Friday, September 30, 2011
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By Steven James
Read the Back:
While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.
In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multilayered storytelling tour de force that will keep you guessing.
The Queen is the latest Patrick Bowers thriller from the author Publishers Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."
My Thoughts:
This is the 5th book in the Bower Series by Steven James. Preceding books are: The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, and The Bishop. This is, however, the first book by Steven James that I have ever read and I must say that he did NOT disappoint me in one bit! I didn't feel lost from not having read the other 4 books, which, to me, is an important thing within series of books.
This book is packed full of interesting characters in a great variety of situations. There is action on every page! This is another book that initially runs parallel story lines so that takes a little getting used to. I also found some of the initial descriptions of a crime scene to be a bit graphic, but it didn't distract from the story so that's a bonus!
This has a good blend of action and suspense as well as the "romantic" side too. I felt fulfilled by this book as it read just as if I were watching a movie. It was a quick read and it was enjoyable the entire way through.
I will definitely be reading the others in the Patrick Bower series and I recommend that you pick up a copy of Steven James' The Queen for yourself!
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 Steven James
Read the Back:
While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.
In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multilayered storytelling tour de force that will keep you guessing.
The Queen is the latest Patrick Bowers thriller from the author Publishers Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."
My Thoughts:
This is the 5th book in the Bower Series by Steven James. Preceding books are: The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, and The Bishop. This is, however, the first book by Steven James that I have ever read and I must say that he did NOT disappoint me in one bit! I didn't feel lost from not having read the other 4 books, which, to me, is an important thing within series of books.
This book is packed full of interesting characters in a great variety of situations. There is action on every page! This is another book that initially runs parallel story lines so that takes a little getting used to. I also found some of the initial descriptions of a crime scene to be a bit graphic, but it didn't distract from the story so that's a bonus!
This has a good blend of action and suspense as well as the "romantic" side too. I felt fulfilled by this book as it read just as if I were watching a movie. It was a quick read and it was enjoyable the entire way through.
I will definitely be reading the others in the Patrick Bower series and I recommend that you pick up a copy of Steven James' The Queen for yourself!
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.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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By Ross Lawhead
Read the Back:
ANCIENT LEGEND TELLS OF AN ARMY OF KNIGHTS THAT WILL REMAIN SLEEPING UNTIL THE LAST DAYS.
THE KNIGHTS ARE WAKING UP.
A homeless man is stalked by a pale, wraithlike creature with a mouthful of needle-sharp teeth. Maimed animals and a host of suicides cluster around a mountain in Scotland. And deep beneath the cobbled streets of Oxford, a malicious hoard besieges a hidden city.
Freya Reynolds is a university student with a touch of OCD and an obsession with myth and folklore. Daniel Tully is living rough on the streets of Oxford, waging a secret war against an enemy only he can identify. Years ago, they found themselves in a world few know is real. They have since gone their separate ways and tried to put that adventure behind them.
But the mythical world is now bleeding into our reality -- a dark spiritual evil that is manifesting itself in forgotten corners of the British Isles. Alex Simpson is a Scottish police officer who specializes in hunting mythical creatures. Together, they must confront the past, the present, and points beyond to defeat the ultimate threat to humanity.
Nothing they've seen so far prepares them for what awaits...in The Realms Thereunder.
My Thoughts:
I had a very strong Love/Hate relationship with this book from the very beginning. At first, I hated it. I found it very hard to follow and was getting annoyed with the languages that were presenting themselves. Then, once I figured out the general layout and flow of the book, I enjoyed it more and more. (though I still didn't like dealing with the language).
The action and adventure that is in this book is amazing and I did find myself holding my breath a few times. The characters and creatures in this book are presented in such a way as to allow the reader to really imagine and extrapolate on how the author describes them. I enjoy this about a book. It lets me imagine things how I think they'd look.
The story lines are easy enough to follow, but there were a few parts, honestly, that I skimmed. However, I feel that it was the author's intent for the reader to do so and, as you'll see when you read this book, it helps the reader to really relate to the character of Freya in that moment.
