Monday, January 30, 2012
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by Dale Cramer
Read the Back:
The Epic Story of an Amish Community in Peril
Ravaged by disease, preyed upon by ruthless bandits, the Bender family's second year in Mexico has taken a grievous turn. Faced with impossible choices, the expatriate Amish discover, more than ever before, what it means to live by faith and not by sight
But it's Miriam who must make the hardest choice as her heart takes her on a new and dangerous course. Domingo. "He is gentle," his sister said, "until someone he loves is threatened." Is Miriam that someone?
"Cualnezqui," he often calls her--the Nahuatl word for Beautiful one. The chiseled native has proven himself a man of principle, grace and power, yet is he the pearl of great price for whom Miriam would sacrifice everything, or is he merely a friend? Tormented by conflicting emotions, she's haunted by vivid dreams: Dressed in the coarse cotton pants and shirt of a peasant, she stands on the precipice of a sun-washed ridge searching desperately for Domingo. Domingo the fierce. Domingo the protector.
Domingo the forbidden.
Inspired by Actual Events!
My Thoughts:
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! This book is beautifully written and the author does an amazing job of both drawing the reader into the story and keeping them there. This is the 2nd book in the Daughter of Caleb Bender series (Paradise Valley being book #1). You do not, however, have to read the stories in order.
This book is definitely a tear jerker! You really can understand what the characters are enduring living in amongst bandits in Mexico all the while trying to build their community and prosper as a people.
What I love about this book is that it's a romantic story. The storyline between Miriam and Domingo keeps you guessing right up until the final chapter!
This story contains action, adventure, love, loss and through it all Faith. An amazing read by a very talented author. I recommend reading both of the Daughters of Caleb Bender books and I'm hoping there is another one after this so I can find out more about what happens in Paradise Valley!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by Dale Cramer
Read the Back:
The Epic Story of an Amish Community in Peril
Ravaged by disease, preyed upon by ruthless bandits, the Bender family's second year in Mexico has taken a grievous turn. Faced with impossible choices, the expatriate Amish discover, more than ever before, what it means to live by faith and not by sight
But it's Miriam who must make the hardest choice as her heart takes her on a new and dangerous course. Domingo. "He is gentle," his sister said, "until someone he loves is threatened." Is Miriam that someone?
"Cualnezqui," he often calls her--the Nahuatl word for Beautiful one. The chiseled native has proven himself a man of principle, grace and power, yet is he the pearl of great price for whom Miriam would sacrifice everything, or is he merely a friend? Tormented by conflicting emotions, she's haunted by vivid dreams: Dressed in the coarse cotton pants and shirt of a peasant, she stands on the precipice of a sun-washed ridge searching desperately for Domingo. Domingo the fierce. Domingo the protector.
Domingo the forbidden.
Inspired by Actual Events!
My Thoughts:
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! This book is beautifully written and the author does an amazing job of both drawing the reader into the story and keeping them there. This is the 2nd book in the Daughter of Caleb Bender series (Paradise Valley being book #1). You do not, however, have to read the stories in order.
This book is definitely a tear jerker! You really can understand what the characters are enduring living in amongst bandits in Mexico all the while trying to build their community and prosper as a people.
What I love about this book is that it's a romantic story. The storyline between Miriam and Domingo keeps you guessing right up until the final chapter!
This story contains action, adventure, love, loss and through it all Faith. An amazing read by a very talented author. I recommend reading both of the Daughters of Caleb Bender books and I'm hoping there is another one after this so I can find out more about what happens in Paradise Valley!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Friday, January 27, 2012
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Mom's Musings is having a giveaway! Head on over and enter for your chance to win one of three copies of Disney's Treasure Buddies DVD.
DVD Synopsis:
Disney’s talking canine superstars are back in “Treasure Buddies,” their 6th all-new adventure. This latest story is told from the perspective of the Buddies’ newest friend, a mischievous Egyptian monkey named Babi. As Babi tells us, more than 40 years ago a young archeologist named Thomas Howard, travelled to Egypt with his dog Digger to search for the lost necklace of Cleocatra. They managed to discover half of an artifact, the Bronze of Bastet, but their find triggered a booby-trapped cave-in, which they barely escaped.
