I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug! (GIVEAWAY!)

I don't often review little kids' books, but this offer came along and I couldn't resist. Playfully describing different types of hugs with sweet, lyrical, rhyming text combined with gorgeous artwork, I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug! makes for perfect bedtime (or anytime!) reading. Also, because there aren't a lot of words per page, and a many of the words are just right for beginning readers, this is a perfect book to read together!

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.

Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy, slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples. Cooney’s sweet and simple rhymes encourage playful interaction between parent and child and ultimately help them wind down before they snuggle into bed and drift off to sleep.

Official Website
Zonderkidz Facebook Page
Zonderkidz Twitter Page

Caroline B. Cooney (Author)

Caroline B. Cooney was born in New York, grew up in Connecticut, and now lives in South Carolina. Caroline is the author of 90 Young Adult novels in many genres, and her books have sold over fifteen million copies. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug is her first picture book. It’s based on a verse she wrote for her own children, Louisa, Sayre and Harold, who are grown now.

Tim Warnes (Illustrator)

Tim Warnes has been illustrating children's books for twenty years. He lives in Dorset, England, with his wife, children's illustrator Jane Chapman, and their two sons. When he's not drawing little critters, Tim loves to write, watch birds and play his banjo.  Visit Tim at www.ChapmanandWarnes.com

Here's how you can have a chance at winning your own copy of this beautiful book:

Just leave a comment with the name of your favorite bedtime storybook. That's it! :) 

Giveaway ends Tuesday, January 31, at 9 pm.

Amy Grant ~ Tennessee Christmas (CD Review and Giveaway)

I jumped at the chance to review this CD! I adore Christmas music and always enjoy finding new favorites! Honestly, I'm not a fan of country music, so I wasn't sure if this certain CD would become a favorite or not. So far a few of the songs, including "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm", "Christmas Don't Be Late" and "White Christmas" are promising, but others are easily skipped. I prefer Christmas songs to be, well, Christmas-y, and some of these weren't. But that's just me! I'm sure others would think differently. "Tennessee Christmas", even though it's country, is one I've always loved. (Amy Grant's voice hasn't changed a bit!) The insert includes song lyrics and photos of Amy and her family. 

Songs on this album:

  1. Tennessee Christmas

  2. To Be Together

  3. Christmas For You and Me

  4. Melancholy Christmas

  5. December

  6. White Christmas

  7. Joy to the World

  8. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

  9. Baby It's Cold Outside

10. Christmas Don't Be Late

11. Still Can't Sleep

12. Another Merry Christmas

13. O Come, All Ye Faithful

You can listen to a sample here, and purchase Tennessee Christmas here.

You can win one a copy of Tennessee Christmas for yourself! To enter, simply comment below with the name of your favorite Christmas song. That's it! The giveaway will end Tuesday, Dec. 6th, at 9:00 pm. Good luck!

The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Vonnie Warden! 

“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.

Unashamed (Review & Giveaway)

I was recently hospitalized due to severe depression and anxiety. It was the first time I had ever gone to the hospital for that reason, and I was scared to death. I was also ashamed. I kept a journal during my stay and, over and over, I found myself writing, "I'm ashamed. So ashamed." I was afraid for anyone to know because of how they might think of me, and I was terrified of causing my family embarrassment.  I shouldn't have worried! When my husband let people know and asked them to pray for us, we were covered by love and understanding, and many people opened up and shared that they, too, suffered with depression. And you know what? I bet they've felt shame, too. That should be the very last thing we should have to deal with. I even interpreted it as guilt; I felt like I had done something wrong. Honestly, I'm not sure I could differentiate between guilt and shame. 

In Unashamed, Healing our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame, Heather Davis Nelson defines the difference between guilt and shame, and explains how Satan uses shame to crush and defeat us. With a warmth and candor that is so needed when dealing with this sensitive subject, Heather opens up about her own experiences and offers hope and advice on how to break free from shame's bondage. Topics such as body shame, social shame, and shame in marriage and parenting are covered, and there are even extra resources for those who suffer from abuse. 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Insecurity leads to people-pleasing, which is often motivated by fear of intimacy, which is motivated by fear of rejection."

"What if you chose to share what's closer to real life than the airbrushed life stories our social media accounts usually portray? If you are really daring, ask a friend who knows you well in real life how similar your online presence is to who you are. And if you're feeling especially courageous, write a post about how you are really doing."

"To engage in our work and calling with all we are, and to continue without stalling out or freezing up requires silencing the critic within (because too often it is our own voice that speaks the oldest words of condemnation)."

