Friday, May 27, 2016

John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In by Leigh Shearin

About the Book

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Title: John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In
Author: Leigh Shearin
Genre: Children's Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 106
Publication Date: January 22, 2016
Synopsis:
 The fun continues in Appleside, NJ, as John Bloom and his pals live, laugh, and watch the incredible events of late 1942 as they unfold across the world. The attack on Pearl Harbor has brought America into the global war, and everyone's involved- even children! Join them as they do what they can to help with the war effort, even from a small, rural, American town.

Amazon

 

Boys will be boys and that is exactly what this book portrays.  Back in the good 'ole days when kids actually played outside and used their imagination, not setting around playing in front of a computer screen with someone that is thousands of miles away that they don't even know.  This book takes ya back to roamed the neighborhoods, played in the fields or woods, and bonded with each other through thick and thin.  The book is a slow paced book, but does show how a town in 1942 can come together and bond, build friendships and with one goal in mind winning a war.  Good historical elements for children to learn. 

About the Author: Leigh Shearin

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Leigh Shearin is a farmer, writer, photographer, baker, and lifetime dreamer.

Leigh earned a B.A. degree in Studio Art at Maryville College and worked as a graphic artist before earning an ASS degree in Culinary Art.  She has worked as a chef, baker and culinary arts instructor.  Most recently, she and her husband bought rural land and are developing Winter'Rest, a small farm in central New York.  Through all this, Leigh wrote stories and poems…some published; some tucked away.

She is happiest living off the land and is an ardent supporter of local and sustainable farms, farmers and practices. Seasonal fresh produce from Winter'Rest Farm is even on the menus of some Farm-to-Fork restaurants in the Central New York. Leigh is also an accomplished photographer, working in Fine Art Photography from age 20, under the name M. Leigh Emery.

Leigh writes fiction stories for middle-grade readers. Along with illustrator Kate Shearin, Leigh spins tales of self-sufficiency and independence, along with gentle agriculture education. Since historical fiction is also a lifetime interest, Leigh uses true stories of the past to bring inspiration and joy to modern-day children.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram





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Friday, May 13, 2016

Dragons are Real by Valarie Budayr

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the charming children's book written by Valarie Budayr and illustrated by Michael Welply, Dragons are Real. The tour will run from May 9 - May 30, 2016



About the Book


Title: Dragons are Real | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Michael Welply Publisher: Audrey Press | Publication Date: May 5, 2016 | Genre: Children's Picture Book Number of Pages: 32


Book Description:

What if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG? What if I told you that Dragons are indeed REAL and that they are different than you've ever imagined? Did you know that Dragons are the master of disguises? Did you know that they love sugar and sweets (at unacceptable levels) and will do anything for treats? Award winning author Valarie Budayr brings us this fairly true story based on her childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon.

Take a look inside the book...



This is the most adorable book I've seen about dragons.  When you get done reading this book you'll be a dragon lover for sure.  The author paints a very sweet picture of dragons.  You really will believe they are for real by the end of the story.  If you aren't a believer before you read Dragons are Real you surely will be after the book is done. 

About the Author: Valarie Budayr



Award Winning and Best-selling author, Valarie Budayr inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure via engaging extension activities on her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com.

Valarie is co-founder of Multi-cultural Children's Book Day , #ReadYourWorld, a celebration of diverse and cultural kid-lit shared with over 98 million people on January 27th. Her foundation puts hundreds of books into the hands of children in rural and intercity areas. www.multiculturalchildrensbookday.com

Valarie's other best-selling and award winning titles are: The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and A Year in the Secret Garden.








Michael Welply was born in London in 1948. The family moved to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1950. He studied art in Winnipeg and then in Paris, but his idea of living from the sales of his paintings is somewhat compromised by the lack of buyers. He started his career as an illustrator in 1977 in London. In 1981 he returned to live in France with his American wife and their two children. Since then he has worked for publishers in both Europe and North America. To date he has illustrated over 80 books and more than 100 covers, in a wide range of subjects extending from detailed non-fiction to juvenile and adult fiction in the realms of fantasy, mythology, science fiction and fairy tales.






Blog Tour Giveaway


Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card or $100 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice 
Giveaway ends: May 30, 11:59 pm, 2016 
Open to: 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, Valarie Budayr and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Liberty Frye and the Sails of Fate by: J.L. McCreedy


BeachBoundbooks is pleased to be coordinating a Review Tour for the middle grade fantasy Liberty Frye and the Sails of Fate by J.L. McCreedy from April 20 - May 12, 2016.