Forty years later, Thomas is living in Fernfield where he manages a museum. Digger’s grandpups, Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud also live in Fernfield and, in fact, Mudbud belongs to Thomas’ grandson, Pete. Thomas is about to close his museum due to lack of funding when he gets a visit from a mysterious stranger, Dr. Philip Wellington, who reveals the other half of the Bronze of Bastet and invites Thomas and Pete to accompany him back to Egypt to resume the quest for the legendary Cat’s Eye Jewel. Pete offers to bring Mudbud along but Wellington refuses as he travels with Ubasti, a hairless cat who is allergic to dogs. When Mudbud learns that Ubasti plans to steal the necklace for herself and use its power to dominate both dogs and humans, he rallies the other Buddies to stow away on the private plane in order to overtake the expedition and thwart Ubasti’s plan.
Once they get to Egypt, danger lurks around every secret sphinx, cryptic crypt and puzzling pyramid. With help from lovable new friends including Cammy, a baby camel and the clever Babi, the Buddies avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb in their most exciting and challenging adventure yet.
Mom's Musings is having a giveaway! Head on over and enter for your chance to win one of three copies of Disney's Treasure Buddies DVD.
DVD Synopsis:
Disney’s talking canine superstars are back in “Treasure Buddies,” their 6th all-new adventure. This latest story is told from the perspective of the Buddies’ newest friend, a mischievous Egyptian monkey named Babi. As Babi tells us, more than 40 years ago a young archeologist named Thomas Howard, travelled to Egypt with his dog Digger to search for the lost necklace of Cleocatra. They managed to discover half of an artifact, the Bronze of Bastet, but their find triggered a booby-trapped cave-in, which they barely escaped.
Forty years later, Thomas is living in Fernfield where he manages a museum. Digger’s grandpups, Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud also live in Fernfield and, in fact, Mudbud belongs to Thomas’ grandson, Pete. Thomas is about to close his museum due to lack of funding when he gets a visit from a mysterious stranger, Dr. Philip Wellington, who reveals the other half of the Bronze of Bastet and invites Thomas and Pete to accompany him back to Egypt to resume the quest for the legendary Cat’s Eye Jewel. Pete offers to bring Mudbud along but Wellington refuses as he travels with Ubasti, a hairless cat who is allergic to dogs. When Mudbud learns that Ubasti plans to steal the necklace for herself and use its power to dominate both dogs and humans, he rallies the other Buddies to stow away on the private plane in order to overtake the expedition and thwart Ubasti’s plan.
Once they get to Egypt, danger lurks around every secret sphinx, cryptic crypt and puzzling pyramid. With help from lovable new friends including Cammy, a baby camel and the clever Babi, the Buddies avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb in their most exciting and challenging adventure yet.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
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by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Read the Back:
A family. A farm. A heart. All in need of repair.
Life on Windmill Farm hasn't been the same since Julia Lapp's father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn't stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul's sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.
Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.
Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?
My Thoughts:
Simply suspenseful. I kept having to remind myself to breathe throughout the entire book. While I found this book slightly harder to get into initially, it was surely no disappointment! The characters, as always, are simply endearing. I really enjoyed how Suzanne gave me mixed emotions about several of the characters. This kept me engaged in the story because I had to figure out how I really felt about them.
I really enjoyed the story lines and the twists and turns that rounded out the book. I was kept guessing right through the end of the story about what would happen in certain situations and that truly makes for a great read. I love reading how the characters faith in God can remain steadfast no matter what life throws at them. It's a great reminder to really examine our own faith and determine if we too could be so strong given the same circumstances.
