Friday, November 30, 2012

Come to the Table By Neta Jackson GIVEAWAY!


Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea.
Kat may be new in her faith, but she’s embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon. She invited Rochelle—a homeless mother—and her son to move in the apartment she shares with two other housemates. And she’s finally found a practical way to channel her passion for healthy eating by starting a food pantry at the church.
Her feelings for Nick are getting harder to ignore. The fact that he’s the interning pastor at SouledOut Community Church and one of her housemates makes it complicated enough. But with Rochelle showing interest in Nick as a father-figure for her son, their apartment is feeling way too small.
But not everyone thinks the food pantry is a good idea. When the woman she thought would be her biggest supporter just wants to “pray about it,” Kat is forced to look deeper at her own motives. Only when she begins to look past the surface does she see people who are hungry and thirsty for more than just food and drink and realizes the deeper significance of inviting them to “come to the table.”
 
PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE




As a kid I was crazy about horses and animals of all kinds and loved to draw (horses, mostly). Since I didn't have a horse, I wrote stories about them instead. My high-school English teacher sent one of my stories (about a couger) to a Scholastic magazine writing contest and it won First Place . . . and the rest, as they say, is history. I wanted to be a writer!

I grew up on the campus of a private Christian school in Seattle where my parents were teachers. A lovely childhood, though fairly sheltered. But college took me back to the Chicago area and a whole new world. My husband and I settled in the Chicago area soon after getting married, and even though we both grew up in solid Christian homes, our search to deepen our faith took the form of Christian community for much of our family life raising kids. Eventually the critical issue of racial reconciliation became the call of God upon our life, and we chose to immerse ourselves in African American and multi-cultural churches. Our world and our hearts expanded. What a gift these relationships of faith have been!

All during this time, my husband and I have been a writing team--writing books with expert resource people (as their co-authors) on a variety of topics (from medical ethics to stories of gang kids), then writing a whole series of historical fiction about great Christian heroes--40 titles in all!--called the Trailblazer books (and a series of "Hero Tales," five volumes in all). Now we are each writing adult fiction--the Yada Yada Prayer Group series for me, which was inspired by my real-life Bible study sisters, a multi-cultural group of feisty women going on 12 years now that God has used to turn my life upside down, or rather, rightside up! (I have to admit, sometimes my real world and my fictional world get a bit mixed up!)

I've been married for 40-plus years to the same wonderful man, we are truly partners in life. We raised two kids plus a Cambodian foster daughter, and together they've given us eight beautiful grandchildren! As one of my girlfriends and I agree: The best stress-busters in the world are pets, gardening, and grandkids!

I really enjoyed the next book in the SouledOut Sister series. Neta sure knows how to make you fall into a book. I was hooked from page one.
This is a must read book and you can read it as a stand alone and really enjoy it.
I recommend this book.
I give this book 4 stars

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Where God Finds You By Anita Higman GIVEAWAY!


In forty devotional tales, Where God Finds You breathes new life into ancient Bible characters. Live with and learn about more than forty Bible men and women, including the wife of Pontius Pilate, Esther, John the Baptist, Delilah, Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene.

Through reflection on Scripture and prayer, you’ll discover a place in each of these lives of vulnerability, tenderness, truth, and love—a place where you can find God . . . and where God finds you.

Where God Finds You is unique among women’s devotional books in that it brings dozens of men and women of the Bible to life through dramatic short stories, connects biblical truths to today’s culture, and offers readers an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned. Each devotion features:

• A dramatic retelling of Scripture that allows the reader to crawl into the pages of the Bible.
• The Story from God's Word: a quote or paraphrase of the applicable Bible passage in a reader-friendly version.
• The Story—From Then to Now: a personal reflection from the author to help link the passage to life today.
• The Story—Questions to Think About: prompts for personal reflection or group discussion that lead to practical application.
PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE




Award-winning author Anita Higman has had over thirty books published for adults and children, including Love Finds You in Humble Texas. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of communication, psychology, and art. Ms. Higman has won two awards for her contribution to literacy and has raised thousands of dollars for literacy with her book I Can Be Anything, while serving on the board of directors of Literacy Advance of Houston. Find out more at www.anitahigman.com.


