TOS Crew: Away We Go Media Book Review

 

 

 

 

 

When learning about other countries I always find it good to get books to help with the feel of it. Its hard to explain a country and its culture with out being their don’t you think? Recently we had the opportunity to review Away We Go Media by Carole P. Roman. 

 

 

About the Author:

Carole P. Roman is an award-winning author. Who loves to share her stories of history and culture. The new books she has written are geared for kids Pre-K to 8 yrs old. However, my son still enjoyed looking at them with us, and he is 11yrs old.

 

The Series:

 

In the “If you were me series” you will find the following titles.

• If You Were Me and Lived In Mexico…
• If You Were Me and Lived In France…
• If You Were Me and Lived In South Korea…
• If You Were Me and Lived In Norway… (this is the newest)

 

 

 

What you will find in the books:

The books are very well illustrated. The pictures just pop right out at you. Your child will learn where the country is located, and its capital. Then the author gives you a “tour” from a child’s point of view of what life would be like for you if you lived there. Such as what you would eat, games you would play, what kind of toys they have, what they would call their parents, types of money used, etc. This book is great for a beginner child looking at foreign countries.

They really bring it alive for the child.

 

 

 

How we used the books:

We are doing geography this year, so we decided to incorporate them into our learning each week. We discussed what the country was, things that we had in common, things that we did differently, etc. Then I had my daughter read the book to me. We learned about the maps, flags, and currency. We really enjoyed using them. She thought it was really neat to learn more about France. This also tied in well, cause we are learning French right now.

 

Our Thoughts:

 

Little Monkey really liked the books. They are a nice soft cover book, easy to flip through. Not to much information, with only 20-30 pgs per book. My daughter is 8 yrs old, and really loved them. She has gone back to reread them numerous times.

I really like the way the books are done. They really make the learning come alive for the child, that might otherwise be bored. I like that the illustrations are really nice and pop out of the page. I really think that Carole P. Roman has done a great job with these books, and we look forward to seeing more in the future.

 

Cost:

 

You can purchase the first 3 books in the series in two formats. You can get them on the Kindle (.99Cents) or Paperback ($8.99 each).

If You Were Me and Lived In Norway…  is available on the Kindle $1.99 or $8.62 for Paperwork.

 

See what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying about it.

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Eye-Dancers

 

We read through books super fast in this house. We are always looking for something new to read, which isn’t always an easy task. Recently, I was offered the chance to review The Eye-Dancers by Michael S. Fedison.

 

About the Book:

 

 

 

 

Synopsis- Four seventh-graders are transported to a strange world, and the only one who can help them find their way back home is the mysterious little girl with the swirling, hypnotic blue eyes. Along the way, they must confront their insecurities and fears, learn to believe in themselves, and accept themselves for who they are.

This book is geared towards young adults. My 11 yr old loved it!

 

 

Our Review:

My 6th grade boy, and I read this book. I read it first, and then he did. I’m not usually much of a sci-fi fan, where he is. However, I really enjoyed this book! Michael Fedison is a really great Author. Both my son and I commented on the fact that he is a great writer, gave the book an interesting plot, and he really got the characters true to their age!

 

We really liked that each boy had to over come a problem and learn how to handle it. Mitchell struggles with lying, and a speech impediment. Ryan was a follower, so he didn’t make his own decisions. Marc always thought he was right, and didn’t allow others to suggest ideas or solutions. Joe was very selfish.

I especially liked that the ghost girl’s name was Monica (the same as mine). We loved to see how the boys worked together to find her, and had to learn to control their flaws to accomplish that.

 

Monkey Man really enjoyed that the story took place in another dimension with a different timeline. He loved how the boys changed throughout the story. He said he was really impressed with how well the characters were on target with their age group. That is sometimes hard to accomplish. Another big hit with him was the book cover art work! That really caught his attention.

 

We don’t want to tell you to much about the story!

 

Price:

Be sure to check out this 290 pg book!

Right now it can only be purchased as an E-book. You can get it for $2.99 thru Amazon.

 

We really think this would be a great addition to any middle school child’s reading library!

 

 

 

 

*We were given a free copy of this book by Michael Fedison in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.

The Bakers Wife Book Review

Looking for a new book to read?? I know, I am always looking for books to read. I love to read, and have such a hard time finding books I enjoy. When I do, it doesn’t take me long to read out of the selection at my local library.

