Friday, August 8, 2014

The Friday 56 - Week 190

Welcome to Week 190!

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post to the Linky at Freda's Voice. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.


This is an updated version of a book I read several years ago. I'm reviewing it for the author.



I wanted him to sit near me so badly I could have died. But he sat in the row in front of me, a little to the right. Not too bad. Now I can look at him all day. My best friend, Angela, sits beside him on his right. I hope she doesn't fall in love with him, too. He's mine!

Location 57 of 1105 from The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Teen by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Book Spotlight: Next Step by Timothy K. Lynn

Written by accomplished businessman Timothy K. Lynn, Next Step presents a faith-centered system for keeping one’s life on track and moving into an even closer relationship with God.

At an early age, author Timothy K. Lynn found himself facing adult challenges: at 16, Lynn had a wife and child, had dropped out of school, was on welfare and food stamps, and was working seven days a week just to make ends meet. At 16, Lynn had a singular focus: providing for his new family. Realizing that faith was central to having—and executing—a meaningful life plan, Lynn, through God’s grace, began to develop a system for keeping his life on track and maintaining focus. Inspired by Andy Stanley’s Starting Point, Lynn created a system centered on the four crucial components of faith, self, family and life’s work. That system evolved into Next Step.

An extraordinarily powerful book with a simple premise, Next Step provides a road map for navigating one’s way through life. Resplendent with Scripture, Biblical wisdom, and advice, Next Step shows readers how to make the next step a step in the right direction.

Presented in workbook format, Next Step has a dual purpose: Next Step functions as both a self-directed study guide as well as a guide for use with small groups. Filled with exercises designed to lead individuals and small groups towards developing a sense of direction, and receiving God’s grace, Next Step provides an enlightening look at the importance of a life centered on God.

In Next Step, Lynn addresses such crucial issues as time management, influences, faith, taking care of oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually, beliefs, family, finding purposeful life’s work, and giving back. Next Step also provides practical instruction by illuminating the importance of “big picture” thinking, reaping vs. sowing, setting—and reaching—goals, and staying out of debt. Next Step also introduces the concept of “lifeline goal setting”—an innovative strategy for setting and reaching goals. Moreover, Next Step sheds light on the most important dialogue in any person’s life: an open, ongoing and meaningful conversation with God.

A faithful companion for a life well-lived, Next Step is an inspiring, powerful, and transformative book. Brimming with wisdom, sage counsel, and instruction on finding balance, order, and meaning, Next Step is a thoughtful and thought-provoking guide to creating—and living—a life of meaning, purpose, and abundance.


PURCHASE LINKS:


   
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/next-step-timothy-k-lynn/1119917426

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Timothy K. Lynn is an entrepreneur, author and teacher, but above all, a man of faith. He has used the Next Step system for over 30 years. The Founder and Chairman of a successful company, Lynn lives in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Jane. He and Jane are blessed with a blended family of eight children and eight grandchildren.

Book Spotlight: The Traitor's Heir by Anna Thayer


Every man has a destiny. His is to betray.

Like many from his village, young Eamon Goodhand dreamed of joining the Gauntlet, the army of the overlord Eldered. Now he is about to complete his training and swear his loyalty to Eldered and his commanders, the Hands, who uphold Eldered’s tight control of the land.

Entering into the service of the Gauntlet, Eamon’s gifts, particularly his potent Sight, quickly become valuable to his superiors and he advances to the command rank at a speed that arouses the suspicions of fellow officers.

However, Eldered’s bloody rule, and Eamon’s personal friendships, start to challenge the young soldier’s assumptions about what might be true, and worthy of service. And soon Eamon must conceal a fatal secret: he is sworn to both Eldered and to Hughan, the rightful king of the land. Yet he may not forswear the vows he has uttered in all good faith so however he serves, his name will be traitor.

As tensions and military skirmishes increase, Eamon finds himself trusted by both his masters. How can he possibly maintain his integrity, act justly to his fellow officers of the Gauntlet, and act on behalf of all the warring people of the land?

Series: The Knight of Eldaran (Book 1)
Paperback: 544 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications; 1st New edition edition (June 11, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1782640754
ISBN-13: 978-1782640752

PURCHASE HERE!

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Save 20% on Limited Tickets for Kiss Me, Kate at The Pasadena Playhouse Starring Wayne Brady



September 16 - October 12, 2014

Save 20%* Off Tickets
Use Code: BOOK20

The Pasadena Playhouse presents
Wayne Brady
Starring In

KISS ME, KATE
Also Starring Merle Dandridge

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter

 

Book by Bella and Samuel Spewack
Directed by Sheldon Epps
KISS ME, KATE, the beloved backstage musical, includes many of Cole Porter’s most famous songs: “So in Love,” “Another Op’nin’ Another Show,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.”  This classic show celebrates Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and the joys, madness, and the rewards of working in the theatre - both onstage and off.
The Pasadena Playhouse production will view the work through a new lens, using the wonderful material of this celebrated production to showcase the trailblazing African-American actors and entertainers of the early 20th century.
Tickets may be purchased online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org or by calling (626) 356-7529.
The Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave.

