Audrey Bunny Book Review and Giveaway

The winner is: Susan Laney Borow! 

I don't know if I've ever related to a children's book quite like I did Audrey Bunny.

Too often, people feel rejected, unwanted, so far from perfect, and left at the "bottom of the barrel". If you have ever felt this way, you'll love this book and the sentiment it expresses. Through the sweet story and beautiful illustrations, your children will see how God loves them, even when they aren't perfect. He made them, after all, and He doesn't make "mistakes". Your child will have a new understanding of God's unshakable, unchangeable, unconditional love.

Another lesson your children will learn from this story is that everyone has inestimable value. Hopefully, they will see others who are "imperfect" through different eyes...God's eyes.

My daughters and I loved Audrey Bunny, and I'm sure you will, too. Instructions on how to enter are at the end of this post. 

More info on the book:
About Audrey Bunny

From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

[Also included]: The Parent Connection (last page of the book) shares discussion questions and activities reinforcing God's love for us.

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

Written by: Angie Smith

Publisher: B&H Publishing

Hardcover with jacket:  32 pages 

$14.99

Stay Connected: 

http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433680458

http://youtu.be/hB6YFDowXxs

https://www.facebook.com/bhpublishing

https://twitter.com/bhpub

http://www.pinterest.com/bhpub

To enter to win this beautiful book, simply comment below telling me the title of your favorite children's book. It's that easy! The Giveaway will end Tuesday, Nov. 5th at 5:00 pm.

Bash and The Pirate Pig (Book Review & Giveaway)

The winner is: Susan Borow! Congratulations, Susan! Thanks to everyone who entered!

I have another great kid's book to giveaway! Bash and the Pirate Pig is written for boys ages 8-14, byt my 11-year-old daughter loved it. Since Carrie was my reviewer for this one, I'll let her tell you a little bit about it.

Carrie's opinion:

The Farm of Doom!

Bash and the Pirate Pig is a funny story about two boys on a farm. They are cousins and they are both 11. They are very different. The oldest (by a few months) who is visiting his cousin's farm used to be sitting on his couch reading comic books and watching TV. Now he is tipping cows in the night, riding cows to a drive-through, and taking a cow to the fair with his silly cousin and some friends. To find out more about their adventures, you'll have to read the book yourself!

Mom's opinion:

First, I've gotta tell you that I love the way this book looks, feels, and smells. Seriously. It really is a beautifully bound book.

Second, I love that it made my daughter laugh, sometimes hysterically, while teaching her Biblical truths.

Third, I like the Parent Connection in the back of the book; a list of Bible verses, applications, and things to think about.

Here is more about the book:

About Bash and the Pirate Pig 

Bash and the Pirate Pig, by Burton Cole, is the story of a cranky city kid named Raymond "Beamer" Boxby who must spend summer vacation at his younger cousin, Bash's, farm. 

Beamer prefers air conditioning and video games. He can't see what good can come of this so-called country fun that includes riding cows, river rafting with a pig, or playing with skunks. 

But hang tight, Beamer, because Bash's zany adventures with his "Fishin' and Farmin' book" (The Bible) just might lead to the coolest discovery of all. 

About the Author

Burton Cole is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist with thirty years of experience and more than fifty humor writing awards to his credit. He grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio and attended a small-town church with a slew of cousins and buddies. That same boyhood inspires his colorful stories today. 

About the Illustrator 

Tom Bancroft has more than twenty years of experience in the animation and illustration industry and worked with Disney on films including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Other clients have included DC Comics and Big Idea Productions. 

Bash and the Pirate Pig 

Written by: Burton Cole 

Illustrated by: Tom Bancroft

Publisher: B&H Kids

Hardcover: 224 pages 

$12.99

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Stay Connected: 
B&H Kids Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHPubKids

B&H Publishing Twitter: @BHKidsBuzz
Website: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=978143368069

Win a copy!
If you would like to win a copy of this delightful book for your child, grandchild, or any child, comment below this post. For more entries, you can like my Facebook page, share this giveaway, and/or subscribe to my email list. If you do any of these things, be sure to comment below telling me what you did. Comment for every share, like, etc., and you will be entered each time. :)  The contest will end Friday, Sept. 27th, at 8:00 pm.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Exciting News!