I just reviewed Anita's Christmas book not to long ago and I loved it. So when I got the chance to review her new devotional  I jumped on it.
I am so glad that I reviewed this book it was so encouraging.  I read one devotion a day and find that I get so much out of it, it is as if you are pulled into Bible and right there with the people of the Bible.
This is highly recommended by me and I think that it would make a fantastic gift also.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

A CHANCE TO WIN THESE 5 BOOKS!

http://www.wmustore.com/product.asp?sku=N134123


Leave a comment, with the title of my favorite book of these five books, for a chance to win this bundle of books! You have to click on the above link to see all five books!
This would make a wonderful CHRISTmas gift! Wow 40% off the bundle. They are on sale until Dec. 7th.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A Harvest of Hearts By Laura Hilton


A participant in a swap of Amish men, independent yet kindhearted Matthew Yoder can't wait to leave the vast farmland of Lancaster County and make a fresh start in Missouri, where he'll move in with the Stoltzfus family until he finds a place of his own.

Strong–minded yet filled with compassion, Shanna Stoltzfus always dreamed of becoming a nurse, despite her father's threats to shun her. Determined to follow her heart, Shanna ran away and enrolled in college. But when her classmates embark on a medical mission trip that Shanna can't afford, she must turn to the last place she wants to go for help: home.

Even though Shanna still flirts with the people and practices of her Englisch life, Matthew is fascinated by the Stoltzfuses' prodigal daughter, and a close friendship soon blossoms between them. When the tension escalates between Shanna and her father to the point where his health is in jeopardy, Shanna is forced to face some tough issues, including the question of where her true home is.

 

PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE



Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Web. Prior to Patchwork Dreams and A Harvest of Hearts, books one and two in her Amish of Seymour series with Whitaker House, she published two novels with Treble Heart Books, Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past, as well as several devotionals. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse–academy.blogspot.com/.


Well Author Laura Hilton has done it again,The second book in The Amish of Seymour series was out of this world.
You are going to love Matthew and Shanna and their friendship. You do NOT want to miss this book.
Well I am out of here I am cracking open the next book in this series Promised to another.
I highly recommend Laura's books. If you have already read them, why not get a copy of this series for someone you love for Christmas!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Homeless Like me By Donald Parker GIVEAWAY!

Brian has a dream of writing the great American novel. He knows that without a gimmick to set him apart from the rest of the pack, he'll never succeed. From reading Black Like Me, he gets the idea to masquerade as a homeless man to get the material to write the saga of those suffering from poverty. During his first visit to the local homeless shelter to gather facts, he is accosted by Zeke, one of the subjects of his research. In order to save his skin, Brian spills his guts to the huge black man. After hearing the story, Zeke sees value in the project for his homeless brethren, and pledges to help the wannabe paperback writer. Also on his first visit, a vision of loveliness, aptly named Angel, takes away Brian's breath and subsequently his heart. She turns out to be a fanatical Christian who is waiting for God to reveal the identity of her future husband. Brian decides to write a novel and make Angel the heroine hoping to win her heart in the process.
 
Buy your copy here


Don is a 1968 graduate of Madison Central High School in Madison, South Dakota. He graduated from Dakota State University in Madison in 1972 with a degree in secondary education. After moving to Washington State in 1981, Don studied computer programming and turned his writing efforts to software. After twenty-five years of IT work, Don's passion for writing flared up again, and the doctors couldn't do anything to cure it. The outcome is a five book series involving two generations of the Masterson family and four stand alone novels to date. The main focus of his work involves entertaining while educating through the struggle of his characters to find truth. Rather than avoiding controversial subjects, Parker seeks out to shine a spotlight on issues of life which cause conflict.
 
This was the first book I have read by Donald. But not my last.
A wonderful book about  homeless people. A book about bringing people to see the truth. And bring them to the Lord.
There is an angel in the book you just have to meet! I really did enjoy the book.
I hope that you will pick up a copy of this book to enjoy.
 
I was given a copy of this book by the author

Monday, November 26, 2012

Hope For the Journey By Joi Copeland GIVEAWAY!

Kayla Musso has been married to her husband, Brad, for several years. Having just had a baby, Kayla feels her life couldn't be more perfect. Then one day, Brad drops a bomb shell on her that threatens to destroy everything they have worked so hard for in their marriage. Suddenly she is faced with a choice to forgive or let go of the life she loves so much.

Emily Sorenson had always been the picture of health, but when a trip to the doctor becomes the shock of her life, she is faced with a decision, like Kayla, to either fight the battle before her or give up the life she loves. In addition, her husband Jake has to come to grips with the struggle before them as well. As he does, he begins to question God. How could He let Emily go through such pain? As he wrestles with his questions, he faces his own dilemma. Would he be willing to seek God in his time of despair or will he walk away from everything so dear to him?

