tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380737640802397552024-03-12T23:06:33.798-04:00One House Schoolroom ReviewsSharing our tips and tricks, advice for new homeschoolers, and some great curriculum reviews and giveaways!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-27098640050782629122010-03-18T10:00:00.001-04:002010-03-18T10:37:31.285-04:00Time to Change...We have made the decision to retire this Review site and incorporate our reviews with our main blog found here: <a href="http://waldenschoolroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /><img alt="One House Schoolroom" border="0" height="125" src="http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz221/OneHouseSchoolroom/Blog%20Design/ohsrlinkbutton.png" width="125" /></a><br />
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We hope you'll come visit us and continue to enjoy the great reviews and giveaways we have in store for you!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-54727476769656063492010-03-08T10:00:00.004-05:002010-03-08T14:12:06.568-05:00Book Reviews- Snow Takes the Checker & Quickly: The Magic SpatulaOur home can often be mistaken for a library with our huge assortment of reading materials. We have books everywhere as we believe reading is such an important part of learning and a wonderfully entertaining activity. I am always on the lookout for quality, educational books to share with my children. Imagine my delight when just such books recently appeared in my mailbox. Thanks to <a href="http://www.parentreviewers.com/">Parent Reviewers</a> I received two wonderful books that are now a treasured part of our large reading collection.<br />
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<a href="http://snowtheracehorse.com/books.php"><strong>Snow Takes the Checker</strong></a><strong> by Demi Knight Clark</strong><br />
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An exciting and entertaining story of a horse named Snow who grew up racing and truly loves his sport. His best friend, Tuga, is a race turtle who shares Snow's love of racing. The story is delightful as we watch Snow and Tuga race against some tough competition. With the beautifully colored illustrations and the undertones of good sportsmanship and friendship, this book is a winner from start to finish.</div>
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The first installment in the "Snow" series can be purchased on their <a href="http://snowtheracehorse.com/books.php">website</a>. You can also pre-order other great tales of "Snow" that will be coming soon. For more enjoyment you can also become Snow's friend on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Adventures-of-Snow-the-Racehorse-Driving-Kids-to-Dream-Aspire/217153854357?ref=ts">Facebook</a> and follow him on <a href="http://twitter.com/snowNumber19">Twitter</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://themagicspatula.com/"><strong>Quickly: The Magic Spatula</strong></a><strong> by Jeryl Abelmann & Miriam Kronish</strong></div>
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Isn't is amazing how our senses have memory? Just a whiff of a familiar aroma can transport us to another time and place, a memory full of colors and feelings. Such is the case for <a href="http://themagicspatula.com/">Quickly: The Magic Spatula</a>. This charming story of the love that is created in the kitchen, the heart of the home, truly captures an innocence rarely seen in today's busy world. From the beautiful illustrations with colors and patterns reminiscent of a time gone by to the dedication of a mother, Mommy, who found her fulfillment in caring for her family, this book is one to treasure.</div>
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Winner of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, <a href="http://themagicspatula.com/">Quickly: The Magic Spatula</a> is more that just a storybook. This book also includes blank pages in the back encouraging children to pen their own memories to treasure for years to come. Complete with a glossary of definitions and a recipe for Mommy's Silver Dollar Pancakes, this book is one that encourages the reader to remember to treasure the small things and to savor memories of the past forever.</div>
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<a href="http://themagicspatula.com/">Quickly: The Magic Spatula</a> can be purchased at your local bookstore as well as some <a href="http://themagicspatula.com/order-quickly.html">online retailers</a>. The website also includes a place to <a href="http://themagicspatula.com/your-story.php">submit your story</a> to share with Quickly as well as <a href="http://themagicspatula.com/quickly's-quintessential-questions.html">Quickly's Quintessential Questions</a>- a few study questions related to the book. </div>
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Enjoy!!</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-47126552128179036322010-03-04T10:00:00.000-05:002010-03-08T17:24:08.156-05:00Book Review- Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr<div align="center">
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<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764206702">Hearts Awakening</a></span></center><br />
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<center>Bethany House (March 1, 2010) </center><br />
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<center>by</center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.deliaparr.com/">Delia Parr</a></span></center><br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <br />
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Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
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Two people in desperate circumstances. Life has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. <br />
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She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper. Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young...so handsome. Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so...plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage. <br />
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When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart? <br />
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Yet what options does she have? To marry would mean a home and stability. So despite the rumors circling Jackson and his first wife, Ellie accepts this unlikely proposal... <br />
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764206702">Hearts Awakening</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/03/hearts-awakening-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-82726067938931238352010-03-02T10:00:00.000-05:002010-03-02T11:39:05.416-05:00Book Review- Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller<div align="center">
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<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764206427">Somewhere to Belong </a></span></center><br />
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<center>Bethany House (March 1, 2010)</center><br />
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<center>by</center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/">Judith Miller</a></span></center><br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <br />
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Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. <br />
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With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series.<br />
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Note: Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <br />
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Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she’s always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs? <br />
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Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana? <br />
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764206427">Somewhere to Belong </a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/02/somewhere-to-belong-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-29449643288026863682010-02-17T10:00:00.001-05:002010-02-17T10:11:29.208-05:00Book Review- The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee<div align="center">
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<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426702256">The Pastor's Wife </a></span></center><center>Abingdon Press (February 2010)</center><center>by</center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.jenniferallee.com/">Jennifer AlLee</a></span></center><br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <br />
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Jennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California and for the first 10 years of her life lived over a mortuary one block from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never again to see the light of day. Her first inspirational romance, The Love of His Brother, was released in November 2007 by Five Star Publisher. <br />
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Besides being a writer, she is a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, her husband and teenage son have learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets there without severely impacting their waistlines. God is good!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <br />
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Maura Sullivan never intended to set foot in Granger, Ohio, again. But when circumstances force her to return, she must face all the disappointments she tried so hard to leave behind: a husband who ignored her, a congregation she couldn't please, and a God who took away everything she ever loved.<br />
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Nick Shepherd thought he had put the past behind him, until the day his estranged wife walked back into town. Intending only to help Maura through her crisis of faith, Nick finds his feelings for her never died. Now, he must admit the mistakes he made, how he hurt his wife, and find a way to give and receive forgiveness.<br />
