Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Starflower Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012) by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Starflower, go HERE.

Graceful by Emily P. Freeman

 In her book, Graceful, author Emily P. Freeman is transparent with teen girls as to what it takes to truly be a graceful woman of God.  She shares from her own experiences growing up and trying to be the 'good girl'.  She wants to help teen girls understand what it really takes to be close to God.  Freeman especially wants to help those girls that are struggling with expectations, but find themselves hiding behind a false face.  In Graceful, there are 8 hiding places discussed that young girls find themselves hiding in.  In reading this book it will help set you free from those expectations you put on yourself or that others put on you.  If you find yourself trying hard to have the perfect life then the words that the author shares in Graceful are just for you.  At the end of the book there are questions for each chapter to help with further reflection on each chapter.  There is also a nice chart at the end of the book that summarizes the chapters at a glance.  Helps you to recall quickly what was discussed in the chapter a very good quick resource for later reference. 

 As girls grow up, they are told to be nice, make good grades, don’t complain, serve the poor, find the right answer and above all be a good girl. But what happens when a girl’s identity is overshadowed by the idea of being “good” rather than being loved by God? The girl next door who hides behind her image, the activist who hides behind her causes, the bystander who hides behind her comfort zone – each of these girls needs to hear that she doesn’t have to try harder. 

Paperback; 126 pages

$12.99; Sept. 2012

978-0-8007-1983-8

Emily Freeman shares this life-giving message with young women in her newest release Graceful (For Young Woman): Letting Go of Your Try-Hard Life. After working with teen girls for ten years as a small group leader, Freeman saw a familiar type of hiding – one she struggled with herself.

Freeman empowers young woman to stop hiding behind their ‘good girl’ identities and allow God to find them. With the same candor and gentle spirit she showed women in Grace for the Good Girl, Freeman now gives young women what they need to be free on the inside, no matter what's going on outside.

Freeman’s message to young woman: “You are not merely a rule-following, reputation-making, image-maintaining, responsible, intellectual good girl You are not just a girl who needs to try harder, do better, be more, look good, be perfect. You are not the boring one, the responsible one, the counselor, the peacemaker, the background friend, or the problem solver. These hiding places may have been helping you cope, but they are not who you are.”

“Life isn’t about trying hard to be good,” Freeman tells her readers. “It’s about trusting God to be graceful – to be specially marked by divine grace.” Through an honest look at the roles girls play, she helps them learn to stop trying and start trusting that the Jesus who came to save them also comes to live with them.

Excerpts From Graceful

By Emily Freeman

On Being a Good Girl

We all have a least some things in common: we feel the weight of holding it all together; the longing not yet met; of worry, anxiety, and fear about the future. And sometimes, if we are really honest, we wonder why we try so hard to follow the rules if all if gets us is more worry and anxiety. (21)

For a long time, I have listened to the good girl voice in my head rather than the voice of God. In moments of brutal truth, I wondered if being a Christian was all about simply trying to be good. At times I knew that wasn’t the case, but I couldn’t figure out why my experience walking with Jesus seemed so hard. I don’t want to tell you what to do. Instead, I want to walk with you as you learn what God has already done. And I want to dare you to believe him. (23)

God does not want us to find our safe place in a list of rules. (98)

On Hiding

When we talk about this word hiding, it simply means that: anything I turn to in order to get my needs met. When I want people to think I’m smart, capable, and put together, I hide behind my performance. When I fear you will see what a miss I am, I hide behind my positive emotions. I hide behind my good reputation rather than risk trusting an unpredictable Jesus. I hide behind my list of rules so I can check off each one, as if I’m another step closer to God because I’ve always followed them. I hide behind my strengths because I’m ashamed of my weaknesses. (27)

The problem with hiding in your dreams is that you can get stuck inside them. You can hold them too tightly and begin to feel like real life isn’t good enough. You miss the living because you are waiting for perfect, and so you let goodness and blessings pass you right by. (117)

On the Graceful Life

As it turns out, understanding grace doesn’t come from study. It comes from need, and I’m talking more than a need to know.  (62)