Every marriage has it struggles. Into every life, rain must fall. At some point, we all question God and his motives. Although the characters in this much-anticipated follow up to Hope for Tomorrow are fictitious, the turmoils they face are very real for many people all over the world every day, and you may find the solutions are something you can apply to give you Hope for the Journey we call "life".
Get your copy here



Joi Copeland is married to her wonderful husband, Chris, and has three amazing boys, Garrison, Gage, and Gavin. She is living the dream in beautiful Denver, Colorado. She home schools her boys and loves being a wife and mom! She has been a Christian for over twenty years. Following Jesus has been the best decision she has ever made.

When I was asked by Joi to read and review her book I was so excited to read a new authors book.  New to me anyway!
I was not disappointed this is a very good read. I love books about marriage and I love the fact that  although this is a fiction book, it really touched on a lot of things going on in families around me. Wonderful life lessons in this book.
I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the author

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Rosemary Opens her Heart By Naomi King


Zanna Lambright is finally marrying Jonny Ropp, and friends and family have come from far and wide to celebrate. Among them is young widow Rosemary Yutzy, mother of toddler Katie, whose husband was tragically killed last fall. With a willing heart Rosemary has taken over care of her in-law’s family and continued to run a baked goods business from home, but privately she still mourns her lost Joe...and is unprepared for the changes that are coming...

Rosemary’s father-in-law wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright’s—a move that will require the Yutzys to relocate from their nearby town to Cedar Creek. Moreover, it will bring Rosemary into constant contact with Matt, who is making no secret of his romantic interest in her. The challenges of contemplating a future unlike any she expected are overwhelming for Rosemary. And although Matt is strong and kind, his courtship is so persistent, she often wants to run the other way. As Rosemary struggles to see beyond her immediate joys and sorrows, will she embrace the outpouring of welcome and support from the people of Cedar Creek...and accept this new chance to open her heart to a more abundant life? 
 
You must pick up a copy



Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, Missouri, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Naomi King writes of simpler times in her new Home at Cedar Creek series. When she's not writing, she loves to travel, try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Naomi now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie, Ramona.


Well Naomi King has done it again Book two in the Home at Cedar Creek series was fantastic. I love this series it is such a fun series. Rosemary and Matt were great characters. I love the Amish books Naomi writes she never disappoints me.
One thing I did not like was at the end of the book I read that I will have to wait until November 2013 to read book three in this series. That is way to long for me.
You  do not want to miss reading this great book. I highly recommend this book!
 
I was given a copy of this book by the author.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Patchwork Dreams By Laura Hilton

Ever since returning from her rumspringa pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community in Missouri. Even after the young mother confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her, and she despairs the unlikelihood of marrying for love. It seems that her only hope is to eventually marry a widower with a family of his own.

Becky's world changes when Jacob Miller arrives at her family's farm with the understanding that he will help with chores during the summer and then return to Pennsylvania. What Jacob does not know is that his father, who disapproves of Jacob's sweetheart, Susie, sent him away as part of a plan to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour. In addition to his work around the farm, Jacob undertakes the task of cheering up the lovely yet listless Becky, inviting her to various youth gatherings and offering her the only unconditional friendship she's known.

As their relationship grows, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Will Becky and Jacob overcome their insecurities and self–doubts so that their love can grow, or will Jacob keep his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as so many others have done?
 
Pick up your Copy Here



Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Web. Prior to Patchwork Dreams and A Harvest of Hearts, books one and two in her Amish of Seymour series with Whitaker House, she published two novels with Treble Heart Books, Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past, as well as several devotionals. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse–academy.blogspot.com.

Wow. Laura Hilton is a  new voice in the Amish literature world to be reckoned with. In book one of the Amish of Seymour I was swept off my feet. I really enjoyed the story and when it ended I could not wait to open book two.
I think this is a must read for Amish book lovers, I highly recommend this book.
5 stars for sure!
 
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

I Declare By Joel Osteen

Let me say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of my wonderful blog followers. I am so thankful for each and everyone of you. I love you all very much! Thank you for all of your support.
I pray that this is your best Thanksgiving yet!





