Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Goodbye GFC???
I just received an email from a blog I follow stating that GFC is going to retire March 1st, has anyone else heard about this? What's the scoop?
I've hooked up with Bloglovin, you can follow blogs on it and see current posts, it's almost like a blog for blog posts!
I would love it if you would come on over and follow me through Bloglovin!
...let me know if you hear any GFC news...
Monday, January 30, 2012
CFBA Book Review: Ruth's Redemption
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marlene Banks has worked 30+ years combined in nursing and the business arena. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic stories with an emphasis on African American literature. She believes her gift and desire to write is from God and desires to use it to fulfill His purposes. Marlene lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Set in the 1800s, Ruth's Redemption, is an unusual depiction of the lives of slaves and free blacks in pre-Civil War America. Bo, a main character, was educated while a slave. He was given his freedom and now owns a farm buying slaves for the sole purpose of giving them their freedom.
Bo is also a man of God and widower whose life is destined to change when he meets the proud and hard-hearted slave girl, Ruth. Ruth has known nothing but servitude and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding, Ruth struggles to adjust to life outside of bondage. She wants no part of Bo's Godly devotion. Yet Bo is unlike any man she's known and her experiences with him will leave her forever changed.
A gripping slave era novel, Ruth's Redemption is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God's unconditional love in the darkness of a culture's cruel socially accepted inhumanity.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Ruth's Redemption, go HERE.
This is a story that will make you laugh, cry and FEEL.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA
Friday, January 27, 2012
Book Review: The Shadow of Your Smile
A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage.
After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember?
Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/the-shadow-of-your-smile.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirations Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota's beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.
If you're already a fan of Susan May Warren, you're going to love this book, if you haven't read her books, what are you waiting for?!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse
- A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)
- The entire set of Deep Haven Books
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Book Review: Where Wildflowers Bloom
The Civil War stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg - as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.
When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart?
This is a sweet story that starts out with a bit of sadness as Faith deals with her ailing grandfather and the loss of those she loves. The story kind of makes you wonder what it is that Faith is truly longing for, does she just need to start over, somewhere fresh, somewhere without memories, is her heart truly longing for Royal, or is it longing to reclaim memories of the past?
I enjoyed this story, it was a very good, endearing read for me and I think you'll enjoy it as well.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
CFBA Book Review: Love Blooms in Winter
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Lori 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 Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.
1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.
Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.
MY THOUGHTS
If you're looking for a fun quick read this is the book for you! Travel to North Dakota...(brrr) and enjoy this sometimes humorous story which is full of historical romance, animals, wit and truly lovable people. Lori Copeland is an excellent author, her stories are very well written with characters that draw you into the story line, leaving you feeling as if they are a part of your life.
I recommend this book, it's a great snuggle up by the warm fire kind of read!!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Book Review: Chasing Mona Lisa
About the Authors
This is a very well written book, which I've come to expect from Tricia Goyer, I have not read any of Mike Yorkey's previous books, but if Chasing Mona Lisa is anything to go from, he's an excellent author as well! If you're interested in History, passion, and a good thrill you'll definitely enjoy this past paced read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity Group
Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!
One passionate protector will receive:
- iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
- Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
- Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
- Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
- Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)
So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Book Review: Unhallowed Ground
Thomas atte Bridge, a man no one likes, is found hanging from a tree near Cowleys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh and Kate find evidence that this may not be so.
Many of the town had been harmed by Thomas, and Hugh is not eager to send one of them to the gallows. Then he discovers that the priest John Kellet, atte Bridge’s partner in crime in A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel was covertly in Bampton at the time atte Bridge died.
Master Hugh is convinced that Kellet has murdered atte Bridge--one rogue slaughtering another. He sets out for Exeter, where atte Bridge now works. But there he discovers that the priest is an emaciated skeleton of a man, who mourns the folly of his past life. Hugh must return to Bampton and discover which of his friends has murdered his enemy.
To read an excerpt go HERE
Master Hugh is a sharp detective and is soon on his way to find out who dun it, and as you follow him along through the European countryside you'll be sure to run into a lot of words that make no sense whatsoever.....but, have no fear, Mel Starr has added a wonderful Glossary at the beginning of the book to help you along!
This book is the 4th chronical of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, but you really do not have to read the previous books, although you certainly may want to after you figure out who the true enemy is!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Kregel publications.
Book Review: The Ten Plagues
An Epidemic of Old Testament Proportions Invades Chicago
A Lady Cop and a Vengeful Pastor Battle Demons Past and Present
Uhrichsville, OH – Get ready for an emotionally charged ride as a female cop and a mission pastor become the focus of a maniacal murderer’s wrath. Available in October 2011, Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy promises a white-knuckled ride.
A serial killer has struck Chicago with an epidemic of evil, patterning his murders after the ten Old Testament plagues—beginning with the plague of blood. When the first victim floats to the surface, female detective Keren Collins is on the case. Will her gift of spiritual discernment enable her to defuse the demonic pandemic? Ex-cop, now mission pastor, Paul Morris has seen his fair share of things from the dark side, including himself. Now he finds himself in the terrifying role of the killer’s messenger. Will he discover the identity of the crazed killer or become his next victim?
