Saturday, December 24, 2011

Book Review ~ Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley



A girl who’s been lied to her whole life…



Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she was adopted. The daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed both by her real parents and by the ones  who raised her.

Maggie desires a place where she belongs. But her mother’s constant criticism and reminders that she doesn't fit  the mold of a young woman of their social standing have already created tension in their home. With the discovery  of the family secret, all sense of her identity is lost.

When Maggie asks to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, her father agrees on the condition that she take her Aunt  Georgia as a chaperone and his young partner, Charles Stanton, as protection on the journey. Will she discover  who she really is and, more importantly, what truly matters most in life?

My Review

Captivated from beginning to end!

I read this book in 2 ½ hours. That's a record for me. I literally did not put it down. Not for a moment. From the prologue to the last page, I was captivated. There was joy, suffering, excitement, confusion, and romance portrayed through vivid images of life, love and loss.

There are many emotions dealt with in the book but the one that spoke most to me was fear. From Florence and Joshua's marriage to Maggie's discovery about her adoption, the author shows us what fear can do to a relationship. The lies it can foster, misconceptions that it can bring, the mistrust that evolves ultimately leading to discord. But then we see the beautiful and loving hand of the Father and how he gently but firmly breaks that bondage of fear and brings about restoration in those same relationships. It was by no means overly obvious, either, making this a great book to suggest to friends who may not normally read Christian Fiction.

Every character in this story captured my heart. Each one is intricately explored and exposed in such a delicate and profound manner. I could go on and on about the book. But I won't. I dislike spoilers so I will only say that I hope you fall in love with Maggie's Journey as much as I did!

This was my first book by this author that I have read. I can't say enough about her writing style. Impeccable! Book 2 can't come soon enough for me :)

Special thanks to FIRST Wild Card Tours and Kim Jones | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion.




About the Author



Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ( http://www.acfw.com/ ) and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers.She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church inSouthlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will beHawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

To read more about Lena, visit her website: Lena Nelson Dooley.

To purchase a copy of this totally awesome book, go to either of these online retailers:  CBD, Amazon. Also available in e-book!



Saturday, December 17, 2011

WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS


 



 

~ GWENDOLYN ~




YOU WON GOD GAVE US LOVE BY LISA T BERGREN :)




THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME BY AND ENTERED. STAY TUNED AT THE NEW YEAR FOR MORE INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS!




WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Monday, December 12, 2011

God Gave Us Love board book by Lisa T Bergren ~ Giveaway & FIRST Wild Card Tour

I've been buying children's books since 1983 and I can honestly say I wish that Lisa Bergren's board books had been around  then. I'm a very visual person and absolutely love the illustrations in these books! The colors are soft and draw just enough  attention for the young eye. Not too busy but satisfying for the curious little mind. Some books need to be bold and bright  but with the sweet and loving words that are contained in the pages of these board books I personally feel that's not  necessary here. These are perfect! Not only do they communicate a loving message but they stimulate the artistic eye.

WaterBrook Multnomah sent me an extra book to offer one of my readers. Please leave a comment telling me how you follow  my blog, and what your favorite book was as a child! Email is NOT necessary. US Only, lower 48. Ends Dec 16th so it might get to you by Christmas!

***If you want to go ahead and order a copy now, there's a Special Offer from WaterBrook Multnomah! 30% off and free shipping when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.

Here's a coloring page for your precious little ones!

God Gave Us Love - Coloring Page

God Gave Us Love - Coloring Page


It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!









Today's Wild Card author is:




 


and the book:


 


God Gave Us Love board book


WaterBrook Press; Brdbk edition (December 20, 2011)


***Special thanks to Laura Tucker, WaterBrook Multnomah Publicity, for sending me a review copy.***



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

LISA BERGREN is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty books, with more than two million copies sold. A former publishing executive, she now splits her time working as a freelance editor and writer while parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of the family’s next visit to Taos.

Visit the author's website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

As Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, the young polar bear begins to question why we must love others… even the seemingly unlovable.

In answering her questions, Grampa Bear gives tender explanations that teach Little Cub about the different kinds of love that is shared between families, friends, and mamas and papas. Grampa explains that all these kinds of love come from God and that it is important to love others because…

“Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.”

This sweet tale will warm the hearts of young children as they learn about all the different sorts of love, while the gentle explanations of each provide a valuable opportunity to encourage children to share with others a “God-sized love.” Now in a sturdy format, ideal for the littlest hands at storytime, bedtime, or anytime. Would make a great Christmas gift!

Product Details:

List Price: $6.99
Reading level: Ages 0 and up
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press; Brdbk edition (December 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307730271
ISBN-13: 978-0307730275

Here's an excerpt from the first book in the series: God Gave Us You (Board Book). (Click on images to see them larger):











Sunday, December 11, 2011

WINNER!!!

!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!



~ NORA ~




You won There's just Something About a Boy!


 

Thanks to all who stopped by and entered. Stay tuned for more great author interviews, book reviews and giveaways!

Review ~ The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall



Author Bio

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

You can read more about the author, Cindy Woodsmall, on her website.

About the Book

Three years ago, at Christmastime, Mattie Eash’s life was everything she could hope for. That is, until her childhood sweetheart, Gideon, betrayed her.

Heartbroken, Mattie retreated to her brother’s home in Ohio and poured her life into the dream of running her own cake shop. There, she found someone unlike Gideon. Someone safe.

But a devastating situation forces her back home…and right into the path of Gideon Beiler.

Will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy—or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

This holiday season, Mattie’s best gift might just be the harmony of unexpected truth and reconciliation.

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration in The Christmas Singing.

The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

My Review

After reading rave reviews from fellow bloggers and readers on Goodreads I decided to place my request for The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall. Boy, am I glad I did. I loved this novella. It made me smile, laugh, cry and wish for more!

Gideon and Mattie are captivating characters. They were once in love and going to marry but Gideon desires to protect Mattie from some devastating news and goes about it all wrong. Will he learn from the error of his way?

Mattie is an endearing young woman. She's so scatterbrained (I can relate to that characteristic) and brilliant at decorating cakes. Her family and friends look out for her and I found myself wanting to do the same thing! After having her heart broken she's under the misconception that she needs to feel “safe” in love now and is dating Sol. He's a sweet guy but there's just not the spark that was there with Gideon. What's a girl to do?

One of my favorite moments at the end of the book is a scene between Gideon and one of the bishops. Omar has made Gideon the lead carpenter on a mission home project and Gideon has this thought about himself: Never again would he be so foolish as to think he could control anyone or anything through false words. He'd speak truth always and pray for God's strength over those who might struggle under the weight of the truth. (page 188)

Gideon & Mattie's journey left me feeling satisfied while at the same time wanting to read “the rest of the story”. Don't get me wrong. It's by no means incomplete. I just want more! Here's hoping for a glimpse of them in the future if Cindy tells Sol's story.

Warning :) Cake baking scenes! Get ready to do some extra aerobic walking or working out at the gym because you're going to want to try out the recipes at the end of the book. I know I am!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. No other compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion.

Special offer from WaterBrook Multnomah! 30% off and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.

The Christmas Singing also comes in ebook format!

I would really appreciate it if you would Rank My Review here!