Broken into thirty-one segments, this book defines the most powerful blessings in Scripture and encourages readers to declare one each day for a month. The declarations will affirm God's blessings in the area of health, family legacy, decisions, finances, thoughts, outlook, and overcoming obstacles.
Pick up your copy here
Or you can pick up a copy at Wal-Mart

Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Listed by several sources as America's largest and fastest-growing congregation, Lakewood Church has approximately 45,000 adult attendees every week. Millions more watch Joel's messages as they are broadcast on national and international television networks. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children. You can visit his website at www.joelosteen.com
I don't review books that I buy myself but I has to share this book with you all. In this day and time that is a must read book by all. We have to learn to be more positive in our lives.
I LOVE Joel for all of his positive books and preaching.
This is one book that everyone should have and read it is set up so you can read it in 31 days, each day is a promise to speak over your life, They are very short but very powerful.
I really needed to read this over the past month, it sure has helped me at this very hard time.
We all have mountains in our life. Maybe a mountain in our marriage. Maybe it's a mountain in our health, finances or in our dreams. You have to read this book to see how easy it is to move that mountain.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to all of my blog readers.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A Stop in the Park By Peggy Strack GIVEAWAY!

Michael Stolis, a DC attorney, is frustrated by twelve-hour work days, tightly scheduled weekends, and his family's chaotic habits. He explodes over minor irritations like being stuck in traffic, and his tantrums need to stop. His disillusioned wife, Jamie, is sick of his anger outbursts, and wants him out of her life. Michael longs to reignite the passionate love they once felt for each other. Jamie prefers to spend her time fostering illicit Internet relationships. Michael had simply followed his Greek father's instructions for a successful life, but something went terribly wrong. A lucrative career, a Georgetown brownstone and a BMW coupe didn't deliver happiness as promised. When his family is about to implode, Michael finds hope through Rufus, an astute retired bus driver he meets over a game of blitz chess in Dupont Circle. Michael is intrigued by Rufus's prescription for fulfillment, but is it too late to change a life, chase a dream, revive a marriage? Michael must decide how much he is prepared to lose if he embarks on a quest so very different from the world he created. Touching, romantic, and deeply provocative, A Stop in the Park, follows the story of a man and a woman who yearn to escape the trap of the modern American dream.
 
Buy a copy here

Peggy writes fiction about challenges people face in an often daunting contemporary world. She hosts the award winning blog, "Kick Back Moments," for the Saratogian Newspaper. She studied fiction at Skidmore College, The New York State Writers Institute and East Line Books and Literary Center. Peggy is a speech-language pathologist living in Saratoga Springs, NY with her husband, Keith. She has two adults sons and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes hiking, kayaking, and skiing.

This is the first book I have read by Peggy, she is a new author for me.
This is a book about the ups and downs of a marriage. No not a perfect marriage, but it all turns out for the best.
Do you like a good romance? You may want to pick up a copy of this book then if you said yes.
I was given a copy of this book by the author

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Unexpected Christmas Hero By Kathi Macias

Josie Meyers thinks she is living the American dream when she marries a nice, handsome man with a promising future. The dream quickly becomes a nightmare when Josie becomes a widow and must deal with the fallout of her husband’s decisions. She soon finds that she and her two small children are forced to live on the streets and in homeless shelters.

While the scenes surrounding Josie are dominated by Christmas decorations and carols, Josie finds herself struggling with the demands of caring for her two small children. She is forced to lean on the kindness and generosity of others. What she doesn't know is that the influence of one homeless man in particular is about to change the course of her life and lead her home to the One who waits for her. He becomes her unexpected Christmas hero.
Award-winning author Kathi Macias has written nearly 35 books, including the “Extreme Devotion” series, Beyond Me, How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I’m Surrounded by Loose Cannons?, Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today, the best-selling devotional A Moment a Day, and the popular “Matthews” mystery novels. Kathi has written commentary for Thomas Nelson’s Spirit-Filled Life Bible (Student Edition); was part of the devotional writing team for Zondervan’s New Women’s Devotional Bible; and has ghostwritten for several prominent individuals including Josh McDowell; former NFL player Rosey Grier; and the late chaplain of the United States Senate, Richard Halverson. An avid writer, Kathi has published numerous devotionals, articles, short stories, and poems in various periodicals. The readership of her weekly devotionals has grown into the hundreds of thousands, being picked up by the Christian Civic League, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News, Christians in Recovery, and crosswalk.com.
A former judge for the Christy Awards, which recognize Christian novels of excellence, Kathi has won numerous awards herself. These awards include the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, a Hollywood-based organization set up to improve the moral and ethical content of films, television shows, books, etc.; fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild; Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (Red Ink); Christy Award finalist (Red Ink); 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net; and the grand prize in an international writing contest. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi now serves as a staff member for the Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and spiritual advisor to the Christian Authors Network. She has also appeared on several radio and TV programs.
A popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, and churches, Kathi has taught creative writing and business writing in various venues; and has served on staff at a large church in Southern California, where she participated in biblical counseling, trained small-group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. With women’s ministry as her primary interest, Kathi also loves reaching out to others through various prison and homeless ministries. Passionate about praying for and aiding the persecuted church around the world, Kathi is a mother and grandmother and currently resides with her husband, Al, in California.
I Have read a whole lot of Christmas books in the last few months and this was the BEST by far.
What can I say about this book that will do it justice...... I will tell you this is a book you will NEVER forget. It touched my heart so much, I cried and cried and just wanted to go out and help as many people that I could. My heart just ached so bad as I read this book, but oh how it touched me in a great way.
This story will touch many hearts.
I plan to buy every copy the book stores have and keep copies in my purse to give away to people I meet while out and about. What a perfect ending to a wonderful Christmas story.
There is no way one can give this book just five stars it is impossible. This book will stay on my shelf and I will reread it over and over again.
This is not just a CHRISTmas book to read at CHRISTmas time. Every time you feel like things are so bad in your life pick this book up and read it!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher,