There is a whole lot going on in this book and it really has you discovering new twists and turns right up through the end of the book. I definitely recommend picking up a copy and I look forward to reading the next book in Sept. 2012.
Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.
By Ross Lawhead
Read the Back:
ANCIENT LEGEND TELLS OF AN ARMY OF KNIGHTS THAT WILL REMAIN SLEEPING UNTIL THE LAST DAYS.
THE KNIGHTS ARE WAKING UP.
A homeless man is stalked by a pale, wraithlike creature with a mouthful of needle-sharp teeth. Maimed animals and a host of suicides cluster around a mountain in Scotland. And deep beneath the cobbled streets of Oxford, a malicious hoard besieges a hidden city.
Freya Reynolds is a university student with a touch of OCD and an obsession with myth and folklore. Daniel Tully is living rough on the streets of Oxford, waging a secret war against an enemy only he can identify. Years ago, they found themselves in a world few know is real. They have since gone their separate ways and tried to put that adventure behind them.
But the mythical world is now bleeding into our reality -- a dark spiritual evil that is manifesting itself in forgotten corners of the British Isles. Alex Simpson is a Scottish police officer who specializes in hunting mythical creatures. Together, they must confront the past, the present, and points beyond to defeat the ultimate threat to humanity.
Nothing they've seen so far prepares them for what awaits...in The Realms Thereunder.
My Thoughts:
I had a very strong Love/Hate relationship with this book from the very beginning. At first, I hated it. I found it very hard to follow and was getting annoyed with the languages that were presenting themselves. Then, once I figured out the general layout and flow of the book, I enjoyed it more and more. (though I still didn't like dealing with the language).
The action and adventure that is in this book is amazing and I did find myself holding my breath a few times. The characters and creatures in this book are presented in such a way as to allow the reader to really imagine and extrapolate on how the author describes them. I enjoy this about a book. It lets me imagine things how I think they'd look.
The story lines are easy enough to follow, but there were a few parts, honestly, that I skimmed. However, I feel that it was the author's intent for the reader to do so and, as you'll see when you read this book, it helps the reader to really relate to the character of Freya in that moment.
There is a whole lot going on in this book and it really has you discovering new twists and turns right up through the end of the book. I definitely recommend picking up a copy and I look forward to reading the next book in Sept. 2012.
Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
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By Jennie Allen
Read the Back:
We are often so stuck in invisible struggles in our hearts and minds, we barely have space for God. These deep struggles, these stuck places, are familiar to every one of us: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. Stuck takes on these struggles within us so that we can encounter God. Because until we recognize that we are stuck and in need of God, we will miss what He has for us.
Jennie Allen's Bible studies are designed to draw women close to God and to each other. These shorter studies dig deep quickly, creating experiential conversations and allowing women to wrestle with Scripture in a deep and authentic way throughout the week.
Features include:
- 8 sessions on DVD
- Study Guide with story-driven teaching, Scripture study, and short
five-day-per-week lessons
- Leader’s Guide for facilitating group study
- Conversation cards help to facilitate more spontaneous and authentic
conversation
- Promotional resources for churchwide campaign
Additional Stuck study guides can be purchased separately (ISBN 9781418548742).
One kit is recommended for each group of 8-12 women.
My Thoughts:
This study is really different from many studies I've done and that's a good thing :D The chapters in the study are: Intro, Broken, Mad, Discontent, Scared, Overwhelmed, Sad, and Unstuck. The titles really describe what the chapter deals with. I was given the chapter of Mad, which was really ironic as I have been talking with my husband about anger management and this really spoke to me.
Basically the best way for me to review this is to explain how it is I think this curriculum would best work. I could see a group of women gathering and opening with prayer for the session. Then the video clip for the chapter (which ranged from 5-10 min. long) would be played. The corresponding scripture listed in the book would then be read. There are responses to the scripture that could be discussed with the group as a whole. The next section of the book is an inward reflection on yet another scripture and each individual's life. This would work well as a "take a few minutes by yourself and think on this, we'll then come back together as a group and share if you feel comfortable" section. Then there is a section with projects that could be done at the gathering or at home as a sort of "homework".