There is no activity that is somehow more Christian than another. God looks at the hearts, and that is the good part that Mary knew. He simple asks us to come as we are and to be willing, open to receive whatever he might have for us this day. That is what it means to be in relationship with Jesus. That is what it means to live a graceful life. (64)

On True Identity

You have the freedom to decide where you are going to hide: behind your good girl identities or in the truth of your identity as beloved in Christ.  (131)

You are not merely a rule-following, reputation-making, image-maintaining, responsible, intellectual good girl You are not just a girl who needs to try harder, do better, be more, look good, be perfect. You are not the boring one, the responsible on, the counselor, the peacemaker, the background friend, or the problem solver. These hiding places may have been helping you cope, but they are not who you are. (129)

 Emily P. Freeman is a writer who loves to read and a speaker who would rather listen. Every Sunday night, she leads a small group of high school girls at her house where they talk about real life, real love and the God who makes a difference. Emily's husband John is a youth pastor and they live, love and serve together in North Carolina with their twin daughters, their son, and their crazy dog, Finn. The author of Grace for the Good Girl, she attended Columbia International University to study the Bible and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a degree in Educational Interpreting for the Deaf. Connect with Emily online at www.ChattingAtTheSky.com. Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books for everyday life.

 For more information, visit RevellBooks.

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by... 

Around the Word in 60 seconds by Mary DeMuth

 Mary DeMuth has put together a beautiful book of devotions just for the middle schooler.  The devotionals are very short and just help the kids this age get into the habit of spending time daily in God's Word with the intent that as they make the habit they will also lengthen their time in the Word daily as well.  The devotionals are  based on issues and themes that pertain to the 12-14 year old age group.  there are 52 weeks included in the book so it is intended to take them a year to get through the book. Each week is divided into 6 day settings with intents of Monday being the first day where they will read a brief themed scenario/story with a scripture and a thought for the day.  Then the rest of the days follow up with a scripture and a provoking thought for the reader to think on and possibly act upon with an over the weekend being the 6th day.  This book can also be used as a journal/diary as there is enough room for the reader to add an entry each day of their thoughts on the matter being discussed.  I believe the issues are very age appropriate and that this book could be a very good item to help the teen start off a new year.  The cover is cool and very contemporary looking with this running throughout the book. Below you can see a copy of the table of contents. If you'd like to read an excerpt of the book head over to CBD  here and check out the free excerpt they have posted.  This book may be ordered from many of the online book sites such as CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble you may also view the book information and places to order the book on the Tyndale home page here.

You may visit Mary DeMuth's web site here.
 
A copy of this book was provided by the author and tyndale publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

Hot Buttons (teen issues) Series by Nicole O'Dell

Nicole O’Dell helps address the Hot Buttons in teens’ lives before the issues become problems 

From dating to drugs, modesty to purity, morals to popularity, teens face all sorts of tough issues. How teens respond to these hot-button issues can have lasting effects on who they want to be and who they actually become. What if parents can help their teens prepare for these hot buttons–before the issues become a problem?

The uniquely packaged Hot Buttons Series is an accessible, quick-reference resource that parents can use to equip their children to make the right decisions, even in the face of peer pressure and outside influences. More than just another how-to manual, Hot Button Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.

Author, mom, and broadcaster, Nicole O’Dell provides short scenarios followed by three or four responses that a teen might choose in that particular situation. Parents are then encouraged to help their children explore the issue, ask questions, and discuss the options, so when a similar situation comes up in real life, the teens are already prepared to respond.

Hot Buttons Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.

Hot Buttons Internet Edition helps parents prepare their teens for online challenges they may face. Topics discussed include: internet activity, file sharing, social networking, and internet predators.

Hot Buttons Drug Edition braves the scary world of substance abuse, equipping parents with facts, warning signs, and real-world scenarios on: alcohol; Marijuana and other drugs; inhalants; and prescription drugs.

Hot Buttons Sexuality Edition offers the facts about teen sexuality, backed by statistics; specifics for how to talk frankly about sex with your kids, discussion about the growth of homosexuality and bisexuality among teens; and compassionate advice for guiding your teen to reclaim purity.