I found the ending amazing, but also left in such a way as there is room for another book. Then upon reading the Author's note I was informed that there are to be two more books. One in August 2012 and one in January 2013. Can't wait to read them. There is a great journey contained on these pages and I hope it's one you'll decide to take :D
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Read the Back:
A family. A farm. A heart. All in need of repair.
Life on Windmill Farm hasn't been the same since Julia Lapp's father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn't stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul's sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.
Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.
Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?
My Thoughts:
Simply suspenseful. I kept having to remind myself to breathe throughout the entire book. While I found this book slightly harder to get into initially, it was surely no disappointment! The characters, as always, are simply endearing. I really enjoyed how Suzanne gave me mixed emotions about several of the characters. This kept me engaged in the story because I had to figure out how I really felt about them.
I really enjoyed the story lines and the twists and turns that rounded out the book. I was kept guessing right through the end of the story about what would happen in certain situations and that truly makes for a great read. I love reading how the characters faith in God can remain steadfast no matter what life throws at them. It's a great reminder to really examine our own faith and determine if we too could be so strong given the same circumstances.
I found the ending amazing, but also left in such a way as there is room for another book. Then upon reading the Author's note I was informed that there are to be two more books. One in August 2012 and one in January 2013. Can't wait to read them. There is a great journey contained on these pages and I hope it's one you'll decide to take :D
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
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by Rondi DeBoer and Christine Tangvald and Illustrated by Ariel Pang
Read the Back:
Bring the Bible alive!
The most treasured stories of the Bible come alive in My Favorite Bible.
Start your little ones on a life-long love of God's word!
This colorful and dynamic gospel-centered Bible storybook guides children through the foundational truths of Scripture. Each story is fully and vividly illustrated and includes a simple narrative with things children ages 4—8 love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, an activity page, and discussion questions.
Adults and children will cherish time together as they grow closer to God.
My Thoughts:
This is the Bible I've been searching for. It breaks the Bible down into terms that young children can understand and it is beautifully illustrated. I also enjoyed the Family Talk and Family Fun parts at the end of each section of scripture. The Family Talk page introduces a Faith Foundation (such as "God Created All Things for His Glory"). There is also a key verse introduced in this part as well as a few easy discussion questions. The Family Fun page has suggestions for activities that the family can do together to reinforce the theme of the previous passage of scripture. I love the idea of doing something that involves the whole family as well as really solidifying what the children have learned from the Bible. I fully intend to purchase a few more copies of this for friends and family members!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
by Rondi DeBoer and Christine Tangvald and Illustrated by Ariel Pang
Read the Back:
Bring the Bible alive!
The most treasured stories of the Bible come alive in My Favorite Bible.
Start your little ones on a life-long love of God's word!
This colorful and dynamic gospel-centered Bible storybook guides children through the foundational truths of Scripture. Each story is fully and vividly illustrated and includes a simple narrative with things children ages 4—8 love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, an activity page, and discussion questions.
Adults and children will cherish time together as they grow closer to God.
My Thoughts:
This is the Bible I've been searching for. It breaks the Bible down into terms that young children can understand and it is beautifully illustrated. I also enjoyed the Family Talk and Family Fun parts at the end of each section of scripture. The Family Talk page introduces a Faith Foundation (such as "God Created All Things for His Glory"). There is also a key verse introduced in this part as well as a few easy discussion questions. The Family Fun page has suggestions for activities that the family can do together to reinforce the theme of the previous passage of scripture. I love the idea of doing something that involves the whole family as well as really solidifying what the children have learned from the Bible. I fully intend to purchase a few more copies of this for friends and family members!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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Made by Manhattan Toy
ABOUT CALI CANDY CANE:
DESIGNED FOR AGES 3+
Cali Candy Cane is as sweet as they come. Her velvet red dress and green and white striped stockings reveal her tasteful holiday personality. Her hair is full of candy cane colors with a mixture of light blonde and red highlights. Cali Candy Cane is as festive as they come, from her stocking cap to her cute green handbag.