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As God works in both of their lives, Nick and Maura start to believe they can repair their broken relationship and reunite as man and wife. But Maura has one more secret to tell Nick before they can move forward. It's what ultimately drove her to leave him three years earlier, and the one thing that can destroy the fragile trust they've built.<br />
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If you would like to read the first Chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426702256">The Pastor's Wife </a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/02/pastors-wife-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-70623512680633987522010-02-11T10:00:00.000-05:002010-02-11T15:32:42.801-05:00Book Review- Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426702272">Walking on Broken Glass</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>Abingdon Press (February 2010)</center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://christaallan.com/">Christa Allan</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <br />
<br />
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<br />
Christa Allan, a true Southern woman who knows any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, weaves stories of unscripted grace with threads of hope, humor, and heart. <br />
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The mother of five and grandmother of three, Christa teaches high school English. She and her husband, Ken live in Abita Springs, Louisiana where they play golf, dodge hurricanes, and anticipate retirement.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqdQdVq4rUQKt2LKvYu1p4-FBMshuIY4DtSTnhZr89dWOSq3gnCfF4Tsesymk8BS02fAIOgfhSJWF8MfXyTACigt283MqH81v4HB_rJ8MBnMHJ6vmeBYC5qYI-u3JIAt_s4sTNlvieLXI/s1600-h/Walking+On+Broken+Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqdQdVq4rUQKt2LKvYu1p4-FBMshuIY4DtSTnhZr89dWOSq3gnCfF4Tsesymk8BS02fAIOgfhSJWF8MfXyTACigt283MqH81v4HB_rJ8MBnMHJ6vmeBYC5qYI-u3JIAt_s4sTNlvieLXI/s320/Walking+On+Broken+Glass.jpg" /></a></div>
Leah Thornton's life, like her <i>Southern Living </i>home, has great curb appeal. But already sloshed from one-too-many drinks at a faculty party, Leah cruises the supermarket aisles in search of something tasty to enhance her Starbucks—Kahlua and a paralyzing encounter with a can of frozen apple juice shatters the facade, forcing her to admit that all is not as it appears.<br />
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When her best friend Molly gets in Leah's face about her refusal to deal with her life, Leah is forced to make a decision. Can this brand-conscious socialite walk away from the country club into 28 days of rehab? Leah is sitting in the office of the local rehab center facing an admissions counselor who fails to understand the most basic things, like the fact that apple juice is not a suitable cocktail mixer. <br />
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Rehab is no picnic, and being forced to experience and deal with the reality of her life isn’t Leah’s idea of fun. Can she leave what she has now to gain back what she needs? Joy, sadness, pain and a new srength converge, testing her marriage, her friendships and her faith.<br />
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But through the battle she finds a reservoir of courage she never knew she had, and the loving arms of a God she never quite believed existed.<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426702272">Walking on Broken Glass</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/02/walking-on-broken-glass-chapter-1-2.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-58923418140459434292010-02-05T10:00:00.000-05:002010-02-05T21:06:29.298-05:00Book Review- Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate<div align="center">
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<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764204920">Never Say Never</a> </span></center><br />
<br />
<center>Bethany House (February 1, 2010)</center><br />
<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.lisawingate.com/">Lisa Wingate</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ghEdT_m43UMD3g_DI8n4ht0aVAeb0j0r1I2YR03v8Ht1FWg6pozGj0GE29OvzqeHrK38qbXDHDhproX6Xy4j32ZBPk7r2w3bggf5GSCJzHkwfb6sQUeKaEwlx4q1rqaUpXZSq6VoD6tl/s1600-h/wingatepubshot2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ghEdT_m43UMD3g_DI8n4ht0aVAeb0j0r1I2YR03v8Ht1FWg6pozGj0GE29OvzqeHrK38qbXDHDhproX6Xy4j32ZBPk7r2w3bggf5GSCJzHkwfb6sQUeKaEwlx4q1rqaUpXZSq6VoD6tl/s200/wingatepubshot2010.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Lisa lives in central Texas were she is a popular inspriational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books. Her novel, <i>Tending Roses</i>, received dozens of five-star reviews, sold out thirteen printings for New York publisher, Penguin Putnam, and went on to become a national bestselling book. Tending Roses was a selection of the Readers Club of America, and is currently in its fourteenth printing. <br />
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The <i>Tending Roses </i>series continued with <i>Good Hope Road</i>, the <i>Language of Sycamores, Drenched in Light</i>, and <i>A Thousand Voices</i>. In 2003, Lisa's Texas Hill Country series began with <i>Texas Cooking</i>, and continued with <i>Lone Star Cafe'</i>, which was awarded a gold metal by RT Bookclub magazine and was hailed by Publisher's Weekly as "A charmingly nostalgic treat." The series concluded with <i>Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner</i>. <br />
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Lisa is now working on a new set of small-town Texas novels for Bethany House Publishers. The series debuted with <i>Talk of the Town </i>and continued with <i>Word Gets Around </i>and <i>Never Say Never</i>. A new series is also underway for Peguin Group NAL, beginning with <i>A Month of Summer</i> (July 2008), and continuing with <i>The Summer Kitchen </i>(July 2009) and <i>Beyond Summer </i>(July 2010). Lisa's works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Pics, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, American Profiles and have been chosen for the LORIES best Published Fiction Award. In 2009, <i>A Month of Summer</i> was nomiated for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <br />
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Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place--and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence. <br />
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And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily--until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the winds blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store--especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.<br />
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<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764204920">Never Say Never</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/02/never-say-never-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-87469785898326866582010-01-28T10:00:00.015-05:002010-01-28T10:00:00.546-05:00Book Review- Becca By The Book by Laura Jensen Walker<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a> <br />
</div>
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310276977">Becca By The Book</a></span></center><center>Zondervan (January 1, 2010) </center><center>by</center><center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.laurajensenwalker.com/">Laura Jensen Walker</a></span></center><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz1IyZFr1TUOHFdpq8sr1HODY555tS-m3OqZdXfmCvj-10nmMb7SX8JFEEowk_LKGSMOrgtrbnZB6WXPfCGbzyC84jdgx7ZhJ7JfdTDC0VY1L2JcPo5fWSNkD2o-vibQ9R-otehNpVQwa/s1600-h/lauraheaderimage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz1IyZFr1TUOHFdpq8sr1HODY555tS-m3OqZdXfmCvj-10nmMb7SX8JFEEowk_LKGSMOrgtrbnZB6WXPfCGbzyC84jdgx7ZhJ7JfdTDC0VY1L2JcPo5fWSNkD2o-vibQ9R-otehNpVQwa/s320/lauraheaderimage2.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
Laura Jensen Walker is an award-winning writer, popular speaker, and breast-cancer survivor who loves to touch readers and audiences with the healing power of laughter.<br />
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Born in Racine, Wisconsin (home of Western Printing and Johnson’s Wax—maker of your favorite floor care products) Laura moved to Phoenix, Arizona when she was in high school. But not being a fan of blazing heat and knowing that Uncle Sam was looking for a few good women, she enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation and spent the next five years flying a typewriter through Europe.<br />
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Her lifelong dream of writing fiction came true in Spring 2005 with the release of her first chick lit novel, Dreaming in Black &amp; White which won the Contemporary Fiction Book of the Year from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her sophomore novel, Dreaming in Technicolor was published in Fall 2005.<br />
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Laura’s third novel, Reconstructing Natalie, chosen as the Women of Faith Novel of the Year for 2006, is the funny and poignant story of a young, single woman who gets breast cancer and how her life is reconstructed as a result. This book was born out of Laura’s cancer speaking engagements where she started meeting younger and younger women stricken with this disease—some whose husbands had left them, and others who wondered what breast cancer would do to their dating life. She wanted to write a novel that would give voice to those women. Something real. And honest. And funny. <br />
Because although cancer isn’t funny, humor is healing.<br />
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To learn more about Laura’s latest novels, please check out her Books page.<br />
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A popular speaker and teacher at writing conferences, Laura has also been a guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows around the country including the ABC Weekend News, The 700 Club, and The Jay Thomas Morning Show. <br />