My Thoughts
This book is a chilling thriller for sure, the action starts on the first page and doesn't stop. Chilling and horrific, this book will keep you looking over your shoulder well into the night. This book is not for the faint of heart, there are some pretty graphic murders here, and a cop turned pastor may just be the key...but he does not fit into the picture very smoothly! Pick up this book and you'll be in for a fast-paced ride through terror and evil, with a bit of love and hope thrown in!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Barbour books.
Friday, January 20, 2012
CFBA Book Review: The Mulligan's
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Don is one of the original members of the STATLER BROTHERS, the most award-winning act in the history of country music. He and his brother and two friends began singing in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia when Don was only fourteen years old. Working all over their home and neighboring states as a part time group, they were discovered in 1964 by Johnny Cash and given their first record contract. By the time Don was 20 years old, the STATLERS had their first major, world-wide hit record with FLOWERS ON THE WALL, which started a string of hits that generated a career in the music industry that lasted for four decades. The STATLERS have been recipients of multiple industry awards:
It wasn’t until the STATLER BROTHERS decided to retire from traveling in 2002 that Don pursued his writing career to another level. Having songwriting and scriptwriting under his belt, the next obvious step was to write a book. And that book was the scripture based HEROES AND OUTLAWS OF THE BIBLE published in June of 2002 by New Leaf Press. He has since written two other non-fiction books and in 2008 saw another dream come true for Don when he released his first novel, O LITTLE TOWN. Novel number two came in the form of ONE LANE BRIDGE, and THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON, is a sequel to O LITTLE TOWN.
Don is the father of two sons. Debo and his wife, Julie, and daughters Sela Mae and Adra, live within a stone’s throw. You may have seen Debo’s name on many songs written with Don on albums over the years.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.
Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson, go HERE.
If you like a bit of a twist, a little mystery, a little love, a little trouble, you'll enjoy this book!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Knitting For Charity
If you're in the mood to knit up some baby hats check out Cure.org/knit and see if you can't help them out in some small way! To learn more watch the video below:
If you already knit for charity, who do you knit for? What do you knit? I'd love to hear from you!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Book Review: 7 Money Rules for Life
About the Book:
In her own warm and encouraging style, financial expert Mary Hunt shows you how to master the essentials to get your money under control and prepare financially for the rest of your life. She shows you how to apply each of the 7 Rules, starting today, as well as how to recover from past financial mistakes. With Mary on your side, you'll learn how to
- Spend less than you earn
- Save for the future
- Give some away
- Anticipate your irregular expenses
- Tell your money where to go
- Manage your credit
- Borrow only what you know you can repay
MY THOUGHTS
This is one of those books that should appeal to everyone...really, who doesn't need to find a way to better manage their money? It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor it still comes and goes, it just how well you manage it that determines how MUCH comes and goes!
This book is written in an easy to understand manner, the first chapter is called: The Cost of Financial Ignorance, that's enough right there to get you reading! Even my teenage son was very interested to read this book, so I'm handing it over to him right away!
Mary takes you through her 7 rules, even if just a few of them stick I'm sure it'll be a help. She has some great tips and ideas, and brings up a few things that I've heard many people do to get out of debt, but yet she goes on to explain exactly why you should NOT do these things. A great eye opener and a great book to have for reference, to get a better grip on your finances and to pass along to your 'getting ready for college' teens!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing
Swag Bucks Extravaganza!!
"Swagbucks is making Friday the 13th a lucky day this week, as they hold a Swag Code Extravaganza, which means more opportunities to get reward points towards free stuff! It starts at 7am Eastern Time - throughout the day there will be 8 different Swag Codes, and if you can get them all, you'll have an extra 60 Swag Bucks in your account.
Seriously, what are you waiting for? Head on over, using any of my links(because then I get credit too!) and start earning....I can't tell you how many Amazon gift cards I have earned, if you search anyway, you might as well get paid for it!!!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
CFBA Book Review: His Steadfast Love
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction for Thomas Nelson Publishing, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her newest novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, just released November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.
ABOUT THE BOOK
It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.
It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.
When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.
Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?
Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.
If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Walgrees Gives Up Express Scripts
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Walgreens contract with Express Scripts ended on December 31 those affected includes all Walgreens pharmacies nationwide and Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York City area. This has caused many people the need to find new pharmacies that are less convenient, Walgreens is trying to make the transition smooth but at what cost? Express Scripts encourages clients to use mail order for their refills, how will this affect your local pharmacies? Even Walgreens employees will need to go elsewhere for their prescriptions.
Walgreens does support our troops and Express Scripts is standing in the way of that, what do you think of the tradeoff?
Are you or anyone you know affected by this? I'd like to hear your thoughts.
You can view the press release HERE
Walgreens is helping by offering a special discount on an annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club, which you can read about here: Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens
Share your thoughts with Walgreens on Twitter and Facebook using the links below:
another way to get your thoughts out there is to contact your local media, let them know how you feel and how you've been affected by this change.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Book Review: The Keeper
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com. |
ABOUT THE KEEPER:
Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.
Hats off to Suzanne for writing yet another great Amish story, I cannot wait to see what's in store in the next book of this series!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity
- A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
- A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
- A copy of The Keeper