MY THOUGHTS:
So I have been waiting for a while for this doll to arrive as I knew my now 3.5 yr. old daughter would LOVE her. I was right. The first words out of her mouth were "Thank you mommy, It's exactly what I wished for." LOL. My daughter has a tendency to over dramatize everything, but it still warmed my heart to hear her be so excited!
I absolutely love the groovy girls collection, though, honestly, this is the first one we've actually owned. April and I spent a great portion of the afternoon playing with Cali. The detailing on her is so beautiful. She has a red dress and a small handbag. The dress can come off with the simple snipping of one dart on her back, but I like that it's attached initially giving the parent the option of whether or not they want their doll's clothes to be able to be taken off. I find that my children always like taking the clothes off, but this time I opted to leave the stitch there and told April that the clothes are sewn on so they don't come off. Same thing goes for the handbag. You can take a stitch out if you want it to come off.
April says that her favorite part of the doll is the shoes. I think I better start saving now as April is already showing signs of being a shoe a holic! LOL.
I have to say that I have two favorite parts of this doll. I LOVE the green eyes that she has as many dolls have blue or brown eyes so it's refreshing to see a different color. The second thing is that the entire doll is plush so if you have kids fighting over the doll at least nobody gets hurt in the process :D
This would make a great gift for a little girl or even boy. My 2 yr. old son loves Cali too :D I think he just likes how soft she is and he really likes to pet her hair. All in all a great toy for any child.
Product available online at www.manhattantoy.com or a Specialty Store near you.
GUESS WHAT?! IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME AGAIN!
That's right, Manhattan Toy has offered a Cali Candy Cane doll to one of my readers! This contest is open to US and Canada residents only!
HOW DO I ENTER? Well I'm glad you asked...just follow the instructions below and Good Luck!
MANDATORY ENTRY:
"Like" Manhattan Toy on Facebook (HERE) AND Visit www.manhattantoy.com, browse their toys, and leave a comment stating what other Manhattan Toy products your child would like and why. Make sure you leave your email address in your comment too. No email address, no entry.
For additional entries -
1. Follow Manhattan Toy on Twitter (HERE) and leave me a comment telling me you did.
2. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to your tweet (one entry per day)
3. Refer a friend to my blog, have them follow it, and have them leave a comment that you sent them. (1 entry per each referral).
THIS CONTEST CLOSES ON NOV. 28th at 11:59 PM so enter soon and often! Winner will be notified on Nov. 29th and will be chosen using Random.org
Made by Manhattan Toy
ABOUT CALI CANDY CANE:
DESIGNED FOR AGES 3+
Cali Candy Cane is as sweet as they come. Her velvet red dress and green and white striped stockings reveal her tasteful holiday personality. Her hair is full of candy cane colors with a mixture of light blonde and red highlights. Cali Candy Cane is as festive as they come, from her stocking cap to her cute green handbag.
MY THOUGHTS:
So I have been waiting for a while for this doll to arrive as I knew my now 3.5 yr. old daughter would LOVE her. I was right. The first words out of her mouth were "Thank you mommy, It's exactly what I wished for." LOL. My daughter has a tendency to over dramatize everything, but it still warmed my heart to hear her be so excited!
I absolutely love the groovy girls collection, though, honestly, this is the first one we've actually owned. April and I spent a great portion of the afternoon playing with Cali. The detailing on her is so beautiful. She has a red dress and a small handbag. The dress can come off with the simple snipping of one dart on her back, but I like that it's attached initially giving the parent the option of whether or not they want their doll's clothes to be able to be taken off. I find that my children always like taking the clothes off, but this time I opted to leave the stitch there and told April that the clothes are sewn on so they don't come off. Same thing goes for the handbag. You can take a stitch out if you want it to come off.
April says that her favorite part of the doll is the shoes. I think I better start saving now as April is already showing signs of being a shoe a holic! LOL.