I enjoyed the DVD clips greatly as the pictures that accompany Jennie's speaking are so metaphorical and really drive home the point that she is making.
I definitely think that the conversation starting cards that come with the kit would give an added value to it, but I didn't have the opportunity to see those. This is not designed to be a solo study, and although you could do it by yourself, I feel that the encouragement and discussions that would come from doing this in a group would be greatly beneficial to anyone.
This curriculum would definitely be great for any group of women. It would be a nice retreat curriculum too if you broke it down into several chunk sessions.
Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.
By Jennie Allen
Read the Back:
We are often so stuck in invisible struggles in our hearts and minds, we barely have space for God. These deep struggles, these stuck places, are familiar to every one of us: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. Stuck takes on these struggles within us so that we can encounter God. Because until we recognize that we are stuck and in need of God, we will miss what He has for us.
Jennie Allen's Bible studies are designed to draw women close to God and to each other. These shorter studies dig deep quickly, creating experiential conversations and allowing women to wrestle with Scripture in a deep and authentic way throughout the week.
Features include:
- 8 sessions on DVD
- Study Guide with story-driven teaching, Scripture study, and short
five-day-per-week lessons
- Leader’s Guide for facilitating group study
- Conversation cards help to facilitate more spontaneous and authentic
conversation
- Promotional resources for churchwide campaign
Additional Stuck study guides can be purchased separately (ISBN 9781418548742).
One kit is recommended for each group of 8-12 women.
My Thoughts:
This study is really different from many studies I've done and that's a good thing :D The chapters in the study are: Intro, Broken, Mad, Discontent, Scared, Overwhelmed, Sad, and Unstuck. The titles really describe what the chapter deals with. I was given the chapter of Mad, which was really ironic as I have been talking with my husband about anger management and this really spoke to me.
Basically the best way for me to review this is to explain how it is I think this curriculum would best work. I could see a group of women gathering and opening with prayer for the session. Then the video clip for the chapter (which ranged from 5-10 min. long) would be played. The corresponding scripture listed in the book would then be read. There are responses to the scripture that could be discussed with the group as a whole. The next section of the book is an inward reflection on yet another scripture and each individual's life. This would work well as a "take a few minutes by yourself and think on this, we'll then come back together as a group and share if you feel comfortable" section. Then there is a section with projects that could be done at the gathering or at home as a sort of "homework".
I enjoyed the DVD clips greatly as the pictures that accompany Jennie's speaking are so metaphorical and really drive home the point that she is making.
I definitely think that the conversation starting cards that come with the kit would give an added value to it, but I didn't have the opportunity to see those. This is not designed to be a solo study, and although you could do it by yourself, I feel that the encouragement and discussions that would come from doing this in a group would be greatly beneficial to anyone.
This curriculum would definitely be great for any group of women. It would be a nice retreat curriculum too if you broke it down into several chunk sessions.
Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
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by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Read the Back:
"Amish Values for Your Family is charming! It will lift your spirits and bring you closer to the Amish."--Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times bestselling author of When the Soul Mends
When it comes to strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much we can learn from the Amish. Just how do they establish such strong family bonds, such deeply held values, and such wonderful family traditions? In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shares the secrets of Amish family life. In this inspiring and practical book, you will meet real Amish families that are a lot like yours. Through their stories you'll discover how to
* slow down
* safeguard family time
* raise children who stand strong in their faith
* prioritize what's truly important
Amish values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car or changing your wardrobe.
My Thoughts:
This was an absolutely lovely book to read. Just in reading it I could feel the stress of the world lifting away. I love how this book reminds us of how even the simple things in life can make the biggest impact! The Amish Proverbs that start each chapter are truly words of wit and wisdom. Again, I found myself thinking about printing some of them off and hanging them around my house!
