tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876186190796921182024-03-05T12:21:44.370-08:00A Little SanityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-49485562037504544932011-12-19T12:45:00.000-08:002011-12-19T13:09:49.780-08:00I Love You More....Than Chocolate! by Melanie Milburn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r5DYSpFgdt2kg5_syk6v2_m3irkEhux5RGMGmL5MJ__mI00rb8glEbSMcIeQaqDXlTF03zutgzt5BMFTynE2sdTCH5IDKOrz5VgXZrpNe1tlMFsdnD6Tg76IMSUAj9KhQ373aNHqGglD/s1600/book7.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r5DYSpFgdt2kg5_syk6v2_m3irkEhux5RGMGmL5MJ__mI00rb8glEbSMcIeQaqDXlTF03zutgzt5BMFTynE2sdTCH5IDKOrz5VgXZrpNe1tlMFsdnD6Tg76IMSUAj9KhQ373aNHqGglD/s320/book7.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687943499535786082" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);" itemprop="description">This book was originally a song, and inside the back cover, you have a CD of Melanie singing the song. When Melanie would tuck her children into bed at night, she made sure they knew how much they were loved. She told them she loved them more than anything even chocolate! Her children knew she was a chocoholic, so they had no doubt, they knew th<span id="e_1324327641.7261_content" style="">ey were loved! Every child wants to know they are loved, and this book conveys what parents want their children to know in a way that speaks clearly and impressively to the child's mind and heart.</span><span id="e_1324327641.7261_less" style=""> </span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br /><br />Ok...when I saw this book being offered...I immediately thought of my chocolate-loving little 8 year old daughter, and just HAD to get it and see what it would be like. IT IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! My girl has always loved the same book from the time she was tiny--this book has just replaced it...although it still ranks #2 :) I loved the lyrical stanzas even before I realized it had a CD in the back and was actually a song. Roo found it immediately and read it straight through....putting it to her own music before she had ended the book. She then proceeded to read it to everyone who would listen in the store we manage...and has taken it everywhere we have gone the past 3 days since we got it</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">. <span style="font-style: italic;">I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the book....but love even more how much my daughter has fallen in love with it and is READING (all on her own) to everyone who will listen! The pictures are wonderful and eye catching. They are easy to look at over and over (which is a GOOD thing when your child wants to read it to you over and over!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you know of anyone who has children who enjoys chocolate--this is the PERFECT gift for them. Even my older boys enjoy hearing the story (& song) despite their 'advanced' years. It is a timeless message to any child of any age. Would make THE PERFECT gift for a new Mom...or an older one!<br /><br />This book rates a 6/5 for us...which I have NEVER done. Be sure to find it and get it...add it to your library and those of your children, grandchildren, and friends!<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-34480742544646451752011-12-11T12:27:00.000-08:002011-12-19T13:09:15.518-08:00Inspiring Devotionals for Pre-Teens!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFFBaTcJNRSukdpTgCGvKpXRjTFIHbYac8scNQrL-PcPZzZm7MTf4UOH2sxkaCph-3I9xYB2clyRa2a3RE_ehpghmdb0t04yo9uoHRX-U_rBrFJICuApCxOn1v-X9Duvt71_TXFhlfxTr/s1600/book9.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFFBaTcJNRSukdpTgCGvKpXRjTFIHbYac8scNQrL-PcPZzZm7MTf4UOH2sxkaCph-3I9xYB2clyRa2a3RE_ehpghmdb0t04yo9uoHRX-U_rBrFJICuApCxOn1v-X9Duvt71_TXFhlfxTr/s320/book9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687939001858926162" border="0" /></a><br /><span itemprop="description">This devotional inspires boys' hearts toward Godly characteristics such as integrity, honesty, and generosity. Boys 8 to 12 will find the truths relevant and the challenges compelling, engaging, and hands-on. And parents appreciate watching Christ-like traits emerge as each dare is undertaken.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br /><br />Your boys NEED this devotional! All boys love a good dare...and this devotional is packed FULL of them! I spent the last few weeks going over this for Biblical truthfullness...and have found no errors. I have just started my 11 year old reading & studying it. He is enjoying it and starting to actually work on some of the dares--all on his own! It is a wonderful tool for those of you who want to encourage your boys to learn God's will for their lives!<br /><br />I give this book a 5/5. I WILL be looking for another copy for my middle child to be able to go through!!!<br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9AWRoAj1Q4Q1LTqdf2sKWOIU9XTpiu37QVqJt5rzD3ohqqtfTgH1C1D-tZy44uQIPhmt7LgfXZwB9nwvGR7pdyTBpJgOwA7Ql_I6l7auTZttnw-M1FfxnlxITP09PIPmQ77BwxnNPH2m/s1600/book10.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 93px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9AWRoAj1Q4Q1LTqdf2sKWOIU9XTpiu37QVqJt5rzD3ohqqtfTgH1C1D-tZy44uQIPhmt7LgfXZwB9nwvGR7pdyTBpJgOwA7Ql_I6l7auTZttnw-M1FfxnlxITP09PIPmQ77BwxnNPH2m/s320/book10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687939126253517650" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">DARE TO PUT YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION!<br /><br />Are you ready for more -- more excitement, more adventure, more fun? Yeah? Then take the dare! Dare to discover the secrets to a life that sparkles for God. You've got what it takes to make an impact on the world. This just-for-you devotional is filled with powerful wisdom on everything from godly friendship and serving others to getting along with your parents and worshipping God. It's advice for real life from the greatest BFF of all: your heavenly Father.<br /><br />Each day you'll read a few verses of Scripture and discover some awesome truths. Then you'll be challenged to live it out with exciting dares that can change your life and fun quizzes to keep it all real. It's your time to shine as a girl who knows what it means to live a fierce and fearless life of faith.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />So....will YOU take the dare???<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My thoughts:<br /><br />Even though this study is designed for 9-12 year old girls. I had fun going through it! Ok...so I didn't take ALL the dares...some WERE a bit juvenile for a xxx year old like me! However, there were many that we as adults should be taking as well. I found this devotional to be cleaver and witty and thoroughly Scripture based. I am putting it up for my daughter for her next birthday! I can't wait to see how she will grow and change as she learns more from God's Word through this study. Please give your daughter a Blessing and get her this book!<br />I will give this one a 5/5 as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I want to thank B & B Media Group, Inc. for providing both of these devotionals. I was given both books in exchange for an honest opinion and the above opinions are 100% mine.</span><br /></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-77250987431896386392011-12-01T12:17:00.000-08:002011-12-19T13:13:14.605-08:00Great Study Devotionals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PKwijQn2v0CTPX3nLD3gzIURWhs2cTFULWmSMBunHolns3m3IGr9uMqY-UF8A09XnkQG4UovHuuVY_3CgvMDnus5iBXtiaDlD91BmhXX7NcLg3PorH-Rlux4J5UlAg2BWLyLd7HYG10_/s1600/book12.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 93px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PKwijQn2v0CTPX3nLD3gzIURWhs2cTFULWmSMBunHolns3m3IGr9uMqY-UF8A09XnkQG4UovHuuVY_3CgvMDnus5iBXtiaDlD91BmhXX7NcLg3PorH-Rlux4J5UlAg2BWLyLd7HYG10_/s320/book12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687936504763534210" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" itemprop="description">Twenty minutes a day to discover the abundance of God?s riches In Live Abundantly, Bible teachers Lenya Heitzig and Penny Pierce Rose challenge you to dig deep into the book of Ephesians to find the spiritual treasure God has for you. Covering topics such as living in God's will and receiving peace no matter the circumstances, the book of Ephesi<span id="e_1324325939.0884_content" style="">ans reveals the magnitude of every Christian's inheritance, a gift exceedingly abundantly above? what you could ever ask for. Unearth the greatest treasure of life in this rich study. Each day's lesson is structured in five parts: Lift up (prayer), Look at (God's Word), Learn about (new insights), Live out (application), Listen to (quotes from other believers). The Fresh Life series was created by women, for women?women who crave a profound experience of God's Word without an overwhelming commitment of time. With each lesson, you will come to a deeper understanding of the truths of the Bible and develop a deeper intimacy with God.</span><span id="e_1324325939.0884_less" style=""></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULaoyhwM1ZCn7c77iLFC2Nkje79SUktqtQ5jISU5jJgAKAlh3u1QuSHN5TlUDojmZcfmjwevAQtTZX4dksJvBz_GZcyvjx6VfT7Nvde_CiNIM23NPWEEqkn0i5RWMgi_lfc42zJPOkw2z/s1600/book11.