com/Flag-Flying-Dragon-Captain-Beard/dp/1507826923/ref=la_B008ZOXI0W_1_20?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1441473837&sr=1-20&refinements=p_82%3AB008ZOXI0W%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A2656022011
It's business as usual on the Flying Dragon. Their mission is to find a flag for the ship. Captain No Beard sighs, "Being a captain is hard work," as he watches the busy crew preparing the vessel for their next adventure. Polly is giving out pretzels; Linus is polishing a lamp. Matie is cracking coconuts, Cayla is stuffing holes, and Hallie is swabbing the deck. High overhead, trouble is brewing, and it is not the weather. Mongo does not want any help from the newest crew member, and it is creating a hurricane of a mess on board. The team must come together and find a task that will fit Zachary without interfering with their own fun. On the way, they acquire a flag that will unite them as both friends and crew. Join the problem-solving crew of the Flying Dragon as they find a flag for their ship and a job for Zach.

* * * * * *

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1522781781/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
Captain No Beard is determined to travel to Dew Rite Volcano. He won't listen when Mongo predicts a storm or Linus indicates they are headed in the wrong direction. He insists Polly cook in the galley even though the seas are getting rough. What's a crew to do with a stubborn, know-it-all captain? Will they convince the captain he is barreling headlong into danger, or will Captain No Beard jeopardize both his safety and the crew’s with his single-minded determination to go where he wants?



You may visit Carole Roman @ her website here to learn more about this exciting series and others she has pinned.


Award-winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman who has successfully run a family business with her husband for more than 40 years. Her first book, Captain No Beard: An imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life, has been named to the Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2012 as well as garnered the star of remarkable merit. She currently lives on Long Island near all her children and grandchildren and strives to sees them as much as she can.

A copy of these books were provided by Bostick Communications and the author in exchange for my honest review.
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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Legend of the Easter Robin by Dandi Daley Mackall




About the book:
In the center of the nest lay one perfect egg, the color of a spring sky. The father robin sat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoon tracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. “Gran, how are we going to keep the egg safe?” “We’ll have to leave that one to the Creator,” Gran said. Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother’s house! Tressa is thrilled―and concerned. What will happen to the sky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressa witnesses the daily drama of the robins’ nest and learns how God cares for all creatures. Besides watching the birds, there are Easter eggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear―a tale of long ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did the robin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells her the story of the Easter robin. Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, The Legend of the Easter Robin will captivate and teach your child about compassion and faith.

Age Range: 4-8 years
Hardcover; 32 pages 
Publish Date: January 26, 2016

The Legend of the Easter Robin is a children's book.  Easter coming this would be a beautiful book to share with your children or grandchildren.   A little girl who learns a what compassion and faith is from her Grandma and a Robin.  The message is wonderful, but you must realize it is a legend story, therefore if you are a creationist this book might rub on a negative cord.  Read it with your child and point out the message of compassion and faith and don't dwell on how the Robin got his red breast.  Or you could use is for discussing the real way the robin got his red breast.  It does give us the real meaning of Easter through the Robin.  Yes, I would share it with children, but make it a discussion book. You have to keep in mind what a legend is.  It is a story passed down verbally by a group of people.  However, the message of love and faith is real and the illustrations are absolutely awesome, very detailed.  Children of all ages will love this message just in time for Spring.  With that said...I have a copy of the book for giveaway


Leave a comment below telling me how you celebrate Easter in your house.  Be sure to leave a way of contact.  This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only please. Drawing will be held on March 10th. 
 
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.”
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"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.



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Monday, February 22, 2016

Robin by Julane Hiebert

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Robin
Wings of Hope Publishing Group (November 15, 2015)
by
Julane Hiebert


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julane is first of all a child of God. She is also a wife to Bob, mother to two living sons,Kip and Rob, two daughters in heaven, two wonderful daughters-in-law, Becky and Tami, and grandmother to six perfectly wonderful grands, as well as an additional three ‘other grands’. She lives with her husband in a wee cottage by a small lake nestled in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas.

Though encouraged by many to pen the story of raising two daughters with an incurable disease, she has chosen to incorporate the lessons learned into the lives of her not-too-perfect characters. Her passion is to present the promises and hope found in God’s Word in down-to-earth, everyday experiences through her stories.