The section of the chapters titled "Road Map: Getting There from Here" are full of questions that the reader can use to examine how things are in their own lives and how they can challenge themselves to change the negatives into positives. I really enjoyed these sections as they got me thinking a lot about how I approach things in my life especially in relation to my children.
This book would make a great gift for anyone! I highly recommend it :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:
"Amish Values for Your Family is charming! It will lift your spirits and bring you closer to the Amish."--Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times bestselling author of When the Soul Mends
When it comes to strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much we can learn from the Amish. Just how do they establish such strong family bonds, such deeply held values, and such wonderful family traditions? In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shares the secrets of Amish family life. In this inspiring and practical book, you will meet real Amish families that are a lot like yours. Through their stories you'll discover how to
* slow down
* safeguard family time
* raise children who stand strong in their faith
* prioritize what's truly important
Amish values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car or changing your wardrobe.
My Thoughts:
This was an absolutely lovely book to read. Just in reading it I could feel the stress of the world lifting away. I love how this book reminds us of how even the simple things in life can make the biggest impact! The Amish Proverbs that start each chapter are truly words of wit and wisdom. Again, I found myself thinking about printing some of them off and hanging them around my house!
The section of the chapters titled "Road Map: Getting There from Here" are full of questions that the reader can use to examine how things are in their own lives and how they can challenge themselves to change the negatives into positives. I really enjoyed these sections as they got me thinking a lot about how I approach things in my life especially in relation to my children.
This book would make a great gift for anyone! I highly recommend it :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.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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A BIT ABOUT THE GAME:
Includes 27 wooden dominoes with cute-as-a-bug illustrations for each number. These colorful dominos will provide hours of fun filled play. Tiles come in a portable bug habitat with sliding mesh window that is easy to take anywhere. Ages 2+.
MY THOUGHTS:
Skills Learned/Practiced & Lessons Taught
When I first received this product to review, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it. Dominoes? Really?! I never played dominoes until I was much older and, to be honest with you, I often found it to be a boring game. However, now that I'm a parent, my views have changed drastically and I'll explain why.
This Busy Bug Count and Match Dominoes Game is great for young children. My daughter is 3 and we sat down together today and played this game. There are many different skills that she is learning and practicing by playing this game. She practices her counting by counting out each player's starting tiles (for her and I this was 7 tiles each). Next the instructions tell you to stand the tiles on their sides in a line. It was obvious that the fine motor skill of standing flat things on their sides needed to be worked on some more. While she got frustrated when the dominoes kept falling over, she persevered and was able to stand all 7 of her tiles up. She had such a smile on her face after accomplishing that small task.
Next the player with the highest totaled domino plays first. This part I had to help her with, but if I had been patient we could've easily counted all the bugs on each of her tiles and mine to see which tile had the most (wasn't quite that patient today :D).
Both times she had the higher tile so she played first. The next skill that presented itself was matching. My daughter was able to look at the two playable spots and match her tiles to them. After once or twice of explaining if she had no matches that she needed to pick a new tile, she learned to do it on her own when no matches were available. I was quite amazed at how quickly my 3 yr. old picked up on the rules of this game.
Mommy won round 1 and round 2 went to my daughter. The final skill learned from this game is good sportsmanship! Having lost the first round, my daughter became a bit upset that she wasn't the winner. I used this as a teachable moment and explained to her that you can't win every time. I asked her if she wanted to play again and she said yes. When she won the second round she proceeded to taunt me. Another teachable moment to explain that it's not polite to taunt a loser, but that you should instead shake hands and say good game.
I absolutely love the lessons I can teach by playing a simple game like dominoes!
Quality and Craftmanship of the Game
A wooden box encases 27 wooden tiles. The box and tiles are both very well made. The tiles are chunky enough for small hands. The pictures on the tiles are simple and colorful. The backs of the tiles sport a multi-colored stripe pattern that matches nicely with the color schemes of the rest of the tiles. The carrying case for the dominoes doubles as a bug habitat, but personally I'd be too worried about losing one of the dominoes when they are out of the case and I wouldn't want the beautiful case to get dirty. That's just me though! It would certainly work well to contain bugs and has a sturdy carrying handle!