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 93px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULaoyhwM1ZCn7c77iLFC2Nkje79SUktqtQ5jISU5jJgAKAlh3u1QuSHN5TlUDojmZcfmjwevAQtTZX4dksJvBz_GZcyvjx6VfT7Nvde_CiNIM23NPWEEqkn0i5RWMgi_lfc42zJPOkw2z/s320/book11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687936355771536546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" itemprop="description">Twenty minutes a day to a deeper understanding of God's presence in your life He was saved from death on the Nile and raised as an Egyptian prince. He met his wife at a Midianite well, witnessed the birth of a nation as the Red Sea parted, and watched water gush from a rock with one touch of his rod. He died overlooking the Jordan River. In fa<span id="e_1324326038.9385_content" style="">ct, Moses?s entire life can be viewed through the water that redirected him. In this engaging study, Bible teacher Lenya Heitzig encourages you to consider the watershed moments in your own spiritual journey. Each day's lesson is structured in five parts: Lift up (prayer), Look at (God's Word) , Learn about (new insights), Live out (application), Listen to (quotes from other believers) The Fresh Life series was created by women, for women who crave a profound experience of God's Word without an overwhelming commitment of time. With each lesson, you will come to a deeper understanding of the truths of the Bible and develop a deeper intimacy with God.</span><span id="e_1324326038.9385_less" style=""></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br /><br />You NEED to get these studies and go through them!<br /><br />I have spent the last several weeks engrossed in these two studies. They have helped me to grow and develop my relationship with God. I have been able to pinpoint problems in my life that needed addressed and take care of them with His help. Both of these studies are Bible-based--which is a MUST for me! They are filled with questions that make you dig deeper into the Word and find answers that apply to YOURSELF...not just anyone. If you are wanting to grow in the Lord...go out and find these Bible Studies! I give both of them a 5/5....with the one on Ephesians maybe a 5.5/5 :)<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I want to thank the publisher for providing these books to review. I was given the books in return for an honest review and the above opinions are 100% mine.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-65116901065502546512011-11-14T13:48:00.000-08:002011-12-19T13:07:51.129-08:00Guest Author/Blogger Ashley Dawn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AwStXil7pTK6MfGekSpNdSWZCfsp1s7-pKcHBWOVuxtjnJeIqhS6dGstcJZwJZJ24hkgxKxbv9mfaekes1KGye3Q3LUratb4KlNZ3aK9q3d6jmFNslWYapk0T1AY8OuBkcHKZhNkDCRn/s1600/A%2527s+Book+3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 201px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AwStXil7pTK6MfGekSpNdSWZCfsp1s7-pKcHBWOVuxtjnJeIqhS6dGstcJZwJZJ24hkgxKxbv9mfaekes1KGye3Q3LUratb4KlNZ3aK9q3d6jmFNslWYapk0T1AY8OuBkcHKZhNkDCRn/s320/A%2527s+Book+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674974158771454786" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Tell us a bit about YOU that our readers might not know.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: I am a working mother of two who absolutely loves what I do. Writing is my passion but my children are my world. I take them to work with me every day, and since I work with my husband, it is a big family event every day. Some days, I get absolutely nothing done at work because I’m too busy playing cars or rocking a baby, but it is well worth it to me. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Tell us about your latest release.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: My newest book, Shadows of Pain, is the third in my Shadows Series and focuses on Kami Reynolds and Daniel Jenkins. Kami and Daniel have been in both of the previous books in the series and now are being targeted by a killer. The more they fight it, the closer he gets but also the closer they get. Theirs is a sweet love that is born at a dangerous time. We also keep up with the other Shadows characters along the way!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: What made you want to become a writer?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: I have always enjoyed reading and telling stories. It just seemed natural to put pen to paper and tell the stories in my mind. My first book was the result of a series of events, one of which was reading a predictable mystery book that made me wonder how I would make a book less predictable. I used my imagination and started my first book. My mother and a lot of my family encouraged me to finish and eventually publish my book.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Do you write under a pen name?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: Yes I do. I write under the pen name Ashley Dawn. That is my first and middle name, I decided in the beginning to write under the name Ashley Dawn, because knew my last name would change at some point but I would always be Ashley Dawn. I absolutely love my middle name so it seemed like the perfect name to use.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Authors love all of their characters. Is there a certain type of character that is easier to write than another?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: The stubborn women are the easiest to write! I mostly base my characters off my family and I have lots of stubborn women in my family who have those traits. Aurora from my first book was a snap to write. She has an attitude very much like my own and I loved writing her sassy dialogue. It seems that most of the women in my stories, from mothers to girlfriends to police, they all have the tough exterior and try to show the world they can handle anything on their own. It is a great joy to write those ladies!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Do you read in the same genre that you write in?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: Absolutely. To me that is the best genre there is! I love to read Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, Lynette Eason and a whole long list. The mystery, suspense and romance mixed with the message of Christianity is a wonderful thing. I aspire to be more like these amazing authors as I write.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Do you have any strange quirks or unusual habits when you are writing.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: Haha! I absolutely do. The biggest one is that I have to hand write every word of my book before I type a word. Each book has a specific color of legal pads and I have special pens to write the story. I still do editing and rewording after the book is typed up but in the beginning the whole thing is written on those pads with particular pens.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: My typical day as a writer has to be a Saturday since I work a 9-5 job through the week but when I get the chance I get my pad and pen, corral my children and try to lose myself in the story. Most days it starts with getting the children to either sleep in or play contentedly as I write, I drink water and eat marshmallow crème and pretzels. I know its strange but it is good brain food! I get interrupted multiple times, do dishes, laundry and any other housework I can get to. The whirlwind day is the day I write the best! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: Where do your story ideas come from?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: A lot of my ideas come from dreams. Apparently my vivid imagination doesn’t shut off when I sleep and I get a lot of my best ideas in the middle of the night. Actually ‘seeing’ my book in my dreams makes it so much easier to write it down. It is a thrill to write about the people I ‘meet’ in my dreams! When I wake up, I can still see them and sometimes just daydream and write what happens </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: What made you decide to write a series?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: As I wrote my first book, I fell in love with the support characters almost as much as I did with Aurora and Jordan. Jordan’s family dynamic interested me so much that I had to explore it in depth and that lead to further interest in the characters. I decided each of them needed their own story. Not just Jordan’s family but also Aurora’s. Her family may not be what is thought of as a conventional family but they are definitely closer than a lot of families I know. It is just wonderful to explore all the characters in depth and to let them develop on their own through the whole series.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: What is your next project about?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Ashley: I am currently working on a couple different projects. I’m trying to finish a new book, not related to my series, and currently titled ‘Right to Remain?’. It is about a serial killer, attorney, nurse and a race to save a young girl’s life. The other project I’m trying to focus on is the 4th book in my Shadows Series, Shadows of Deception. This installment focuses on Tiffany Reiley and a new character to the series, Colorado Wiley. Tiffany is hired to discover exactly what is going on at Colorado’s ranch and maybe she will discover love along the way.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Thank you so much Kim for having me today!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">KC: I'm very glad to have you today! Sounds like there are some interesting things brewing!!<br />Go and check out her new book...and the others, as well!<br /><br /></span>Pen Name: Ashley Dawn<br />Website: AuthorAshleyDawn<br />My Blog: Ashley's Bookshelf<br />Author of 'Shadows From The Past'<br />Author of 'Shadows of Suspicion'<br />Author of 'Shadows of Pain'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-80899548300461609602011-11-13T13:35:00.000-08:002011-12-19T13:06:57.626-08:00Shadows of Pain by Ashley Dawn<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Revenge is sweet….unless you are on the receiving end of it.