 Link to buy books: http://ow.ly/esojj

Are you a parent that needs information, facts, statistics at your fingertips?  Then Nicole O'Dell's books Hot Buttons are just the thing for you.  She supplies parents with just the needed information.  She discusses some really tough issues with practical advice.  Parents will learn how to approach top topics with their adolescent(s) and teen(s)  in a parent/child relationship not a friend/friend relationship.  You'll see that you as a parent need to take control of the issues and not leave it in the hands of your children.  O'Dell is a straight talker; she tells it like it is.  No beating around the bush on these topics.  She uses facts and fiction to get her point across.  These books would be good tool for not just parents, but anyone working with adolescents and teens.  O'Dell's books will equip you with the scriptural wisdom that is needed to touch on the big issues in a comfortable way. 

Want to win a copy?  I have a set of Hot Buttons' books up for grabs.  some how I received two copies of these books.  So I'm offering the extra copy to reader(s).  Follow the raffelcopter requirements and be sure to fill out the form as that is how the winner will be chosen.  


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also you may enter for a copy @ Cara Putman's site The Law, Books and Life. 



 

 Youth-culture expert, Nicole O'Dell is the host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk and the founder of Choose NOW Ministries, dedicated to guiding teens through tough issues and helping parents encourage good decisions.

On air, O'Dell covers peer pressure, dating, purity, drugs, alcohol, modesty, popularity, and anything else that comes up along the way. Nicole writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents about how to prepare for life's tough choices.
As an author, O'Dell writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her popular YA fiction includes the Diamond Estate Series and the Scenarios for Girls interactive books that feature alternate endings, allowing young girls to decide the outcome for the main character. Her nonfiction for teens includes Girl Talk, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular advice column.

While her YA resources encourage and equip teens, Nicole also works to bridge the communication gap between teens and their parents. The Hot Buttons series helps parents discuss tough issues with their tweens and teens before the issues pop up in real life. Watch for future Hot Buttons books on subjects like bullying, image, prejudice, friendships, politics, and more.

O'Dell, resides in Paxton, IL, with her husband and six children-the youngest of whom are toddler triplets.

Find out more about Nicole at http://nicoleodell.com.

 Blog Tour Schedule

A copy of this book was provided for in exchange for my review and hosting this tour by...

The Best Friend by Melody Carlson

 Today I've asked my teen daughter to help me with this book review.  She took the book from me the moment it came into the house.  She was so delighted. I copied off a book report outline from  Sheila Wray Gregoire website.  From her answers on the book report form I turned them into interview style questions.  I trust you enjoy this form of review my daughter and I have done with Melody Carlson's book the Best Friend.

Mom:  What type of book would you say this was?
R:  a chic-flick and best friends

Mom:   What is the main subject of the book?
R:  the title says it all, the Best Friend,   it's about Lishia Vance  who is looking for a BFF, but ends up with more than she can handle & a not so best friend.

Mom: Can you explain what is happening at the beginning of the book?
R:  Lishia Vance feels as though her BFF has rejected her for another girl.  She makes "friends" with a popular cheerleader, Riley Atkins. 

Mom:  What trials does the main character fact throughout the book?
R:  Riley leads Lishia into a lot of bad stuff.  Lishia feels stuck when Riley blackmails her.  Lishia  basically becomes an actor in life.  Lies to everyone, drinks and forgets about God.   

Mom:  What is the character like in the beginning?  
R:  Lishia is a good Christian kid, but lonely.  Making a bad friendship mealy destroys her life & reputation.

Mom:  What do the challenges that happen to the character throughout the book do  to the character?  
R:  Lishia finds that it isn't about having a best friend but being one.

Mom:  Have you ever read any of Melody Carlson's books before?  
R:  No, I don't think so.

Mom:  Would you recommend this book to your friends?  
R:  Yes, It was a good read.  I read half the book in one day.  It is defiantly one of my favorite books that I've read in this teen genre.   

For more information about this book visit here.


A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by... 

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram

 

If you have tweeny boys, or girls for that matter, that love adventure then they will get along with Adam and Justin, two cousins, in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab really well.  However, they aren't seeking the adventure they are put into.  If you love everything about Egypt, desert storms, pyramids, their dress and culture, whatever it is then this is a good book for you.  I thought the book started out on the slow side; it took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did get into it I almost couldn't put it down.  Now I can't wait to see what the next adventure that Adam and Justin might come into contact with. 

