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Thursday, April 30, 2009

On My Own Now by Donna Lee Schillinger



You'll find me blogging at my Lighter Side blog today. For my review on the book On my Own Now by Donna Lee Schillinger, head over to Lighter Side today. Click here to go to my review.





Virtual Book tours











books

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Frankie the Walk 'n roll dog by Barbara Gail Techel



As the readers read this short book about Frankie's life they will learn what it is like for a dog to have to learn to walk with wheels. Frankie, a miniature dachshund, must learn to walk with aide of wheels after a ruptured disc puts him down, but only for a short while. Frankie is a wiener dog with much energy and spunk. Frankie loves hamming it up. He learns how to put his best paw forward. This would be an excellent book for children who need walking aides (or wheelchairs) to help them get around. However, anyone who reads this book will love Frankie and be amazed at the come back Frankie makes. This story is based on the author's own dog and true experience.

Check out the web site Joyful Paws


books

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

A Vote of Cofidence by Robin Lee Hatcher


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Vote Of Confidence

Zondervan (April 2009)

by

Robin Lee Hatcher



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon


ABOUT THE BOOK

In A Vote of Confidence, the stage is set for some intriguing insight into what it was like during 1915 to be a woman in a “mans’ world.”

Guinevere Arlington is a beautiful young woman determined to remain in charge of her own life, For seven years, Gwen has carved out a full life in the bustling town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, where she teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper. Her passion for the town, its people, and the surrounding land prompt Gwen to run for mayor. After all, who says a woman can’t do a man’s job?

But stepping outside the boundaries of convention can get messy. A shady lawyer backs Gwen, believing he can control her once she’s in office. A wealthy newcomer throws his hat into the ring in an effort to overcome opposition to the health resort he’s building north of town. When the opponents fall in love, everything changes, forcing Gwen to face what she may have to lose in order to win.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Vote Of Confidence, go HERE



Read My Review of the book here.

books

Monday, April 27, 2009

The Noticer by Andy Andrews.


This book will really make you stop and think; take notice of things. Andrews presents his message so simply in this book. A very quick and easy read. Not hard to understand and to the point. It makes you stop, think, pay attention and notice, things and people around you and those that have an impact on your life. This book has a reader's guide with questions at the end of the book to go along with each chapter. The questions really make you think and meditate on what you're reading. Wonderful for book clubs or study groups.

In the book Jones, is an old man
(in jeans and a T-shirt carrying a suitcase) who notices things and sees things from a different perspective. To Jones, and it's just Jones not Mr., time and money are just a matter of perspective. He gets those he comes in contact with to do the same, gain a broader view on things, situations and people. Many people have a distorted perspective. Notice things that people generally overlook. He gets people he meets to see that they are where they are in life because of their own choices, decisions and attitude. You can't change your past, but you can choose your future. Other people's experiences are our best teachers. We can learn from them and what made them great or what hindered them from becoming great. We need to get a vision. We are only on this earth because God isn't done with us yet. He still has something for us to do or we'd be out of this world. Your situation may be difficult, but it is piled high with benefits. We need the mountains, as well as the valleys, so we can see our next destination. Your success in life has to do with your perspective. Jones always gives advice to make people better and sharper in every way. People seek him out. He says, "Many of life's treasures remain hidden simply because they are never searched for."

I can't say this book's praise loud enough. This is one book that I totally enjoyed and am very glad I read. It was just so refreshing in it's own kind of way. Very encouraging. This book really got me thinking and trying to notice, get broader perspective. I came away saying WOW! Now I'm ready to go find his book The Traveler.


Click here for more information on this book.






books

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Look what came this week...


I'm so excited. I got my winner's copy this week. Here's a schedule of some blog tours that will be having a give away of Julie Lessman's A Passion Denied.

BLOG INTERVIEWS:
APRIL 28:
Interview and book giveaway on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog at:
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

APRIL 30-MAY 1:
Interview and book giveaway on Relz Review at:
http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com/

MAY 2-7:
Interview and book giveaway on Patty Le Blanc's blog at:
http://pattyleblanc.wordpress.com/

MAY 6 & 7:
Interview and book giveaway on Susan J. Reinhardt's blog at:
http://www.susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com/

MAY 18-22:
Week of "Pure Passion" with a series giveaway and individual book giveaways and a writer's critique at My Friend Amy's blog at:
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/
MAY 18-23:
Interview and book giveaway at Patty Wysong's blog at:
http://pattywysong.blogspot.com/
MAY 20:
Interview and book giveaway on Kara Down Under blog at:
http://www.downundermusings.blogspot.com/
JUNE 27:
Guest Author Spot and Book Giveaway on Prairie Chicks Write Romance at:
http://www.prairiechickswriteromance.blogspot.com/






books

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Author Fun...