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf591xU8vOT0jLYZlqlQOzUXqtHXdigxwnBViEcqatWdlB1UbZQNrxpx7OfXSNoy11scMN0FvNQlXIrpsYdRsisUblF8g6YxiRU4u3q-ZhWtp3GsNhO8zJYOy-npBHFnxpxul1HnKeNuv/s1600/A%2527s+Book+3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 201px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf591xU8vOT0jLYZlqlQOzUXqtHXdigxwnBViEcqatWdlB1UbZQNrxpx7OfXSNoy11scMN0FvNQlXIrpsYdRsisUblF8g6YxiRU4u3q-ZhWtp3GsNhO8zJYOy-npBHFnxpxul1HnKeNuv/s320/A%2527s+Book+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674598404337186338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">“Do you know of anyone who would want…you dead?”</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he wasn’t sure there were any rules…</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">“…I need you.”</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Only God can save them from this unknown killer…</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />HOLD IT! You NEED to get on-line and find this book! It is an EXCELLENT read!<br /><br />Daniel is such a personable fellow! You can totally relate to him as he fumes and tries to justify what he's done/is doing. He is so easy to fall in love with as you see him hurt and recovering. Kami gives Daniel that extra push to help straighten out his thinking and help him. When she becomes a target as well, Daniel has to put his selfish thoughts aside to focus on helping to bring the perpetrator to justice. Neither Daniel or Kami make very good 'helpless victims'.<br /><br />It was encouraging to see how Ashley Dawn wove Daniel's struggle with his faith and how he came to terms with God into the relationship he and Kami were developing. It seemed true and accurate to how many people would feel or act in today's society. Kami's support for her friend came through strong. It was fun to watch how their relationship bloomed from friendship to romance.<br /><br />Ashley Dawn is one of my all-time favorite authors. She does a fantastic job of combining suspense in a family oriented setting with a great plot, and well defined characters. I enjoy reading the series and seeing how she pulls a few new characters into the mix along with giving us so much more information on characters that made an appearance in previous books. While each of the books easily stands on its own, it is so much fun to read them in a series and watch the characters grow and learn. I give her book a 5/5. You definitely need to get this book for your keeper shelf!<br /><br />I want to thank Ashley Dawn for providing this book to review. I was given the book in return for an honest review and the above opinions are 100% mine.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-36951513820398210312011-10-21T19:05:00.000-07:002011-10-21T19:05:00.166-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yi0mkvHSC2WsSV_ZmZRCk1AihHZ0SEEw9VuS5TnF5jWlec-3S_Do2ZVhrKbzQaCWHMb320z8nK4DbOcK6OUZ2uTA6dP6j_JXYtAHKW1KSJIrl1x0fuTvfuXyTg6lhivK3RfJ8De99SYv/s1600/book6.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yi0mkvHSC2WsSV_ZmZRCk1AihHZ0SEEw9VuS5TnF5jWlec-3S_Do2ZVhrKbzQaCWHMb320z8nK4DbOcK6OUZ2uTA6dP6j_JXYtAHKW1KSJIrl1x0fuTvfuXyTg6lhivK3RfJ8De99SYv/s320/book6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665761153723440274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Unwanted</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Author: Daniel L. Carter</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">An explosion shatters the night sky.... Smoke and flames erupt over the city of Chicago. FBI Agent Nick Catlin watches helplessly as their only lead straps on a glider and leaps off a high rooftop, soaring toward Lake Michigan. They've lost him, again. The crime scenes always fit the same pattern-five babies are among the casualties. Fourteen months later, though, in New York, no infant bodies are found. Nick's gut tells him the killer was somehow interrupted in his work and that he won't stop until he tracks down those children and finishes what he started. Oklahoma rancher Leigh Barrus is barely making ends meet when his estranged niece, Janet, shows up at his ranch with five babies in tow. The terrifying tale she tells him about genetic experiments is only the beginning of the shocking truths.... A gripping sci-fi thriller for all ages Book One in The Unwanted Trilogy<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />Ok, I know I have reviewed this book before....but I found my self reading it again the other day....and I simply could NOT put it down! Typically, once I've read a book before, I have no problem putting it down in favor of sleep. I sure don't have any problem skipping over parts and simply skimming it. In stead of that, I found myself losing a whole night's sleep in favor of rereading the book. I just couldn't find a part of it I wanted to skip over in order to speed up my reading, and I couldn't put it down to go and sleep without finishing it! It's such a nice, refreshing change to find a book that is so compelling and interesting! I am very much looking forward to the next book in his series!!! I have managed to get a copy for my son's birthday (and the author was kind enough to sign it!).<br />I give this book a 5/5. It is one that is great to read....and read again! and then pass on to the next generation of readers. You want to go and find this book and add it to the TOP of your pile of books to read!<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-35540679107225760632011-10-20T16:38:00.000-07:002011-10-20T19:01:59.654-07:00Dreamlight Trilogy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3rc4T_mm2nYdVlk2yfDjlgCzqnqVNzoxVitpn5lLcu4ddcT_9_zj6s-AfcZgYpeyum4mOdJ1fGdtvW37JsqeT8CSEYyJjyFgXkEFP2MIjBzt8eI20GwUksqLkQYoZKdHJVex0b3h7r3M/s1600/book3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 169px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3rc4T_mm2nYdVlk2yfDjlgCzqnqVNzoxVitpn5lLcu4ddcT_9_zj6s-AfcZgYpeyum4mOdJ1fGdtvW37JsqeT8CSEYyJjyFgXkEFP2MIjBzt8eI20GwUksqLkQYoZKdHJVex0b3h7r3M/s320/book3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665726979162115442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Burning Lamp - Arcane Society, Bk 8 - Dreamlight, Bk 2</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Author: Amanda Quick</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">The Arcane Society was born in turmoil when the friendship of its two founders evolved into a fierce rivalry. Sylvester Jones and Nicholas Winters each sought to enhance their individual psychic talents. Winters' efforts led to the creation of a device of unknown powers called the Burning Lamp. Each generation the Winters man who inherits it is destined to develop multiple talents -- and the curse of madness.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Plagued by hallucinations and nightmares, notorious crime lord Griffin Winters is convinced he has been struck with the Winters Curse. And the instincts that have helped him survive the streets and rise to power are now drawing him toward Adelaide Pyne, the bothersome social reformer. But even as he arranges a meeting with the mysterious woman, he has no idea how closely their fates are bound, for Adelaide holds the Burning Lamp in her possession.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">A dreamlight reader, Adelaide should be able to manipulate the Lamp's light to save both Griffin's sanity and his life. But their dangerous psychical experiment makes them the target of forces both inside and outside of the Arcane Society. And though desire strengthens their power their different lives will keep them apart -- if death doesn't take them together.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZts_GvIdDGO9FsqgoQDuczEcZXnusuFPySBUzwtQeQYmufsA-LdN_tynlS905e2C7U6s9FfusH9N99HdcWiq_n5FAABQqeAtK7zDqu1Sw7tHqQtMdI1Q5ObL5Pe5LOUWAZtLBGMXtHE1h/s1600/book4.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZts_GvIdDGO9FsqgoQDuczEcZXnusuFPySBUzwtQeQYmufsA-LdN_tynlS905e2C7U6s9FfusH9N99HdcWiq_n5FAABQqeAtK7zDqu1Sw7tHqQtMdI1Q5ObL5Pe5LOUWAZtLBGMXtHE1h/s320/book4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665757083973510530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Fired Up - Arcane Society, Bk 7 - Dreamlight, Bk 1</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Author: Jayne Ann Krentz</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">More than three centuries ago, Nicholas Winters irrevocably altered his genetic makeup in an obsession-fueled competition with alchemist and Arcane Society founder Sylvester Jones. Driven to control their psychic abilities, each man's decision has reverberated throughout the family line, rewarding some with powers beyond their wildest dreams, and cursing others to a life filled with madness and hallucinations.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Jack Winters, descendant of Nicholas, has been experiencing </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">nightmares and blackouts -- just the beginning, he believes -- of the manifestation of the Winters family curse. The legend says that he must find the Burning Lamp or risk turning into a monster. But he can't do it alone; he needs the help of a woman with the gift to read the lamp?s dreamlight.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Jack is convinced that private investigator Chloe Harper is that woman. Her talents for finding objects and accessing dream energy are what will save him, but their sudden and powerful sexual pull threatens to overwhelm them both. Danger surrounds them, and it doesn't take long for Chloe to pick up the trail of the missing lamp. And as they draw closer to the lamp, the raw power that dwells within it threatens to sweep them into a hurricane of psychic force.