Julane loves reading, decorating, junking, antiques, and chocolate! No particular order, but one would be safe to insert chocolate between all other interests.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1877 the Wenghold sisters inherited an overwhelming debt with their father’s passing. An uncle they’ve never met offers a solution—come help on his Kansas cattle ranch. The oldest sister, Robin, agrees to go.

Ty Morgan has suffered through a year of misery after being jilted by the town beauty a few months before their wedding. But a tornado whirls an unexpected breath of hope into his heart when he rescues Robin, his neighbor’s newly arrived niece, and a small boy who was orphaned by the storm.

Robin’s crippled leg prevents her from being a real help to Uncle John, but she seems to be exactly who Ty needs to heal his broken heart. Until his former fiancĂ©e returns and a mysterious, elusive stranger casts worry over the entire community.

A woman determined to honor her obligations, a man entangled in a long ago-made commitment, an orphaned child in need of security . . . Can God guide these three souls to peace and fulfillment together?

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


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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Pharaoh's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Pharaoh's Daughter
WaterBrook Press (March 17, 2015)
by
Mesu Andrews


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mesu Andrews’ deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for her readers. She and her husband, Roy, enjoyed fourteen years of pastoral ministry before moving to the Pacific Northwest, where Roy now serves as Academic Dean at Multnomah Biblical Seminary. Mesu writes full-time, snuggled in her recliner beside a cozy fire on rainy Northwest days. The Andrews’ enjoy visiting their two married daughters and a growing tribe of grandkids. Mesu loves movies, football, waterfalls, and travel.

Biblical fiction is her favorite genre to read and write. Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011), tells the story of Job and won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author.

ABOUT THE BOOK
“Fear is the most fertile ground for faith.” “You will be called Anippe, daughter of the Nile. Do you like it?” Without waiting for a reply, she pulls me into her squishy, round tummy for a hug.
I’m trying not to cry. Pharaoh’s daughters don’t cry.
When we make our way down the tiled hall, I try to stop at ummi Kiya’s chamber. I know her spirit has flown yet I long for one more moment. Amenia pushes me past so I keep walking and don’t look back.

Like the waters of the Nile, I will flow.

Anippe has grown up in the shadows of Egypt’s good god Pharaoh, aware that Anubis, god of the afterlife, may take her or her siblings at any moment. She watched him snatch her mother and infant brother during childbirth, a moment which awakens in her a terrible dread of ever bearing a child. Now she is to be become the bride of Sebak, a kind but quick-tempered Captain of Pharaoh Tut’s army. In order to provide Sebak the heir he deserves and yet protect herself from the underworld gods, Anippe must launch a series of deceptions, even involving the Hebrew midwives—women ordered by Tut to drown the sons of their own people in the Nile.

When she finds a baby floating in a basket on the great river, Anippe believes Egypt’s gods have answered her pleas, entrenching her more deeply in deception and placing her and her son Mehy, whom handmaiden Miriam calls Moses, in mortal danger.

As bloodshed and savage politics shift the balance of power in Egypt, the gods reveal their fickle natures and Anippe wonders if her son, a boy of Hebrew blood, could one day become king. Or does the god of her Hebrew servants, the one they call El Shaddai, have a different plan—for them all?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Pharaoh's Daughter, go HERE.

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Monday, February 15, 2016

The Daffodils Still Grow by: Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell with giveaway



http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2016/01/16/pump-up-your-book-presents-the-daffodils-still-grow-a-book-for-grieving-daughters/

About the Author
The Daffodils Still Grow was inspired by diary entries of the author/illustrator, Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell, after the death of her mother when she was 14. “My mother committed suicide when I was 14, and after nearly a year of crying and hurting, I was surprised -- almost shocked -- to see the daffodils she planted right before her death still bloom again. It was a big wake-up call to me that, even though she was gone, I could still carry on without her FOR her. Somehow, our loved ones still find a way of communicating with us when we need it the most." Sherri Elizabeth now attends Seton Hill University’s MFA program in Writing Popular Fiction. She has a BA in both communications and studio arts from Austin Peay State University. She hopes that every parent will know how irreplaceable and loved they are to their children and that every child who has lost a parent will know they are not alone. Remember, the daffodils still grow!