Today we're going to have some fun with our authors...They have supplied us with some tips, a quiz and a recipe and a nice little giveaway. So read to the end and enjoy...If you missed yesterday you may click here to read more about their featured book: Learning to Live Financially Free



Marybeth and Curt Whalen know what it's like to juggle marriage, kids and money. Their new book will encourage readers to manage their money and marriage more effectively.






Let's start with some yummy fun. Marybeth has provided us with a money saving recipe. Sure sounds yummy to me.

Lean Times

Mexican Chicken Filling

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Package of taco seasoning

Can of chicken broth


Lay chicken breasts in crockpot. Mix together taco seasoning and chicken broth and pour over chicken. Cook all day on low. Just before serving, shred meat with two forks. Use as a filling for burritos, tacos, or even over lettuce for a taco salad. Top with cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and other toppings.

Kids love this! (I usually double it to feed our family of 8.)


Now how about some money saving tips:
Top Ten Tips For Saving Money In Tough Times

1. Make a budget (and stick to it). A budget overwhelms many people but it is really nothing more than devising a plan for every dollar you bring in. Having a budget helps you spend smarter and think more. It also helps to improve your buying power. The best way to make a budget is to start by sitting down with your spouse and deciding how much you spend on regular categories like groceries, gas, medical, etc. each month. Talk through these things and get them down on paper. Then spend accordingly. An article that goes into step by step detail about making a budget can be found at:

http://www.christianpf.com/how-to-make-a-budget/

2. Stop using credit cards. Studies show that people who use credit cards buy more and think less about their purchases. By learning to spend cash and limiting your purchases, you make your money work for you rather than against you. Credit card companies are getting craftier as the economy struggles. 25% of all credit card users in this country will have their rates raised this year, or their monthly payment raised. When you are in debt, you are at the mercy of the company you owe. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by credit card debt.

3. Cook at home. It sounds so basic and yet how many of us resort to eating out because we just can’t deal with dinner? By taking a few moments once a week to devise a menu plan, shopping for the needed ingredients for that menu plan, and cooking the meals in your home, you can save lots of money and have more time to gather as a family and enjoy a slow evening at home. Eating at home not only saves money, it saves valuable family time.

4. Buy clothes at thrift or consignment stores. This is especially true with children’s clothes. When you are in a department store, always shop the clearance racks and avoid the other racks so you aren’t tempted. It’s also an income generator if you consign your own clothing. You can then take the money you earn on consignment and buy clothes for a new season without being out of pocket any money!

5. If you must eat out, only go to places you have coupons for. Keep a small photo album and arrange restaurant coupons so they are easy to find as you are heading out the door. It’s also a great idea to look for “kids eat free” nights and frequent those. Other ways to save on eating out include ordering water (big savings on this), share meals, order a kids’ portion if the restaurant allows it, and go out for lunch instead of dinner. For people who work, it’s always a good idea to pack your lunch regularly instead of running out to eat. A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread will go a long way.

6. Learn to play the coupon game. Many people devote themselves to clipping and organizing coupons—and reap great savings from doing so. There are many frugal websites and blogs that detail exactly how to save a lot of money with coupons. A great one to start with is http://www.couponmom.com/. And here is a great tutorial video you can watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAUZvGS6L8.

7. If you have children, limit the number of activities they do to one per child, per year. If you are struggling to pay for even one activity, consider asking for the activity as a gift from grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, etc. Instead of another toy that will end up broken or lost, your child can receive a gift that truly keeps on giving as well as one that invests in their future.

8. Think about the things you regularly spend money on like gas or utilities and research ways to save money on those things. For instance, http://www.gasbuddy.com/ tells you where to buy the cheapest gas according to your area code. Bundling services with your cable provider can save money each month. Calling your energy company to find out when their off-peak hours are and doing your laundry or dishes during those times can save on your monthly bill as well.

9. Don’t shop as a recreational activity. If you can’t see it, you won’t feel a need to have it. Use time you used to spend shopping to go for a walk, visit a park, exercise, read a book, or spend time researching money-saving sites on the internet! If you have a friend you used to enjoy shopping with, sit down and list out other alternatives for your time together.