So when I was recently asked to review Erin Healy’s new book “The Baker’s Wife” I was all over it. I love a good suspense novel.


About the Author:

Erin Healy is the best selling co-author of Burn and Kiss (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her debut solo novels, Never Let You Go and The Promises She Keeps. She and her family live in Colorado. Her work focuses on the psychological and spiritual, driven by high moral stakes. You can read more about Erin Healy here.

About the Book:

The book is about a woman (Audrey)  and her husband a Pastor who get pushed out of the pastoral career. When starting over they start a bakery in which they run together.
Everything changes in one split second early one morning when Audrey is headed to the bakery and hits something, or someone in the fog. When she gets out she finds lots of blood, but no body.
The scooter that she finds belongs to the local detective Jack Mansfield’s wife Julie. HE is certain that his wife’s disappearance has something to do with Audrey.
However, when Jack can’t find anything to link Audrey to it, and hits a dead end. He goes crazy and decides to take Audrey’s family and some locals hostage at the Bakery. What can Audrey do now? She is forced to rely on some others for help to solve the case, but also she has to do the one thing she has been trying to avoid. To tap into an ability she would rather forget about. He ability to feel other’s pain. This makes her struggle with some of her own past. Will she figure it out? I can’t tell you or it would ruin the story…
So go pick up your copy today!
To buy the book:
You can go to Thomas Nelson to buy the book. It is $15.99.

My thoughts:
I love that this book kept me on my toes the whole time. I was anxious to see what happened every time I turned a page. That is very rare in a book for me.  It was very well written, and I am looking forward to checking out more of her books. Have you read any of her books? I would love to hear more about what you think?

Contest:

Erin's celebrating the release of her latest page turner, The Baker's Wife, with an outstanding KitchenAid baking prize package giveaway that includes a brand new KitchenAid Mixer, cook books, and all you need to whip up some fabulous bread or sweets! Then and on November 10th she'll be wrapping up the release of The Baker's Wife with an Author Book Chat Party on Facebook! Don't miss a minute of the fun!


Enter to win a KitchenAid Mixer and RSVP for Facebook Party on 11/10!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• Empire Red 4.5 QT Ultra Power KitchenAid Stand Mixer
• Black & White Kitschy Apron
• Black Silicone Oven Mitt
• Black OXO Rolling Pin
• Wilton 9X5 loaf pan
• At My Grandmother's Knee Cookbook by Faye Porter
• Second Helpings with Johnnie Gabriel Cookbook
• The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced at The Baker's Wife Author Book Chat Facebook Party. Erin will be wrapping up the The Baker's Wife celebration with a book club chat and giving away a bunch of "sweet treats"! So grab your copy of The Baker's Wife (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Erin on the evening of November 10th for a book chat, some "baking" trivia and lots of "sweet" giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

So hurry and enter today!!!  


*I was given this book from Litfuse Group, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Home-Ec 101 Book Review

 

 

 

I am a book junky! It comes without saying if it looks even remotely interesting then I want to have it. Which in some cases, has made for a lot of books to then find a home for when I purge them out. LOL…

I was recently able to view Chapter 20 from the new book Home-Ec 101 by Heather Solos from One2One Network.

Chapter 20 was about the Meal Planning: Not Just for the Control Freaks. I must say… I was a bit nervous this was going to be a flop. However, as a mom, wife, and organizational freak myself; I’m always looking for ways to make meal time easier. Never fails that I’m on the go, and when dinner time comes around we are just getting home from Scouts, baseball practices, or just from visiting friends. Who wants to stop and think about what is for dinner? I know, I don’t!

However, with the economy the way it is, less of us are able to just throw in the towel and call for pizza, Chinese, or whatever you might be craving. So if you are one of those people, I would recommend this book for the ease into Menu Planning.

I’ve looked at several books, and websites. This one is similar, but she also shares her flops, and mess ups. I like that personal touch. I like to know that my new recipe isn’t the only one that got messed up and the family hated it!

She has many good suggestions, like no one can just jump into this… You can’t just become great at Menu Planning overnight. Give it a few weeks to get used to, or find what works best for you. Also don’t forget to use tools to help you plan your menu. Such as; Grocery Store Circulars, Be open to Suggestions, Use different Marinades to make the same old thing different, and vary your sides.

