Sunday, May 15, 2016

The League and The Lantern, by Brian Wells (Review and Giveaway)

This Giveaway has ended. Congrats to: Vonnie Warden! 




Youth fiction that is interesting, attention-keeping, and enjoyable to read but still free of violence and "muck" is hard to find. I was excited about the chance for my teen to be able to review The League and The Lantern! She devoured it, and I heard her laugh more than once while reading it. Here's a big plus: she loves history, and history played a big part in this book! Here is what my daughter had to say:

"I really loved this book! It had humor and suspense. It also contained a lot of history about my favorite president, Abe Lincoln. It's a little hard to understand at first, but as you keep reading things start to piece together. I really enjoyed this book and think it would make a great movie." 

More about the book: 

AFTER A DISASTROUS SIXTH GRADE, Jake Herndon is anxiously awaiting his Big Do-Over, starting with his new school's notorious seventh grade sleepover. Awkward team-building games and forced fun quickly become the least of his problems, however, when a dangerous organization invades and the night takes a shocking turn. Jake and two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, barely escape, only to find themselves in a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 48 hours they unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War and an incredible secret about Jake s family. 
Full of unforgettable characters and unexpected twists, The League and the Lantern is a jaw-dropping ride of mind-bending revelations and laugh-out-loud humor. If Jake and his new friends can make it through this weekend, they just might have a shot at seventh grade. 
In this debut novel, family television executive producer and dad Brian Wells has created an epic, rip-roaring comedy adventure that s also about courage, family and friendship. The result is an engaging mix of great characters, crackling wit and unexpected twists that 9- to 14-year-olds, entertainment executives and family groups are applauding. 
Wells works from the belief that great entertainment is driven by memorable characters and imaginative writing, and it shows. The League and The Lantern delivers all of this and more without objectionable language or inappropriate themes. Throw in a plot that traces back to real historical figures and you ve got what some are calling Percy Jackson meets National Treasure. 
As an extra bonus, the book also invisibly weaves in 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle school success. A free downloadable study guide is available on the book's website.


Author: Brian Wells
  • A concerned dad who couldn’t find quality entertainment for his kids. He has worked and produced 15 TV movies for the major networks, and this is his book debut. 

Synopsis:

The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

Talking Points: 
  • Inspires reading - Adventure series your kids will want to read.
  • Educational Value - 140 key vocabulary words hidden throughout the story, historic sites are part of the setting.
  • Moral Value - Lessons in family, friendship, mercy and compassion. Lead characters are friends who are different races. 
  • Help Kids - Operates on a buy one - give one campaign to get books into the hands of kids who cannot afford their own copies. 

Official Website: 

Here's the great part: 


One of YOU will win a copy of The League and The Lantern! 
Simply comment below this post or on my Facebook page letting me know that you would like to be entered into the drawing. Don't forget to share the giveaway! :)  The giveaway will close on Tuesday, May 24, at midnight. 






"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Saturday, May 7, 2016

ESV Family Devotional Bible (Review & Giveaway)

This Giveaway has ended. Congrats to: Susan Borow! 



I love this Bible! I really, really love this Bible. Really. 


"The ESV FAMILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is a hardbound colorful Bible.  It retells 130 key stories from the Bible with full color illustrations for each story, as well as placed within the Bible text where it is found.  The stories are simplified and easy for children of all ages to understand.  

The ESV Family Devotional Bible is designed to help families read and apply God’s Word together. This full-color edition features the complete ESV text interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered devotions related to key Bible stories—guiding families through the entirety of God’s Word over the course of a year. Each devotion also includes discussion questions and suggestions for additional reading, helping families develop a habit of reading the Bible together and applying its truth to all of life."

I was so excited to be able to review the ESV Family Devotional Bible. It's beautifully illustrated, and the stories are the perfect length for fidgety little ones. I love the idea of the stories and art being right in the text of the Bible, and especially the questions and verse to remember at the end of each story. It truly is perfect for family devotions, and I highly recommend it! The best part? My son loves it, too! :) 






Now, here's the great news! 


One of YOU will win an ESV Family Devotional Bible! All you have to do is leave a comment below, or on the Facebook post here, to be entered! Please share to help get the word out. The Giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 18, at midnight. 


You can find more info on the ESV FAMILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE here:




"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Saturday, April 30, 2016

If I Run


Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truthThat’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.

Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Casey is an intriguing character. Smart--too wise for her years, and yet so innocent. She comes from a heartbreaking background, and her search for justice has only put her life and the lives of her friends and family in danger. She's on the run for her life, but still cares about what happens to those around her more than she cares for herself. She's in a hopeless situation; there seems to be no way out. 

~From the blurb for If I Run

Casey is an intriguing character. Young and innocent, yet wise beyond her years and tough as nails. Mostly. Her search for justice for her father has put her life, and the lives of her friends and family in danger. Even while running, her concern is for others, and she risks her life and her cover for a total stranger. Everything looks hopeless--for her, for the person she's trying to help, for her family.... 

If I Run met my expectations, and although not as good as some of Terri Blackstock's other offerings such as the Restoration Series, it's still an exciting read, and I look forward to the rest of the series. 



