Coming Soon: In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett

Excited to learn about this one. I love Carol Burnett. Will you be placing this one on your wish list?



Comedy legend Carol Burnett tells the hilarious behind-the-scenes story of her iconic weekly variety series, The Carol Burnett Show.

Who but Carol Burnett herself has the timing, talent, and wit to pull back the curtain on the Emmy-Award winning show that made television history for eleven glorious seasons?

In Such Good Company delves into little-known stories of the guests, sketches and antics that made the show legendary, as well as some favorite tales too good not to relive again. Carol lays it all out for us, from the show’s original conception to its evolution into one of the most beloved primetime programs of its generation.

Written with all the charm and humor fans expect from a masterful entertainer like Carol Burnett, In Such Good Company skillfully highlights the elements that made the show so successful in a competitive period when TV variety shows ruled the air waves. Putting the spotlight on everyone from her talented costars to her amazing guest stars—the most celebrated and popular entertainers of their day—Carol crafts a lively portrait of the talent and creativity that went into every episode.

Here are all the topics readers want to know more about, including:
• how the show almost didn’t air due to the misgivings of certain CBS vice presidents;
• how she discovered and hired Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway;
• anecdotes about guest stars and her close freindships with many of them, including Lucille Ball, Roddy Mcdowell, Jim Nabors, Bernadette Peters, Betty Grable, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, Gloria Swanson, Rita Hayworth, and Betty White;
• the people behind the scenes from Bob Mackie, her costume designer and partner in crime, to the wickedly funny cameraman who became a fixture during the show’s opening Q&A;
• and Carol’s takes on her favorite sketches and the unpredictable moments that took both the cast and viewers by surprise.

This book is Carol’s love letter to a golden era in television history through the lens of her brilliant show which won no less than 25 Emmy Awards! Get the best seat in the house as she reminisces about the outrageous tales that made working on the show as much fun as watching it.

In Such Good Company can be pre-ordered here.

Mailbox Monday - August 15

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.

Happy Monday, everyone! This is looking to be a great week. I have three closings. Yes, three. Awesome!!!

Not a ton of reading happening around here but, in all fairness, I was a bit tied up last week with work and family.

The Lil' Diva--who is not so little anymore--turned 15 last Thursday. It was a low key birthday with dinner out followed by a small cake at home with presents. A member of our church family also had a surprise birthday party, which we attended.

We are gearing up for school already. Some supplies and clothes have been bought, but I think the bulk of the shopping will occur in a couple of weeks. This coming week we have three days of vacation Bible school.

As for my mailbox, there was only one book; but it's one I was eagerly anticipating.

As the year draws to a close, the brand-new colony of Promise Lodge is thriving, a welcoming community that offers three Amish sisters a fresh start. And as Christmas approaches, gifts big and small are given with love . . .

As Promise Lodge’s first wedding arrives, the evidence of a community building a foundation for the future is a cause for celebration. But the bishop’s narrow-minded wedding sermon doesn’t sit well with the Bender sisters, the town’s courageous founders, especially widowed Mattie Schwartz. She believes marriage and family aren’t the most important of God’s gifts—even if she suspects her tender feelings for Preacher Amos Troyer run deeper than simple friendship.

Amos hasn’t given up hope that stubborn, spirited Mattie will change her mind about taking another husband, but when an accident threatens to change the course of his life forever, he wonders if the Lord has sent him a message. He’ll need faith, hope, and charity to find the right path—and a Christmas blessing to convince Mattie to walk it with him.


What was in your mailbox?

Book Review: Children's Picturebooks: The Art of Visual Storytelling by Martin Salisbury with Morag Styles

If you like art history of any kind, you'll want to grab a copy of Children's Picturebooks: The Art of Visual Storytelling by Martin Salisbury with Morag Styles.

In this fascinating book published by Laurence King Publishing in 2012, readers explore the history of children's picturebooks from the days of painting on cave walls through to the twenty-first century. It discusses picturebooks as an art form, citing the work of popular artists; it talks about their importance in children's literature; and even touches upon controversial topics in picturebooks.

When first asked to review this book a few years ago, I did so to learn more about my craft. Though I haven't written anything brand new in a while, my first book was a picturebook and I have two more under contract. For this reason, the sections Print and Process and The Children's Publishing Industry were especially interesting to me.

Children's Picturebooks: The Art of Visual Storytelling is a resource I'll be holding onto and referring back to as I grow in my craft.


Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Laurence King Publishing (February 8, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 185669738X
ISBN-13: 978-1856697385


I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Blast & Giveaway: A Beginner's Guide to God by Eric Neal

Title: A Beginner's Guide to God 

Author: Eric Neal 

Publisher: iUniverse 

Pages: 64 

Genre: Religion/Faith 

Format: Ebook

When it comes to religion, people often have more questions than answers. In A Beginner’s Guide to God, author Eric Neal hopes to eliminate some confusion surrounding religion and provide a clear and universal pathway to the creator.

In this guide, Neal addresses some of life’s biggest questions: Does God exist? What happens when we die? Is this our only life? Who created the universe? How was the universe created? Why was it created? What is the spiritual realm? Why do people believe in a higher power? In addition to addressing the large questions, A Beginner’s Guide to God explores the origins, history, and leadership of some of the world’s major religions and provides a synopsis of their teachings.

A Beginner’s Guide to God offers a general guide to spark interest and clarify aspects of mankind’s most important questions. Its goal is to help us make sense of religion, its progression, and the existence of a higher power.

This is Eric Neal’s first book, produced after many years of contemplation on the plight of religion in the modern age.

Meet the Author:

This is Eric Neal’s first book, produced after many years of contemplation on the plight of religion in the modern age. Visit him online at www.beginnersguidetogod.com

Giveaway

Eric is giving away a $25 Gift Card!