I have an extra copy to giveaway, answer this question to be entered to win a copy of this must read.
How are you helping those in need around you?

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Wisdom Tree By Mary Manners GIVEAWAY!

Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.
Carin O'Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love...especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.
But when Corey's antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.
Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional.
 
PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE
 

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus.
 

Mary's debut novel, Mended Heart, was nominated Best Inspirational Romance 2010, and was finalist for the Bookseller's Best Award and her follow-up, Tender Mercies, was awarded an outstanding 4 ½ star rating from The Romantic Times Book Reviews and was also a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Buried Treasures, her third novel, was named Book of the Year by The Wordsmith Journal. Light the Fire, her fourth novel, took top honors for the 2012 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels--something for everyone.
 
I have never read any books by Mary Manners before the Wisdom Tree. She is a real story teller. I will not miss any more of her books.
This book was all about healing and the super power of prayer. Prayer does change things.
I read it in one sitting, I could not put it down, it was so good.
I was a bit sad, it was to short for me, I really wanted to know more about Carin and Jake as well as Corey.  Maybe she has a second book coming out about how things end up for all of them.
There is a  wonderful  one month daily devotional at the end of the book.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. Thank you Mary

Friday, November 16, 2012

Lessons From the Mountain By Mary McDonough GIVEAWAY!

For nine seasons, Mary McDonough was part of one of the most beloved families in television history. Just ten years-old when she was cast as the pretty, wholesome middle child Erin, Mary grew up on the set of The Waltons, alternately embracing and rebelling against her good-girl onscreen persona. Now, as the first cast member to write about her experiences on the classic series, she candidly recounts the joys and challenges of growing up Walton - from her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star, to the personal challenges that led her to take on a new role as an activist for women's body image issues.
PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE


Mary McDonough is a born and raised "Valley girl." Born into an Irish Catholic family, she attended Catholic school until she was cast as Erin on the award winning television series, The Waltons.
Lessons From the Mountain is Mary's first book. In this strikingly honest book, McDonough shares the story of her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class family, to a Hollywood child star. She reveals intimate memories of life in and around that idyllic Virginia farmhouse. Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over--and beyond--that famous mountain.
A sought-after speaker and workshop leader she guides women and teens toward improving their body image through healthy lifestyle choices. Her workshops help individuals create personal change, life balance, and return to a sense of self. Mary's workshop: BODY BRANDING, GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH THE SKIN YOU'RE IN explores how we choose to "Brand" ourselves and then project that personal branding to the world. "BODY BRANDING" examines how we can undo the negativity about ourselves and change the picture you offer of yourself to the world. Mary also teaches acting as a method of raising confidence and improving communication skills.
Mary left the "Valley" when she got engaged and moved to the OC. She lives there with Don and their blended family, including her lap dog Runtie who was instrumental in the writing of her book. For more on Mary visit MARYMCDONOUGH.COM
Who hasn't watched the Waltons? I loved it. Well you will want to pick up a copy of Mary's book, she has such a sense of Humor.
This book will surely entertain and inspire you. I found it  very hard to  put down. Mary is a wonderful story teller.
You  really get to know the "real" Mary in this wonderful book.
I highly recommend this book if you loved the Waltons or if you love a good story of personal triumph.
This book gets 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by the author! Thank you Mary 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

CROSS ROADS By Paul Young Author of The Shack GIVEAWAY!