About the Book


Title: Liberty Frye and the Sails of Fate (Book 2)
Author: J.L. McCreedy
Genre:  Middle Grade Fantasy
Number of Pages: 260
Synopsis: When Liberty Frye wakes up on her eleventh birthday, nothing about it feels particularly celebratory. As if being a witch in training isn’t confusing enough, her mother’s mysterious illness has grown worse overnight and her best-friend-turned-foster-sister Ginny is driving her crazy.
Then there’s the matter of Uncle Frank’s new invention that he has brought to her surprise party. When Libby’s freaky powers accidentally activate it, she and her unsuspecting birthday party guests are transported into an ocean of darkness. Literally. Soon, they’re running – or rather, sailing – for their lives, chasing after clues while dodging angry islanders and makeshift spells gone awry.

To save herself and everyone she cares about, Libby knows she must confront the dark forces bent on determining their fate. But what she doesn’t know is … how?



I didn't read book one, but book 2 was an excellent adventure that middle aged youngsters are bound to enjoy.  If you don't read book 1 it doesn't matter as they are totally different adventures so you won't miss anything.  Of course the main character is the same and a few others are from book 1, so I'm told.  But it is a whole different story.  I like books like this as you don't have to read them in order to keep up with the plot.  Kids that love adventure and mystery are bound to love Liberty Frye adventures.  It'll keep you on your toes and wanting to keep turning the pages to see what will happen next.  You won't want to miss experiencing the journey with Liberty.  It's fun and engaging.  
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen (Book 1)

The average ten-year-old girl seldom travels far from home. She doesn’t worry about being kidnapped by witches or imprisoned in medieval castles where children are ensnared to meet their unspeakable demise. She rarely gives thought to curses, potions and magic. She certainly isn’t concerned about risking life and limb to decipher ancient rites and lost treasures....

But Liberty Frye is about to discover that she is not just your average girl.


When a cryptic note from long-lost relatives arrives, the news it brings flips Libby’s small-town existence upside down. Soon, she finds herself lured to a foreign land where retired witches, talking bats and geriatric World War II pilots await. It’s up to Libby to unravel the sinister plot that brought her there in the first place, but in so doing, she’ll uncover a shocking secret that will change her life forever ... if she survives the challenge.

**Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is free through Kindle Unlimited.


About the Author

J.L. McCreedy first learned a love of writing (and developed an incurable condition of wanderlust) while growing up in Southeast Asia as the child of missionaries. She holds a B.A. in English and a law degree, freelances as a writer and consultant for charitable organizations and, whenever possible, drags her splendid husband across the globe on ill-planned, shoestring adventures.

Books by J.L. McCreedy:
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen (Book 1)
Liberty Frye and the Sails of Fate (Book 2)
The Orphan of Torundi

Links to book and author websites:
Book website: www.libertyfrye.com
Author website: TongaTime.com



Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: May 12, 2016, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: 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 J.L. McCreedy and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.






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Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Book Shout Out

https://www.amazon.com/Speaker-essential-speakers-companion-ebook/dp/B011IWHMQ8/187-4044409-0294462?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_sw_su_dp

Speaker to Speaker: The Essential Speaker’s Companion, for a Kindle Countdown sale. It goes live on May 10th and the e-book will only be 99 cents (it will go up after a few days, but still at sales prices for a week or so).

Speaker to Speaker: The Essential Speaker's Companion

When you take your business seriously, others will too.
And now you can save money by purchasing your e-book through Kindle Countdown!

Packed cover-to-cover with invaluable information, Speaker to Speaker is the new bible for communicators. With more than a decade of industry knowledge under her belt, Kathy Carlton Willis has coached hundreds of speakers to help them develop successful speaking businesses. This book covers everything you'll need to ensure that your audience increases and your message is heard, including:
  • Setting Up Your Business
  • Finding a Brand that Fits
  • Getting More Bookings
  • Polishing Your Style
  • Discovering God's Plan for Your Business
An extensive resource section containing a sample contract, media interviewing tips, fee schedules, checklists, and much more, makes Speaker to Speaker an essential toolkit you'll use time and again.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2016

None Like Him by: Jill Wilkin with giveaway



God is self-existent, self-sufficient, eternal, immutable, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, sovereign, infinite, and incomprehensible.  

We're not.  

And that's a good thing.

Our limitations are by design. We were never meant to be God. But at the root of every sin is our rebellious desire to possess attributes that belong to God alone.

Calling us to embrace our limits as a means of glorifying God's limitless power, Jen Wilkin invites us to celebrate the freedom that comes when we rest in letting God be God.

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None Like Him will help you to better understand Who God truly is.  It's a book that will bring you to your knees in AWE of who God really is; anything but ordinary.  Excellent book to use as a devotional/study book.  You'll be able to dig deeper into many characteristics of God.  It can be used in a group setting as well as individually.  The author provides the reader with extended scripture reading passages for more meditation, journal/reflection questions and a prayer at the end of each chapter.  At the very back of the book, the author has provided you with blank pages to jot down your own personal notes throughout the book.
Here are the attributes that Wilkin covers in her book:
INFINITE - The God of No Limits
INCOMPREHENSIBLE - The God of Infinite Mystery
SELF-EXISTENT - The God of Infinite Creativity
SELF-SUFFICIENT - The God of Infinite Provision
ETERNAL - The God of Infinite Days
IMMUTABLE - The God of Infinite Sameness
OMNIPRESENT - The God of Infinite Place
OMNISCIENT - The God of Infinite Knowledge
OMNIPOTENT - The God of Infinite Power
SOVEREIGN - The God of Infinite Rule



Jen Wilkin is a speaker, writer, and teacher of women’s Bible studies. During her fifteen years of teaching, she has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. Jen and her family are members of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. She is the author of Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds.