I have to say that I have two favorite parts of this doll. I LOVE the green eyes that she has as many dolls have blue or brown eyes so it's refreshing to see a different color. The second thing is that the entire doll is plush so if you have kids fighting over the doll at least nobody gets hurt in the process :D
This would make a great gift for a little girl or even boy. My 2 yr. old son loves Cali too :D I think he just likes how soft she is and he really likes to pet her hair. All in all a great toy for any child.
Product available online at www.manhattantoy.com or a Specialty Store near you.
GUESS WHAT?! IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME AGAIN!
That's right, Manhattan Toy has offered a Cali Candy Cane doll to one of my readers! This contest is open to US and Canada residents only!
HOW DO I ENTER? Well I'm glad you asked...just follow the instructions below and Good Luck!
MANDATORY ENTRY:
"Like" Manhattan Toy on Facebook (HERE) AND Visit www.manhattantoy.com, browse their toys, and leave a comment stating what other Manhattan Toy products your child would like and why. Make sure you leave your email address in your comment too. No email address, no entry.
For additional entries -
1. Follow Manhattan Toy on Twitter (HERE) and leave me a comment telling me you did.
2. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to your tweet (one entry per day)
3. Refer a friend to my blog, have them follow it, and have them leave a comment that you sent them. (1 entry per each referral).
THIS CONTEST CLOSES ON NOV. 28th at 11:59 PM so enter soon and often! Winner will be notified on Nov. 29th and will be chosen using Random.org
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Share
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Read the Back:
Jaime drove up a long lane, using the fence rails to guide her along the snow-covered road. When she reached the top of the lane, the sight nearly took her breath away. Before her was a farmhouse glowing with buttery lights, smoke from the chimney rising to the sky. A cozy, welcoming beacon in the storm.
From the Cover Flap:
Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband, Sol, the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big Amish family isn't likely to become a reality. Will those empty chairs at the table ever be filled?
Then a winter storm raging outside blows an impatient young woman and her husband into the Riehl home on Christmas Eve--and into a much slower pace of life.
Both couples are about to find out if they can weather the storm--and if miracles still happen at Christmastime.
MY THOUGHTS:
What a charming and heart-warming tale. I think that any reader can find a character within this story that they can relate to. As always, I enjoy reading further about the lives of characters that Suzanne has introduced me to in her other books. I feel that by reading more and more of her books I really get to understand the characters and how they interact as well as get a general feel for the landscape of Lancaster County. This story takes us through a Christmas weekend when young couple C.J. and Jaime end up stranded at an amish farm. It's refreshing to read a book that openly talks about how things happen for a reason and that God always has his hand in life's happenings. I enjoy how through the simplicity of Amish ways, God's plans and love for all shines through. This book is an absolute treasure and I would recommend having your Kleenex ready as it will tug on your heartstrings in many different ways.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Read the Back:
Jaime drove up a long lane, using the fence rails to guide her along the snow-covered road. When she reached the top of the lane, the sight nearly took her breath away. Before her was a farmhouse glowing with buttery lights, smoke from the chimney rising to the sky. A cozy, welcoming beacon in the storm.
From the Cover Flap:
Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband, Sol, the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big Amish family isn't likely to become a reality. Will those empty chairs at the table ever be filled?
Then a winter storm raging outside blows an impatient young woman and her husband into the Riehl home on Christmas Eve--and into a much slower pace of life.
Both couples are about to find out if they can weather the storm--and if miracles still happen at Christmastime.
MY THOUGHTS:
What a charming and heart-warming tale. I think that any reader can find a character within this story that they can relate to. As always, I enjoy reading further about the lives of characters that Suzanne has introduced me to in her other books. I feel that by reading more and more of her books I really get to understand the characters and how they interact as well as get a general feel for the landscape of Lancaster County. This story takes us through a Christmas weekend when young couple C.J. and Jaime end up stranded at an amish farm. It's refreshing to read a book that openly talks about how things happen for a reason and that God always has his hand in life's happenings. I enjoy how through the simplicity of Amish ways, God's plans and love for all shines through. This book is an absolute treasure and I would recommend having your Kleenex ready as it will tug on your heartstrings in many different ways.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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