My daughter, Carrie, is a bookworm. Her favorite books are the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy mysteries, so she was very happy when I discovered a Kindle freebie that was a mystery, written in a similar style. The book was part of a series and was written by a new author, Paul Moxham. Carrie enjoyed the book immensely. I found more of Mr. Moxham's books and short stories for free or very cheap, and Carrie quickly devoured those, as well. In one of the books Mr. Moxham said that if his readers had any plot ideas, they could send them to him and, if he used their idea, he would name one of the characters in that story after the sender.

Carrie was hooked. She quickly came up with a plot, (a pretty good one, I might add) and sent it off to Paul Moxham. I warned her that she may never hear back from him; we didn't even know if hewas still  accepting ideas. The warning did nothing to dampen her enthusiasm, and she waited impatiently for an answer to her email. When Mr. Moxham replied, she was ecstatic!

Long story short, Paul Moxham, did use Carrie's plot, and created a character based on Carrie's description and interests. When all was said and done and Carrie read the preview Mr. Moxham emailed to us, she was over the moon! She was even more excited when she read that he might even use her character in a future story, as well!

And now, we wait for "her" short story, "The Mystery of the Strange Notebook" to become available on Amazon. In the meantime, you can get the first book in the series, The Mystery of Smuggler's Cove for free (Kindle version) through Sept. 16th! If you download this book, please leave a review on Amazon! Thanks!

Winner of Alone Yet Not Alone

The winner of  Alone Yet Not Alone is: Glenda Summers!

Congratulations, Glenda! Thank you to all who entered. You're the best!

Coming soon: A review and giveaway of a super funny children's chapter book about a...pirate pig...? ;) Judging from my daughter's reaction while she's reading it, it's downright hysterical.

Thanks again, everybody!

Alone Yet Not Alone (Book Review, Giveaway, and Movie Details)

My daughters were happy to be able to participate in today's review/giveaway. Since this was kind of their review I only skimmed the book, so I don't have much of an opinion on it other than it definitely looks exciting and, even though I read only a little, I could see that it had a wonderful message of hope and courage. There are eight pages of photos from the movie in the center of the book, and I know my younger daughter especially liked this. 

Keep scrolling for more info on this book, our giveaway, and the movie that will be coming to theaters on September 27th. 

"Alone Yet Not Alone is an exciting true story about two young girls who are captured by Indians. It tells about their strong faith even through the hardest times. Barbara, even when faced with the penalty of death, never gave up hope, and that is what eventually set her free. It's a story of faith, hope, love, and survival."  ~Brianna

"What I didn't like about this book: nothing. I loved this book. It's clean and very exciting. It makes you feel like you're there with them and seeing what they are seeing. It's easy to understand and is a very good book."  ~Carrie

About Alone Yet Not Alone (novelization):

Settled in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, deep within America's new frontier, the Leininger family celebrates the blessings of a beautiful homestead and bountiful harvest. That is, until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French and Indian War and the devastating raid known as the Penn's Creek Massacre. 

The lives of this simple, God-fearing family are forever altered when Barbara and Regina, two young sisters, are carried away by the Delaware tribe. Driven by their faith in God and the powerful bonds of family, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again. 

Rich in historical details, Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, true story of a family caught in the cross fire of the French and Indian War. 

About The Author: 

Tracy Leininger Craven loves history and retelling real-life stories in her historical fiction books. She also loves spending her free time in the great outdoors with her husband David and their four children.

Alone Yet Not Alone (the book)

Written by: Tracy Leininger Craven

Publisher: Zonderkidz 

Paperback: 148 pages 

 

About Alone Yet Not Alone (THE MOVIE):

Releases in theaters Sept 27th, 2013 - Find a Theater Here: http://seatzy.com/main/moviedetail/alone-yet-not-alone

Families will love this film based on a true story!  Awarded 5 Doves from the Dove Foundation!