Leave a comment telling me which of the above topics found in the book most interest you. I'll leave this giveaway open til May 20th.  Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.  Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. 

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.”

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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Saturday, May 7, 2016

Fly Away Free by Anna Turner Coppla



The story begins when Tessie Farrell, an older woman living in South Florida, is walking her dog and rescues a baby osprey whose parents are killed by three young boys raiding the osprey’s nest to steal the baby ospreys. Taking the rescued baby osprey home, Tessie contacts the police to report what happened. After caring and feeding the baby osprey and building a cage for the bird, Tessie finds herself exhausted. Lying down to rest, Tessie is transported back in time, when she was a ten-year-old girl living with her parents on a dairy farm in northern New York. Devastated to learn that she is adopted, Tessie is taunted by her classmates as she struggles to understand why she was unwanted by her biological parents. In her isolation from children her own age, she creates her own fantasy world with the help of Dolly, a horse that is boarded at the farm and whom Tessie adopts as her pet horse, and two pet geese, raised and nurtured by Tessie as hatchlings. While Tessie roams her fantasy world with Dolly, she meets and befriends an older woman, Maudie, who will play a very important role in helping Tessie find herself as she learns to accept who she is and to find acceptance by those around her. This is a story of courage, self-discovery, and love, and a young girl’s struggle to overcome the pain of being adopted.
A wonderful book to help older children, 7-9 year olds, that might be struggling with finding out that they are adopted.  A beautiful story of acceptance and courage.  The plot pace is just perfect, not too slow.  Very well written. 


Anne Turner Coppola was born in Redford, New York, one of seven children. She was ten years old when her father died. When she was twelve, after her mother was hospitalized, she was placed in a foster home in Plattsburgh, New York, where she attended D’Youville Academy, a Catholic school for girls. An academic honors student, she wrote a weekly article for the local newspaper and was valedictorian of her class. Graduating with honors, she received several scholarships toward her college training. While in college, she met and married her air force husband in 1958. She received her teaching degree from State University of New York at Albany, and her master’s degree from Rutgers University. She taught elementary, middle, and high school students at various schools, as she and her husband made their journey south to Staten Island, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Miami, Florida; and finally, Sarasota, Florida. After her retirement from teaching, she served as president of her homeowner’s association and as ombudsman for the State of Florida, inspecting nursing homes to ensure quality care for patients. After battling breast cancer for eight years, she died in 2012.

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

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Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Dragons are Real by Valarie Budayr

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the delightful children's book written by Valarie Budayr and illustrated by Michael Welply, Dragons are Real. The blast will run May 2 - 4, 2016.




About the Book

Title: Dragons are Real | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Michael Welply | Publisher: Audrey Press | Publication Date: May 5, 2016 | Genre: Children's Picture Book | Number of Pages: 32
Book Description:

What if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG? What if I told you that Dragons are indeed REAL and that they are different than you've ever imagined? Did you know that Dragons are the master of disguises? Did you know that they love sugar and sweets (at unacceptable levels) and will do anything for treats? Award winning author Valarie Budayr brings us this fairly true story based on her childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon.

Take a peek inside the book...






About the Author: Valarie Budayr



Award Winning and Best-selling author, Valarie Budayr inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure via engaging extension activities on her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com.

Valarie is co-founder of Multi-cultural Children's Book Day , #ReadYourWorld, a celebration of diverse and cultural kid-lit shared with over 98 million people on January 27th. Her foundation puts hundreds of books into the hands of children in rural and intercity areas. www.multiculturalchildrensbookday.com
Valarie's other best-selling and award winning titles are: The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and A Year in the Secret Garden. 


About the Illustrator: Michael Welply


Michael Welply was born in London in 1948. The family moved to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1950. He studied art in Winnipeg and then in Paris, but his idea of living from the sales of his paintings is somewhat compromised by the lack of buyers. He started his career as an illustrator in 1977 in London. In 1981 he returned to live in France with his American wife and their two children. Since then he has worked for publishers in both Europe and North America. To date he has illustrated over 80 books and more than 100 covers, in a wide range of subjects extending from detailed non-fiction to juvenile and adult fiction in the realms of fantasy, mythology, science fiction and fairy tales.


Book Blast Giveaway
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice
Giveaway ends: May 16, 11:59 pm, 2016
Open to: 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, Valarie Budayr and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway





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