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She lives in Northern California with her Renaissance-man husband Michael, and Gracie, their piano playing dog.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <br />
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Sales clerk, barista, telemarketer, sign waver...<br />
At twenty-five, free-spirited Becca Daniels is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. What Becca doesn’t want to be is bored. She craves the rush of a new experience, whether it’s an extreme sport, a shocking hair color, or a new guy. That’s why she quit her bookstore job, used her last bit of credit to go skydiving, and broke her leg. <br />
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And that’s why, grounded and grumpy, Becca bristles when teased by friends for being commitment-phobic. In response, Becca issues an outrageous wager—that she can sustain a three-month or twenty-five date relationship with the next guy who asks her out. When the guy turns out to be “churchy” Ben—definitely not Becca’s type—she gamely embarks on a hilarious series of dates that plunge her purple-haired, free-speaking, commitment-phobic self into the alien world of church potlucks and prayer meetings. <br />
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This irrepressible Getaway Girl will have you cheering her on as she “suffers” through her dates, gains perspective on her life’s purpose, and ultimately begins her greatest adventure of all. <br />
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If you'd like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310276977">Becca By The Book</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/01/becca-by-book-chapter-1.html">HERE</a><br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-43098906848811798612010-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:002010-01-28T08:06:34.868-05:00Book Review- Kelly's Chance by Wanda E. Brunstetter<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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</div><br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602608903">Kelly’s Chance </a></span></center><center>Barbour Books; Reprint edition (January 1, 2010)</center><br />
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<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/">Wanda E. Brunstetter</a></span></center><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEu3apf9Moa5KdxRh3qF-FbXx1rYceKFBHLAFRjPk9MJX8MIbi8mSCXX01cOVtnIKYE60oIoFZBDzEToYiY9ip2wWbQNJ8D7zCD1yjpJnSNpQ0nsaNCj2xXQ_-wM0N8Mz5-HUjNap6qD_/s1600-h/wanda_sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEu3apf9Moa5KdxRh3qF-FbXx1rYceKFBHLAFRjPk9MJX8MIbi8mSCXX01cOVtnIKYE60oIoFZBDzEToYiY9ip2wWbQNJ8D7zCD1yjpJnSNpQ0nsaNCj2xXQ_-wM0N8Mz5-HUjNap6qD_/s320/wanda_sitting.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">A Note From Wanda:</span><br />
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Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. When I was in the second grade, I wrote my first poem about a moth. Luckily, I received encouragement from my teacher. During my teen years, I wrote skits that my church teen group performed during special holidays. <br />
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<br />
It wasn’t until 1980, that I took a course on writing for children and teenagers. I became serious about a career as an author. Soon after that, I began to write stories, articles, poems, and devotionals, which appeared in a variety of Christian publications. Later, I had 5 books of puppet/ventriloquist scripts published. *These books are currently available by contacting me. (wanda@wandabrunstetter.com) <br />
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My first novel was released by Barbour Publishing’s book club, Heartsong Presents, in Dec. 1997. I have now written nearly fifty books, with over 4 million books in print. Many of the novels I've written are Amish-themed.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnMVwmefEwdj93_yP7z8VHfSUwvqaydPNxPK_e6rPihSA3jJPuDOoPMnEoslwZiCO-Vdl3WZwVQuGyODQlJMue0WHaaqIMY-pcqqE2huBrQqPV_STz3V0lqfDHeFVOEYJUDGh4V-YSGRp/s1600-h/Kelly's+Chance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnMVwmefEwdj93_yP7z8VHfSUwvqaydPNxPK_e6rPihSA3jJPuDOoPMnEoslwZiCO-Vdl3WZwVQuGyODQlJMue0WHaaqIMY-pcqqE2huBrQqPV_STz3V0lqfDHeFVOEYJUDGh4V-YSGRp/s320/Kelly's+Chance.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Life for Kelly McGregor is a daily drudge of driving her overbearing father’s mules along Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Canal. She dreams of one day owning an art gallery where her own drawings and paintings are on display. But these dreams don’t include marriage. . .not after seeing what her father has done to her mother. How then can Mike Cooper, a general store owner, make her realize he is different than her father and wants to support her artistic talent? Will Kelly learn that dreams can walk hand in hand with a love created by God? <br />
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<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602608903">Kelly’s Chance </a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/01/kellys-chance-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-52735314146662315042010-01-22T10:00:00.000-05:002010-01-22T16:40:30.616-05:00Book Review- A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595548092">A Lady Like Sarah</a></span></center><center>Thomas Nelson; Original edition (December 22, 2009) </center><center>by</center><center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.margaretbrownley.com/">Margaret Brownley</a></span></center><br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwWWFvc5oah1gkrPZv70bnX0XTtrXvO_5AqobgAQdXSYh3A9mOUqsjjbPStk3nyrjKeFrmRs4gevx2_qCLMmEeBEO5QPX6IgUc6rVMvjDjp24w7YQWjavWY4YoMkn2hnSdd6czDs-jX53/s1600-h/author_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwWWFvc5oah1gkrPZv70bnX0XTtrXvO_5AqobgAQdXSYh3A9mOUqsjjbPStk3nyrjKeFrmRs4gevx2_qCLMmEeBEO5QPX6IgUc6rVMvjDjp24w7YQWjavWY4YoMkn2hnSdd6czDs-jX53/s200/author_p.jpg" /></a><br />
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Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."<br />
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It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. "I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay."<br />
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Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEHR_TWyO7Ly3lzrz5bs5hdeyMAlE4DLjQ0kEIWoTY2oP_hcxL-QWUJwpOnbbXRHyWKJVSVbQTIEDKLUqDK7gCZphiuSHtc0ZXdSVPCQ7dx1NCk5ktJtio5BoZjex29zFT4Ei0Ux7Z3Sv/s1600-h/A+Lady+Like+Sarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEHR_TWyO7Ly3lzrz5bs5hdeyMAlE4DLjQ0kEIWoTY2oP_hcxL-QWUJwpOnbbXRHyWKJVSVbQTIEDKLUqDK7gCZphiuSHtc0ZXdSVPCQ7dx1NCk5ktJtio5BoZjex29zFT4Ei0Ux7Z3Sv/s320/A+Lady+Like+Sarah.jpg" /></a><br />
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<strong>Sarah Prescott has never known a respectable life; just a hardscrabble childhood and brothers who taught her to shoot straight.</strong><br />
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<br />
<br />
Justin Wells left Boston in disgrace, heading out alone on the dusty trail to Texas. But when the once-respected clergyman encounters a feisty redhead in handcuffs with a dying US Marshall at her side, their journey takes a dramatic turn. <br />
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His high society expectations and Sarah's outlaw habits clash from the start. With a price on her head and a sweet orphan in tow, Justin and Sarah make the difficult journey toward Rocky Creek. There justice will be meted out hopefully with a portion of grace.<br />
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595548092">A Lady Like Sarah</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/01/lady-like-sarah-chapter-1.html">HERE</a><br />
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<br />
Watch the Book Trailer:<br />
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<object height="265" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/prY2q9Oasp4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/prY2q9Oasp4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-83683709461274681152010-01-20T10:00:00.001-05:002010-01-28T13:34:06.836-05:00Book Review- The Judas Ride by Peggy Sue Yarber<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
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<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1607998017">The Judas Ride</a></span></center><br />
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<br />
<br />
<center>Tate Publishing (December 8, 2009) </center><br />
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<center>by</center><br />
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<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.psyarber.com/home.html">Peggy Sue Yarber</a></span></center><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Rnx5qN46D7KfwTbROQJc5kQfM2hWVe3Bc8tRS9qJ0gbTZ6e_DEgmlQ-jTGoR_E8RXaMVKLHJBT8I3V4OYcyRKsH79lKgA4NnpQIWtIgBWMWturzy8k_9tw__ervIq_v8jMhim1zi3jg/s1600-h/Picture+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Rnx5qN46D7KfwTbROQJc5kQfM2hWVe3Bc8tRS9qJ0gbTZ6e_DEgmlQ-jTGoR_E8RXaMVKLHJBT8I3V4OYcyRKsH79lKgA4NnpQIWtIgBWMWturzy8k_9tw__ervIq_v8jMhim1zi3jg/s200/Picture+009.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Peggy Sue Yarber, PhD in psychology, lives in central California with her husband, two daughters, six turtles and two dogs. She works in the field of education. <br />
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<em>The Judas Ride</em> was inspired by her current and previous students. She has seen and experienced and seen similarities between the students and Jesus’ traitor, Judas Iscariot. She has always been fascinated with Judas. Yarber went to a catholic school when she was young and Judas was always portrayed like a mysterious rebel. <br />
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She ventures to say, “I guess he was my James Dean of the Bible. But in a good way! In the way that…he did something so wrong so that the entire world could be saved. He had to betray Jesus in order for the rest of the story. I have always wondered what it would be like to not do that one bad thing that would lead to that one great thing. So I had the Vader character sort of run through the paces of Judas.” <br />