Pasadena, CA 91101

*Code is valid for 20% off tickets to KISS ME, KATE. Offer expires Sun. October 12, 2014 at 7pm and is good on all performances excluding Sunday, Sept. 21. Discount is available on all seats excluding ROW C. All seats are best available. Offer not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with any other offer. All tickets are subject to availability. Service charges and theatre restoration fee apply to all orders. 

Overstock Kid Zone from Overstock and PBS KIDS



Overstock.com believes in a bright future for all children. To support its commitment to children’s education, health, happiness and well-being, Overstock has partnered with PBS KIDS to create the Overstock Kid Zone, a curated shop within Overstock.com that includes hundreds of children’s products across many categories. A portion of the proceeds from every sale in Overstock’s Kid Zone will go to support PBS KIDS’ mission of educating children.

The Kid Zone is made up of several shop categories, including “School Essentials,” providing the perfect opportunity to purchase supplies for the school year while supporting PBS KIDS. The page also provides links to PBS KIDS videos and fun family activities.



Monday, August 4, 2014

CFBA: A Heart to Heal by Allie Pleiter

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Heart to Heal
Love Inspired (July 15, 2014)
by
Allie Pleiter




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.






ABOUT THE BOOK



The Courage To Hope.

Guidance counselor Heather Browning is desperate. She needs a mentor to help Simon, a disabled student who is struggling at Gordon Falls High School. Unfortunately, hotshot Max Jones is her only option. Confrontational and cavalier, Max uses his flashy persona to hide the bitterness he's felt since his life-changing accident. Perpetually cautious, Heather finds Max's bad-boy bravado as intriguing as it is infuriating. But as Heather and Max work together to build Simon's self-confidence, they begin to trust each other. Max has never been slow and careful with anything. Can he be gentle with Heather's heart?

Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of A Heart to Heal, go HERE.




Mailbox Monday - August 4

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

It's great to be back. I had a blast with my friends, but it's nice to be home with my family. Two books arrived while I was gone.

One October morning, high school junior Bryan Dennison wakes up a different person—helpful, generous, and chivalrous—a person whose new admirable qualities he doesn’t recognize. Stranger still is the urge to tie a red sheet around his neck like a cape.

Bryan soon realizes this compulsion to wear a red cape is accompanied by more unusual behavior. He can’t hold back from retrieving kittens from tall trees, helping little old ladies cross busy streets, and defending innocence anywhere he finds it.

Shockingly, at school, he realizes he used to be a bully. He’s attracted to the former victim of his bullying, Scott Beckett, though he has no memory of Scott from before “the change.” Where he’d been lazy in academics, overly aggressive in sports, and socially insecure, he’s a new person. And although he can recall behaving egotistically, he cannot remember his motivations.

Everyone, from his mother to his teachers to his “superjock” former pals, is shocked by his dramatic transformation. However, Scott Beckett is not impressed by Bryan’s newfound virtue. And convincing Scott he’s genuinely changed and improved, hopefully gaining Scott’s trust and maybe even his love, becomes Bryan’s obsession.



In a Drought, It's the Darkest Cloud

That Brings Hope

It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor . . . until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.




This book was a digital download gifted to me by the author. I had read a previous version of this book and she asked me to review the new one.

"I hate Angela and I wish she would move away tomorrow!" "I get so worried when I hear my parents fighting at night." "My mother thinks my crush is silly. I know I am in love!" "I have so many questions about growing up. Who will answer them?" "I feel so awful when Jake makes fun of me." "When I grow up I going to remember how to have fun with my kids and never look away."
Growing up is tough. Adults don't always understand you (even though they were once kids), and children today face increasing pressure to be, look, or act a certain way. Written in the voice of a girl on the cusp of becoming a teenager, The Truth provides young girls with an opportunity to see how a girl, who is in many ways like themselves, handles her toughest problems and most personal thoughts. Each new page brings forth a discussion to help girls handle everyday problems: How do you survive a bully? How do you handle a crush on a boy? What can you do about relentless teasing by your peers? What really matters as you grow older?

In a positive and supportive diary-entry format, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein encourages tween girls to carry the most precious parts of themselves into adulthood. A great book for mothers and daughters to read together, The Truth is aimed to improve communication, understanding, and self-esteem for young girls as they enter the rocky road of teenager-dom.


This was the one book I allowed myself to buy on vacation. It will be a great addition to my Laura Ingalls Wilder collection. 


From May 1890 to October 1891 Laura and Almanzo, along with their daughter Rose, lived in Spring Valley, Minnesota. They stayed with Almanzo’s parents, recuperating from illness, before moving to Florida. This booklet focuses on the 1890′s, while Laura and Almanzo lived there, but also tells the story of the Wilder family in Spring Valley.

What did you receive in your mailbox?