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Midnight Crystal - Arcane Society, Bk 9 - Harmony, Bk 7 - Dreamlight, Bk 3</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Aut</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOe2CMYw07WFBLKc_WEFcdgBddiN_BNBabcDFe0D8YUhdJvfwUNp9gZBB-xM1IXfQGyp3qzjBkpAn4JxmtV_8-ua7xAJ6PKKW8BzPia2d7FVb1ByT-gzOABjrhBB4RF5oCk4gCXMZg7mm/s1600/book5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOe2CMYw07WFBLKc_WEFcdgBddiN_BNBabcDFe0D8YUhdJvfwUNp9gZBB-xM1IXfQGyp3qzjBkpAn4JxmtV_8-ua7xAJ6PKKW8BzPia2d7FVb1ByT-gzOABjrhBB4RF5oCk4gCXMZg7mm/s320/book5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665757785346875970" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">hor: Jayne Castle</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">For many earthly centuries, a legendary curse has plagued the Winters family, stemming from the tumultuous founding of the Arcane Society. But now, on the futuristic world of Harmony, the curse’s final mystery will be unraveled ... — Adam Winters has enough responsibility as the new head of the local Ghost Hunter Guild without being saddled with the family curse. He’s convinced his recent nightmares and hallucinations will lead to him becoming a psychic rogue -- unless he can find a stolen relic and a woman who can read dreamlight.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Marlowe Jones rides into his life on a motorcycle and with a dust bunny at her side. Though a descendant of the rival Arcane family, she’s just what Adam needs: a psychic private investigator and dreamlight reader extraordinaire.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Together, amid the glowing catacombs and steamy underground jungles of Harmony, Adam and Marlowe must break the curse, save the entire underworld -- and fight a passion that could destroy them both ...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />I completely enjoyed this trilogy! Yes, I put them out of order as to which they say is book 1 & 2...chronologically, they are in this order. I enjoyed the fast pace of all of the books. She does an excellent job of keeping your attention through the whole of the book. They are all packed with lots of suspense and intrigue.<br /><br /> These are not in my normal reading genre, but I have learned to enjoy them tremendously thanks to this writer. The fact that she builds on each one and intertwines all of the books and characters just helps keep you looking for what is going to happen next. They are a quick, easy read that will help to take you out of the every day and into the unusual for a nice period of time.<br /><br />I give them a 4/5. You will enjoy reading them, but there are some parts that I tend to skip as I prefer not to read about it.....<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-10108566694142367642011-10-19T18:46:00.001-07:002011-10-19T18:50:50.172-07:00On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman<span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">About the book: On the night you were born, you brought wonder and magic to the world. The moon stayed up till morning. Polar bears danced. Here is a book that celebrates the one and only ever you! Now available in its entirety in board book format, Nancy Tillman's masterpiece is perfect for acknowledging the special people in our lives that they are loved.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFtVvQhybioaiMprtn_Y1kXgwgt_ABjo-zFqQmaOx5jqnrEqr7Z5AWQ6HUmMeRwJwP7B39-Uv7SRpXmtGwQZjXOtIaubKVcaQg1geBONfDe9Ltwi_B5qfR0cDT-CZRNVccc9s5-szqkLX/s1600/Book2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFtVvQhybioaiMprtn_Y1kXgwgt_ABjo-zFqQmaOx5jqnrEqr7Z5AWQ6HUmMeRwJwP7B39-Uv7SRpXmtGwQZjXOtIaubKVcaQg1geBONfDe9Ltwi_B5qfR0cDT-CZRNVccc9s5-szqkLX/s320/Book2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665384959395574770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My thoughts:<br />This is a sweet story that you will love reading to your children...and grandchildren! The story stresses how each person is a unique and wonderful person and how wonderful it is to be special in your own way. <br /><br />The pictures are great and encourage children to explore to find all kinds of hidden words and pictures that compliment the story. This is a great book for a gift of any kind to a child of any age.<br /><br />I would rate this book a 5/5. It will be on my keeper shelf and go out as baby gifts!<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-27404703848686786742011-10-17T06:18:00.000-07:002011-10-17T07:22:48.708-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FSI8z56lVsbeapS3JWpjKFtxulcyedvu6pI1rMRtoXhyphenhyphenz4lkVcOgB3N62wcH_oCBkOdQIVzq0P-2D5tsNIbxFGgmZSs2iU7DfOCH8BW6KI29jLdCDh9cZPgOXpq6UzAwVCsa8htABnVd/s1600/Book1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FSI8z56lVsbeapS3JWpjKFtxulcyedvu6pI1rMRtoXhyphenhyphenz4lkVcOgB3N62wcH_oCBkOdQIVzq0P-2D5tsNIbxFGgmZSs2iU7DfOCH8BW6KI29jLdCDh9cZPgOXpq6UzAwVCsa8htABnVd/s320/Book1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664451549175826930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">About the Book:<br />Piney Forest is home to many creatures, but Boris and Henry play and live by themselves, not accepted by others because they aren't the same as the other creatures. After attempts to fit in, a discouraged Boris and Henry are forced to stay by themselves in the outskirts of the forest. When a fire threatens the lives and homes of the forest bullies, Boris and Henry see past the bullying and rally to help their fellow</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">forest critters in their own special way.<br /><br />The spectacular images found in Just Like You were designed by first-time illustrator, HannahE. Harrison. Hannah's beautiful illustrations help children understand the message of the story<br />and the added animated touches turn the characters into charming and loveable friends.<br /><br />Just Like You is written by Robert Kroupa, a Chicago real estate developer, inventor (with two<br />appearances on ABC-TV's Shark Tank) and civic activist. He wrote this for young children in<br />response to the epidemic of bullying. Said Kroupa, "Through my personal experiences from<br />childhood, helping children understand the value of tolerance and inclusion from a young age<br />has been a passion of mine. I hope that Just Like You will inspire children to accept, appreciate<br />and celebrate the similarities and differences in all of us."<br /><br />100% of the profits from each sale is earmarked by the buyer to one of four charities, including<br /><br />1) The HollyRod Foundation www.hollyrod.org,<br />2) PACER Center www.pacer.org,<br />3) Art of Elysium www.theartofelysium.org and<br />4) The Center For Discovery www.thecenterfordiscovery.org.<br /><br />Challenge Unlimited, a not-for-profit organization based in Alton, Illinois, serves as the Just Like You fulfillment house. Its mission is to provide work related opportunities to individuals with disabilities.<br />Book trailer link: http://justlikeyoufoundation.org/book.htm<br />About the book:<br />Just Like You by Robert Kroupa<br />ISBN: 978-0-9825503-4-2<br />Publisher: Seven Legs Press<br />Date of publish: Oct 1, 2011<br />Pages: 16<br />S.R.P.: $16.95<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This absolutely beautiful book (illustrations and message) is what I would consider necessary reading for all children from Pre-K to third grade. It wouldn't be a bad thing for older children to read, either! </span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The pictures in the book are detailed, imaginative and absolutely gorgeous! </span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The story of Boris and Henry's friendship is sweet and easy to understand. The reader will readily empathize with the boys as they try to explain to others that being different is OK and that they really are just like all the other kids. In the end, because they refuse to treat others like they had been treated, and instead, follow the Golden Rule, they are able to 'save the day' and the other kids finally realize that being different is an absolutely perfect way to be.<br /><br />As a home schooling Mom, I decided to let my children read the book and see what they thought about it. My ten-year-old stated that it shows that "being different is alright and it might be what helps someone be able to save your life, so it wouldn't be a good thing to bully them just because they are different." My eight-year-old said she didn't like it when the bullies were making fun of the boys just because they were different. She said that made her feel bad, but that it made her feel good when they helped the bullies and everyone was nice to them. We were able to discuss why bullying is bad and how it effects the people who are bullied and the ones who are bullying. I found it an excellent resource and believe others will as well.<br /><br />This book is intended to help instill the values of acceptance and kindness in children at an early age. The story is adorable and thought provoking. It is designed to encourage kids to ask questions that will help you talk with them about bullying and its detrimental side-effects.<br /><br />I give this book a 5/5 rating! You would do well to find it and add it to your shelf! Especially if you have young children...or teach them!<br /><br />I want to thank the Just Like You Foundation for providing this book to review. I was given the book in return for an honest review and the above opinons are 100% mine.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-71090669967635867612011-08-14T21:28:00.000-07:002011-08-14T21:30:01.920-07:00Long Time Absence<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Hello, My Friends!
<br />
<br />I'm sorry to have been absent for so long. Unfortunately, LIFE has gotten in my way....I've not been able to get my Little Sanity lately :( I am working hard to get caught up and will be putting more reviews on here starting this next week :) Hope you have a wonderful week....Happy Reading!