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Redemption and reality are the two distinguishing features about Yarber’s writing. Not all teens find redemption in The Judas Ride. Yarber considered trying to show the negative outcomes as much as the positive. She wasn’t thinking in terms of positive and negative but she did try to balance the two sides. Yarber says she often sees people daily that , “…have even more screwed up lives than these characters.” Yarber admits sometimes there is not an ending to the madness unless someone dies and then even after the death the ripples still linger. She has written another novel <em>TARE</em> and a children’s book <em>Rocketships to Heaven and the SOS Fuel Station</em>. She loves to run, read, shoot guns and watch her daughters play soccer. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZiHcNwfFQ_uLb-4X7qHq4S9fpJoixJa4uIZ34tmub-OHiEq0y5EnYqhSN_vd8fBA3HUFdouxegFjSfbxkmwSjKva-F0fWH-Hz6vK7e2DrjfSPWlTDwQaKU6YkSDdjsLPfIHrz4swFeMZ/s1600-h/Judas+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZiHcNwfFQ_uLb-4X7qHq4S9fpJoixJa4uIZ34tmub-OHiEq0y5EnYqhSN_vd8fBA3HUFdouxegFjSfbxkmwSjKva-F0fWH-Hz6vK7e2DrjfSPWlTDwQaKU6YkSDdjsLPfIHrz4swFeMZ/s320/Judas+Ride.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
An unwed (and unwanted) teen pregnancy with two possible fathers. Abusive relationships. Drug and alcohol addiction. Rape and molestation. The struggle to understand grace, forgiveness, and free will versus predestination. The <i>Judas Ride </i>hits the road running in the opening pages, where Sonia and Xavier argue explosively about whether Sonia should have their unborn child and about who the father is: Xavier, a struggling Christian, or Vader, an abusive and abused drug dealer. As the pages turn, readers continue to meet a hodgepodge of troubled teens and eclectic characters, including Pastor Manny, a quirky immigrant pastor infatuated with John Wayne. Pastor Manny desires to help the tortured souls in his community but finds that it takes more than unconditional love to reach them. Secrets literally kill in <i>The Judas Ride</i>, an edgy, in-your-your face Christian novel that boldly explores the struggles of modern-day young people.<br />
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1607998017">The Judas Ride</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/01/judas-ride-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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**Please note: My opinion of this book is that it is not appropriate for children or teenagers of any age. It was a bit more explicit and "bold" than I would be comfortable recommending. Although it had Christian undertones it is not a book that is an easy read for the faint of heart- please read with descretion.**<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-7224094546977057552010-01-08T10:00:00.000-05:002010-01-08T10:50:29.322-05:00Book Review- Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida by Sandra D. Bricker<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
</div><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1935416251">Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<center>Summerside Press (November 1, 2009) </center><br />
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<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.sandradbricker.com/">Sandra D. Bricker</a></span></center><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx7DgUPkr6YBdKrpNaMQB5Ij4xF1LaWWhwz9BIs8l8ZkWjz-PSpjuijxQr8_1XgxrTD01HXutYX_3hQOEt0RaGf2CDFgjHrIFOThgenh2vvlhM-0-tUvhuCeESwP7NIesnH95yvqBV6lI/s1600-h/sandie_author__sbricke1_v1_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423464711224524498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx7DgUPkr6YBdKrpNaMQB5Ij4xF1LaWWhwz9BIs8l8ZkWjz-PSpjuijxQr8_1XgxrTD01HXutYX_3hQOEt0RaGf2CDFgjHrIFOThgenh2vvlhM-0-tUvhuCeESwP7NIesnH95yvqBV6lI/s320/sandie_author__sbricke1_v1_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 256px;" /></a>For more than a decade, Author Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While writing in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant<br />
and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.<br />
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One of Sandie's passions revolves around the rights of animals. She's been involved in fundraising for Lost Angels Animal Rescue for several years now; in fact, a portion of the proceeds of Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida will go to help the non-profit group with their expenses. And Lost Angels paid her back in a big way: They brought a free-spirited Collie named Sophie into her life after the loss of her 15-year companion Caleb.<br />
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It was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer.<br />
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In Sandie's words: "I guess most people would see my career as a publicist as a sort of dream job. But giving it up turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!" she declares. "Not only was I given the gift of getting to know my mother as an adult woman before she passed away, but I was also afforded the blessing of being able to focus completely on my dream of a writing career. I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost, so it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch their new Love Finds You line."<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_kAkBwKHdob0LHviD0cOkEpcY2bLI91-V1HQP08GzMi0Xb54BIBQjzPpnzR3kP-g2F9MtIKRBiECRQ3ln8nVhqCkbHG6SKxo0C57VNtRwGkC2zaZbL4jX2RPH9-jo_Pgm8l89kVxc04n/s1600-h/Love+Finds+You+In+Holiday+Florida.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423464975603143442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_kAkBwKHdob0LHviD0cOkEpcY2bLI91-V1HQP08GzMi0Xb54BIBQjzPpnzR3kP-g2F9MtIKRBiECRQ3ln8nVhqCkbHG6SKxo0C57VNtRwGkC2zaZbL4jX2RPH9-jo_Pgm8l89kVxc04n/s320/Love+Finds+You+In+Holiday+Florida.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 250px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 157px;" /></a>Lawyer Cassie Constantine has no plans to stay in Florida. She's here just long enough to sell her late husbands vacation house, a tacky bungalow she's always despised then she'll hightail it back to her gracious Boston brownstone.<br />
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But the place needs more work than Cassie bargained for. What's more, her widow status is like a target on her back and the elderly matchmakers around town manage to sidetrack her mission at every turn.<br />
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Holiday is a landmine of golf tournaments, ballroom dancing competitions, shuffleboard and day trips. But the biggest obstacle of all? Richard Dillon, the stuffed shirt she's paired with on the dance floor.<br />
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Cassie had always considered herself uptight but Richard won't take a walk on the beach without his socks and shoes! There's one little problem he makes her heart beat faster than the rhythm of the quickstep. Can Cassie and Richard let loose long enough to have a little fun? <br />
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If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1935416251">Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/01/love-finds-you-in-holiday-florida.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<br />
Watch the trailer:<br />
<object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TbB9SKoIxCE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TbB9SKoIxCE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-57389682890044638542010-01-06T10:00:00.000-05:002010-01-06T16:18:26.469-05:00Book Review- The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764207075">The Silent Governess</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<center>Bethany House; Original edition (January 1, 2010)</center><br />
<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.julieklassen.com/">Julie Klassen</a></span></center><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKgNcUzESVKtf-lhGCqJrk_jdm3eTcvUeaJVHg4y6u-ocbZvYjbUK8MCvX0vosu-YX0Easq5Y2YaQgW0Pj0_zb1m8CTvpBFLnIAkji7M2HMSNIKV30I3a8Hl_oMYrOl9ysdoB-PTmbpZK/s1600-h/110-Julie.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422722683795838210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKgNcUzESVKtf-lhGCqJrk_jdm3eTcvUeaJVHg4y6u-ocbZvYjbUK8MCvX0vosu-YX0Easq5Y2YaQgW0Pj0_zb1m8CTvpBFLnIAkji7M2HMSNIKV30I3a8Hl_oMYrOl9ysdoB-PTmbpZK/s320/110-Julie.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 263px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 175px;" /></a>Julie says: My background is in advertising and marketing, but I am blessed with a dream job—working as an editor of Christian fiction. I have been writing since childhood, but Lady of Milkweed Manor was my first novel. It was a finalist for a Christy Award and won second place in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards. My second novel, The Apothecary's Daughter, was a finalist in the ACFW Book of the Year awards. I am currently writing one novel a year.<br />
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I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.<br />
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My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonfENfNBBuhLDqH1TW4coI3Sd4lBip9fVK0Pn1Hdpg5uSRm_dbd-VOm9nOga5f9vBLq-mo3erJHyWpUm99i1U3kWi2j7Ri6dggBS_pDo7RWgooMqq28or1yI0cRK1Y6DY4N1ZvJ22VLud/s1600-h/silent+governess.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422723007082482098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonfENfNBBuhLDqH1TW4coI3Sd4lBip9fVK0Pn1Hdpg5uSRm_dbd-VOm9nOga5f9vBLq-mo3erJHyWpUm99i1U3kWi2j7Ri6dggBS_pDo7RWgooMqq28or1yI0cRK1Y6DY4N1ZvJ22VLud/s320/silent+governess.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 157px;" /></a><br />
<strong>Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.</strong><br />
<br />
But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.<br />
<br />
He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something. <br />
<br />
Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764207075">The Silent Governess</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/01/silent-governess-prologue-and-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>. You can also sign up as a Follower when you get to that page, and get announcements of the first chapters for all the great books we tour!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-79330751092685856282009-12-14T10:00:00.002-05:002009-12-14T10:01:31.016-05:00Book Review- The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602605629">The Sheriff’s Surrender </a></span></center><br />
<br />
<center>Barbour Books (December 1, 2009)</center><br />
<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.susanpagedavis.com/">Susan Page Davis</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8DR_Shb30kMqj7h5n-L_FGhyaardCZobA7xtqJ8tVwQdEvLZ8mdBC67JoVWU937qldfxK0zPK8ya55K0Gs9lLrm1OSsjzN3BSkn2h0EQVLDfJnDIlm901EFQhlSzDVC790ejpw7RKxPV/s1600-h/SusanPDavis2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414919121950739842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8DR_Shb30kMqj7h5n-L_FGhyaardCZobA7xtqJ8tVwQdEvLZ8mdBC67JoVWU937qldfxK0zPK8ya55K0Gs9lLrm1OSsjzN3BSkn2h0EQVLDfJnDIlm901EFQhlSzDVC790ejpw7RKxPV/s320/SusanPDavis2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 175px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 136px;" /></a><br />
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, <i>Sarah's Long Ride</i>, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.<br />
<br />
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters<br />
<br />
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in <i>Woman's World, Grit</i>, and Alfred Hitchcock's <i>Mystery Magazine</i>.<br />
<br />
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs7MssLycl_6Ypyretnhcd2oFamJ4stOC9slnzRiOVKLXDZt6yT_EoXwOXgu_yTqbWmqL0zrtjIhHRgRlKYzB9UAdqBA7A8Az39SNlQOZeVf74FDzRaY5wfMuKv979NF0Rr9arRTRbBP0/s1600-h/The+Sheriff%27s+Surrender.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414918840681931026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs7MssLycl_6Ypyretnhcd2oFamJ4stOC9slnzRiOVKLXDZt6yT_EoXwOXgu_yTqbWmqL0zrtjIhHRgRlKYzB9UAdqBA7A8Az39SNlQOZeVf74FDzRaY5wfMuKv979NF0Rr9arRTRbBP0/s320/The+Sheriff%27s+Surrender.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 157px;" /></a><br />
Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards, but she wants Ethan Chapman to see she's more than a crack shot with a firearm. When the sheriff of Fergus, Idaho, is murdered and Ethan is named his replacement, Gert decides she has to do whatever she can to help him protect the citizenry. So she starts the Ladies Shooting Club. But when one of their numbers is murdered, these ladies are called on for more than target shooting and praying. Can Gert and the ladies of Fergus find the murderer before he strikes again?<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602605629">The Sheriff’s Surrender </a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/12/sheriffs-surrender-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-70060958181538641972009-12-12T10:00:00.001-05:002009-12-12T10:00:00.734-05:00Book Review- The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802447317">The Familiar Stranger </a></span></center><br />
<br />
<center>Moody Publishers (September 1, 2009)</center><br />
<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://christinaberry.net/default.aspx">Christina Berry</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1_3bK8bvcITXtUGFBMRSR0Y6u8Qmh0VGXAcm_HGxaPKRaP0zI_bjGec0OwEWu-8fl-crRpb_e51lhfVHuWkBf-VpFQMJ1qjK37DnzwUW_Ay-v6C30UjdH69xaoeZKYQllWOyY3DuRhFY/s1600-h/BERRY-4213-T1%255B1%255D%2520%25282%2529_428x600.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413824327812166338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1_3bK8bvcITXtUGFBMRSR0Y6u8Qmh0VGXAcm_HGxaPKRaP0zI_bjGec0OwEWu-8fl-crRpb_e51lhfVHuWkBf-VpFQMJ1qjK37DnzwUW_Ay-v6C30UjdH69xaoeZKYQllWOyY3DuRhFY/s320/BERRY-4213-T1%255B1%255D%2520%25282%2529_428x600.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 246px;" /></a>Single mother and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time to write from her busy schedule because she must tell the stories that haunt her every waking moment. (Such is the overly dramatic description of an author's life!) She holds a BA in Literature, yet loves a good Calculus problem, as well. All that confusion must have influenced her decision to be team captain of a winning team on <i>Family Feud</i>.<br />
<br />
Her debut novel, <i>The Familiar Stranger</i>, released from Moody in September and deals with lies, secrets, and themes of forgiveness in a troubled marriage. A moving speaker and dynamic teacher, Christina strives to <strong>Live Transparently--Forgive Extravagantly!</strong><br />
<br />
Her work has also appeared in <i>The Secret Place, The Oregonian</i>, and <i>Daily Devotions for Writers</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7_OIjNVgK2iidMsKfPuSvEMajZwD8OsLVabZ7URON0AKZD3-BgVMbEuJERus0qQbIq2vBnEb14wU3CWwV7Rwyk-GXTMVj-ruPgHqLArr6fRLdvX6uPm63FBNuhb8IKdfb0jjiY72P5X-/s1600-h/the+familiar+stranger.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413822498835745218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7_OIjNVgK2iidMsKfPuSvEMajZwD8OsLVabZ7URON0AKZD3-BgVMbEuJERus0qQbIq2vBnEb14wU3CWwV7Rwyk-GXTMVj-ruPgHqLArr6fRLdvX6uPm63FBNuhb8IKdfb0jjiY72P5X-/s320/the+familiar+stranger.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 238px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 157px;" /></a>Craig Littleton's decision to end his marriage would shock his wife, Denise . . . if she knew what he was up to. When an accident lands Craig in the ICU, with fuzzy memories of his own life and plans, Denise rushes to his side, ready to care for him.<br />
<br />
They embark on a quest to help Craig remember who he is and, in the process, they discover dark secrets. An affair? An emptied bank account? A hidden identity? An illegitimate child?<br />
<br />
But what will she do when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was? Is this trauma a blessing in disguise, a chance for a fresh start? Or will his secrets destroy the life they built together?<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802447317">The Familiar Stranger</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/12/familiar-stranger-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-49467365944463537872009-12-09T10:00:00.002-05:002009-12-12T07:54:43.613-05:00Book Review- The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a> <br />
</div><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310272270">The Christmas Lamp</a></span></center><center>Zondervan (October 1, 2009)</center><center>by</center><center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.loricopeland.com/">Lori Copeland</a></span></center><center> </center><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavCIXzAjXJgvhY942MeEjFsQn9W7k7k6nk6LLDCkswsqlMxAkCx1jMQIjTBA7Q5UqyjseZ9B-DNpEZ4zDdZFKGuBdbuQ7AgIxU7JeF1sVQme3rawFKv2bWBmmdgRhXR6OS8RUAzkeaPua/s1600-h/_MG_8220.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413067602679734338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavCIXzAjXJgvhY942MeEjFsQn9W7k7k6nk6LLDCkswsqlMxAkCx1jMQIjTBA7Q5UqyjseZ9B-DNpEZ4zDdZFKGuBdbuQ7AgIxU7JeF1sVQme3rawFKv2bWBmmdgRhXR6OS8RUAzkeaPua/s320/_MG_8220.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 204px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 227px;" /></a> <br />
Lori Copeland has been writing for twenty-five years and has over three million copies of her books in print. She began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that she began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has more than 95 books published, including <i>Now and Always, Simple Gifts, Unwrapping Christmas</i>, and <i>Monday Morning Faith</i>, which was a finalist for the 2007 Christy Awards. Lori was inducted into the Springfield Writers Hall of Fame in 2000. Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. They have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and five wonderful grandchildren. Lori and Lance are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fkF9N_Ku0-rWp8828vjwuNSul0zoRvZ3DfcJAB2AD_Z2aEyz9gmaWbNwxtfrRyZQKxG8bALinLczx1v5AMoyEsU3qNxU_AZp_dhoDCbItS0rRdji4IS1H-iCyRQxDR_gAGCpi3wGSUdg/s1600-h/christmas_lamp.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413068013999076290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fkF9N_Ku0-rWp8828vjwuNSul0zoRvZ3DfcJAB2AD_Z2aEyz9gmaWbNwxtfrRyZQKxG8bALinLczx1v5AMoyEsU3qNxU_AZp_dhoDCbItS0rRdji4IS1H-iCyRQxDR_gAGCpi3wGSUdg/s320/christmas_lamp.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 171px;" /></a><br />
Christmas trees, twinkling lights, skating in the park, and holiday displays are the hallmark elements for celebrating Jesus birth for the sentimental residents of Nativity, Missouri. Will fiscal responsibility replace Christmas their traditions when times are tough? Though their priorities and methods clash, Roni Elliot and Jake Brisco want the same thing, for the town to prosper. As the two get to know each other better, each begins to gain a new perspective on what the real wealth of Nativity and the season might be. If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310272270">The Christmas Lamp</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-lamp-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-64361002118336398442009-12-07T10:00:00.004-05:002009-12-07T10:33:24.274-05:00Mega Xmas Review- Young Scientist Club Magic School Bus Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XQdWbAkR5ttLjgzkIrs-DHQhwEqSc7fouMWuY83AR4DVhVY9F_3fMXZmzx1TGHczQakBN-L5YFIaqJEzvNbx5vgV8ObuhoOH1rK2XQqq0hq2mx3Ducvw_mC3YaI8ob3cWpGJZ8XC5LI/s1600-h/Magic+School+Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XQdWbAkR5ttLjgzkIrs-DHQhwEqSc7fouMWuY83AR4DVhVY9F_3fMXZmzx1TGHczQakBN-L5YFIaqJEzvNbx5vgV8ObuhoOH1rK2XQqq0hq2mx3Ducvw_mC3YaI8ob3cWpGJZ8XC5LI/s320/Magic+School+Bus.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>The Young Scientists Club was started by Esther Novis, a mother of five and a former Harvard-trained biologist over a decade ago as a summer science camp for her then 5 year old son. Friends from other parts of the country told Novis they felt cheated that their kids couldn't participate, so she packaged the experiments and sent them off. The ideas was such a hit that now subscription kits are mailed monthly to thousands of children around the world and the company's retail kits are sold in hundreds of specialty stores worldwide.<br />