10. Look for ways to generate additional income. Whether it be an additional part-time job or a way to make money from home using a skill or talent you possess, get creative, get motivated, and get excited about the potential you have to generate income that you didn’t have before. Every little bit helps, so put on your thinking cap and don’t be shy about stepping out and trying something!

Let's see if you are financially focused with this quiz that the Curt and Marybeth have provided.

Are You A Financially Focused Couple?

Instructions: Give yourself 1 point for every "yes" answer, 0 points for every "no."

1.Do you have regular budget meetings?
2.Do you communicate about daily expenses?
3.Do you discuss large purchases before they're made?
4.Does each spouse have an equal vote about money decisions?
5.Have you planned for your future through life insurance and a will?
6.Do you agree about tithing and giving?
7.Can you both list out your debts, including the amounts and monthly payment for each account?
8.Do you have a plan that was written together for paying off debt and saving money?
9.Do you encourage each other to save money?
10.Have you discussed the spending habits and attitudes about money that you carried into the marriage?

Tally up your score and use the guide to the right to see what category you fall into.

0-2 points: Don't get discouraged. There's nowhere to go from here except up!

3-5 points: You are taking steps towards being a financially focused couple.. Keep working together and you will get there.

6-8 points: You are almost 100% financially focused. Keep up the good work and get intentional about those trouble spots.

9-10 points: You are a financially focused couple and could show us all a thing or two! Consider sharing your wisdom with other couples who are struggling in today's uncertain times.


And now for the giveaway that the Whalens are so graciously providing.
The winner will receive:
1 copy of the book
1 copy of Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey
1 subscription to P31 Woman Magazine
1 copy of God's Purpose For Every Woman (collection of the best devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries)
1 cd of Marybeth's message "Becoming A Woman of Influence"
1 Dove Chocolate bar (because everything is better with chocolate!)

How do you enter? Glad you asked. Each blogger with at least 10 comments can send a name from the comments to submit for the grand prize drawing. Leave me a comment with your score from the quiz and/or what intrigues you most in the prize giveaway. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. This contest will run until May 20th.

This blog tour is through:





books

Friday, April 24, 2009

Learning to Live Financially Free by Curt & Marybeth Whalen


About the Book:

(North Carolina) - The fear and reality of tough economic times, foreclosures, bailouts, bankruptcies and falling stocks strike fear in the hearts of many Americans today. With investors, newscasters and bankers giving advice, who can you trust? Marybeth and Curt Whalen share their financial successes and failures in their new book, Learning to Live Financially Free: Hard-Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage & Your Money. If a family parenting six children can get out of debt and live financially free, anyone can. The Whalens readily admit they made their share of mistakes the first ten years of marriage. Becoming more disciplined and intentional in spending and saving helped them learn valuable lessons for better financial stewardship--lessons you'll want to learn too.

Learning to Live Financially Free not only focuses on building a stronger financial understanding in the home, but also encourages couples to communicate, thus building better, stronger marriages. The Whalens clearly comprehend the need for careful money management and commitment in marriage. Money-strapped families will find peace of mind as they begin the process of becoming financially responsible and debt-free.



About the Authors:

Marybeth Whalen is a speaker and contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The author of For the Write Reason, Marybeth has also written for Parent Life, Money Matters newsletter, The Old Schoolhouse, Hearts at Home magazine, and Homeschooling Today. She contributes regularly to the daily online devotions of Proverbs 31 Ministries.


Curt Whalen is a trained financial counselor through Crown Financial Concepts. He has years of experience helping couples establish budgets, solve financial problems, and learn to communicate more effectively. He has written articles for TEACH Magazine and Money Matters Newsletter and has contributed to books by authors Lysa TerKeurst and Melanie Chitwood.


Head over to my author fun post click here for some money saving tips by our authors and a grand giveaway which will include this book plus other goodies.



This blog tour is through:





books

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Elisha's Bones by Don Hoesel


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Elisha's Bones

(Bethany House March 1, 2009)

by

Don Hoesel



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don Hoesel was born and raised in Buffalo, NY but calls Spring Hill, TN home. He is a Web site designer for a Medicare carrier in Nashville, TN. He has a BA in Mass Communication from Taylor University and has published short fiction in Relief Journal.

He lives in Spring Hill with his wife and two children.