A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They survive terrifying dangers in a hostile environment (such as a giant cobra, as well as sinking sand), pursued by enemies in their quest to solve the secret of the sacred scarab. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out. They must also learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another!

Young explorers will enjoy an interactive journey through Egypt, following Justin and Adam’s exciting adventure on www.secretofthesacredscarab.com. Readers can also browse the first chapter of the book. Those who survive the journey and manage to translate the Curse of Thoth will be able to read the first chapter in Adam and Justin’s next adventure—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—as they hunt for the Scroll of the Ancients.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has received the following awards:

Book Award Nominations & Wins:
Finalist Children’s Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers’ Favorites Awards
Number 2 in the USA Children’s & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
Finalist Children’s Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children’s Literary Classics Awards

Purchase ebook for $2.99 here!

LATEST NEWS!

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab a Finalist in the 2011 SharpWrit Book Awards. Winners will be announced in Jan 2012. http://t.co/JIDokPlv

 Read the First Chapter here.

Although Fiona Ingram has been a journalist for the last fifteen years, writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for her 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied her on the Egyptian trip. This short story grew into an award-winning children’s book, the first in the adventure series Chronicles of the Stone. The author has already completed the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans.

Although Fiona Ingram does not have children of her own, she has an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is just discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. Fiona’s experiences in teaching her daughter to read has resulted in her interest in child literacy and in creating ways to get kids more interested in reading, as well as helping parents to instil a love of reading in their children.

Naturally, Fiona is a voracious reader and has been from early childhood. Her interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, and films. She loves travel and has been fortunate to have lived in Europe (while studying) and America (for work). She has travelled widely and fulfilled many of her travel goals.

Fiona’s latest book is the middle grade adventure novel, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab – Book 1 in the Chronicles of the Stone series.

Visit her website at www.fionaingram.com.


A copy of this book was provided for  this review by Pump up your Book tours

Questions about Girl Talk & author Nicole O'Dell

Q: I recently lost a lot of weight and started high school at the same time. I'm getting all sorts of attention from boys, and I just don't know what to do about it because it's so new to me. I kind of like it. . .but I'm nervous. What should I do?

That's a question I would have asked if I'd written to Girl Talk at the start of my freshman year of high school. But, I didn't know to ask. I didn't know I was facing a challenge. I simply reacted to things as I faced them. And I made mistakes. Many of them.

Each of us has a set of experiences and circumstances, some within our control, and some not, that shapes the way we look at choices, temptation, sin, peer pressure, and everything that comes up along the way. If we can help prepare girls before they find themselves staring peer pressure in the face, they'll feel more equipped to stand strong. To say NO to whatever life throws at them.

Why girls?

Hmm. What is it about girls? That's a great question. I guess I relate to them because I am one. But, more than that, I have an ache in my heart that wants to help 'em out. I've said it 1000 times, but I'll say it 1000 more, I'm sure. It's the memory of the poor choices I made as a teen, and the results of those choices, that motivates me to help today's teenagers avoid those same mistakes.

And bad decisions are one thing, but there's also the stuff girls deal with that they have no control over: Divorce, Abuse, Loss, Grief, Illness, financial strain, etc. . .etc. . . Those life-altering circumstances make it even more difficult for girls to stand against the pressure when all they want is friendship, acceptance, and love.

It takes pro-active, intentional effort to make the necessary preparations to help teens combat peer pressure.

That's why my daughters and I started the Girl Talk Column on my blog. We wanted to give girls a place they could go with those tough questions about life. The column grew and the questions built up to the point when we, along with Barbour Publishing, decided to put 180 questions from readers and our answers into a book. But it's not just any book--the vibrant, trendy format has a scrapbook-y feel as each page is full color with graphics galore. Take a look at the trailer to get a better feel for what it looks like:



And here's some info right from the back cover:

Q: My mom is always on me about what I wear. I just don’t see why it should matter to her. I mean, she got to wear the things she wanted to wear when she was young–the styles are different now, though. She won’t let me wear any shirts that show even a fraction of my stomach, and I have to actually bend over in jeans to prove to her that nothing shows in the back—if you know what I mean. She even says there’s stuff in the Bible about the way to dress right. Is that true? What should I do to change her mind?