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We were thrilled to receive the <a href="http://www.kidsciencekits.com/">Magic School Bus Diving into Slime, Gel and Goop</a> kit by the Young Scientist Club. My little ones are budding scientists and could not have been more excited. I, on the other hand, was not so thrilled with the kit- Slime, Gel and Goop- sounded messy to me!! I have to admit, however, that I had more fun doing the experiments and activities than my children. <br />
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There are so many amazing aspects to this kit including step by step instructions, multiple exciting experiments, and hours of family fun. I loved this kit so much that we will be purchasing other kits from the Young Scientists Club for Christmas for other young family and friends. I would recommend these kits to anyone wanting a way to help young ones get excited about science and spend some wonderful time learning and laughing together.<br />
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About the Magic School Bus Diving into Slime, Gel and Goop kit:<br />
<blockquote>Diving Into Slime, Gel, and Goop<br />
<br />
Ms. Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists diving into slime, gel, and goop with fun and fabulous experiments. Young Scientists discover oobleck, produce glue from milk, grow jiggly marbles, make snow from super-absorbent crystals, form a bouncy ball, create slime, expand super-absorbent gel crystals, melt fake snow, learn about polymers, and much, much more! This polymer kit includes extra gels, super-absorbent crystals, and marbles to repeat the fun! Seatbelts everyone! Get ready to Dive into Slime, Gel, and Goop! <br />
<br />
(Ages: 5 and up) <br />
</blockquote>To Buy:<br />
<br />
The Young Scientists Club offers many wonderful kits for children of all ages. For more information or to purchase a kit visit <a href="http://kidsciencekits.com/">kidsciencekits.com</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>**We were provided a Magic School Bus kit to review for this post. The opinions herein are mine alone.**</em></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-26890636376445831832009-12-07T09:45:00.000-05:002009-12-07T10:13:58.095-05:00Mega Xmas Review- Squeeze Blaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOnyS5-Hhf3Dseq4mG9lz-dggzbLwBHMQtGJqeRCUWf0ZrQhoyUAYM-udO5Oz_x_BmAvbJEUgEHNaN8C0IYMNB99Vn13RdEDvTvSg0-H16nCxVIhy6m488klfKGPJehuy8RCfCpuCCtY/s1600-h/Squeeze+Blaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOnyS5-Hhf3Dseq4mG9lz-dggzbLwBHMQtGJqeRCUWf0ZrQhoyUAYM-udO5Oz_x_BmAvbJEUgEHNaN8C0IYMNB99Vn13RdEDvTvSg0-H16nCxVIhy6m488klfKGPJehuy8RCfCpuCCtY/s320/Squeeze+Blaster.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FO4K9I/ref=asc_df_B000FO4K9I966132?tag=the004-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B000FO4K9I&linkCode=asn">Squeeze Blaster by Prime Time Toys</a> is a game for boys (and girls) of all ages. We received a Squeeze Blaster game recently to review for our Mega Xmas by <a href="http://www.parentreviewers.com/">Parent Reviewers</a>. <br />
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My 7 year old son and my 38 year old husband were both equally as excited when they first saw the box. They were equally as excited when they began playing it and realized how fun and competitive it could be. <br />
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Since that time, both my husband and my son have enjoyed countless hours playing Squeeze Blaster with wonderful results. The best part in my opinion is the fact that the ease of play allows both my son and my husband to be competitive and they have each enjoyed winning many games. <br />
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Another wonderful aspect of this game is the softness of the foam darts- when my son "accidently" shot one at his sister she was not harmed. She actually found it amusing enough to want to give the game a try and had fun playing with it as well. I found this one to be a win-win and I am sure that this will be a family favorite for a long time to come.<br />
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About Squeeze Blaster:<br />
<blockquote>The Squeeze Blaster Target Game from Prime Time Toys is the dart game that challenges players to take aim at the colorful 11 diameter board, squeeze the soft launcher, and make the 3 foam missile fly towards the target. The player with the most points wins! <br />
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Includes 2-3.25L launchers and 6-3L missiles. <br />
</blockquote><br />
To Buy:<br />
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Squeeze Blaster can be purchased on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FO4K9I/ref=asc_df_B000FO4K9I966132?tag=the004-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B000FO4K9I&linkCode=asn">Amazon</a> and other great specialty retailers.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>**We were provided a Squeeze Blaster Game to review for this post. The opinions herein are completely my own.**</em></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-24229372978161101042009-12-07T09:30:00.003-05:002009-12-07T09:59:03.504-05:00Mega Xmas Review- CitiBlocs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfcVxeffolLNF9dy6OoD814j6cXmAh0HWKZZ7ieI3whpBR1RYTi4T-Hz6UYmg4okSwag1tg1u3wd8tzvyHP6OR7m9Ft88M5rPQfN6jqWkJR15eXsLRMCTK8Ahzvge36l3IVs0iahrdz4/s1600-h/CitiBlocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfcVxeffolLNF9dy6OoD814j6cXmAh0HWKZZ7ieI3whpBR1RYTi4T-Hz6UYmg4okSwag1tg1u3wd8tzvyHP6OR7m9Ft88M5rPQfN6jqWkJR15eXsLRMCTK8Ahzvge36l3IVs0iahrdz4/s200/CitiBlocks.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>My little guy is an avid builder. I think it runs in his genes as my husband is a carpenter and my father in law is an architect. Either way, my little guy is convinced the best job in the world is building houses. Imagine his delight when I gave him a set of <a href="http://www.citiblocs.com/">CitiBlocs</a> and told him he could build an entire city. He was thrilled!!<br />
<br />
CitiBlocs are a fabulous, unique wooden construction toy that can be used to build just about anything. The amazing thing about CitiBlocs is that every piece is the same size and shape allowing for hours of creativity and fun while creating some amazing things. The pieces are made from high quality Radiata Pine from certified renewable forests in New Zealand. They are just the perfect size for stacking and creating all kinds of wonderful buildings, animals, anything your mind can create.<br />
<br />
About CitiBlocs:<br />
<blockquote>What are CitiBlocs?<br />
CitiBlocs are a unique wooden building toy made of pine from renewable forests. These small rectangular plans measure 1" x 4 1/2" x 1/4" and exist in seven different colors. <br />
<br />
Kids (and their parents) can enter a creative world of building, fantasy and fun. The possibilities are infinite: a galleon fit for pirates and princes, monuments and palaces, villages and bridges and futuristic towers. Imagine and build dragons and crocodiles and multicolored exotic birds; a meadow filled with flowers and trees. <br />
<br />
Build outside the box with CitiBlocs, enhancing awareness, vision and skill - engaging hands on experience, concentration and understanding. Introduce builders to the world of art and design, science and expression, mathematics and history - the joy of creating and learning all the time. CitiBlocs: the finest building blocks in the world!<br />
The essential building and learning toy. <br />
</blockquote><br />
We were so pleased with CitiBlocs that we will be purchasing more for Christmas for family and friends. In addition to the 100 piece set we received, they are also offered in 52, 200, 300, 500 and even 1000 piece sets ranging in price from $14.99 to $229.99.<br />
<br />
To Buy:<br />
<br />
CitiBlocs can be purchased at Toys R Us and online at <a href="http://citiblocsstore.com/">CitiblocsStore.com</a> and other specialty retailers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>**I was provided a set of 100 Citiblocs to review for this post. The opinions herein are completely my own.**<br />
</em></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-15444312866529530682009-12-07T09:15:00.011-05:002009-12-07T09:31:59.626-05:00Mega Xmas Reviews- Haba Animal Upon Animal Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWl7SHV-Peghqaozkm4svEgBfmWw6VVkjGpWf6BwDa2bXojh9Zvo_wVk67izYOAOZm1hM0xQCbgUZ7FR8M3Ou8H59GXnBHa_RbrjDbsIsOO5YmNjbz9BBd1rXyIaMi5K0PG78VMbePYY/s1600-h/Haba+Animal+upon+Animal+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWl7SHV-Peghqaozkm4svEgBfmWw6VVkjGpWf6BwDa2bXojh9Zvo_wVk67izYOAOZm1hM0xQCbgUZ7FR8M3Ou8H59GXnBHa_RbrjDbsIsOO5YmNjbz9BBd1rXyIaMi5K0PG78VMbePYY/s200/Haba+Animal+upon+Animal+Game.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I have been a long time fan of HABA and the fantastic toys they create. Thanks to <a href="http://www.parentreviewers.com/">Parent Reviewers</a> I was given the opportunity to try out a new game- <a href="http://www.maukilo.com/brands/haba-games-136/animal-upon-animal-game-the-duell-7609.html">Animal Upon Animal- The Duell</a>, a fantastic wobbly stacking game for young children. <br />
<br />
My daughter was so excited when we received this game at our house. She is the animal lover in the family and couldn't wait to begin playing. She though the box itself was fabulous with its bright colors and the wonderful pictures of animals. She loved the ease of play of this game as well as the challenging aspect which kept us all on our toes. <br />
<br />
The wooden pieces are adorable and just the right size for little hands. The dice that accompany the game are a bit small- they could pose a choking hazard for very young children so this game is recommended for children 3 and up. I think this is another winner by the HABA company and I am sure we will all be enjoying this one for many years to come.<br />
<br />
About HABA's Animal Upon Animal Game:<br />
<blockquote>HABA Animal Upon Animal Game The Duell - This games helps:<br />