The size of this game is great too. It'd be an easy game to throw into your carry on to play on the plane or in w/ your camping gear for a family game night! Very good size measuring around the size of a box of Mac - n - Cheese (only slightly deeper).
This is a great product for young kids and it is available online at www.manhattantoy.com or at a Specialty Store near you.
As an added bonus to my readers, Manhattan Toy is offering free shipping* on any order at www.manhattantoy.com from Today – August 31st, 2011. Simply Enter promo code TRAVELTOY.
*FREE SHIPPING OFFER VALID IN U.S. ONLY!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!! OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS!
This contest will run until July 25th, 2011 (since it's my big 30th b-day that day!) All entries must be received by midnight on the 25th to qualify!
Manhattan Toy has graciously offered to send a Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes Game to giveaway to one of my lucky readers! Just follow the steps below to enter! Winners will be chosen using Random.org and will be contacted via email if they win.
!!!ALL COMMENTS MUST INCLUDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!!
MANDATORY TO QUALIFY FOR GIVEAWAY**:
1. Like Manhattan Toy on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.
2. Visit Manhattan Toy's website and leave me a comment stating what other Manhattan Toy your child would enjoy and why.
**These 2 items must be completed to qualify for the giveaway and before you can be eligible for any additional entries!
Additional Entries:
1. Follow Manhattan Toy on twitter and tell me about it.
2. Follow me via Google friend connect and tell me about it ----------->
3. Follow me via Networked Blogs and tell me about it ------------>
4. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment w/ your twitter name (and email address)
5. Tweet about this giveaway (Daily Tweet) (1 entry per day)
5. Subscribe to my RSS feed and tell me about it
6. Blog about my giveaway and leave the link (3 entries - please leave 3 separate comments)
REMEMBER THAT EACH ENTRY MUST HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO BE ELIGIBLE! THANKS FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!
A BIT ABOUT THE GAME:
Includes 27 wooden dominoes with cute-as-a-bug illustrations for each number. These colorful dominos will provide hours of fun filled play. Tiles come in a portable bug habitat with sliding mesh window that is easy to take anywhere. Ages 2+.
MY THOUGHTS:
When I first received this product to review, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it. Dominoes? Really?! I never played dominoes until I was much older and, to be honest with you, I often found it to be a boring game. However, now that I'm a parent, my views have changed drastically and I'll explain why.
This Busy Bug Count and Match Dominoes Game is great for young children. My daughter is 3 and we sat down together today and played this game. There are many different skills that she is learning and practicing by playing this game. She practices her counting by counting out each player's starting tiles (for her and I this was 7 tiles each). Next the instructions tell you to stand the tiles on their sides in a line. It was obvious that the fine motor skill of standing flat things on their sides needed to be worked on some more. While she got frustrated when the dominoes kept falling over, she persevered and was able to stand all 7 of her tiles up. She had such a smile on her face after accomplishing that small task.
Next the player with the highest totaled domino plays first. This part I had to help her with, but if I had been patient we could've easily counted all the bugs on each of her tiles and mine to see which tile had the most (wasn't quite that patient today :D).
Both times she had the higher tile so she played first. The next skill that presented itself was matching. My daughter was able to look at the two playable spots and match her tiles to them. After once or twice of explaining if she had no matches that she needed to pick a new tile, she learned to do it on her own when no matches were available. I was quite amazed at how quickly my 3 yr. old picked up on the rules of this game.
Mommy won round 1 and round 2 went to my daughter. The final skill learned from this game is good sportsmanship! Having lost the first round, my daughter became a bit upset that she wasn't the winner. I used this as a teachable moment and explained to her that you can't win every time. I asked her if she wanted to play again and she said yes. When she won the second round she proceeded to taunt me. Another teachable moment to explain that it's not polite to taunt a loser, but that you should instead shake hands and say good game.
I absolutely love the lessons I can teach by playing a simple game like dominoes!