<br />
<br />Kim
<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-32270007913490260262011-04-21T07:35:00.000-07:002011-04-21T07:35:00.326-07:00The Guardian Angellinos by Roxanne St. Claire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVN82PBYii0IUsjv_Kgm2E8poNm_onXdLrTO3m63hyqwdXTlx0d7C6nfeeq-e2gszOiFtOFZj08EHxmzKKx6vMsUHhBWlZGmYHE2-MxBEYEy68I50Iu7d-cOKjTsDE3_qHBT7oREr7Xdve/s1600/b1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 87px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVN82PBYii0IUsjv_Kgm2E8poNm_onXdLrTO3m63hyqwdXTlx0d7C6nfeeq-e2gszOiFtOFZj08EHxmzKKx6vMsUHhBWlZGmYHE2-MxBEYEy68I50Iu7d-cOKjTsDE3_qHBT7oREr7Xdve/s320/b1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597304842777600498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">The legacy that haunts her . . . — The mystery she must solve . . . — A man who threatens to reveal her secrets . . . — and break her heart. — Burned by a failed marriage, former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game with no emotional strings attached. Taking an assignment for his enterprising Angelino cousins, he heads to Northern Ireland to pry a key piece of evidence from a missing socialite-any way he can. But when the ice queen turns out to be warm, beautiful, and on a secret mission of her own, the job becomes a passionate reminder of what happens when duty and desire mix. The daughter of an infamous fugitive, Devyn Sterling has survived betrayal only to find that her mother has mysteriously disappeared. When her search uncovers secrets, lies, and threats, Devyn and Marc must trust each other when every instinct says they can't . . . and a terrorist wants to make sure they won't live to try.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />I was totally lost in this book! Could NOT put it down. I already loved the Guardian Angelinos after the first book. It was very nice to find characters I already knew about in this book. Marc is a player who uses his charm to complete his assignments. Devyn made a quick appearance in the first book when her husband was killed. Now she's trying to find her biological mother, but it's proving to be a lot more of a challenge than she expected. She unintentionally steps into a lot of problems and danger when she goes hunting her. Marc has been given a simple job...get Devyn out of Belfast where she is hunting her mother and do it NOW. While he's doing his job, he ends up realizing that Devyn isn't quite as perfect as she looks....and she has a secret of her own that she is trying to find the answer to.....and she believes her biological mother holds the answer she seeks. Devyn is on a mission to find her answer. Marc has to figure out how to convince her to leave instead of looking for those answers.....but he's having a really hard time saying 'NO' to Devyn.....</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Rarely does an author have enough to make a series BETTER after the first book. Roxanne St. Claire is one of the few.</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> I give this book a 4/5. It's a good read.<br /><br /><br /></span>Private investigator Vivi Angelino has never met a risk she wouldn't take-and her latest client, a starlet with a madman on her heels, gives Vivi the perfect opportunity to walk on the wild side. That is, as long as she can make sure a certain overprotective, overly gorgeous FBI agent stays</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuAbfzdNhk3Enj4QfEKXOOjhCnJYLoJFuXQOgfzgMm5ZMBP7n5feqHwhLvK091Zn4thUnKYI_WJU74_aRf__s_RAwb2YcH4XOdaxtp72tsdWpH-cbnbXibOsLyWWbuy6pJE9rtf8j7G8L/s1600/b2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuAbfzdNhk3Enj4QfEKXOOjhCnJYLoJFuXQOgfzgMm5ZMBP7n5feqHwhLvK091Zn4thUnKYI_WJU74_aRf__s_RAwb2YcH4XOdaxtp72tsdWpH-cbnbXibOsLyWWbuy6pJE9rtf8j7G8L/s320/b2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597305436858086386" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);"> out of her way-and out of her fantasies. — Special Agent in Charge Colt Lang is not about to stand back and watch Vivi dangle herself as bait for a serial killer. Yet trying to rein her in means throwing his well-worn rulebook-and his iron self-control-to the wind . . . and taking the chance that his heart will become collateral damage in an already perilous case. Because a woman who can't stop searching for the truth is impossible to resist-even when every discovery she makes brings them closer to a calculating murderer with nothing to lose.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />The Guardian Angelinos just keep getting better! Vivi is such an awesome character who is so much more than she appears to be! I was very happy to see how Roxanne St. Claire brought her character out and showed that rough circumstances can be a great breeding ground for a wonderful character. While Vivi is challenging...she is also relentless when she is trying to do what is right, but she is so vulnerable....and Colt Lang really has no chance when he realizes that he's been underestimating Vivi....again. She has looks AND brains.....and the backbone to pull off a major case. The only problem is, she doesn't always consider the danger to herself before she heads into the fray--and Colt finds himself pulling her out of scrapes every time he turns around. They end up with more problems than either had expected. I also give this book a 4/5. You'll enjoy the series.<br /><br />I want to thank Hatchette Book Group for providing these books to review. I was given both books in return for an honest review and the above opinons are 100% mine.<br /></span></span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-5844288944758358542011-04-19T08:44:00.000-07:002011-04-19T08:55:12.329-07:00Author ASHLEY DAWN<a href="http://www.thechristianauthorsshow.com/">Interview with Ashley Dawn </a>about her new book Shadows of Suspicion done by The Christian Author Show. The Christian Authors Show is a production of The Authors Show - The Authors' Powerhouse and can be viewed at www.thechristianauthorsshow.com.<br /><br />You can order this book:<br /><br />in hard copy from amazon or from the author herself (ashleywintters@gmail.com) She'd probably even sign it for you if you order directly from her!<br /><br />in e-book form from amazonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-2924960115669425792011-04-06T14:37:00.000-07:002011-04-06T14:37:00.297-07:00Through the Darkness A True Story of Danger and Second Chances by Kimberly L. Smith<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCpfMEbkODWp_HcZNRexxiWiKDP-du-0LYRRravFJyI2QvRdiLUgY1EjlnN6atvq_tlxY1HmXjsnnT5RcgV1BhV5CD2RQ_nP2-bUStSVUq2Yj_YiPjqLlBcaA8nd-_NxqnO_38ZiTKQrK/s1600/b2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCpfMEbkODWp_HcZNRexxiWiKDP-du-0LYRRravFJyI2QvRdiLUgY1EjlnN6atvq_tlxY1HmXjsnnT5RcgV1BhV5CD2RQ_nP2-bUStSVUq2Yj_YiPjqLlBcaA8nd-_NxqnO_38ZiTKQrK/s320/b2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592218613998356626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Passport to Darkness takes readers on Smith's journey to the deserts of Africa and the deserts of her own soul as she tries to live well as an imperfect American mom, crusade for justice for orphans around the world, and embrace God's extraordinary dreams for her. When Kimberly and her husband risk everything to answer God's call, they see God change and restore them--even amid exhaustion, marital struggles, and physical limitations. This heartbreaking, heartlifting book is for anyone who longs to see God's redemptive power heal broken hearts, fill empty bellies, and shelter uncovered heads. It is a call to readers to take one more step on their journey to know God's heart. It is a guide from one ordinary person to another to finding a life that matters.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />Kimberly is a very strong and passionate warrior for Christ & his 'forgotten' children of Sudan and other areas. The story is well written and will have you in tears as well as a few parts that have you laughing, but mostly, it will simply make you sit up and take notice that God may have something more for you life than you are currently doing if you are willing to let go and let Him take the lead.....even if it's not in your normal comfort zone. As you read this story of Kimberly's struggles and how she had to lean on God for her accomplishments, it makes you reevaluate what you are doing or are willing to do for God and his children here and abroad. This is an excellent read. I give it a 4/5. Many people won't read it simply because the book in itself is a challenge to our complacency of life.<br /><br />I want to thank The B&B Media Group, Inc. for providing a review copy. It was provided to me for an honest opinion and the above is 100% mine.