Another one of my favorite things she talks about is like themed days. For example, Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday’s, Pizza Friday, Soup & Sandwich Saturday. We use some of these in our home, and it makes it easier. You can come up with so many different variations to each one. Make your Taco’s on one week fish, the next chicken. They don’t always have to be the same. Another great tip, is getting your family involved. You can usually find something that any age of the family can help with.

If you would like more info on this book, check out her website. You can find her on Facebook, and Twitter as well.

You can find this book, on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles.

*I received this chapter complimentary in exchange for my review from Heather Solos and One2One Network. All opinions are mine or my monkey’s.

The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari Book By: Dontia K. Paul & Evangeline Denmark Review

 

 

 

The Dragon and the Turtle go on Safari  was a super cute book. The cover is amazing and I think really just draws you in. My son saw this as soon as it arrived, and was anxious to read it. He proceeded to read it to the girls for a bedtime story.

He found it was a great book. It was an easy read for him… and they all really enjoyed it. I thought it was a great book for kids to overcome their fears!

This book is about two best friends, determined to be brave and spend the night outside. They use their imaginations to keep themselves busy most of the night, and when the sky gets really dark, and they start hearing things.. It is a test to find out that their friendship is stronger than their fear!

The book also includes a bonus story, and some conversation starters.

The author of this book. Dontia K. Paul is a former schoolteacher. She is also the best-selling author of the Dragon Keeper series. Evangeline Denmark likes to turn bedtime stories into picture books, from her home in Colorado.

Buy it:

You can purchase this book from Waterbrook Maltnomah books for $11.99

*This is a MamaBuzz review. The product was provided by:  Donita K. Paul & Waterbrook Maltnomah Boos for this review.

Little Princess Book Review

Where the Jewels Are…..is a super cute book. Written by Diana Symons.


About a Princess that is sent on a journey by her very wise father, to find the one thing that she doesn’t know she is missing?? She discovers that Jewels are everywhere if you know what you are looking for.




My girls really enjoyed this book. I read it to both my girls, and my oldest girl read it to herself… We all thought it was a great book. We really loved that she is such great writer and keeps you wanting to turn the page. This book is great… as well as maybe a good book for girls who are starting to struggle with being selfish.





This book is geared to girls ages 8-10 yrs old or for the young at heart. (Like me)



Prefect for any Princess on your Christmas list that loves to read. You can purchase it on her website for $5.99. 







 Diana Symons also has another book in progress called King’s Guard.
You can also find Diana Symons on Facebook, and Twitter.






* This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Diana Symons for this review.

Unstuff your Life Book Review:

 

 

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to organize myself, and make my life run a bit smoother. This book actually couldn’t have come at a better time, since I am purging and trying to get things packed.

Andrew Mellen the Author of Unstuff Your Life is one of the country’s most sought-after professional organizers (he’s been featured in Oprah Magazine!) and his book is a complete life-saver when it comes to un-cluttering your life.

I started this book, as I was sitting in the car line, waiting for my kids to get out of school… I made it to the second chapter when it was time to put it down, and I didn’t want to!!!

If you follow this book to the T, I’m sure it would really simplify your life. Can I say that I am that committed no… However, I will take a lot of what he has to say and adapt to my own life. I was really happy with the mail section. I am the worse when if comes to sorting and filing my mail in a timely manner.

UNSTUFF YOUR LIFE! starts with truly achievable goals and works toward the nightmare projects everyone tries hard to avoid.  You can learn:

• Where to find a permanent home of your keys and wallet
• How to sort the mail in a manageable and time-effective way
• What it means to group “like with like”
• How to tackle bills and budgets
• A new approach to organizing your e-mail
• The importance of separating yourself from your stuff
• How to problem-solve with your new skills
• And much more

He even touches on Debit, and how to get out of Debit, or stay away from it.

So if you are stuck in that rut, and need help to get the junk out of your life. Or to even know what you should keep or not keep… This is a great way to start!

You can buy it at:
Amazon or

Barnes and Noble

 

 

*I was given a copy of this book from Twittermoms in exchange for my review. All opinions are strictly my own.

Deadly Disclosures Book Review:

 

 

About the Book:

A Suspense-filled fiction mystery which answers an ominous question: How far will some go to silence an influential Christian voice?