Q: I have a friend who is pretty skinny, but she thinks she’s fat. . . . I actually heard her make herself throw up in the school bathroom a couple of times. What should I do about it? Or is it none of my business?

It’s Time for Some Girl Talk! . . .

Popular blogging trio—mother, Nicole O’Dell, along with daughters, Emily and Natalie—offer trustworthy, biblically-based advice for all your ups, downs, and in-betweens. Culled from actual questions they’ve encountered on their blog site, this fabulous resource offers real-life helps for issues including relationships, character, body image, fashion, gossip, and more. You’ll find 180 questions along with answers and related scripture selections that will both encourage and challenge you in your faith walk.



Nat, Em, and I hope you'll pass this resource along to the teens in your life. Also, the Girl Talk column is ongoing. You can write to us with your questions anytime! Contact us here.

And if you'd like to win a copy of Girl Talk, signed by all three of us, just leave a comment here. Tweeting about this post will earn you another entry if you let us know you did. I'd also love it if you signed up for my Choices e-Zine/newsletter, too--that will earn you a third entry!

Remember, it's all about choices!

_______________________________________________

Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Teen Talk Radio, is a mom of six—ranging from 20 all the way down to a set of toddler triplets. She writes fiction for teens including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series. Her nonfiction focuses on helping teens make good choices and bridging the gap in parent/teen communication. On Teen Talk Radio, Nicole talks with teens and special guests about the real issues young people face today, and she loves getting out among teens and parents when speaking at youth groups and conferences. Visit www.nicoleodell.com or www.facebook.com/nicoleodell.

Emily is a straight-A fifth grader at Eastlawn School in Paxton, IL. She lives with her mom, stepdad, three sisters, and two broth- ers. Never found without her iPod, Emily loves to dance and sing. She’s a busy girl who enjoys swimming, skateboarding, and hanging out with friends. She’s active in her community and local church, and plans to be a teacher when she grows up.

Natalie is an honor student in the eighth grade at PBL Middle School in Paxton, IL. The oldest daughter of six kids, Natalie is a very loving and hands-on big sister. She’s passionate about her walk with Christ, and almost as passionate about the game of volleyball. She holds first- chair clarinet in the school band and looks forward to high school marching band. At this point, Natalie aspires to a career in the culinary arts, but is open to other possibilities.

find out more about Girl Talk here

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Girl Talk by Nicole O'Dell along with daughters Natalie & Emily

I just received this book in the mail yesterday so I haven't had too much time to spend on reviewing the book; however, it does look like a most wonderful book.  Questions and Answers from teen girls written by mother/daughters team.  From what I've seen glancing through the book it looks like an excellent resource to have on hand for those issues that are bound to come to light in your daughters life.  The question is asked and then it is responded to by one of the daughters (either Natalie or Emily) and also Nicole, mom, answers the question from a mom's prospective.  Each Q&A has a scripture tagged to it that goes along with the question.  Below is a sample page of the book.  If you click on the picture it should blow it up so you can read it.  Also feel free to watch the video trailer below.  Visit Nicole with some Qs&As here.  I hope that I can review more of her upcoming books.  My teeny has read Nicole's Swept Away book and The Wishing Pearl.  She has totally enjoyed them. 

Here is a page of the Table of contents:
(again click on the image to blow it up)

You may also take a look inside the  book @ CBD



You may find Nicole here:
Nicole O'Dell, chooseNOWministries
 author and host of Teen Talk Radio
Visit me on Facebook!

Published books and Up-coming:

Scenarios Interactive Fiction: Dare to Be Different, Risky Business, Swept Away

The Wishing Pearl, book 1,  

The Embittered Ruby, book 2, (4/12)  

Diamond Estates series, Barbour

Girl Talk, Barbour, (2/12)

At Rainbow's End, Barbour, (3/12)

Hot Buttons, Issues 1 & 2, Kregel (5/12)

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.