I highly recommend this book! 

And...one of you will win a copy! To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know that you wish to be entered into the giveaway. That's it! :) Oh, and please share this with your friends! This giveaway will be open until Friday, July 8th, at 10 pm. 

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Giveaways are open to residents of the US and Canada. Winners are chosen via random.org. If you have won in the last six months, another winner will be chosen.

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: 

• LeagueAndLantern.com

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.”

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:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CrosswayBooks/photos/a.129796233631.107576.71392238631/10154030140753632/?type=3&theater

Twitter - https://twitter.com/crossway/status/718552505941041152

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Family-Devotional-Bible-Bibles-Crossway/dp/1433551497/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461101430&sr=8-1&keywords=family+devotional+bible

"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.”

Fun DVD Giveaway!

With Star Wars in the news so much these days, it's kinda cool that I get to offer to you a giveaway of a kids' DVD that sort of plays off of Star Wars and Star Trek! Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is from the creator of Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer. so it's as corny, funny, cute, and full of lessons from the Bible as you'd expect. I turned it on for my kiddos and, as I figured, my 7-year-old son was thrilled, while my three older daughters groaned and begged to watch something else. As it played, however, two of my girls, ages 10 and 13 wound up laughing along with my son (while rolling their eyes to let me know that they were definitely too old to watch it....;) ) It got a definite "YES" vote from my son. 

About the movie:

Buck Denver has a simple dream - to save the galaxy.  Working for the Galactic Mission Board, Buck dreams of carrying God's love to every corner of the Milky Way!  Except he doesn't have a starship.  Or a crew.  Or even a captain's license.  He just needs a chance.  But when that chance comes and Buck finds himself leading a real mission into deep space, things don't go at ALL like he imagined!  If he's doing what God wants him to do, why is everything going wrong?  From VeggieTales® and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer, Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is a wild, galactic adventure that teaches kids a powerful lesson about trusting God with everything - even our dreams! 

Run time: Approximately 40 minutes

Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is a must-see for all ages, from VeggieTales creator PHIL VISCHER! Kids will enjoy Buck Denver's latest adventure with his friends from What's In the Bible? and parents will appreciate the humorous nods to Star Wars and Star Trek.  More importantly, Phil Vischer's gifted teaching delivers a clear message to kids and adults about God's love and purpose for our lives.  Galaxy Buck communicates important Biblical truths that will add to everyone's faith foundation, whether a life-long Christian or a new creation in Christ.

For some fun stuff related to the movie, and to enter a giveaway for Galaxy Buck Space Training Kit, check out these links! 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

OFFICIAL TRAILER

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

HEY, YOU GUYS! One of you will win a copy of the DVD! This would make a great Christmas gift, by the way. To enter, simply comment below! That's it! Oh, and please share! Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 28th, at 5:00 pm. 

And the winner is...Ruth Distad! Congratulations, Ruth!

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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Bridge Builder: The Life And Continuing Legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein GIVEAWAY!

I've always believed that the Bible teaches that the Jews are God's chosen people, and that Israel is their promised homeland. I've always been taught that we are to stand with Israel; to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.... " (Psalm 122:6;  When I read of how Israel came to be, and the miraculous birth of that tiny nation and hear of the miraculous way that it has survived, I feel deep emotion. However, I blush to admit that I know very little about Jewish beliefs and way of life. I did already know that Christians and Jews don't exactly see eye to eye, and that the name of Jesus is taboo, but that's pretty much the extent of my "knowledge".

The Bridge Builder is a fascinating read about one man who is attempting to bring about a mutual understanding between Christians and evangelicals. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein is described as a complex, hard working man whose desire to better the lives of his people is his consuming passion. As an evangelical, obviously I don't agree with the rabbi's religious views, but I do appreciate what he has done and is doing, and I hope that his efforts continue to bear much fruit. 

The bridge builder included eye opening details about historical events, as well as insights into how Jews view Christians, and especially the way they feel about efforts to evangelize. I still feel pretty clueless about the Jewish beliefs and views, but reading this book increased my desire to learn more. 

A quote I found particularly enlightening:

"The question is how Christians ought to {witness}; whether they'll bang us over the head with the gospel (as was done with catastrophic results over the centuries) or sensitively present this ' good news' and then let God and the Holy Spirit bring about whatever change God will." p. 103

The Bridge Builder gets 4 out of 5 stars from me. 

Enter to Win!