Thomas Whitfield, proud Secretary of the Smithsonian and its extensive scientific influence, has disappeared from his office with foul play suspected. Dinah Harris, an FBI agent struggling with alcohol and depression, is seeking answers amidst the fallout of her own personal issues. Whitfield's body is eventually found, and other people connected to him begin dying as well, ultimately exposing a broader conspiracy connected to him begin dying as well, ultimately exposing a broader conspiracy connected to Whitfield's recent conversion to Christ and promotion of a biblical worldview in an academic world of financial gain hostile to this concept. Will Dinah be able to experience the redemptive power of Christ before it's too late? Or will the ominous danger stalking her investigation claim another victim?

About the Author:

Julie has loved books all her life and began writing at the age of 12. At the age of 15, she heard a creation science speaker at her church which ignited her interest in creation science and sparked an enthusiasm for defending the Bible’s account of creation. It wasn’t until she was in her mid-twenties, after re-dedicating her life to Jesus, that she began thinking about combining the two as a Christian ministry.

Julie is married with one daughter and lives on the east coast of Austrilia. Her interests include reading, writing, and spending time at the beach.

You can learn more about her at Juliecave.com

or on Twitter.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging and real. I thought it was easy to get into, and it kept me interested. I’m anxious to read the next book in this new trilogy. This really puts creation in a whole new light.. and makes you start to think. I love books that spark my curiosity and make me think about the whole big picture. Great book to read if you are looking for some books to get you through the winter!

 

Buy:

Would you like to go buy your own copy?? You can go to Amazon…

Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren Review:

 

 

About the Book:

PJ Sugar receives shocking news that she's inherited the Kellogg family mansion. Though she has no idea why, the timing is perfect-PJ has clearly worn out her welcome at her sister's house. Unfortunately, the mansion is in shambles, and PJ is short on cash. Rescue comes in the form of Max Smith, a mysterious handyman willing to trade his services for PJ's investigative skills. But PJ already has a full docket with cramming for her PI license and nurturing a growing romance with her boss, Jeremy Kane. Can she take on Max's case without dropping the ball?

 

About the Author:

usan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

My thoughts:

I am not sure that the first book would have made that much sense to me, if I hadn’t read her first two before reading this one.

The first two in the series, was Nothing but Trouble, and Double Trouble.

I had a bit of a hard time getting into the very First book of the series…. but once I got through the first book.. I couldn’t put the rest of the series down. “Licensed for Trouble” really did a good job summing up the series!

The Characters were really fun to get to know.. 

Buy:

You can find it at:

Amazon or Barnes & Nobles for around $10- $15

Also right now…

Licensed for Trouble, Susan's brand new PJ Sugar novel, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, she's giving away a Kindle!! You can enter using Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail using the icons below.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a A SWEET Kindle prize package that includes:

• A brand new Kindle (Free 3G, 6”, Latest Generation)
• The entire PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form. Don't forget to tell your friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! We’ll announce our super sleuth winner on September 2nd.

 

*I was given a the book in exchange for a review by LitFuse.

 

Geek Dad Book Review

 

I snagged this book up, because as most would say, my husband is very much indeed a Geek Dad. Often times he has a hard time coming up with things for him to do with the kids, that he is not going to be totally bored to death with doing.

Before i gave this book to my husband to read and go through. I sat down and skimmed through it. I was just amazed with the things it had for ideas. They were totally things my husband would enjoy as well as my son. I was eager for him to give this a try.

My husband loved this book, and found lots of things that he wants and has tried with our son. It is so on their level and fun for them both to try out. It was a fabulous time for them to bond. I was very excited to see them enjoying ideas from this book!

About the Book:
- because learning shouldn’t have to end when summer vacation starts. GEEK DAD is the ultimate guide to making those lazy summer days packed with fun and, dare I say, educational value. Keep the kids’ intellectual curiosity alive with projects like light-up duct tape wallets and electronic origami. Build future coders with your very own binary calendar, or future engineers with a home hydroponic food garden. Instill some environmental awareness and help the kids “go green” by building a compost bin. The possibilities for summer fun are endless with some imagination and a dose of geek.
Having trouble dragging the kids off the couch? GEEK DAD shows you how to take the video game excitement outside - by making backyard versions of favorites like Madden and Sonic the Hedgehog (extra geek points for costumes). Create your own mini-water park and be the envy of your neighbors with an awesome homemade Slip ‘n Slide. Time to break out your imagination and duct tape, you’re going on a “staycation”.
Warm summer nights can be spent playing with electronic lightening bugs of your own creation, or perched out on the lawn watching a movie on a self-built home movie theater! Staying at home will never be lame again.