-Eye-hand coordination<br />
-Fine motor skills<br />
-Three-dimensional perception<br />
A wobbly stacking game for 3 or more players. <br />
Game Idea:The stacking competition has started! The tiger balances the goose on his paws, the squirrel climbs on to the goose, but the second team is catching up … <br />
<br />
A quick stacking game of balance for 2 skillful players. Includes variation “All for one and one for all” for 3 and more players. <br />
</blockquote>To Buy:<br />
<br />
HABA Animal Upon Animal Game can be purchased at <a href="http://www.maukilo.com/brands/haba-games-136/animal-upon-animal-game-the-duell-7609.html">Maukilo</a> or anywhere HABA games are sold.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>**The HABA Animal Upon Animal Game was given to me to review for this post. The opinions given in this post are mine alone.**</em></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-14561654196751357962009-12-07T09:00:00.001-05:002009-12-07T09:03:56.002-05:00Exergen Temporal Scanner Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrnx4dtGbEHC3USyyvku3O0ZpBfsRJgH367aEiFjhKDdpf0kcB1GqrUKyFFrObVwVLYRHh-qX4lQZsPEHgn1WsAooPP2I-IFAqxDH29tcCwHm2kNq_N5sq4xwMLdbh-olGOd3A4KafXE/s1600-h/Exergen+TemporalScanner+Thermometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrnx4dtGbEHC3USyyvku3O0ZpBfsRJgH367aEiFjhKDdpf0kcB1GqrUKyFFrObVwVLYRHh-qX4lQZsPEHgn1WsAooPP2I-IFAqxDH29tcCwHm2kNq_N5sq4xwMLdbh-olGOd3A4KafXE/s320/Exergen+TemporalScanner+Thermometer.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Do you remember the old days of the mercury thermometers that took SO long to complete a temperature reading on your sad, sick little one? I am so glad those days are long past and now- Exergen has created a wonderful alternative. The Temporal Scanner is a new and effective way to monitor the temperature of anyone who is under the weather. It is quick, accurate, and easy to use- something all moms and dads will appreciate.<br />
<br />
About the <a href="http://exergen.com/TAT/tatconsumerpage.htm#">Exergen Temporal Scanner</a>:<br />
<blockquote>The TemporalScanner Thermometer is a totally non-invasive system with advanced infrared technology providing maximum ease of use with quick, consistently accurate measurements. Advanced, patented technology measures temperatures with a gentle stroke across the forehead.<br />
<br />
The TemporalScanner Thermometer has been clinically tested for accuracy compared to rectal thermometers and temperature sensors inserted in the heart during course of patient treatment and accepted for use in major hospitals, making it the ideal thermometer for use with newborns, infants, children or adults. <br />
<br />
The TemporalScanner has patented software, providing arterial heat balance. This unique process determines temperature by accurately measuring the balance between the tissues warming from arterial blood and tissues cooling (warming) caused by heat loss (gain) to the environment. <br />
</blockquote>I was so pleased to be given the opportunity to try a Temporal Scanner by <a href="http://www.parentreviewers.com/">Parent Reviewers</a>. We have had quite a few opportunities to test the Temporal Scanner during this flu season and we have had wonderful results. It is so quick that my little ones didn't even know we were taking their temperature. We often had to hold my youngest child still while taking her temperature under her arm, causing her even more discomfort and tears. With the Temporal Scanner this was not any issue at all. <br />
<br />
Here's how the Temporal Scanner works:<br />
<blockquote>As you gently stroke the thermometer across the forehead crossing over the temporal artery, the sensor in its probe performs two processes: <br />
<br />
First it scans like a video camera, capturing naturally emitted infrared heat from the arterial blood supply at about 1000 “frames” per second, locking in the highest temperature it senses and; <br />
<br />
Second, at the same time, a patented system measures the ambient temperature of the site where the temperature is being taken. The patented "arterial heat balance" (AHB) software then synthesizes the two separate readings to accurately determine and display body temperature. <br />
<br />
As with any thermometer, taking temperatures properly is critical to obtaining accurate temperatures, so please read all instructions carefully and thoroughly before using this product. <br />
</blockquote>To Buy:<br />
<br />
You can purchase the Temporal Scanner at Wal-mart, Babies R Us, Walgreens and many other major retailers. For a complete list click <a href="http://exergen.com/TAT/tatconsumerpage.htm">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">**I was provided a Temporal Scanner by Exergen to review for this post. The opinions provided within this post are completely my own.**</span></em>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-5143291087136266802009-11-24T10:00:00.001-05:002009-12-07T11:02:17.122-05:00K'NEX Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9SMToPUyBV8vXlUSac-eU20tuEEIdWbHFn8hekumy1BcHWBcy4U0q52Ha5C7lxYN3KpoKLbGy5KIMnhDoKUG5WvQScIt5YCVsm-2enaxpwYPJIR7oGDlfxzDr3-utMJ1l5UBzRau5UY/s1600-h/K'nex+400.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9SMToPUyBV8vXlUSac-eU20tuEEIdWbHFn8hekumy1BcHWBcy4U0q52Ha5C7lxYN3KpoKLbGy5KIMnhDoKUG5WvQScIt5YCVsm-2enaxpwYPJIR7oGDlfxzDr3-utMJ1l5UBzRau5UY/s200/K'nex+400.bmp" /></a><br />
</div>My family has been a huge fan of K'NEX building products for a long time. We were so excited when we were recently given the opportunity to review two fabulous products from the <a href="http://www.knex.com/Shop/home.php">K'NEX collection</a>.<br />
<br />
The first product was the great <a href="http://www.knex.com/building_toys/400_piece_value_tub.php">400 piece value set</a>, which came with 400 individual building pieces, building ideas for 20 different models, and a great storage tub. My son was so excited to receive these as he is an avid builder. The K'NEX set is perfect for him with just enough difficulty to keep him interested, yet enough variability to allow his creativity to blossom. He has literally played with these for hours on end, creating vehicles, building, animals, insects, Christmas presents, and many, many more fun and imaginative creations. <br />
<br />
It is so valuable for us to find toys that work well for him, with his multiple special needs it is often to find things that will keep his attention, not be frustrating, and allow him to be as creative as he wants to be. This set fit all of those and more. <br />
<br />
About the K'NEX 400 piece set:<br />
<blockquote>Loaded with 400 parts, including bricks, for lots of open-ended fun and endless building and play opportunities! Includes instructions and ideas for 20 models or use your imagination to dream up your own creations. The convenient storage tub means there is always a place to put your parts or take the fun with you wherever you go! <br />
<br />
*Packed with 400 parts, including bricks, rods and connectors, for lots of open-ended building fun <br />
<br />
*Includes ideas/instructions for 20+ models or use your own imagination <br />
<br />
*Handy storage tub means you can take the fun with you and clean-up is easy <br />
<br />
For ages 7+<br />
</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjjvqMyZ-oZFL_2aweB_kf7WVxLuRzEM0bL5A_Si7XZFJ_VZNqYiSnNI1bMHHl0I3ocThRO5c0m1ay3MNg_1N86RqY8VhdpMuhSD9k4Gs62vSTjjievHd9J91EYBDYUSDkAi1xqG8Yzc/s1600-h/K'NEX+SS.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjjvqMyZ-oZFL_2aweB_kf7WVxLuRzEM0bL5A_Si7XZFJ_VZNqYiSnNI1bMHHl0I3ocThRO5c0m1ay3MNg_1N86RqY8VhdpMuhSD9k4Gs62vSTjjievHd9J91EYBDYUSDkAi1xqG8Yzc/s200/K'NEX+SS.bmp" /></a><br />
</div><br />
The second set we received from K'NEX was the adorable <a href="http://www.knex.com/building_toys/neighborhood_collection_ice_cream_truck_building_set.php">Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection Ice Cream Truck</a>. This set was just so sweet- my 5 year old daughter had so much fun showing this to her 3 year old cousin. They built it together and then had tons of fun chasing each other through the house with Elmo. <br />
<br />
The pieces in this set were big and chunky, easy for little hands to grasp and the Elmo that was included is dressed as an ice cream man. There are four Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection sets and each works alone or you can purchase them all for even more involved play and fun. Each set also comes with a Play & Learn activity sheet which features educational and fun activities designed specifically for preschoolers and their parents. The activities teach children fun facts related to the theme of the scene. They also offer ways to use the parts of each set to work on sorting, patterning, colors, shapes and more.<br />
<br />
About the Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection Ice Cream Truck set:<br />
<blockquote>Your child can build the NEW smaller scale Elmo - dressed in his white uniform and cap - along with his ice cream truck! A "Play & Learn" activity sheet filled with educational fun for parent and child, plus additional building ideas, is also included. This 18-piece building set pairs perfectly with the Neighborhood Collection 1-2-3 Brownstone Building Set. Look for all the Neighborhood Collection Building Sets so your child can build his own SESAME STREET Neighborhood! <br />
<br />
*18 pieces to build Elmo and his ice cream truck! <br />
<br />
*Includes "Play & Learn" activity sheet with additional building ideas <br />
<br />
*Collect all 4 Neighborhood Collection sets and your child can build his own SESAME STREET Neighborhood! <br />
<br />
Ages 2-5<br />
</blockquote><br />
To Buy:<br />
<br />
You can purchase the kits above and many other fabulous building and learning tools at <a href="http://knex.com/">KNEX.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">**I was given both of the sets above to review for this post. The opinions herein are completely my own.**</span></em>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-3949865164888719412009-10-27T10:00:00.006-04:002009-10-27T10:00:10.828-04:00Book Review- A Little Help from My Friends by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446407577">A Little Help from My Friends</a> </span></center><br />
<br />