Anthony Spencer is egotistical, proud of being a self-made business success at the peak of his game, even though the cost of winning was painfully high. A cerebral hemorrhage leaves Tony comatose in a hospital ICU. He 'awakens' to find himself in a surreal world, a 'living' landscape that mirrors dimensions of his earthly life, from the beautiful to the corrupt. It is here that he has vivid interactions with others he assumes are projections of his own subconscious, but whose directions he follows nonetheless with the possibility that they might lead to authenticity and perhaps, redemption. The adventure draws Tony into deep relational entanglements where he is able to 'see' through the literal eyes and experiences of others, but is "blind" to the consequences of hiding his personal agenda and loss that emerge to war against the processes of healing and trust. Will this unexpected coalescing of events cause Tony to examine his life and realize he built a house of cards on the poisoned grounds of a broken heart? Will he also have the courage to make a critical choice that can undo a major injustice he set in motion before falling into a coma?
 
YOU CAN GET YOUR COPY HERE

Wm. Paul Young was born a Canadian and raised among a Stone Age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of former New Guinea. He suffered great loss as a child and young adult and now enjoys the "wastefulness of grace" with his family in the Pacific Northwest.
 
 
You will never find another author who can write about pain and reality and life here on earth like Paul. He tells you what a loving  God we serve.
As you read this book you are going to learn so much about your self. Yes there was a little crying while reading it and there was a wonderful happy place also.
I don't know of another fiction writer like Paul, this is a book that is going to change so may many peoples lives for the better.
In the beginning of the book I did NOT like Tony. But by the end well you know me I am not going to give anything away.
This is a deep book.
I LOVED The Shack it to this day is one of my favorite books but let me tell you Cross Roads is 100 times better.
 Run and get your copy and I DARE you not  to buy an extra copy for someone that you love very much. You will NOT want to share your copy, you will want your own to read a few times to let it all sink in. You will want to share this book with everyone that you know after you read it.
What are you waiting for STOP reading this blog and go get your own copy!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Night Buddies By Sands Hetherington GIVEAWAY!

For young John Degraffenreidt, a sleepless night is no reason to fret when tossing and turning in bed brings a bright red crocodile named Crosley out from under his bed. Night Buddies like Crosley promise an evening of adventure to any not-tired-yet kid and tonight is no different! Out of bed, and into the city, John embarks on a one-of-a-kind program with his crocodile pal. It seems like Cros is a one-of-a-kind individual that is, until red crocs start popping up all over the city, creating confusion, committing crimes, and causing Crosley to go bananas at the sight of them.

The impostors must be stopped, and Night Buddies John and Crosley are just the guys to stop them! Racing blimp stakeouts high in the sky, impostor traps organized with the help of friend, and a never ending supply of pineapple cheesecake frozen yogurt make for one totally super sleepless night.
 
Sands Hetherington, creator of the Night Buddies series of chapter books, credits his son John for being his principal motivator. Sands and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley, until eventually it occurred to Sands why it was that Crosley was bright red. That was when the first book came together.

Sands raised his son as a single parent from the time John was six. He read to him every night during those formative years: all of the classic children's stories from Aesop through the Grimms, Lewis Carroll, Frank Baum, Tolkien and Dahl, with a lot of Dickens and Hugo thrown in. When school was out they got in the car and toured Alaska, Canada and most of the contiguous states. John still gets around. So far he has lived in Germany, Scotland, Russia, England and Spain.

Dogs have always been a part of the author's life, beginning with Whiskers, a cocker spaniel. When his wonderful boxer Hube died, he despaired of finding a boxer who could match him, and instead got a Saint Bernard. He ended up breeding Saints for a number of years and at this point has had twelve as house pets. Sands says dogs can do you a power of good, and if you lose one, go out and get another the next day and you will be surprised at how fast your grief goes away.

Sands is also a Civil War buff. He would like to spend a month of evenings with common soldiers from both sides to see how they felt about the business. And eccentric generals like Jackson, Sherman and Forrest, and most of all Lincoln. Because Lincoln never gets to smile in his pictures.