About the Author:
Ken is a husband and father from the San Francisco Bay Area, where he works as a civil engineer. He's also the editor of GeekDad, the parenting blog for Wired magazine's online presence, where along with a group of other dedicated, geeky parents he posts projects, book and movie reviews, weekly podcasts, and more about being a parent and being a geek.

Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky Book Review:

 

 

Summary of the Book:

Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper, scribbled with her regrets, sins, and sorrows. But that’s nobody else’s business. Her bookstore/coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church—they all think she’s the very model of compassion and kindness.

Then Marnie’s past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian of her fifteen-year-old son—a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome—and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with Taylor Cole, her sister’s attorney, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit (and Taylor) work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again?

About the Author:

Marlo Schalesky is the author of several books, including Beyond the Night and Empty Womb, Aching Heart. A graduate of Stanford University , Marlo also has a masters of theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Married over twenty years, she lives with her husband, Bryan, and their five children in California .

My Thoughts:

I thought this book was a bit hard to get into at first..but did enjoy it once I got through the first few chapters. After that it was a breeze and easy read. I enjoyed it… and it really made you think. I don’t want to give away anything, so you will have to read it to figure out what I mean.

Buy it:

At Amazon  or Barnes & Nobles

I have one copy of this book to give to one lucky reader!

To Enter:

Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Place to Shop…. (mandatory to enter)

Giveaway ends July 24th @10pm EST. Giveaway is open to US Residents only! Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond.

* This book was provided by Multnomah Books in order for me to review it.

Scars and Stiletto’s Book Review & Giveaway

 

 

About the Book:

Fear of being abandoned keeps nineteen-year-old Harmony Dust trapped in an abusive and cruel relationship. She thinks she has hit bottom-tens of thousands of dollars in debt, struggling to get by, and so controlled by her boyfriend that she doesn't protest when he begins openly sleeping around. Things can't get worse . . . until someone tells her how much money she can make as an exotic dancer. For the next three years, Harmony lives a double life as Monique, a dancer in a fully-nude strip club.
Scars and Stilettos is Harmony's stark, honest, and ultimately hopeful story of how God found her in that dark, noisy place and led her out. She has since married, completed an MA in social welfare, and now leads Treasures, an organization helping women in the sex trade discover their true worth.

"Harmony wrote her story so that you and your friends may get help out of whatever dark tunnel you find yourself in. . . . once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down and you will want to get a copy for every person you know." -Holly Wagner, from the preface

About the Author:

Harmony Dust is the founder and Executive Director ofTreasures Ministries, a Los Angeles, CA, based nonprofit organization [outreach and support group] for women in the sex industry.

As a child, Harmony was sexually abused and raped by multiple people. She ended up in a group home at age 17, where she first encountered social workers and began to dream about one day making a difference in peoples’ lives. She discovered, however, that despite her dreams, the abuse and pain from her past continued to hold her captive. She found herself walking straight from a troubled adolescence into an adulthood entrenched with dysfunctional relationships and a life inside the walls of a strip club working as an exotic dancer. She continued down this path for several years, until committing herself to a journey of healing that radically changed her life.

For more info… go HERE.

My thoughts:

So far I am enjoying this book. I have not yet finished it due to my busy schedule the last few weeks. I do enjoy it… The characters are strong and the writing is good. So far, I would absolutely recommend this book. For some reason I love reading books about overcoming hardships and learning from them. What about you??

Buy it:

On Amazon

or Barnes and Nobles

Win it:

I have one copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!!! Just leave me a comment with Two books on your Summer Reading List this year…. (Mandatory to enter)

Extra Entries:

• “Like” me on Facebook
  
• Follow my blog
  
• Tell me one thing you’d like to do this summer

Giveaway ends June 30th @10pm EST. Giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS only… The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond to my email or a new winner is chosen.

* Litfuse Publicity gave me this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are strictly my own.

The Girls from Ames Book Review

 

 

 

 

About the Book:

Meet the Ames Girls: eleven childhood friends who formed a special bond growing up in Ames, Iowa. As young women, they moved to eight different states, yet managed to maintain an enduring friendship that would carry them through college and careers, marriage and motherhood, dating and divorce, a child’s illness and the mysterious death of one member of their group. Capturing their remarkable story, The Girls from Ames is a testament to the deep bonds of women as they experience life’s joys and challenges — and the power of friendship to triumph over heartbreak and unexpected tragedy.