Terms and Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
• This giveaway begins August 15 and ends on August 27.
• Winners will be contacted via email on August 28.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

 August 15

Cheryl's Christian Book Connection

Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic

August 16

The Hype and the Hoopla

Bound 2 Escape

August 17

Harmonious Publicity

Write and Take Flight

August 18

Carpe Librum

Read Between the Ink

August 19

Fiction to Fruition

From Paperback to Leatherbound

August 22

My Bookish Pleasures

The Literary Nook

August 23

Voodoo Princess

The Revolving Bookshelf

August 24

The Book Refuge

The Book Czar

August 25

Lover of Literature

Zensanity

August 26

Personovelty

A Title Wave

Book Spotlight: I Have Faith by Davin Whitehurst

We're thrilled to be hosting Davin Whitehurst today!  Davin is the author of the new children's book, I HAVE FAITH.  Please leave a comment to let him know you stopped by!

Title:
I Have Faith

Author: Davin Whitehurst

Publisher: Childlike Faith Publishing

Pages: 26

Genre:  Children

Are you ready to get your child excited about faith? “I Have Faith” puts your child right in the footsteps of Danny as he begins to learn about faith. Danny and his older brother have been wanting a dog, but both know their parents don’t think they are ready for a dog. When Danny’s mom begins teaching him what the bible says about faith, he puts his faith into action. After praying and releasing his faith for a dog, doubt and even his best friend keep telling him that he will never get a dog. Over time Danny never loses his faith in the promises of God and finds that God is faithful and that faith works. Come along on this journey that is a real life event that took place in the author’s life as a child.

This book has great illustrations that support a wonderful story about finding faith in God. As you are teaching your child about principals in the bible; this book will help you teach faith. What a wonderful experience it is when we can see our children begin to develop their faith in God, and grow from a tiny mustard seed to a firmly planted tree. The back of the book has a parent/child discussion which will help children gain understanding in faith and some scriptures that Danny’s mom used to get him excited about faith.

For More
Information

• I Have Faith is available
  at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB
  Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

“Hi! My name is Danny.” This is how I learned to trust God and believe His word. It’s called faith, and you have faith too.

About the Author

Davin Whitehurst lives in the beautiful high desert of Southern Arizona with his wife and son. He is releasing his first book "I have Faith" in May of 2016 but has so many more that are in the making. The motivation behind the books are deeply rooted from in his own past. He is a living testimony of Proverbs 22:6. Growing up in Southwest Kansas and in a Christian household, he was trained up in the way he should go. By the time he became a teenager, Davin turned away from God and left church. Fast forward into his late twenties and God brought him back with a powerful calling. He and his family have been faithfully serving at Seed of Abraham Christian Center International for over seven years now. Proof that when we teach our children the way they should go. When they get older, they know where to turn and will not depart from God. Davin wants each book written to be a resource that parents have to help train their children in the way they should go. He writes stories in a simple way that will be fun and practical for every child. He wants children to get excited about faith and the things of God.

His latest release is the children’s book, I Have Faith.

For More Information

• Visit Davin Whitehurst’s website.
• Connect with Davin on Facebook and Twitter.

Mailbox Monday - Aug 8

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.

This will be a crazy week for me. I'm covering for another agent, have a house inspection and a closing; so I'm not expecting to blog too much.

Over the weekend, we helped a member of our church family celebrate his 60th birthday, had my son and daughter over for supper, and moved some new furniture up to the bonus room--doesn't that last one sound like fun...not.

Only one book last week, but that's good because I need to catch up. Oh, and if any of you can help me find my lost Kindle Fire cord, that would be good. I know it came back from vacation, but where it ended up as we unpacked is a mystery.

Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.


Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman

When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?

Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston

Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?

Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman

When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?


A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller

Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

What was in your mailbox?

Honey Orange Chicken Recipe with Melora UMF Maunka Honey

I was contacted by ExportX, who I have purchased products on Amazon from before, to review the Melora UMF 15+ Manuka Honey they sell. One evening when I was looking for something different to make for supper, I came across a chicken recipe on Paleo Foodie Kitchen. It was very simple to make and tasted great.*

INGREDIENTS

1 lb chicken breast, cubed into bite sized pieces
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp chili sauce
juice from 1 orange (about ½ cup)
fish sauce to taste
green onions, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

• Stir fry chicken pieces in coconut oil over high heat until it starts to brown.
• Add ginger and garlic, saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Lower heat and add coconut aminos, honey, chili sauce, orange juice and fish sauce.
• Stir to incorporate everything together and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked.

I honestly had never given Paleo a try. I heard about it, but didn't know much. I've never cooked with coconut oil before either. It looks like lard but, when heated, it becomes a clear cooking oil. Coconut oil is said to be good for your heart and for weight loss. 

As far as the Maunka Honey goes, it looked nothing like what I buy in the grocery store. It comes in a small jar (8.8 oz.). It's darker and thicker than the honey you buy in a grocery store, which made it easier to measure and add to the recipe. I also tried some right out a jar. What a fabulous flavor and texture. 

According to the product page on Amazon, "Melora UMF Manuka Honey is sustainably harvested from New Zealand's remote Manuka forests. UMF Manuka Honey is renowned worldwide for its "Unique Manuka Factor" (UMF). The UMF grading system appraises natural markers found in Manuka honey and assures purity & quality."

I'll definitely be using this product again. I'll also be searching out more recipes so I have an excuse to us my Melora UMF Maunka Honey more often.


I received a free jar of Melora UMF Maunka Honey from ExportX. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.


* I did not use the last two ingredients from the list because they were not on hand when I made this dish.