Elisha's Bones is his first novel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Every year, professor of antiquities Jack Hawthorne looks forward to the winter break as a time to hide away from his responsibilities. Even if just for a week or two. But this year, his plans are derailed when he's offered almost a blank check from a man chasing a rumor.

Billionaire Gordon Reese thinks he knows where the bones of the prophet Elisha are--bones that in the Old Testament brought the dead back to life. The bones of the prophet once raised the dead to life... but they vanished from history in a whisper.

Bankrolled by a dying man of unlimited means, Hawthorne's hunt spans the globe and leads him into a deadly conspiracy older than the church itself. A born skeptic, Jack doesn't think much of the assignment but he could use the money, so he takes the first step on a chase for the legendary bones that will take him to the very ends of the earth.

But he's not alone. Joined with a fiery colleague, Esperanza Habilla, they soon discover clues to a shadowy organization whose long-held secrets have been protected . . . at all costs. And he soon discovers those sworn to keep the secret of the bones will do anything to protect them. As their lives are threatened again and again, the real race is to uncover the truth before those chasing them hunt them down.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Elisha's Bones, go HERE



books

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The Reluctant Cowgirl by Christine Lynxwiler


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Reluctant Cowgirl

Barbour Publishing (April 2009)

by

Christine Lynxwiler



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Chrisitine lives with her husband and two precious daughters in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in her home state of Arkansas. Her greatest earthly joy is her family and, aside from doing God’s will, spending time with them is her top priority.

She recently took a break from writing romance to pen a Christmas story with a twist. Her Mom Lit novella, My True Love Gave to Me, is part of a 2 in 1 anthology from Barbour entitled All Jingled Out. It’s also included in Simply Christmas, a 4 in 1 Barbour anthology. One of my holiday highlights was seeing Simply Christmas at Sam’s Club a few weeks before Christmas.

She has written two other novellas, both romance, which are included in Barbour anthologies, City Dreams, and Prairie County Fair and a serial for the Heartsong Presents book club newsletter – The Carousel Horse. The Carousel Horse can be read in its entirety on the Heartsong website, and you can read excerpts from all of her other books on her website, HERE

In 2003, Christine was honored by being voted #2 Favorite New Author by the Heartsong Presents Book Club members!



ABOUT THE BOOK

Actress Crytal McCord gave up the closeness of her big family in order to make a name for herself on the New York City stage. But when life in the Big Apple turns sour, she follows a country road back to her parents Arkansas ranch.

The last thing she expects to find in cowboy country is a new leading man. Still, she can't help but imagine handsome rancher Jeremy Buchanan in the role.

Unfortunately, Jeremy's been burned by Crystal's type before. Or has he? Every time he thinks he knows her, the multi-faceted woman surprises him. Will the reluctant pair allow their hearts to guide them, or will their common stubborn pride keep them miles apart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Reluctant Cowgirl, go HERE




books

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

In the Footsteps of Paul by Ken Duncan.


Step back into Bible days as you view the pictures of Paul's time. Ken Duncan brings the life of Paul to life in his photographs. He gives you a birds-eye-view of it all through pictures, scriptures, quotes, historical facts about the land and things about Paul's life. From the very beginning he'll capture your attention with his pictures. Walk where Paul walked through Duncan's book.

Learn about:
the Making of a Man - Paul's years before the Damascus Road experience
the Mission of a Man - Paul's travels throughout the Mediterranean area
the Destiny of a Man- Paul's final trip to Rome

You'll see pictures from all over the Mediterranean area:
Perga, Iconium, Cyprus, Paphos, Antioch, Ceasearea, Syria, Damascus, Tarsus, Lystra, Thessalonica, and many many more.

Some things you will see are:
Damascus Gate, St. Stephen's Gate, St. Peter's Gate, Old Roman Road, Street called Straight, Triumphal Arch, Main street of Ancient Perga, Aegean Sea, Harbors that Paul came into, and so much more.

Duncan brings the book of Acts to life. He has captured beautiful scenery. It's the next best thing to taking the tr yourself. I don't thing you'll be disappointed in the views that he shares with his readers. Just take a step back into Bible times with Duncan and Paul.



For more information about this book click here.






books

Monday, April 20, 2009

We did it again.....