Terri Blackstock is my favorite author for several reasons: 


  • Her books are never boring. 
  • Her stories don't include vulgarity or inappropriate situations. She doesn't get as close to "unacceptable" as she can. 
  • She manages to tackle many pressing questions and spiritual topics, but it's never cheesy or forced. 
  • Her books, unlike many, truly deserve to be called "Christian Fiction". 
  • I love that my teenagers can read enjoy these books, and I don't have to worry about what they are reading. 
  • Did I mention that her books are NEVER boring? ;) 

4 out of 5 stars from me. 


I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Little Felted Dogs, Easy Projects for Making Adorable Pups


 I don't know anything about felting, but I love felted items and these little pups are just the cutest thing ever! I wanted to wait until we could get the supplies to actually try making one of these little guys, but we weren't able to do that yet. My daughter is great at miniature things like this, and I'm anxious for her to try her hand at these!






This is such a pretty little book, and the photos are excellent. The book includes information on needle felting basics and essential tools, a wool guide, tips on working with wool, and other tips and techniques. Clear instructions and helpful diagrams are included for every dog.


Little Felted Dogs  is a perfect gift for the crafter in your life! 


I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

The Newsmakers, by Lis Wiehl



The world of journalism is fast-paced, adventurous, and apparently far more glamorous and cutthroat than we knew.

Erica Sparks, an overnight sensation, discovers just how corrupt the world of television news is when she makes the "big time". Her light-speed rise to fame catapults her into a dark world of crime and evil, and puts her life and the life of her daughter in danger.

Sound interesting? It is. There were some good points: character development was thorough and well done, and the general idea that people can rise above their circumstances, failures and upbringing was refreshing. Beyond that, I was totally disappointed.

Here are the cons:

  • The book is written in the present tense, which can be a bit confusing and jolting. 
  • p. 87 "But Erica doesn't cry. No. Uh-uh." I can almost hear that being read in the voice of someone doing baby talk. Just...no. In fact, there were several places in the book where it almost seemed like a child's tale. "Weep and weep", "wail and wail"..... Again, just no. 
  • Erica is amazing. She can remain calm, cool, and collected when dealing with a bloody, catastrophic event on live TV, or when someone is dying in her arms, but she freaks out at some bugs, or a rat on her desk...!? 
  • The plot was over-the-top, verging on ridiculous. Totally unbelievable. 
  • Sloppy-sweet, predictable lines. 
  • The ending was eye-rollingly cheesy. 


My biggest disappointment was in the situations and language portrayed in the book. Intimacy between unmarried people, swearing, unnecessarily dark and disturbing sexual themes.....

There is nothing remotely Christian about this book. At all. I don't understand how Thomas Nelson can publish it as Christian fiction. I will not be reading any more in this series.

2 out of 5 stars.


I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

The Bee-friendly Garden

When it comes to gardening, I am ignorant. Completely and totally. Still, I know how crucial bees are to gardens, and to life itself, but how can they be encouraged to hang out in a garden? What draws them...or repels them? In The Bee-friendly Garden, the benefits of bees and helpful tips on how to draw them to your garden space are laid out in beautiful detail. 



I learned quite a few interesting tidbits about these amazing creatures from this book! There is so much useful info packed in this book. The life cycles of bees, types of bees, what they need to survive, types of plants that attract them....  





In addition to how-to's for creating a bee-friendly space is a regional plant list, and info on how to become a "bee activist". Suggestions on which plants, flowers, vegetables, and trees work best, to building nesting areas--it's all here! 

5 out of 5 stars. 




Monday, February 8, 2016

Women of Faith and a Girls' Night Out

"Women of Faith has been encouraging women since 1996 with compelling stories, laugh-out-loud humor, heart-tugging music, rejuvenating worship, and more! Women of Faith events are produced by the world’s largest producer of inspirational events for women, based in Plano, Texas. Through authentic connection with audiences, humor, and an atmosphere of encouragement and acceptance, world-class communicators deliver life-changing messages through high-quality programs in cities across North America." 


I've been watching some videos from Women of Faith, and reading portions of the materials on their website, and I've just got to say this: I wish, so much, that I had checked into this wonderful organization sooner, and that I had been able to actually attend one of their events! I had heard of Women of Faith, sure...but I didn't really know what they were about, and what they did. I'm glad there are still videos, DVDs, books and other resources to be of encouragement to us gals. God knows we need it! No matter what "season" you're in, it is always a help, sort of a God-hug, to know that other women are where you are, or have lived through it and are there to help pull you through. I love this line I read when finding out more about Women of Faith: 

"God loves you. Let Him." 

That sounds easy, but, especially for some of us, it isn't. We need to be told that very thing, sometimes over and over again. 

I am SO excited to be able to see the new movie, Women of Faith, an Amazing, Joyful Journey--the Untold Story! Thanks to FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network, I get to take a few friends and enjoy a Girls' Night Out! My friends and I don't get any of those these days. I would encourage you to see the movie as well! Go here to check cities and showtimes: http://wofincinemas.com

If you have been encouraged by Women of Faith, please feel free to share your story below! I'd love to read it. 

More Info: 


Instagram: @WomenofFaith