The author was born in New York City but was transplanted a year later to Greensboro, North Carolina, where his maternal grandmother lived. He never really left the area and has a lot of the South in him. His grandmother was a prominent educator and became a great friend and mentor.

Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro now, and hangs out with his longtime friend Ann and their Saint Bernards Dudley and Maggie. He likes visiting ancient Mediterranean sites in Turkey and Italy, and most of all Greece.
This is a cute childrens book. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for little ones.

Monday, November 12, 2012

A Christmas Home By Greg Kincaid

Todd McCray, hero of A Dog Named Christmas, is now twenty-four years old and working at a local animal shelter, where he meets and quickly becomes best friends with Laura, a young volunteer. Laura, like Todd, has disabilities of her own, but her struggles are more physical than developmental. Their friendship is sealed when Todd—with the help of his trusted companion, the tenacious Labrador retriever named Christmas—trains a beautiful dog named Gracie to help Laura with the day-to-day life tasks that are difficult for her.
            Life seems good for Todd, but all is not well in his hometown. Struggling families unable to make ends meet are abandoning more and more dogs, and the shelter is swelling to capacity.  The local government is struggling to meet its obligations too, and in early December, on the cusp of another holiday season, Todd’s boss delivers the bad news.  Due to funding problems, the shelter will close its doors before the end of the year.  But what will happen to all the animals? 
   As the Christmas holiday approaches, Todd has limited time to find homes for all the dogs. Not to mention that he needs to secure a new job and figure out what to do when his friendship with Laura takes an unexpected romantic turn. All this seems overwhelming unless you’ve got a loving family, dedicated friends, and a couple of very special dogs behind you. In which case, nothing is impossible.
 
Pick up a copy here


Greg Kincaid, author of A Dog Named Christmas and Christmas with Tucker, is a practicing lawyer who specializes in family law mediation. He is also an active advocate for literacy and for the humane treatment of animals. He helped to start the Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays program that has found homes for tens of thousands of shelter dogs. The father of five children, he lives on a farm in western Johnson County, Kansas, with his wife, two cats and two dogs.
 
I LOVE dogs as most of you know. I would be lost with out my Yorkie Luke, so  when the publisher sent me a copy of this book I was so excited to read it.
This is a book you will not put down until the very last page.  It was such a fun read. I plan I buying copies for friends of mine, who love dogs as much as me.
Todd is a character that you take to heart and fall in love with instantly.
I love a book with a happy ending.
This is a must read, I highly recommend this 5 star book

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Authentic Spirituality By Christine Green GIVEAWAY!


In Authentic Spirituality, we discover a deeper understanding of ourselves and of our relationship with God. We reconnect with our creative expression, open to possibilities, and learn to live as spiritual beings. Writing with clarity and warmth, Christine Green brings spiritual principles alive through case histories and her personal stories. The well-defined practices provide a roadmap to achieving greater spirituality. A dynamic speaker, workshop facilitator and spiritual mentor, Christine inspires women to live more productive and loving lives.
 
Pick up a copy here


Christine Green speaks and writes on living a faith-based life. She has been designing and facilitating workshops for the past 20 years in the United States and abroad.

Christine is an ordained minister and founding minister of Sacred Heart Ministries. It is a teaching ministry and emerged from a vision for helping others, especially women, incorporate spiritual principles into their professional and personal lives.

As a spiritual mentor, Christine assists her clients in revealing clarity around life purpose and intentions. She offers intuitive, faith-based mentoring that empowers clients in revealing their inner wisdom which guides them in making successful decisions. She can be reached through her website at: http://www.sacredheartministries.org

Wow What a refreshing and empowering book. This is a book I think that all women should read.
Women now is the time to rethink your negative beliefs and thoughts and fears.
This is a book to help you change your life for the better. A very deep book that should be read by all my friends. Pick up a copy of this book and change your life today.
 
I was given a copy of this book by the author

Saturday, November 10, 2012

An Amish Gift By Cynthia Keller

From the author of An Amish Christmas and A Plain & Fancy Christmas comes a heartwarming novel of marriage and family, new beginnings and poignant homecomings—just in time for the holidays.

After her husband, Shep, loses his latest job, Jennie Davis is grateful to be in a car en route to beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Shep has inherited a house from a distant cousin, along with the cousin’s long-established bicycle shop. The move gives Jennie, Shep, and their two children a welcome chance for a fresh start.