One of my readers will win a copy of this book! To enter, simply leave a comment here or under the giveaway post on my Facebook page. That's it! :) 

About Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein:

Founder and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Israel, Rabbi Eckstein has devoted more than 35 years to building bridges of understanding between Christians and Jews and broad support for the State of Israel.  He is recognized as the world's leading Jewish authority on evangelical Christians.  Rabbi Eckstein received Orthodox Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University in New York.  He holds master's degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University, where he also completed studies for his doctorate.  Rabbi Eckstein has served on the faculties of Columbia University, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Seminary.  He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews:

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews was founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein to promote understanding between Jews and Christians and build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns.  Their ministry's vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, respect, and cooperation.  Among the many things they do as an organization, they also create materials for teaching about the significance of connecting Israel and Christianity through such resources as A Woman of Valor: Celebrating The Proverbs 31 Women In Our Lives, A Man Of Faith: Reflections On Godly Leadership From The Ancient Shepherds Of Israel (both devotionals by Rabbi Eckstein), and Seven Fruits of Israel: Recipes And Devotions From The Holy Land (by Yael Eckstein).

About the book and the author:

Hardcover; 272 pages

Zev Chafets is the bestselling author of fourteen books of fiction, media criticism, and social and political commentary.  He has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times Magazine and is a former columnist for the New York Daily News. 

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions for my copy of The Bridge Builder, and for the giveaway copy.   

"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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

When Calls the Heart (Review & Giveaway)

I have loved When Calls the Heart since I watched the first episode. Yes, I consider myself a Heartie. :) I was super excited to be able to watch the premiere about a week early, and made sure to brag about it on Facebook. I sat down with my sisters and watched the almost two hour long premiere.

We really enjoyed it. It kept us entertained with an interesting story line and surprising twists. It had a touch of humor, which is always a plus. I can't wait to watch future episodes.

While we did enjoy it, there were a few things that were disappointing. The main thing on the list being that someone cussed. I am always happy to find a family-friendly show and was happy that When Calls the Heart lived up to that standard. While this won't cause me to stop watching the show, (it only happened once) I was disappointed that they put it in the episode. The other thing on the list is that some of the hairstyles and a couple of the men's outfits were a little modern. I would look at some of the hairstyles and think, "Ooh, I wish my hair would look like that!" which probably would not have happened if they were historically correct. It isn't a huge deal, but it was a little annoying.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and look forward to watching the rest of the season! 

~Bri, teen reviewer

About the series:

The series is inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series about the Canadian West. “When Calls the Heart” tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coalmining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Living in a turn of the century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

Follow When Calls the Heart on:

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK - (Hearties Group)

And now, the GREAT news: one of YOU will win a set of When Calls the Heart Season 1 on DVD! ($60 value!)

To enter, simply comment below this post or on my Facebook page letting me know you wish to be entered. That's it! Oh, and if you share this giveaway on social media, please let me know and I will give you an extra entry. This giveaway is available only in the US and Canada, and ends Friday, May 1, at 8 p.m. 

Ready...GO! :)

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.

Easter Stories, Classic Tales for the Holy Season

Spring! New beginnings, freshness, beauty, reminders of sacrificial love and promises of better tomorrows.... And, best of all, the celebration of Easter. This collection of tales by some authors with whose work I was acquainted, and others who were new to me, was perfect reading for this season! At 300+pages this book was a bit intimidating. Some of the stories were hard to push through, but many were enjoyable. I felt quite accomplished when I finished. *ahem* The stories did touch my heart, especially The Case of Rachoff and Easter Under A Park Bench. 

Most if not all of these stories would make great read-alouds for the family. There are some wonderful lessons to be learned here, and who doesn't need to be exposed to more classic literature?

I do think that the cover artwork could have been more imaginative, not quit so generic, but that obviously doesn't affect the readability of the book. 

I give Easter Stories 3 out of 5 stars. 

One of you will win a copy of Easter Stories! Simply comment under this post sharing something you love most about Easter. That's it! Oh, and please share! Contest ends Tuesday, March 24th at 9 p.m.

About Easter Stories:

383 pg / multiple authors

Everyone who believes Easter is about more than Easter egg hunts will be grateful for this new anthology of short stories that illumine the true meaning of the season. Selected for their spiritual value and literary quality, these classic tales capture the spirit of Holy Week and Easter in a way that will captivate readers of all ages. Parents and grandparents will find that children love to hear these stories read aloud, year after year.

Easter Stories includes time-honored favorites from world-famous storytellers such as C.S. Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, Selma Lagerlof, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Goudge, Maxim Gorky, Ruth Sawyer, Anton Chekhov, and Walter Wangerin – as well as many you’ve never heard before. Illustrated with original woodcuts.

Find out more HERE!

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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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification