Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin (Review & Giveaway)

I've enjoyed the privilege of being a part of the launch team for Brooke McGlothlin's wonderful new book, Praying for Boys. My own review of the book, and the giveaway (yay!) is now live on my personal blog: It's The Little Things. C'mon over and enter! It's easy!

Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower (Book Review)

As soon as I read the blurb for Andi Unexpected I knew my daughter would love it! Andi Unexpected  is the perfect mystery for tween children, and I was especially pleased to know that my daughter would learn a bit of history while enjoying a good book! That's always a plus, right? 

And now, I'll let you read Carrie's review of :

Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower

From Carrie, 11:
Andi is a young girl whose life turns upside down when her parents die. She and her older sister, Bethany, are taken to live with their aunt Amelie, where she meets a boy named Colin from next door. Not long after Andi gets there, her aunt asks her to clean out the attic for an upcoming garage sale. Aunt Amelie told Andi that if she cleaned it out she could have the attic as her room. Andi doesn't know that a mystery is in store until she and Colin (who was helping her clean the attic) find a chest with things belonging to a baby in it. She discovers that she is related to the baby and finds herself in trouble as she goes through history trying to find out what had happened to baby Andora.

Andi Unexpected is suspenseful and exciting! I especially liked that it said a lot about the Great Depression. The story was inspiring because Andi never gave up. I would definitely recommend this book to others!
                                                   

Book Description From the Publisher:

Twelve-year-old Andora “Andi” Boggs and her fourteen-year-old sister Bethany move to rural Ohio to live with their eccentric twenty-something aunt after the sudden death of their parents. While dealing with her grief, Andi discovers proof of another Andora Boggs in the family tree whose existence was hidden in a Depression-era trunk in the attic. With help from her new friend and neighbor, Colin Carter, Andi is determined to find out who this first Andora was and what happened to her.

You may purchase the book here.

Thanks for reading!

Wounded By God's People (Book Review)

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it. I'm so glad I could!

Have you been wounded by God's people? I have, and I know so many others who have, as well. People always hurt other people, but...somehow it's worse when the wounding is done by someone who claims to represent the God of love. 

Anne Graham Lotz does a beautiful job of speaking to the hearts of both the wounded and the wounders. Her retelling of Hagar's story is both relevant and poignant and her sharing of her personal experiences brings it all close to home. This book offers hope and healing and is a must read for anyone who fits the description of the title, Wounded by God's People. I'll definitely be loaning out my copy. 

Read on for more info:

Book Description

From bestselling author and daughter of Billy and Ruth Graham, Anne Graham-Lotz in her new book,Wounded by God’s People, uses the story of Hagar to help people move past their wounds and into the joy and fellowship of God’s presence.

Tucked into Abraham’s biography is the story of Hagar, a young Egyptian slave with whom Abraham had a son named Ishmael. Hagar stands out because she was wounded—not physically, but in ways that were as emotionally and spiritually painful as any injury to a body would be. Some wounds were provoked by her own behavior, but others were inflicted by those who considered themselves God’s people.

As Hagar’s story unfolds, readers discover that wounded people often become wounders themselves. While Anne identifies with the wounded, the unpleasant reality is that she also identifies with the wounders because she has been one too. She knows from experience that wounding is a cycle that needs to be broken. And, according to Lotz, by God’s grace, it can be.

Many have had similar experiences where they have been wounded. Whatever their hurts may be,Wounded by God’s People will help them begin a healing journey—one that enables them to reclaim the joy of God’s presence and all the blessings God has for them.

I highly recommend this book!  ~Jessica

Coming Home For Christmas DVD (Review & Giveaway)

The Winner Is: Vonnie! Congrats, Vonnie! :)

It is sooo hard to find a good Christmas movie, at least in my opinion. Most of them are really, really cheesy. In a desperate attempt to find something Christmasy to watch, we have seen some real stinkers. (Think Christmas Village. I think that's the title. My brain sort of blocks it out.) Some of the funniest, most popular Christmas movies are simply not family appropriate. (Again, my opinion.) I was pleased to discover that Coming Home for Christmas while corny and yes, a little cheesy in spots, was actually pretty good--even genuinely funny. We were able to watch it as a family without worrying about the content, and we all enjoyed it. Best of all, the messages about family, forgiveness, and finding true happiness were all there. 

Keep reading to find out how you can win a copy of Coming Home for Christmas!

About COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

After their parents separate, two estranged sisters who haven't been on speaking terms reunite in hopes that having a family Christmas all together for the first time in years will bring their Mom and Dad close again. They plan to do this in their old family home... the only problem is someone else lives there now.

The DVD includes a limited edition Norman Rockwell print!

Who is Norman Rockwell?  Rockwell was famous for his famous American culture illustrations and artwork. He was born in the late 1800’s and died in the mid 1900’s. 

Director: Vanessa Parise

Cast: George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod)

$14.99

Available at Walmart 

Soundtrack also available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon

Who is This Movie Aimed For?

The audience for this movie is primarily families, but would be enjoyed by couples and children groups as well.

Where Can I purchase This DVD?

WALMART! 

You can order the DVD here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/25983152http://www.walmart.com/ip/25983152

  

Trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI5OSK0BAzw

To enter to win a copy of Coming Home for Christmas, simply comment below with the title of your favorite Christmas movie. That's it! :) The giveaway ends Next Friday night at 9:00 pm.

~Jessica

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!