While Shep dives into his new venture at the bike shop, Jennie carefully restores their broken-down house. She loves being a stay-at-home mom but yearns to find some fulfillment outside of her family—particularly as they struggle financially. On morning walks, she forges a friendship with her Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, who opens up about her modest way of life. Mattie’s unswerving good character in the face of adversity encourages Jennie to seek practical solutions to her own difficulties. A passing remark by Jennie’s son transforms desperation about their finances into inspiration, leading her to embark upon a candy-making enterprise.

Soon, Jennie’s newfound purpose collides with Shep’s growing stress at work and long-simmering tensions between husband and wife rise to the surface. As the holiday season approaches, their family is challenged as never before—until an unexpected visitor arrives to give Jennie the greatest gift of all.
 
Pick up your own copy here

Cynthia Keller is the author of An Amish Christmas and A Plain & Fancy Christmas. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children.
 
I have read Cynthia's other two Amish Christmas books and they were so good. I was so happy to get a copy of An Amish Gift from a friend. I LOVED it so much. It is a fun easy read. After you read the first few pages you have that warm feel good feeling inside. I really did enjoy reading it.
I highly recommend this book.
Another 5 star Amish Christmas book you do not want to miss.

Friday, November 9, 2012

The Breath of Dawn By Kristen Heitzmann



Kristen Heitzmann Delivers Powerful New Romantic Suspense

Morgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother's Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.

Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a "chance" first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family's warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship.

The man Quinn helped put behind bars has recently been released, however, and she fears her past will endanger the entire Spencer family. As the danger heightens, she determines to leave town for the sake of the people who have come to mean so much to her.

Fixing problems is what Morgan Spencer does best, and he is not willing to let Quinn run away, possibly into the clutches of a man bent on revenge. But Morgan's solution sends him and Quinn on an unexpected path, with repercussions neither could have anticipated.
 
Pick up your copy here
 

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of twenty novels, including Colorado Book Award finalist The Still of Night and Christy Award winner Secrets. She lives with her husband, Jim, and lots of extended family in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Colorado, where she climbs trails into God's great beauty. Learn more at www.kristenheitzmannbooks.com.
 
 
I have read every book that Kristen has wrote, if you have not read her books you are missing out big time.
I love contemporary romantic suspense books. This one was so good Kristen pulls you in from page one. You see the characters come to life right on the page.
The suspense had me on the edge of my sit, will he find her, will he kill her, what is going to happen next. Every page was full of so much suspense.
Oh I can't forget about the romance that was just as thrilling as the edge of your sit suspense.
I give The Breath of Dawn 5 stars
 
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Courting Cate By Leslie Gould Giveaway!


#1 Bestselling Author Leslie Gould Delivers a New Amish Romance Series

When Amish farmer Pete Treger moves to Paradise Township, Pennsylvania, seeking a better life, he meets sisters Cate and Betsy Miller. Both are beautiful, but older sister Cate is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Betsy, on the other hand, is sweet and flirty--and seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

However, the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard and fast rule: elder sister must marry first, before the younger can even start courting. Unfortunately for poor Betsy, and for the men who want to court her, her older sister, Cate, doesn't have any suitors--until Pete comes to town, that is.

Though he finds both sisters attractive, something about Cate's feisty demeanor appeals to him. Soon the other bachelors in the district convince Pete to court Cate. She hardly seems receptive to his overtures, though. Instead, she's immediately suspicious of his interest.
Pick up your copy here
Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon. Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.


From page one I fell in love with this book. Cate loved to read more then anything in life, she sounds just like me. Cate found a man after her own heart he loved to read as much as she did. Author Leslie Gould does not need a to coauthor any more books. She is on fantasic author on her own. She wrote Courting Cate as if she were Amish herself.
I enjoyed this book so much. I can't wait for book number two in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Christmas Star By Ace Collins

Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. At Christmas, the final decoration Marge Reed hangs on the family’s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering.

Yet a message delivered by one of Robert’s fellow soldiers and a mystery letter found in a Bible put a father’s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.
 
Pick up your copy here
 
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials.  He has appeared on Good Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C.  Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.
 
Let me tell you if you read no other Christmas book this year make sure that you read this one.
I feel in love with Calvin and I know that somewhere in the real world there are some "Clavins" I would give anything to meet just one.
This is a very touching book. Ace can tell it just like it should be, I love that.
If must say that this is the BEST CHRISTmas book that I have read in a while. It touched me so much! This book should be read by everyone in the whole world. It would change the whole world that is for sure.
It will stay on my book shelf forever. I give this book 5 stars two times!
 
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.