A wooden box encases 27 wooden tiles. The box and tiles are both very well made. The tiles are chunky enough for small hands. The pictures on the tiles are simple and colorful. The backs of the tiles sport a multi-colored stripe pattern that matches nicely with the color schemes of the rest of the tiles. The carrying case for the dominoes doubles as a bug habitat, but personally I'd be too worried about losing one of the dominoes when they are out of the case and I wouldn't want the beautiful case to get dirty. That's just me though! It would certainly work well to contain bugs and has a sturdy carrying handle!
The size of this game is great too. It'd be an easy game to throw into your carry on to play on the plane or in w/ your camping gear for a family game night! Very good size measuring around the size of a box of Mac - n - Cheese (only slightly deeper).
This is a great product for young kids and it is available online at www.manhattantoy.com or at a Specialty Store near you.
As an added bonus to my readers, Manhattan Toy is offering free shipping* on any order at www.manhattantoy.com from Today – August 31st, 2011. Simply Enter promo code TRAVELTOY.
*FREE SHIPPING OFFER VALID IN U.S. ONLY!
This contest will run until July 25th, 2011 (since it's my big 30th b-day that day!) All entries must be received by midnight on the 25th to qualify!
Manhattan Toy has graciously offered to send a Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes Game to giveaway to one of my lucky readers! Just follow the steps below to enter! Winners will be chosen using Random.org and will be contacted via email if they win.
!!!ALL COMMENTS MUST INCLUDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!!
MANDATORY TO QUALIFY FOR GIVEAWAY**:
1. Like Manhattan Toy on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.
2. Visit Manhattan Toy's website and leave me a comment stating what other Manhattan Toy your child would enjoy and why.
**These 2 items must be completed to qualify for the giveaway and before you can be eligible for any additional entries!
Additional Entries:
1. Follow Manhattan Toy on twitter and tell me about it.
2. Follow me via Google friend connect and tell me about it ----------->
3. Follow me via Networked Blogs and tell me about it ------------>
4. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment w/ your twitter name (and email address)
5. Tweet about this giveaway (Daily Tweet) (1 entry per day)
5. Subscribe to my RSS feed and tell me about it
6. Blog about my giveaway and leave the link (3 entries - please leave 3 separate comments)
REMEMBER THAT EACH ENTRY MUST HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO BE ELIGIBLE! THANKS FOR ENTERING AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!
Share
by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long
READ THE BACK:
ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR, OLD-FASHIONED COURTSHIP IS ALIVE AND WELL, AND LOVE IS AN ETERNAL PROMISE.
HEALING HEARTS by Beth Wiseman
He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?
A MARRIAGE OF THE HEART by Kelly Long
Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.
WHAT THE HEART SEES by Kathleen Fuller
When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident -- and then her boyfriend shortly after that -- she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?
MY THOUGHTS:
This book came to me in the mail MONTHS ago and I have just now had the opportunity to read it. I'm glad that it didn't get lost among all the other review books I have because it really is a treasure of a book! The three novellas in this book are each their own story, but the characters from each story intertwine among all the stories. It gives the reader the feeling of congruency.
Each of these stories is beautifully written. Having grown up just a short distance away from several different Amish communities, I was familiar with the look of the characters and that really helped make the characters real to me.
My favorite thing about this book, however, is how it kind of caught me off guard. I was really hit hard by the unconditional love that these characters felt towards one another. There were many times I was teary eyed simply because of a heartfelt gesture or phrase that one of the characters would use. It made me take a look at the way I treat those around me (especially my hubby)and to cherish those things. I think it also makes me long for the type of relationship and romance that you see throughout this book. It's like once you're married, the romantic part drifts away. I miss the small things my husband would do for me to show me he cared. Now we are all so busy with the kids and such that life just gets in the way.
I really like that this book is broken down into three separate stories. By doing this, each of the stories has its own significant impact, but at the same time the reader meets new characters and sees how their lives fit into the lives of the characters they met in the previous story.