 

Starring: Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin, Clay Walker, Jenn Gotzon, Joanie Stewart, Ozzie Torres, Tony Wade.

Stay Connected: 

Bring Alone Yet Not Alone to Your City: http://seatzy.com/main/moviedetail/alone-yet-not-alone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aloneyetnotalone

Movie Twitter: https://twitter.com/AYNAthemovie

Movie Website: http://www.aloneyetnotalone.com

And now, for the GIVEAWAY!

One of my readers will win a copy of the book, Alone Yet Not Alone. We're keeping it simple. To enter, all you have to do is comment below this post. that's it; just say somethin'. To earn more entries, share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, or on your blog. Please leave a comment for each time you share. The winner will be announced one week from today. Good luck! 

When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene (Book Review)

The familiar story of  Lazarus found in the Gospels is told from the perspective of  the man himself. Lazarus is the one speaking to us, the readers, describing the tumultuous political and religious climate of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, (as well as the underlying strain in his own life and family) and telling of the Stranger Who is causing such a stir: Jesus. Of course, we already know that Lazarus dies and is resurrected, but "hearing" Lazarus describe how it happened and how he felt, in his own words, was pretty amazing. 

Knowing that Bodie and Brock Thoene are excellent authors, I was excited to review this book. True to their style When Jesus Wept was obviously well-researched and written straight from the heart. The Thoene's attention to detail and their ability to make the reader see, smell, and feel the surroundings described in the book is unrivaled by any other author. I was impressed with how they tied in Scripture and actual happenings with fictional characters and events in such a unique way. I found the subplot of Patrick the slave one of the most heartwarming elements of the book. The description of Jesus forgiving Mary and of her transformation were touching, and the Lazarus household's battle with locusts in their vineyards was quite suspenseful. 

I did find the book a little dry in places and hard to get into, and didn't really start to enjoy it until I was about halfway through. I didn't truly connect with this book as much as I had hoped, but I did find it though-provoking. It isn't the kind of book one reads and promptly forgets.

In my opinion, though beautifully written and true to the Thoene style, When Jesus Wept is not a favorite. I prefer their series, The Zion Chronicles.

Book Description

Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus.

When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus’ ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament.

Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Earn Free Books and Bibles!

If you're like me, you're skeptical of clubs and programs that tell you to "just sign up and earn free stuff". Some of them, however, are legitimate, and this looks like one of them. I have just signed up and I'm excited to start earning points 'cuz, in my humble opinion, one can never have too many books, and a new Bible always excites me. This program also sounds like a great way to get some Christmas or birthday gifts! Interested? Read more info on the Tyndale Rewards program below!  

About Tyndale Rewards

The Tyndale Rewards program is designed to provide you with opportunities to get books and Bibles for zero dollars. That’s right—F. R. E. E. As a member of the Tyndale Rewards program, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more.

Other member incentives include a free gift on your birthday, along with opportunities to share your persona recommendations and feedback concerning Tyndale products. The more participation you have with the program, the more points you earn—and points translate into free stuff!

The Tyndale Rewards program is a great way to get free books and Bibles that you can keep for yourself or give to friends and family. Your journey to earning free faith-based products is here!

Earning Points...

To refer your friends and earn points: First, you sign up  for free. Then click the “Earn Points” tab get your code from the “Invite a Friend to Join” section. 

There is no cap on the amount of points you can generate through referring friends to signup.

Redeeming Points...

Log in to your account on TyndaleRewards.com to see how many points you have collected in your account. Next, browse the product available for redemption. If you find a product you like and you have accumulated enough points, click the “Redeem” button.

Your Points will never expire!

Website: Tyndale Rewards

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi_6WtNV2H4&feature=player_embedded

  

A glimpse at the rewards to choose from....

After you join, be sure to share your link with your friends to earn more points. Have fun! ;)

~Jessica