<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-90586121712708806712011-04-05T14:26:00.000-07:002011-04-05T14:39:24.818-07:00Ask ME About Mary Kay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6GrNi7HRLYgvjtsoisUhxSf9958jufMSnEQ54Ch_1n0iUNLZc69NdmY4eo5ZPh56ZzmWY9JO-4Y9wc4yqL68w5FTCSEL0fJ8PbamP1Gz0VVQ5rp7pSipM-F3BzobSQOHKZ8_ofo1Fi2y/s1600/b1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6GrNi7HRLYgvjtsoisUhxSf9958jufMSnEQ54Ch_1n0iUNLZc69NdmY4eo5ZPh56ZzmWY9JO-4Y9wc4yqL68w5FTCSEL0fJ8PbamP1Gz0VVQ5rp7pSipM-F3BzobSQOHKZ8_ofo1Fi2y/s320/b1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592215319529617746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">In December of 1963, grief over the recent assassination of President Kennedy gave rise to a heightened sense of urgency to "grab the brass ring now." So it was that on a snowy day in Dallas, a legal secretary looking for a brighter future for herself and her family answered an ad placed by a new company, Mary Kay Cosmetics. In Jackie Brown's brief interview with Mary Kay, she became convinced not only of the company's quality products and the founder's values, but also of the potential in the marketing plan. Here was a company that would reward her hard work and dedication with an executive paycheck! Jackie rose through the ranks of Mary Kay Cosmetics as no one else did. Jackie's successes in selling and recruiting laid the foundation for a cosmetics empire and she herself became the gold standard for new recruits. But as the company's achievements spiraled ever higher, Jackie began to see flaws from within. And these were only the first warnings of a breach of trust so great it would start a battle between the two women. This is the story the public has never heard. The real story that fills in the gaps left by other published reports. It is a story of loyalty and betrayal, joy and heartbreak, recognition and disappointment, heady success and depressing failure. Ultimately, it is also a story of tragedy, and Jackie Brown is the only one who can tell it. Author Jackie Brown spent over forty years in the cosmetic business and was president of two cosmetic companies. Now retired, she lives in a small town in Arkansas.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />I was very impressed with how this book is written. It is a compelling story of a young woman and her journey to improve her family's life situation and how they could have less stress. It is amazing to read about Jackie's life and accomplishments! I would certainly suggest that you read this book.....if you want to be motivated, if you are curious about the history of women and self-employment, if you are self-motivated....it's just a good read all around! Jackie's struggles and accomplishments made me realize how much we are willing to do to improve our family's station in life. I give this book a 5/5. A very good book to get and read or gift!<br /><br />Thank you to the author for providing a copy for me to review. It was provided in exchange for an honest opinion and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-60779932450135979522011-03-04T09:55:00.000-08:002011-04-05T14:53:29.150-07:00Schloss Valkuriz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCZsOhdxLWQ5TrnSxfXMUk5RIQSI9a0NSaGUB4u-oTaQoK3fUPBHucFgpd-RfTL9uLNpApXwzuGe3fhMQvQCImx_CZnGCsrgLOVc4eDCDHMAlkCTJ9IKXMU2YCoWelxK1fLfEZLfdE0tj/s1600/bk7.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCZsOhdxLWQ5TrnSxfXMUk5RIQSI9a0NSaGUB4u-oTaQoK3fUPBHucFgpd-RfTL9uLNpApXwzuGe3fhMQvQCImx_CZnGCsrgLOVc4eDCDHMAlkCTJ9IKXMU2YCoWelxK1fLfEZLfdE0tj/s320/bk7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579574385412929842" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Book Description:</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Embrace the beauty of the rose and discover the mystery that surrounds it..... — A chance encounter with the handsome Lord Kessler leads Iara to the magnificent castle of Schloss Valkuriz where she finds a new and exciting romance. Haunted by recurring dreams of past sorrows in which she relives the episode of her last encounter with her lover, I... more »ara learns the truth behind a dark secret buried in the past. A secret protected by the immortal beauty of a sacred rose whose very essence is preserved by the faithfulness of a promise now forgotten. A promise which, if broken, would lead to horrifying consequences.</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">About the Author:</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Felicia N. Cheung is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Resources at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. She earned an MBA degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology, United States in August 2009 and a BA honors degree in Medieval Studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada in October 2007. Besides writing, she enjoys playing the guitar and spending quality time with family and friends.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This book is a completely new genre for me. I found it unusual and a little hard to get into...but once I made the effort, it was a very interesting read. Iara had to make several decisions that I wasn't expecting. The story took some unexpected turns at unusual places until you go deeper into it and can understand more what was going on. I give this book a 3/5. It's a good read, and a good choice for starting a new genre if you've not read this one before.<br /><br />Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy. It was given to me in exchange for an honest opinion and the above is 100% mine.<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-37748489664141937642011-03-03T11:39:00.000-08:002011-03-03T11:39:00.540-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bhuUnaHZtmHheJQtC7Aw-y8SRGM0B-o1IAF-af3L2TL_asy8m3VLcIijQwVgCBT4vKGEdD4aLO3SzkIH6kLxW6ISgy99SkdQYG30Zf3bOcDaHnW5vE_hBJDF5lV_MLluOBlFaWjfkDHZ/s1600/bk6.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 93px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bhuUnaHZtmHheJQtC7Aw-y8SRGM0B-o1IAF-af3L2TL_asy8m3VLcIijQwVgCBT4vKGEdD4aLO3SzkIH6kLxW6ISgy99SkdQYG30Zf3bOcDaHnW5vE_hBJDF5lV_MLluOBlFaWjfkDHZ/s320/bk6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579569761237048354" border="0" /></a>Book Description<br /><br />This captivating murder mystery depicts the exposure of a breast implant manufacturer whose products have caused the development of cancer in patients. As she is leaving her lover/client/friend Dr. Dan MacNamara , Sherri Barker, a detail person for PolySurgical Specialties, a manufacturer of polyurethane coated breast implants, is killed by a car bomb. Dr. MacNamara happens to be the plastic surgeon who inserted PSS breast implants into Pamela Lawson, who is awaiting a liver transplant for liver cancer. Her attorney, Janet Stephenson, has filed a product's liability suit against PSS and Dr. MacNamara is a key witness for PSS. Ms Barker, however, had just delivered to him secret internal studies which showed that all animals tested by PSS developed liver cancer. PSS and its cohort, Conway Chemical, have set out to kill Dr. MacNamara, and Janet Stephenson's two expert witnesses, biomaterials scientists from Canada. Meanwhile, a television network reporter and an FDA investigator are preparing a special on the PSS implants, which airs just before the Lawson v. PSS trial. The investigation and intrigue related to the murder continue right up to the Lawson v. PSS trial, and coordinate with the criminal investigation and grand jury indictment of the principals at PSS and Conway and their murderous lackeys.<br /><br />A native of Colorado, Jo Stone is an attorney who has tried many silicone gel breast implant cases and has been involved in all of the excitement surrounding the complicated preparation and trial of those cases. This wife and mother of four is also a college professor who has taught English literature, Humanities, Business and Law courses throughout her legal career Jo attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned my B.A. and M.A. in English literature and Juris Doctorate degrees<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br /><br />This was an interesting read. It started fast and kept your attention through the many details and continual action as one side races to silence the truth and the other side continually tries to derail the attempts, not often successfully, in order to bring the greedy and hypocritical principal players to justice. The struggle you see as Pamela Lawson's unnecessary struggle for life and the results that occur. I would rate this book a 3/5. It is interesting, well written, and will rivet you to the pages. It is the first medical thriller I have read, and it is definitely one that has opened a door to a 'new world' for me!<br /><br />I want to thank the author for providing the review copy of this book. It was provided in exchange for an honest opinion and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-9330174527442180392011-03-02T11:24:00.000-08:002011-03-02T11:36:46.368-08:00Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut by Jill Kargman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AMQkcRjsjDH1uZ1jUgglAXeFxYIIcbyyUA8b4plv6Dwlk-xoBi9-QHl_GIAAbW5HkuxsIJwr8P6FS8CjmS6N7f7x3zAmxpKWoaZFsCmw2bFqZd6HIc2oQ3AsH8ebRy2JDp6VPctvcm2V/s1600/bk5.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AMQkcRjsjDH1uZ1jUgglAXeFxYIIcbyyUA8b4plv6Dwlk-xoBi9-QHl_GIAAbW5HkuxsIJwr8P6FS8CjmS6N7f7x3zAmxpKWoaZFsCmw2bFqZd6HIc2oQ3AsH8ebRy2JDp6VPctvcm2V/s320/bk5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579566362127396338" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Book Description:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">The irony is I f***ing hate coconut. As in full vomitorious spine chills just thinking about its nasty texture, to say nothing of the chunder-taunting scent that conjures peroxide-y sluts smearing their 'kini cleaves with Panama Jack "tanfastic" oil. I might even go so far as to say I don't even trust people who like coconut. But still, despite nightmarish Hawaiian Tropic/</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Girls Gone Wild</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> visions and hellacious flashbacks of a bearded Tom Hanks looking not unlike the twentieth hijacker eating coconuts on that island, if I had to identify myself with one advertising campaign, it would be the eighties jingle of Mounds and Almond Joy. Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This is a snarky, yet amusing account from the author's life where she is trying to be humerous and amusing. I found the language more vulgar than necessary, but many people don't mind it. Many of the stories would make you hurt yourself laughing and some would just have you shaking your head in amused disbelief. I would rate this book as a 3/5. If you don't mind the language, it is an amusing read.