The girls, now in their forties, have a lifetime of memories in common, some evocative of their generation and some that will resonate with any woman who has ever had a friend. Photograph by photograph, recollection by recollection, occasionally with tears and often with great laughter, their sweeping and moving story is shared by Jeffrey Zaslow, Wall Street Journal columnist, as he attempts to define the matchless bonds of female friendship. It demonstrates how close female relationships can shape every aspect of women’s lives – their sense of themselves, their choice of men, their need for validation, their relationships with their mothers, their dreams for their daughters – and reveals how such friendships thrive, rewarding those who have committed to them.

About the Author:

Zaslow first worked at the Journal from 1983 to 1987, when he wrote about a competition to replace Ann Landers at the Chicago Sun-Times. He entered to get an angle for his story, and won the job over 12,000 applicants. He worked at the Sun-Times from 1987 to 2001, and was also a columnist for USA Weekend, the Sunday supplement in 510 newspapers.

In 2000, Zaslow received the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award for using his column to run programs benefitting 47,000 disadvantaged Chicago children. For 12 years, he hosted an annual singles party for charity, Zazz Bash, which drew 7,000 readers a year and resulted in 78 marriages.

A Philadelphia native, Zaslow is a 1980 graduate of Carnegie Mellon, where he majored in creative writing. His wife, Sherry Margolis, is a TV news anchor with Fox 2 in Detroit. They have three daughters: Jordan, Alex and Eden.

My thoughts: 

This book made me sorta jealous that I didn’t have such a strong bond of friends growing up as a kid. I could only wish that my kids have such bonds through life with their friends. It would be so nice if me and my friends were still able to get together for a weekend once a year to bond, chat, and reenergize! I thought this book was amazing with its detail. The story line was fantastic. I would recommend it to any of my girl friends!

 

Buy it:

Barnes & Nobles

Borders

*This book was provided by Penguin Group in exchange for this review.

Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd Book Review:

 

 

 

About the Book:

When her family moves to London, 15-year-old Savvy Smith has to make her way in a new school and a new country. She just knows the school newspaper is the right place for her, but she doesn’t have the required experience, and the cute editor-in-chief is not looking to train anyone. She has to come up with a way to prove herself and nab the one available position on the newspaper staff at Wexburg Academy.
London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

 

About the Author:

Best-selling author Sandra Byrd has published nearly three dozen books in the Christian market, including her latest series, French Twist, which includes the Christy finalist Let Them Eat Cake (2007) and its sequel, Bon Appétit (2008). Many of her acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books target the tween and young adult market. She has also published a book for new moms entitled Heartbeats. Several of Sandra's shorter works appear in periodical markets such as Relevant, Clubhouse, Pockets, Decision, and Guideposts. For the past seven years, she has shared her secrets with the many students she mentors through the Christian Writers Guild. Before turning to full-time writing, Sandra was an acquisitions editor in the ABA market. She lives in the Seattle, Washington, area with her husband and two children.

Here are some questions and answers from the author…

• Why did you write the London Confidential series?

Each of us, as women, remember what it's like to be a young woman, struggling to find our place in the world. Some girls have family issues, some have friendship issues, some have school issues, most of us have more than one concern. Whenever I write for young women I hope to provide them with an enjoyable read that validates their concerns, shows them that they are not alone, and provides encouragement to stay the course and see what wonderful things the Lord has just around the next corner.

The world feels a little depressed right now, too. I wanted to provide a happy, hopeful read and not a heavily issues-driven series. The London Confidential books are, I hope, fun to read.

 

• What are some of the biggest struggles for teen girls today? What do you hope teen girls will take away from the series?

Truly, as Ecclesiastes says, there is nothing new under the sun. The issues that young women had when I was growing up are the same ones that my daughter has. Who am I? How can I make a difference? Where do I fit in? Am I loved? Why are people hurtful? While they may have different formats, for example, the internet, texting, or movies, the issues remain essentially the same.

But that's good news! That means that we women have walked these paths and have hopefully found our way. It enables us to be Girl Guides, the British world for Girl Scouts, in a physical, emotional, and spiritual sense. Just as we're instructed to do in Titus 2. We can do this in person, or we can do it by buying a good book to pass along to our daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends.