For More Information
• Visit Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell’s website.
Connect with Holly on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Book: Title:
The Daffodils Still Grow: A Book for Grieving Daughter
Author: Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell Publisher: Mascot Books
Pages: 38 Genre: Children’s Picture Book

The Daffodils Still Grow is a full-color illustrated book that portrays life after a loved one dies as seen from the observations of a motherless child. “Beautiful and inspiring.”

For More Information
• The Daffodils Still Grow is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Watch a narrated video of the book at YouTube.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.





Giveaway: 

Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell is giving away a The Daffodils Still Grow T-shirt! 

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2016/01/16/pump-up-your-book-presents-the-daffodils-still-grow-a-book-for-grieving-daughters/
Terms & Conditions:
• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one The Daffodils Still Grow t-shirt
• This giveaway begins February 1 and ends April 29.
• Winners will be contacted via email on April 30.
• Winners have 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN! a Rafflecopter giveaway





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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Crystal the Christmas Angel by: Theresa Olive


http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2016/01/29/pump-up-your-book-presents-crystal-the-christmas-angel-virtual-book-publicity-tour/



Inside the Book

Title: Crystal the Christmas Angel
Author: Theresa Oliver
Publisher: Write More Publications
Pages: 66
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

All of the angels in Heaven are preparing for a big event, and Crystal, a little angel, wants to be a part of it. But the more she tries, the more the angels tell her that she is just too little. That is, until God himself gives her the biggest, most important task of all … going with the Archangel Gabriel to Mary, and bringing God’s greatest gift to the world. But can Crystal do what God asks? Journey with Crystal as she discovers that God sometimes chooses the most unlikely for the greatest tasks. Crystal also discovers that you are never too little to do great things. You just need to believe and never give up.

For More Information

  • Crystal the Christmas Angel is available at Amazon.
  • Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Meet the Author

Theresa Oliver grew up in southern Indiana, across from Louisville, Kentucky, in Clarksville, Indiana. In her childhood, she fell in love with the power of the written word, a love affair that has continued her whole life. She moved to Florida, where she has lived much of her adult life. She attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tenn., and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree, News Editorial sequence. She also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, Early Childhood Education sequence, from Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Ga. She is currently a writer, a full-time teacher, and the owner of Write More Publications and TNT Author Services. However, her greatest adventure is as a mother of three beautiful boys. Oliver currently resides in Kissimmee, Florida, with her husband and children.
Her latest book is the children’s picture book, Crystal the Christmas Angel.
For More Information
Crystal a little angel just wanted to help, but the other angels thought she was too little for the job.  So, she started to feel sad and cry. But then God had the perfect job for Crystal, because He needed a dependable little angel for the job.  What was the job you ask?  Well, you'll have to read the book to find out. No spoilers here.

I just loved this children's book.  Christmas stories are my favorite stories.  It doesn't matter I love Christmas stories all through the year.  This one was new and interesting and I didn't know where the author was going with it, but I loved it.  Actually, I predicted wrong on what her job would be.  A very suspenseful book for young kids.   Just to see what it is that Crystal gets to do is exciting to read.  Here's just a little teaser.....



a copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....
Pump Up Your Book


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Monday, February 8, 2016

Soul's Prisoner by Cara Luecht

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Soul's Prisoner
(WhiteFire Publishing (December 15, 2015))
by
Cara Luecht


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the Author:I never planned to be a writer. In fact, it took me a while to finish college. But I did, and here I am. And I now I can’t imagine not being a writer. By day, I am an English Instructor for a local college, mother to four amazing children, and wife to an eternally patient and supportive husband. In the evening, when I can squirrel away some quiet time, I read and write historical fiction. I have a B.A. in English Lit. from UW Whitewater and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. If you have a question for me, or if you are local and would like me to stop by your book club or writer’s group, please drop me a line via the “Ask the Author” tab. I always love the opportunity to meet with others who share my love of books.