<br />Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for a review. I was given the review book in return for an honest opinion and the above opinion is 100% mine.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-58606190561447540482011-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:002011-02-25T08:23:00.573-08:00The Wiersbe Bibe Study Series NEHEMIAH by David Cook by Warren Wiersbe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1bh7ofFWfIBoh3ybPNIEaL4YwXgQOGv0vEqDdcZ0B0GETCFuOOJp87jOeKDTnCuBlzkOSRNPq0i1jpvUXhwqfIn_MTNzTGbSPXMo9j8r0wO1Sk2wyyJ3gV3DeX5oobMfNcoxodPjGPzg/s1600/BK+2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1bh7ofFWfIBoh3ybPNIEaL4YwXgQOGv0vEqDdcZ0B0GETCFuOOJp87jOeKDTnCuBlzkOSRNPq0i1jpvUXhwqfIn_MTNzTGbSPXMo9j8r0wO1Sk2wyyJ3gV3DeX5oobMfNcoxodPjGPzg/s320/BK+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576923103625834994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The life of Nehemiah is an inspiring testament to the power of determination. Years after Jerusalem?s defeat by Babylon, the Jewish people returned to their land, only to discover a city left in ruins. Surrounded by enemies, Nehemiah finds himself tasked with an overwhelming charge: To rebuild the walls of his beloved city. This Bible study examines Nehemiah?s remarkable journey from the everyday to the extraordinary, and explores the unique power found in perseverance. The Wiersbe Bible Studies Series explores timeless wisdom found in God?s word. Based on Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's popular ?BE? series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this eight-week study features selected commentaries from BE Determined, engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God?s word with your life.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This is a very Biblical based study book. I found it very informative and insightful. It gives a lot of excellent advice on how to stand firm in spite of different kinds of opposition when you know what God's word says about what you are standing firm on (God's Word). The breakdown of the study helped you to go more in depth into the scriptures. It is an excellent Study, and I have every intention of looking for some more of this series to study. I give this book a 5/5. If you want an excellent Bible study, this IS one.<br /><br />I want to say Thank You to The B & B Media Group, Inc. for providing a copy of this book for me to review. I was given this book to review in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-40675194062387558642011-02-23T08:08:00.000-08:002011-02-23T08:21:50.693-08:00Snow Day by Pamela Greenhalgh Hamilton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W96Wcsm8-gYJNp0gtyjqv5CeFNGc7a2APAaJulTk6rSSUOAhv94shQQqVbGkpZOR6jh2F0hyphenhyphenDRCi6wP7Ch0oGMxz4glq01kTFRp6w-W7ijDMPEGjoXUHgc6fmWcjmWAvzHelI7Q15lKw/s1600/BK+1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W96Wcsm8-gYJNp0gtyjqv5CeFNGc7a2APAaJulTk6rSSUOAhv94shQQqVbGkpZOR6jh2F0hyphenhyphenDRCi6wP7Ch0oGMxz4glq01kTFRp6w-W7ijDMPEGjoXUHgc6fmWcjmWAvzHelI7Q15lKw/s320/BK+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576918909630515394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">It's snowing! No school today!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">It snowed all night and now every kid's winter wish has come true. School has been cancelled for the day. It's a snow day.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">At first it's fun, Tessa, Jake, and Molly get to wear their winter coats over their PJs so Mom can drive them to Grandma and Grandpa's. Then Grandma makes them oatmeal and muffins for breakfast.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">But now what? Grandma and Grandpa don't have a computer or video games. And it's snowing harder than ever. Suddenly the exciting day is becoming the longest day in their lives.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Never fear, Grandpa is here. He's full of ideas to fill up the day and rounds it out with a secret surprise. By the time the last snowflake has fallen, Tessa, Jake, and Molly have a Snow Day they won't ever forget.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This is a very "cool" book, according to my daughter! The illustrations are very colorful and imaginative. The story is very easy to follow and fun to read. Having just gone through several snow days, my daughter was intrigued to see how many things the children in this book did that she and her brothers had done. The book is well written and gives lots of fun ideas for children to do with their parents or grandparents. It is also written so that it can be read to a child--or the child can read it on her own (by second grade at least!). I home school, and this book is going on our bookshelf as one to pull out on snow days--or days we wish for a bit cooler weather! It will also be one I use to help with reading-out-loud practice. I would rate this book a 5/5. It's adorable and unique. You'll want it for your kids' bookshelf!<br /><br />Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions in this review are 100% mine (or, in one case, my seven-year-old daughters).<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-82155084323766380852011-01-23T08:39:00.000-08:002011-02-23T09:13:09.289-08:00Aeroplane Child by Larry Don Cornell, Sr.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrz-_knpeCsAgLkpc5asB0kKeO3G6kQSjJaLGZWmTUkO_pwag9QT5Oz18P5oEicxfLCRZX0Jcj_k3d1vzKcacAOwiCwiplquJ9729MLqEEn4KHAPvhCYvOQZsDOySzAVgpD9uGrf1HdWq/s1600/bk+3.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrz-_knpeCsAgLkpc5asB0kKeO3G6kQSjJaLGZWmTUkO_pwag9QT5Oz18P5oEicxfLCRZX0Jcj_k3d1vzKcacAOwiCwiplquJ9729MLqEEn4KHAPvhCYvOQZsDOySzAVgpD9uGrf1HdWq/s320/bk+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576929032719003474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Product Description</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">the childrens book is a happy and joyous look a aeroplanes and all kinds of colors on every page in the book. the book is full of rhythm and rhyme to make the book flow better as the child is seeing and hearing colorful words and colors of the aeroplanes and background color. the focus of the book is to make the child want to read and draw pictures on a piece of paper. its a high flying adventure for the child's imagination. and to open up the world of new sounds and sceens through out the book. the book will be carried around the home of the child so as to know what is important to them and they want to keep it close to their body. and with a little bit of help and some time the child will be able to draw a aeroplane.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">About the Author</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">first book to be published and it has alot of art work through out the book. love trying to write a book that will make children want to draw a aeroplane. and using rythem and rhyme to make the book more readable to the children that is lessoning to the reader.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This book is very, very colorful and bright. The illustrations are very detailed and LOOK easy for a child to copy. The ryhymes are easy to follow. It is intended to inspire kids to get creative and I think most children would love to try to make their own paper airplanes (or another kind?) after having seen this book. I would give it a 3/5. It is an adorable book. Get it when you come across it and share it with a child.<br /><br />I would like to thank the author for providing a review copy for me. I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review and the above opinion is 100% mine.<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-83842686133885461892011-01-14T09:13:00.000-08:002011-02-23T09:32:49.091-08:00Safari through the Land of Landu by Angela Karanja<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmU2fVAjo9lMNnwgnkVqwzxCeOVXe90Z8KpUjAqRVtE-o-uJ8sbh_cenrLTjuVtwaGPNSAIntDMxaWu2qad0HrmHZnJR4Q80DtT3EJ9oa_rxmP0cBBwTDsZGOJmv7R0nRZJS3-4Qgf1ya/s1600/bk+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmU2fVAjo9lMNnwgnkVqwzxCeOVXe90Z8KpUjAqRVtE-o-uJ8sbh_cenrLTjuVtwaGPNSAIntDMxaWu2qad0HrmHZnJR4Q80DtT3EJ9oa_rxmP0cBBwTDsZGOJmv7R0nRZJS3-4Qgf1ya/s320/bk+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576937908723006402" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Product Description</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"Safari through the Land of Landu" is an inspirational story that shows children the secrets to happy,healthy and successful lives.Written in the child's most favourite language, Storytelling,Song,Rhyme,Chants,Poetry it is an enchanting Safari that every child below the age of 8 should embark on and you can give them this treat. Gift a child "Safari through the Land of Landu" and receive 1000s worth of life changing gifts. This is the season of giving.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Safari through the Land of Landu is an opportunity for every child on the planet to discover the secrets to happiness, health and success from an early age. We can give children a head start to realizing a success filled life. On this Safari children learn they are unique. They learn to appreciate themselves and others. They learn how a positive attitude and maintaining the attitude of gratitude can lead to an extraordinary and successful life.This is a must gift for every child from early years to 8years old. It is an invaluable gift. One of those gifts you don't have to reason whether to give or not. You just give it. Its not only the gift for the season but the gift of a lifetime.