• What can readers look forward to in the final two London Confidential books?

The final two books in the series release on September 1, 2010 and talk about good friendships and bad, why it's important for Christian girls to stick with only liking, even crushing on, Christian boys, how to persevere in times of trouble, and taking your first adult steps in your faith. When girls open any of the books, they'll find a girl who is a lot like them, with dreams and hopes and fears like theirs, and God who works things out in ways they would not have imagined.  There are friendship ups and downs, school ups and downs, guy ups and downs, family issues and lots of fun. I wanted to write books that would be fun to read, and yet still be meaningful. I hope the girls find the books to be just that.

 

 

My Thoughts:

This book, is very cute. I thought it was a fantastic book for teens, and young adults. Very well written, and put together. I love that she pushes to find a way to fit in, and move on despite it being difficult. That she doesn’t give up when it gets tough. More teens should read this! My girls are not old enough yet to enjoy this, but when they are, this will be a book I suggest for them. I could relate to this book as well, cause I have moved so many times in my life. Its not always easy to readjust.

Here is a book trailer ….

Buy it:

Barnes & Nobles for around $7

 

* Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

 

Life In spite of Me by Kristen Anderson Blog Tour & Giveaway:

About the Book:

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.
One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.
But Kristen’s story doesn’t end there.
In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.
Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured. 

About the Author:

Kristen Jane Anderson has been featured on Oprah and is a popular speaker at colleges, women’s and youth events, churches, and suicide prevention outreaches. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the founder of Reaching You Ministries, Kristen seeks to help those who are hurting, hopeless, lost, suicidal and depressed.

My thoughts:

This book was a hard read for me at times, cause i have been there a few times myself. Wanting to give up and not look back. I was lucky enough to find my way back out. Depression can be a very evil thing. With that said… reading this book, really inspires you to fight harder. Move over those hurdles and find the things that really matter. I would definitely would suggest this book to annoy who needs some help finding there way back. Amazing, and inspiring book!

Buy It:

From WaterBrook Multnomah

Barnes and Noble 

Win It:

I have one copy to give to one lucky reader!

Enter:

Tell me what helps you get through a bad day.  (mandatory)

Giveaway ends June 9th @ 10pm EST. Open to US residents only… The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond to my email, or I will have to chose another winner.

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann Blog tour & Giveaway:

I have never read any of her books. However, once I read a bit about her… I was anxious to read one of her books.

About the book:
An inseparable bond.
An insatiable force.
Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.
But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.
To read more of the first chapter go HERE

My Thoughts:
I wasn’t sure what to expect. From what I read about her, I had a feeling her books would be really good. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed this book, and thought the plot was very good. I did get confused a few times because it goes between 4-5 characters. However, once I was able to remember the different ones, it was easy to keep straight. I am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

About the Author:

While home schooling her four kids, Kristen Heitzmann wrote her first novel. It became one of a five book historical series. Since then, she has written three more historical novels and eight contemporary romantic and psychological suspense novels including The Still of Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Award, The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist and Christy Award winning Secrets. She lives in Colorado with her husband Jim, sundry family members, and pets.

Follow Kristen online at www.KristenHeitzmann.com

Buy it:
At WaterBrook Multnomah 
or Barnes and Noble


Win it:
I have one copy of Indivisible to give to one lucky reader!
Be sure to leave an email address to contact you!
Enter:
Leave me a comment telling me A book you want to read this summer..  (this is mandatory)
Extra Entries:
Must leave a separate comment for it to count

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Giveaway ends May 25th @ 10pm EST open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond, or I will chose a new winner.

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Forget Me Not By Vicki Hinze Blog Tour:

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

This book looked really good to me, when I got it. However, as I started it.. it was a bit confusing. Until you get into the book a ways does it come together. Overall I thought it was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it once I figured it out.

About the Book:

THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING.  NOW THEY WANT MORE.
Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family.  Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away.  His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith.  Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too.  Why had he survived?  He’d failed to protect his family.  
Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan.  A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.  
The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill.  Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly.  Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

About the Author:

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.

Buy it:

You can purchase this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for $13.99

Win it:

I have one copy to give to one lucky reader.

To Enter:

Leave me a comment about how often you get to read? Do you have a favorite spot to read? (Mandatory to Enter)

Giveaway Ends April 28th @10pm EST. Open to US Residents only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org, and will have 48hrs to respond, or a new winner will be chosen.