ABOUT THE BOOK

She'll fight for her future...but can she escape her past?
Chicago, Winter, 1891
Rachel is in danger. She s seen too much.
She creeps along the cement walls through the dank underbelly of the asylum. She d never planned to leave her quiet farm life, never thought she d find a place in the city, never imagined she d be in the kind of danger that would have her cowering in Dunning s cold, labyrinthine basement.
Jenny has finally found her place. After a childhood of abuse, she has friends, a real job, and her only wish is to give her adopted son the kind of life she never had.
A life of stability, without the risk and uncertainty of a father.
But when Jeremy, Rachel s brother, stumbles into their warehouse, asking for help to find his missing sister, Jenny s carefully constructed life begins to crumble.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Soul's Prisoner, go HERE.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

M is for Manger by Crystal Bowman & Teri McKinley

http://tyndale.com/M-is-for-Manger/9781496401953#.Vp2loVlCiR4
Travel through the alphabet with this beautiful rhyming storybook that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. Begin with the angel who tells Mary that she is God’s chosen vessel and follow along until you reach the zillions of stars that paled in comparison to the star that announced the birthplace of the newborn King. Beautifully illustrated and written, this book will be a classic for parents to read to their children every Christmas season.

Visit Crystal Bowman's website here.
You and your child can learn about Jesus birth in chronological order from A-Z.  M is for Manger tells of the birth of Christ in rhythm and rhyme.  What better way for youngsters to learn then short and to the point, easy-to-read messages.  Each letter stands for a word.  Each word has a short 4 line rhyme telling the Christmas story along with a scripture verse to add to the message.  Read the  book all in one setting or use it as a devotional the whole month of Dec., a letter a day, to look deeper into the birth of Christ.  This one will be added to the church nursery.  It's a keeper.  One you'll want to add to your Christmas book list.

Crystal Bowman is an author, speaker, freelance editor, and Mentor for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). She has written over 70 books for children and three books for women. She also writes stories for Clubhouse Jr. Magazine and lyrics for children’s piano music. Her children’s books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. “But the most important part,” she says, “is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much.” Crystal and her husband live in Florida and have three grown children and one granddaughter.


A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by Tyndle House Publishing




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Tuesday, February 2, 2016

A giveaway for the Hearties......

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Yes, I'm a Heartie!!!!  I love When Calls the Heart.  It is a wonderful family series.  Season two is just what the above picture says....Twice the looks, drama, friendship, joy, promise and love.  There are many twists and turns. You never know which way the drama is going to end up going, sometimes not the way you think.  Season 2 leads us with a real cliffhanger.  It was definitely a season of trials for Elizabeth and one you wonder where her heart is going to lead her. I can't wait til season 3 gets on the shelf.  I don't have TV so I can't watch it while it is airing, which is next month. Edify Media has given me a copy of the complete second season to use as a giveaway so please if you are a Heartie please tell me in your comment.  I'd love for a Heartie to win this set.  Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you.  I'm going to have to limit this to US residents only since I will be paying the postage to mail this.  I'll draw a winner on Feb. 13th. 





  • Elizabeth and Jack face a life-threatening experience together and finally discover the truth about what has been keeping them apart. Later, all of Hope Valley witnesses a shocking arrest and an unexpected proposal.
  • Elizabeth and Jack try to put their differences aside to stop Julie and Tom before they make another mistake, while Gowen targets Abigail’s CafĂ© in his next underhanded scheme.
  • Elizabeth and Jack receive upsetting news from their families in Hamilton that could tear them apart. Meanwhile, Abigail tries to find forgiveness in her heart for Bill as Lee enlists Rosemary’s help to fight Gowen and keep Hope Valley from falling apart.





  • When a visitor from home arrives in Hope Valley, Elizabeth begins to question the direction of her heart and feelings for Jack. As Abigail struggles with how to help her daughter-in-law, Bill delves deeper into an undercover investigation.
  • Abigail travels to Hamilton to stay with Elizabeth’s family and is compelled to accept Bill’s help on a personal matter. A heroic act by Jack brings him closer to his ex-fiancĂ©e, Rosemary. Elizabeth returns to Hope Valley and she and Jack come together to consider what the future holds.
  • Elizabeth and Jack remain worlds apart and Abigail finds out the devastating truth about Bill Avery.
  • Elizabeth and Jack are closer than ever after their first kiss and Jack gains a new understanding of Elizabeth’s high-society family life. Abigail confronts Bill about a shocking discovery that could put their romantic future on hold and the mining disaster trial takes a surprising turn when a shocking witness is called to the stand.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD for my review. All opinions are my own.*

http://www.edifymedia.com/


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