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This is a very entertaining book. It has a lot of rhyme in it to keep a child's attention. It stresses being an uplifting person to others and to make them feel good and important, which is an excellent idea for ANY book. Each page tells something that the person they are talking about is good about and lists a 'chant' or song about that person stressing their abilities. The illustrations are very colorful and detailed. They are fun and considering it is personifying animals, very realistic looking. I give this book a 4/5. It is worth getting when you find it...and if you know a child who could use encouragement....move it to the top of your list :)<br /><br />I want to thank the author for providing me with a review copy of this book. I was given this copy in exchange for an honest opinion and the above opinion is 100% mine.<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-82703801674842467402011-01-04T10:19:00.000-08:002011-01-04T10:24:59.318-08:00Pilot Mountain by Robert Wall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i2mDtezA3OrR72MD2BOnVBJcdj3YrmbobYX_yJ7JXwYSipgNpBZ_B-cYazpyUmqoNowR8jEnqGMFCZiMMSNOFkjPsZ0ibOQ0ekuB-pZ1xlEQsDzUJ6V9I0Owxi9A9OcpN1tXn0_j4K2M/s1600/b5.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i2mDtezA3OrR72MD2BOnVBJcdj3YrmbobYX_yJ7JXwYSipgNpBZ_B-cYazpyUmqoNowR8jEnqGMFCZiMMSNOFkjPsZ0ibOQ0ekuB-pZ1xlEQsDzUJ6V9I0Owxi9A9OcpN1tXn0_j4K2M/s320/b5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558397508712027170" border="0" /></a><br />Product Description<br />Pilot Mountain is a work of fiction based on the life of Louis H. Wall as seen through the eyes of his great-grandson, Dr. Robert R. Wall. This work takes us from Louis's induction into the Army of Northern Virginia. It follows Louis through his exploits during several of the most horrific battles of that war. Finally, to his return home from that war, family strife and to the ultimate decision that would change his life forever. It is a story of family life in the old south and the war that changed the south forever. However it does not dwell on that horrific war. It instead tells stories of friends and the men and woman whose lives were changed by that terrible war. Dr. Wall has studied the genealogy of his Great-Grandfather and the history of his Great-Grandfather's regiment during the Civil War. From this he has extrapolated this work of fiction from his own mind as it could have taken place.<br /><br />This is a work of fiction and has no basis in fact, other than the regimental history and the areas in which his Great-Grandfather lived and fought for survival. No knowledge of what actually took place between family members is known or implied.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />Mr. Wall has an excellent imagination. This book is well written and interesting. Granted, it is fiction, but Mr. Wall did an excellent job of making his great-grandfather come to life for the reader! The character is well developed and easy to like. Using actual history makes the book even more interesting. Mr. Wall was able to create a plausible story about his ancestor based on what he knew about him that is incredibly real. I would give this book a 4/5. It is a good read!<br /><br />Thank you to Mr. Robert Wall for providing a copy of this book for me to review. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.<br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-31450694664284992242011-01-03T21:28:00.000-08:002011-01-03T21:28:00.338-08:00Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvLfhndgHKSsBURhLsYWrk72O97RVSB7gbGOFYMh2DswIq1Bg3LBh0xDVUckeC6awkX5NveYlEUzHi7s5co3my1mIm4Gxoef3rAgy6cjuhkQY6Y7KDEMv2AdVublYKrrhNtgdNe1tVytB/s1600/b3.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvLfhndgHKSsBURhLsYWrk72O97RVSB7gbGOFYMh2DswIq1Bg3LBh0xDVUckeC6awkX5NveYlEUzHi7s5co3my1mIm4Gxoef3rAgy6cjuhkQY6Y7KDEMv2AdVublYKrrhNtgdNe1tVytB/s320/b3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557829128801874722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.. — In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddies leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother - a ramshackle inn nestled in the coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. — Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career - if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes - and mouth - are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br /><br />This is a fun, quick-witted read. I enjoyed how Maddie becomes a self-sufficient, empowered woman after having dealt with the insecurities that come from finding yourself in an abusive situation that you have allowed, even if unintentionally. Maddie sees herself as an entire failure when she goes to try to find a new start after having been left a share in a resort with her 2 sisters (whom she doesn't know since they each have another father). She is longing to find a true family and feels like an outcast after seeing her sisters who seem to have it all together. After nearly running over a HOT fella on a motorcycle, she is amazed to find him later while she is trying to clear her mind after dealing with her sisters. In spite of having sworn off men, Maddie can't help watching and yearning for what she can't have. In spite of dealing with her past, her sisters and her rioting emotions, Maddie finds herself falling in love with the Inn, the Town and her sisters. I give this book a 4/5. It's an amusing, quick read that leaves you smiling!<br /><br />Thank you to Hatchett for providing a copy of this book for me to review. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.<br /><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-39990750600806839372011-01-03T14:37:00.000-08:002011-01-03T14:45:35.913-08:00Heaven is for Real A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz4eDrUdgTRwR8zG6J96U-zU0vHD30wun9gxAa6reQLY29K-G2LOaOINPh2otDKiLg-JjrenKL4gt9hOtnkVgAzW9sUQ9EO9VmdHsVtN3xhrAlpT-MFVTqQeXYNDYEs-AvGw4wWtn9MMU/s1600/b4.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz4eDrUdgTRwR8zG6J96U-zU0vHD30wun9gxAa6reQLY29K-G2LOaOINPh2otDKiLg-JjrenKL4gt9hOtnkVgAzW9sUQ9EO9VmdHsVtN3xhrAlpT-MFVTqQeXYNDYEs-AvGw4wWtn9MMU/s320/b4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558093168718045682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven. Heaven is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear. Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us. Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts: This book is absolutely wonderful. I cried...and laughed and sat absolutely amazed at what I was reading about Colton and his family. This book is a must read--especially for anyone who is questioning if there is a God--a heaven--and where we go when we die. We often hear that truth comes from children....they haven't enough imagination at that young an age to make up a lot of lies and such....and they are brutally honest! We accept this with normal every day things....so, even though Colton may be talking about topics that are usually hard--he is putting them in the perspective of a 3 year old. The comments he makes are straight-forward and without guile. I give this book a 5/5. It needs to be one you look up and add to your bookshelf!</span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487618619079692118.post-71296395293857010272011-01-02T21:09:00.000-08:002011-01-02T21:27:59.817-08:00Flight Plan your mission to become a man by Lee Burns + Braxton Brady<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk84o16wpZTuNsLTVuPAvqK_2cJ4nB-vZOT_Ulu_l6pQ4tDxk5u5KZHFo4plwle93SNqWGR9TFKSYPXIBHYyINkhIc94YYovfpvT_g_f10PEEB9IzO3e-pbDeBCZBf49O9BTTDOyBtUSnP/s1600/b2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk84o16wpZTuNsLTVuPAvqK_2cJ4nB-vZOT_Ulu_l6pQ4tDxk5u5KZHFo4plwle93SNqWGR9TFKSYPXIBHYyINkhIc94YYovfpvT_g_f10PEEB9IzO3e-pbDeBCZBf49O9BTTDOyBtUSnP/s320/b2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557824155253813026" border="0" /></a><br />Product Description<br />A life of greater possibilities, potentials and passions awaits the emerging young man. Flight Plan is a resource and source of instruction and encouragement for boys, their parents, and other adults who work with boys. This book is written with the aim of offering boys a vision and definition of manhood before they get there, a framework for considering the challenges of adolescence, and tools and strategies for making healthy and appropriate choices during those years.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">My Thoughts:<br />This is an EXCELLENT resource for anyone with middle school age (or older) boys. I have been discussing some of these topics with my own boys of this age...but this book has given them and their father a way to discuss things that boys need a GUY to talk to about! I am soooo happy to have found this book!<br />Flight Plan gives young boys the 'straight talk' that they need as they are getting into puberty. It maps out God's plan for their lives and gives them Biblical sources and a sound guide that is in their own language. There are questions at the end of each chapter that help to bring about discussion with older boys and adults which will help them as they journey throughout their lives and strive to become the Man that God has planned for them. It discusses everything from sex & drugs (which many parents find very hard to broach with their kids) to peer pressure and how to view girls as someone else's future wife and how to treat them with respect.<br />I found this book to be a great resource and plan to find another copy for my younger son who will be in need of it in a couple more years. I give it a 5/5! If you have boys....or if you have influence on boys....this is a great book to have on your bookshelf. Give it as a gift to your son, nephew, husband, or another boy whom you love!<br />Thank you to The B&B Media Group, Inc. for providing a copy of this book for me to review. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1