*This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano Blog Tour:

 

 

 

About this Book:

I know you're up in heaven, God,
and can hear my voice from there.
I'm just a little child.
Will you answer my short prayer?
So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age. 
With engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine assures children that God is always near--watching, listening, caring, and eager to respond to their requests. They'll also learn that prayer isn't just about asking for things, but about sharing their feelings of sadness and uncertainty as well as of thanksgiving and joy.
Most importantly, This Little Prayer of Mine reminds children—and those who love them—that they can trust God to tenderly care for them, no matter what the future holds.

About the Author:

Anthony DeStefano has received may prestigious awards from religious organizations throughout the world for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture. These include an honorary doctorate from the National Clergy Council and the Methodist Episcopal Church's Joint Academic Commission, as well as the "Defender of Israel" medal from the Jerusalem Center for Peace Studies, conferred on him in 2003. He is the CEO of a Catholic not-for-profit organization; he lives in Long Island with his wife, Kimberly, a kindergarten teacher.

Our Thoughts:

My kids really liked this book. It was very cute. Hunter could read it himself, and he really enjoyed it. Then he liked reading it to his sisters. The pictures are very well done. I love how it really just sounds like something a kid would say to God. I think this will be a book my kids read often.

Buy it:

You can get this book at Random House for $12.99

Win it:

I have one book for one of my readers to win.

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me what is your favorite book as a child was…or what your child’s favorite book is.  (Mandatory to enter)

This giveaway ends April 21st @10pm EST. Open to US Residents only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond or a new winner is chosen.

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

 

An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick Blog Tour:

 

 

 

 

 

About the book:

While growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those owners who have fallen ill with mercury poisoning. 
Jessie gains footing in her dream to one day operate her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep painful memories from seeping into her heart when the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

 

About the Author:

Jane Kirkpatrick is a best-selling, award-winning author whose previous historical novels include All Together in One Place and Christy Award finalist A Tendering in the Storm. An international keynote speaker, she has earned regional and national recognition for her stories based on the lives of actual people, including the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Hall of Fame. Jane is a Wisconsin native who since 1974 has lived in Eastern Oregon, where she and her husband, Jerry, ranch 160 rugged acres.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Being that it was about my passion of photography, I was excited to read it. This is actually the second book in the series, but it does not take away from the story. I also like how the author includes a detail of characters in the front of the book, so you can see who and what everyone is. Along with a map, so you can kinda plot and picture it in your mind. I loved the vivid detail, as it really made you feel like you were right there. I really would recommend this book to any of my friends. Great read!

Buy it:

You can get it at Random House for $14.99

Win it:

I have One Copy to give away here!!

To Enter:

Leave me a comment telling me what your hobby is… (Mandatory to enter)

Giveaway is for US Residents only and will end on April 11th @ 10pm EST. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond or I choose a new winner.

* This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Where do we go? By James Weinser Blog Tour:

 

 

 

 

 

Our Thoughts:

My son really loved this booked. He enjoyed the story, and the pictures. The pictures were so bright and cheery, it really made the subject easier to handle. When I asked him if he knew what the book was trying to discuss after he read it… I was very happy to hear that he understood perfectly, and he even told me some of the things he thought it was like after leaving. I was impressed with the book, and recommend it to any family with small kids. To either help ease a loss, or just to help with the discussion. Here are some pictures of my son reading it:

About the Book:

This award winning book, delicately talks about the subject of death and the hereafter. Helping parents with that difficult subject after having to deal with a tragedy. You can learn more about it HERE.

About the Author:

Born in New York City in 1945, James Weinsier was raised on Long Island. He received an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences from Nassau Community College in 1964, followed by service in the U. S. Navy. Upon completing his tour of duty, he resumed his education at the University of Miami, graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He is now retired and lives with his wife, in Fernandina Beach, FL.

In 2006, James experienced the devastating losses of three family members: his father, a son and grandson, Isaac Randolph, who died in a neonatal infant care unit from complications of necrotizing enterocolitis (an intestinal disorder) 10 days after his premature birth. In response to the pertinent questions from his other young grandchildren about what happens to us after we die, James wrote a children's book, Where Do We Go?, which was published in 2008.

Buy it:

You can purchase this book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble around $12.95

 

* "This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: James Weinsier/FiveStar Publications for this review."