Goes to JINXY and ME the winner of Kathi Macias' book basket giveaway! My blog had the most comments.





books

Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today by Kathi Macias

**Just in time for Mother's Day. This Blog tour has a giveaway. Read to the end to find out how to enter.**



(Homeland, CA) - If you've ever wished for a real live interview from an experienced mother found in God's Word, you'll be thrilled with the message of Kathi Macias' new book, Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today. Thankfully the trials, heartaches and transitions mothers face are not new to this generation. Traveling back in time with Eve, Hannah, Sarah, Mary and others, readers will recognize the common struggles that still plague our world today.

This hardback gift book gently calls women to study the lives of biblical moms who were challenged with their own set of circumstances. From fear to insecurities, heartbreak to disappointments -- Kathi's words capture the heart of every woman with hope and encouragement to become the mother God wants them to be. After studying these fifteen biblical mothers, readers will have a solid example of biblical parenting. At the end of each chapter, mothers will find a special place for prayer and application.


Book Excerpt:

I can think of no more awesome an experience than the birth of my first child. At the young and naïve age of eighteen, it was the most joyous, as well as the most terrifying thing that had ever happened to me. It was as if I were experiencing love for the very first time as I gazed at that precious little life that had been entrusted to me by God. And I thought, What in the world do I do now? How do I care for him? How do I make sure I'm doing everything right? What if--God forbid--I do something wrong?

Now, two more sons, nine grandchildren, and nearly four decades later, I smile at the memory, knowing those babies weren't quite as fragile as I'd once imagined. But I can't help but wonder how much more challenging and overwhelming motherhood must have been for Eve, who was not only the first woman but also the first mother. What can women today learn about mothering from studying the life of this exiled Garden dweller who had no role model to imitate, no how-to-be-a-good-mom books to read? Quite a bit, I believe. Let's take a look.

Eve, whose name means "life giver," was the only woman ever to become a mother without first having had a mother of her own. In fact, not only did Eve not have a mother, she also had no sisters, aunts, grandmothers, or girlfriends to turn to for advice. In short, she had no role models and no one with whom to compare notes.

She had Adam, of course, who, like her, had been made in the image of God. She had the greatest assortment of pets anyone could ever imagine. And, of course, she had her relationship with God. But as we know from the creation account in Genesis, all of Eve's relationships changed because of sin.

How alone she must have felt once those relationships were no longer perfect. And how frightened and overwhelmed she must have been when her two oldest sons, Cain and Abel, were born, thrusting her into an entirely new realm of responsibility. I am quite sure that more than once throughout the ensuing years she heard God's words echoing in her mind: "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children" (Genesis 3:16). By the time Eve's children were grown and she had experienced the horror of her oldest son murdering his younger brother, she must have realized that the truth of God's words tying together pain and motherhood didn't stop at childbirth. The same is true for mothers today, as we will see as we look at Eve's life...as well as the lives of other mothers of the Bible, who will speak to us from centuries past.



Award-winning author Kathi Macias has written almost 30 books, including Beyond Me, How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons?, the best-selling devotional A Moment a Day, and the popular "Matthews" mystery novels. She has written commentary for Thomas Nelson's Spirit-Filled Life Bible (Student Edition) and was part of the devotional writing team for Zondervan's New Women's Devotional Bible. She has ghostwritten for several prominent individuals including Josh McDowell. Kathi has won many awards, including the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild, and the grand prize in an international writing contest. A mother and grandmother, Kathi and her husband, Al, call California home.

Mothers of the Bible

Speak to the Author

As a wife, mother, grandmother--and yes, even a great-grandmother to two-year-old Isaiah--you'd think I'd have this "mom" thing wired by now, wouldn't you? Surprise! We never get too old to learn, and what I learned in my study of Mothers of the Bible has enriched nearly every area and relationship of my life. God loves mothers. We were His idea, after all! And His purpose for our lives as mothers unfolds in beauty and meaning as we listen to the words of the mothers of the Bible....

~author Kathi Macias




GIFT BASKET!

One commenter's name from my site will go into a grand prize drawing for a gift basket which includes Kathi's featured book as well as:


It's Not About Me by Michelle Sutton
Sinner by Ted Dekker
Daisy Chain by Mary E. DeMuth
Shade by John B. Olson
Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity by Keri Wyatt Kent
The Victor by Marlayne Giron
The Battle for Vast Dominion by George Bryan Polivka
Word Weavers by Eva Marie Everson and Janice Elsheimer



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Telling me something special about your mom or a Mother in the Bible you love to hear about. This drawing will be up until May 14th. Don't forget to leave an e-mail address or some way for me to find you if you are the winner.






This blog tour is through:



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