As an added bonus feature of the book, the authors have included several Amish recipes for treats found throughout the stories as well as a Reading Group Guide to help with discussions about the book once finished. The authors even state that the "guide contains spoilers, so don' tread before completing the novellas". This group guide allows the readers to delve deeper into their relationship with Christ. What a wonderful addition to be used at the readers' discretion.
Word of advice: If you are going to read this book, don't do it near your time of the month otherwise you will need to buy several boxes of tissues! Otherwise, I highly recommend this book! :D
by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long
READ THE BACK:
ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR, OLD-FASHIONED COURTSHIP IS ALIVE AND WELL, AND LOVE IS AN ETERNAL PROMISE.
He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?
Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.
When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident -- and then her boyfriend shortly after that -- she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?
MY THOUGHTS:
This book came to me in the mail MONTHS ago and I have just now had the opportunity to read it. I'm glad that it didn't get lost among all the other review books I have because it really is a treasure of a book! The three novellas in this book are each their own story, but the characters from each story intertwine among all the stories. It gives the reader the feeling of congruency.
Each of these stories is beautifully written. Having grown up just a short distance away from several different Amish communities, I was familiar with the look of the characters and that really helped make the characters real to me.
My favorite thing about this book, however, is how it kind of caught me off guard. I was really hit hard by the unconditional love that these characters felt towards one another. There were many times I was teary eyed simply because of a heartfelt gesture or phrase that one of the characters would use. It made me take a look at the way I treat those around me (especially my hubby)and to cherish those things. I think it also makes me long for the type of relationship and romance that you see throughout this book. It's like once you're married, the romantic part drifts away. I miss the small things my husband would do for me to show me he cared. Now we are all so busy with the kids and such that life just gets in the way.
I really like that this book is broken down into three separate stories. By doing this, each of the stories has its own significant impact, but at the same time the reader meets new characters and sees how their lives fit into the lives of the characters they met in the previous story.
As an added bonus feature of the book, the authors have included several Amish recipes for treats found throughout the stories as well as a Reading Group Guide to help with discussions about the book once finished. The authors even state that the "guide contains spoilers, so don' tread before completing the novellas". This group guide allows the readers to delve deeper into their relationship with Christ. What a wonderful addition to be used at the readers' discretion.
Word of advice: If you are going to read this book, don't do it near your time of the month otherwise you will need to buy several boxes of tissues! Otherwise, I highly recommend this book! :D
Friday, June 17, 2011
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by Elizabeth Camden
Read the Back:
When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain’s worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.
But time has changed them both.
Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.
Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts – and lives – hang in the balance?
My Thoughts:
You definitely can’t judge this book by its cover. The image on the front does not fit the author’s description of Miss Clara Endicott’s personality one bit! I found this book captivating from the very start. You are introduced to Daniel as a boy and you learn about some of his and Clara’s back story before you are fast forwarded to 12 years in the future.
The passion with which these characters interact really made this story come to life for me. The author’s use of imagery also throws the reader into the action and drama as it unfolds. I found, however, that when the second, parallel storyline was introduced it initially disrupted the flow of the story line, but eventually it all came together nicely.
This book was a relatively quick read once I found the time to sit and just read it. A beautiful love story that will leave take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The Lady of Bolton Hill was just a delight to read.
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 Elizabeth Camden
Read the Back:
When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain’s worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.
But time has changed them both.
Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.
Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts – and lives – hang in the balance?
My Thoughts:
You definitely can’t judge this book by its cover. The image on the front does not fit the author’s description of Miss Clara Endicott’s personality one bit! I found this book captivating from the very start. You are introduced to Daniel as a boy and you learn about some of his and Clara’s back story before you are fast forwarded to 12 years in the future.
The passion with which these characters interact really made this story come to life for me. The author’s use of imagery also throws the reader into the action and drama as it unfolds. I found, however, that when the second, parallel storyline was introduced it initially disrupted the flow of the story line, but eventually it all came together nicely.
This book was a relatively quick read once I found the time to sit and just read it. A beautiful love story that will leave take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The Lady of Bolton Hill was just a delight to read.
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.
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