<center>FaithWords (October 15, 2009) </center><br />
<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://anneandmay.com/">Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt</a><br />
</span></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRcwSJpAzjwSS4jrqEWLS4ZWPRMMTJwX6hlbafJWpG0NkU2RBtGg3b2uaJLWhyphenhyphenkc-kcVarb55FwDQ0aBp4Uj7MzFzf5Y2HtsvwJVvPLVVVadC2YP3sMVjU48VmB_lmzPTnIWhhjBx6OQ/s1600-h/59951_dayton_anne.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347369864782434530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRcwSJpAzjwSS4jrqEWLS4ZWPRMMTJwX6hlbafJWpG0NkU2RBtGg3b2uaJLWhyphenhyphenkc-kcVarb55FwDQ0aBp4Uj7MzFzf5Y2HtsvwJVvPLVVVadC2YP3sMVjU48VmB_lmzPTnIWhhjBx6OQ/s320/59951_dayton_anne.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 227px;" /></a><br />
ANNE DAYTON graduated from Princeton University and is earning her master's degree in English literature at New York University. She works for a New York publishing company and lives in Brooklyn. <br />
<br />
MAY VANDERBILT graduated from Baylor University and went on to earn a master's degree in fiction from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in San Francisco, where she writes about food, fashion, and nightlife in the Bay Area. <br />
<br />
Together, the two women are the authors of <a href="http://www.anneandmay.com/AMBooks.html">Miracle Girls series</a><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETnzbaWqEayKnHbQkJ8Zf-Ueoog75kXMe1WUKiBDfgsfBMbbNQPB0HiOplxRWZjfyljIsw0V98giP_VmDU3nFCiU6S2w_YtCM3YVouvIsAHQJJhhXLtW3AUova2TlsvuzOOwfuc05xBiT/s1600-h/alittlehelpfrommyfriends.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396723517187962802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETnzbaWqEayKnHbQkJ8Zf-Ueoog75kXMe1WUKiBDfgsfBMbbNQPB0HiOplxRWZjfyljIsw0V98giP_VmDU3nFCiU6S2w_YtCM3YVouvIsAHQJJhhXLtW3AUova2TlsvuzOOwfuc05xBiT/s320/alittlehelpfrommyfriends.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 231px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 157px;" /></a>Zoe is used to being overlooked. As the youngest and shyest Miracle Girl, she was happy to fade into the background last year. But when she sheds her baby fat and shoots up four inches the summer before her junior year, everything changes. Now she's turning heads at school, and this new attention is beginning to strain her relationship with her sweet, serious boyfriend, Marcus. <br />
<br />
Pressure builds when Zoe's assigned partner for history class is Dean Marchese--a handsome New York transplant who isn't afraid to show her how he feels.<br />
Just when she needs her three best friends the most, the Miracle Girls are suffering from boy troubles of their own. <br />
<br />
Even Zoe's rock-solid home life begins to shake underneath her when her parents' relationship frays in the face of serious financial burdens. As this uncertain year of growing pains comes to a frenetic head, the quietest Miracle Girl must find her voice at long last and take control of her own destiny . . . with more than a little help from her friends. <br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446407577">A Little Help from My Friends</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/10/little-help-from-my-friends-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-88338048127316247452009-10-21T10:00:00.000-04:002009-10-21T13:23:16.321-04:00Book Review- Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764205544">Watch Over Me</a></span></center><br />
<br />
<center>(Bethany House October 1, 2009)</center><br />
<br />
<center>by</center><br />
<br />
<center><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://christaparrish.com/">Christa Parrish</a></span></center><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ayzqSemjI_ZNVCgFMBeungYZ-E2MEqxYrxMSQ6HwD75iP-Lyilf0oOyh7d10_sLQ19wFL4y4xRzYiGV9gjF5JaIEg_7DqOZw7qkDLCpBQB3Mc3SQ2CZ6QF6J5Dofm4N97POEJUC3E-ge/s1600-h/Christa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394135091629228818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ayzqSemjI_ZNVCgFMBeungYZ-E2MEqxYrxMSQ6HwD75iP-Lyilf0oOyh7d10_sLQ19wFL4y4xRzYiGV9gjF5JaIEg_7DqOZw7qkDLCpBQB3Mc3SQ2CZ6QF6J5Dofm4N97POEJUC3E-ge/s320/Christa.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 166px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 140px;" /></a>Christa Parrish graduated high school at 16, with every intention of becoming a surgeon. After college, however, her love of all things creative led her in another direction, and she worked in both theatre and journalism.<br />
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A winner of Associated Press awards for her reporting, Christa gave up her career after the birth of her son, Jacob. She continued to write from home, doing <em>pro bono </em>work for the New York Family Policy Council, where her articles appeared in Focus on the Family’s Citizen magazine. She was also a finalist in World magazine’s WORLDview short story contest, sponsored by WestBow press. She now teaches literature and writing to high school students, is a homeschool mom, and lives with her husband, author Chris Coppernoll, and son in upstate New York, where she is at work on her third novel.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ffcc00; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGSVvFjWBW_z5oTt3viLGro_5vZohryh2tS4JXWucK9cQQs3lL2SdegoTyp5jJIumIMalYBozDpTwCmy3WnYKTPdGeuXpG5NfrcgUAxLF8TP4LZCUTiWCmfs-oKVMZDmRSWV2ME65leFp/s1600-h/watchoverme.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394134206104158946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGSVvFjWBW_z5oTt3viLGro_5vZohryh2tS4JXWucK9cQQs3lL2SdegoTyp5jJIumIMalYBozDpTwCmy3WnYKTPdGeuXpG5NfrcgUAxLF8TP4LZCUTiWCmfs-oKVMZDmRSWV2ME65leFp/s320/watchoverme.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 158px;" /></a>Her Rescue Might Be the Miracle They Needed Things like this don't happen in Beck County. Deputy Benjamin Patil is the one to find the infant girl, hours old, abandoned in a field. As police work to identify the mother, Ben and his wife, Abbi, seem like the obvious couple to serve as foster parents. But the newborn's arrival opens old wounds for Abbi and shines a harsh light on how much Ben has changed since a devastating military tour. Their marriage teeters on the brink and now they must choose to reclaim what they once had or lose each other forever. <br />
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764205544">Watch Over Me</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/10/watch-over-me-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738073764080239755.post-78230209927029074452009-10-15T10:00:00.000-04:002009-10-15T10:00:07.674-04:00Book Review- Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764203827">Leaving Yesterday</a></span></center><br /><center>Bethany House (October 1, 2009) </center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><a href="http://www.kathryncushman.com/">Kathryn Cushman</a></span></center><p><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;color:#ff6600;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSN29xW-u-Izhtp4d3zyrP5lvF_VpyPKuQwKTyi0wcLERfIKdcVwCehNGVT5BSR7ywTAn1VpR6-bCGCQ8vYd2whIgWxzSFUZov7bVLBcek2fQvoPNHIQb21t5I-fYhvSXf-1AnXBqat5W/s1600-h/mockup2_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392272536579933314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSN29xW-u-Izhtp4d3zyrP5lvF_VpyPKuQwKTyi0wcLERfIKdcVwCehNGVT5BSR7ywTAn1VpR6-bCGCQ8vYd2whIgWxzSFUZov7bVLBcek2fQvoPNHIQb21t5I-fYhvSXf-1AnXBqat5W/s320/mockup2_01.jpg" border="0" /></a>I graduated from Samford University with a degree in pharmacy, but I’ve known all my life that I wanted to write a novel “some day”. For me, “some day” came about five years ago, when I started writing and never looked back.<br /><br />My third attempt became my first published novel.<br /><br /><em>A Promise to Remember </em>was a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year in the Women’s Fiction category, and <em>Waiting for Daybreak </em>was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. <em>Leaving Yesterday </em>just arrived on scene and I’m very excited about it!<br /><br />On the homefront, I’ve been married to the wonderful and handsome Lee for over twenty years now, and our two daughters are currently braving the worlds of elementary and high school. We’ve lived in Santa Barbara for the last seventeen years. When I’m not writing or reading or braving seventy degree holidays, you’ll find me watching the younger daughter play softball, or the older daughter building amazing high school theater sets<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#ffcc00;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTELQLNtUVP31cHbGusLeRfZ_lmEYCkdvMZlmogl7E96zPhokaphFs-9mchZ9uwU0G_7yqknMLbkWL1P-TJ1k6frXUx0c2cRVlj7h3mXEAukp44F054-7Rpwa1oMX5-EoFv3EhXWspyO3/s1600-h/leavingyesterday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392270895202570162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 157px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTELQLNtUVP31cHbGusLeRfZ_lmEYCkdvMZlmogl7E96zPhokaphFs-9mchZ9uwU0G_7yqknMLbkWL1P-TJ1k6frXUx0c2cRVlj7h3mXEAukp44F054-7Rpwa1oMX5-EoFv3EhXWspyO3/s320/leavingyesterday.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alisa Stewart feels like she's lost two sons: her youngest to a terrible tragedy and her eldest, Kurt, to a life ruined by addiction. But now Kurt has checked himself into rehab and found a healing faith that seems real. It's like he's been raised from the dead.<br /><br />But then a detective arrives at Alisa's door asking questions about a murder--the death of a drug dealer before Kurt entered rehab. Alisa fears losing her son again, and when she finds evidence linking him to the killing, she destroys it. Her boy is different now. He's changed and deserves a second chance.<br /><br />But when another man is charged with the crime, Alisa finds herself facing an impossible choice: be silent and keep her son or give up everything for the truth.<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764203827">Leaving Yesterday</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/10/leaving-yesterday-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.</p><p>Enjoy!! </p>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171486531453730910noreply@blogger.com0