Thursday, November 10, 2016

Bargain E-Book: The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans


Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful.

Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:

1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day

The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the emerging relationship. But she might not be the only one with secrets.

File Size: 1889 KB
Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (November 18, 2014)
Publication Date: November 18, 2014
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
Language: English
ASIN: B00IWTWPTU

Purchase here for only $1.99!

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

So Glad That's Over



Doesn't it seem like the 2016 election cycle lasted forever? Like many national elections, it was one crazy ride. In the end, we accept the hand we are dealt...just like always. (Well, some people protest and burn things: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/trump-win-sparks-riots-across-9225317)
In the age of social media that means we are "treated" in the days following the election with tweets, snapchats, Facebook and Instagram posts expressing glee or outrage over our president-elect. That's one of the downsides to having technology that allows us to post our innermost thoughts without the benefit of anyone being present to hear your tone of voice or see your facial expressions...or without fear of repercussions.

Our country seems more divided than ever. With every passing year the chasm widens and it's sad to witness. During his victory speech, Donald Trump stated it is time for us to "come together as one united people." One of the topics I've discussed with the kids throughout these past several months is how important it is for us to support "human" rights and for us to strive to make things better for everyone. Too often nowadays there is a focus on identifying yourself. For so long our country has frowned upon stereotypes, and yet, now we are encouraging our young people to categorize themselves.

Why?

Aren't we all unique individuals? From the moment of conception, isn't it true that no one will physically or emotionally be the same as anyone else? Should whether we are gay or straight, black or white, male or female ever define us?

I want a better country and world not just for my children and grandchildren, but for every person. I want a world where we are servants to each other; where we help each other and celebrate our differences rather than get into heated online debates that accomplish nothing. I want a country where the government serves all its people.

In the weeks and months ahead, I pray for a more positive online message. I'm tired of people bashing one another over ideals. I'm tired of the vulgarity of the discussions. We are a country of free speech, but can't we be more honorable and kind in how we exercise that freedom?

Monday, November 7, 2016

Mailbox Monday - Nov 7



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! I just realized that before too long I'll be using the winter mailbox photo for these posts. In October we had our first snow of the season. A bit early for my taste, but the first snow is always magical.

Life has been busy. I entered into a six-week coaching program for my real estate business. There are two weeks left and it's definitely helped me get focused and prepared for 2017.

I'm also super excited that my next book, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving, is off to the printer soon. The talented Marina Movshina provided the artwork for my third book. Check out ths cover spread.



Pump Up Your Book will be handling the online book tour. I'll let you know when the tour page goes live. I would be so grateful if some of you would consider reviewing this book at your blogs. 

The big news around here is that we are now blessed to be the parents of two teenage girls.

How our Lil' Princess went from this....


to this...


so quickly, is amazing.

Where has the time gone?


Lil' Diva and Lil' Princess (2004)


Lil' Diva and Lil' Princess (2016)

As far as books go, I haven't requested as many as I used to because my reading time is so limited these days. I reviewed Christmas at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard and Joshua's Mission by Vannetta Chapman in October.

Susan Lerner sent me a copy of her short non-fiction book, The Journal Project, which I am reading right now.


Everyone loves a great story and tales of family life have a special resonance. Keeping a journal of family stories will bring you joy, benefit your children, and leave an invaluable record of your unique family for future generations.

No one can keep a journal for you; it has to come from you, in your own voice. But it is not difficult to do.

This book discusses why you should keep a record of family stories, ways to incorporate journaling into your routine, and how and where to journal. It will encourage you to take the first step and the rest will follow.

We are all storytellers. Keep a record of your stories. You will be glad that you did.

Hank, a former client of mine, sent me this boxed set.


The goal of self-publishing a book is to produce a quality book package to hold your content. Despite what you read on the internet, self-publishing isn’t easy. There is a lot involved in understanding the self-publishing process and it is quite easy to self-publish a book the wrong way.

This boxed set of ebooks explains the self-publishing process and much more.

There are four ebooks in the set.

* Self-publishing a Book: describes a process to get a book published.
* Marketing Plans for Self-published Books: covers basic book marketing strategy and tactics.
* Manage Your Self-publishing Project: Uses a project management approach to graphically illustrate the dual, simultaneous processes of publishing and marketing your book.
* Business Basics for Authors: provides an understanding of the business issues facing new authors.
The boxed set provides the new author with a solid grounding in the self-publishing process and associated issues.

Yet another potential problem is this. The internet swarms with scam artists searching for new authors who may not have a complete understanding of the ins-and-outs of publishing and marketing. The scammers are after the author’s money and use slick websites to mislead the author. The more the new author knows about publishing and marketing, the less likely he is to fall prey to these scam artists.

The Complete Self-publishing Guide boxed set is much less expensive than buying the four books individually.

My oldest sister and I attended a local production of Little Women the Musical. That prompted my renewed interest in Little Women and Louisa May Alcott, so I grabbed this audio book from the library when I saw it.


Since its release nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women has been a mainstay in American literature, while passionate Jo March and her calm, beloved "Marmee" have shaped generations of young women. Biographers have consistently credited her father, Bronson Alcott, for Louisa's professional success, assuming that this outspoken idealist was the source of her progressive thinking and remarkable independence.

But in this riveting dual biography, Eve LaPlante explodes those myths, drawing on unknown and unexplored letters and journals to show that Louisa's "Marmee," Abigail May Alcott, was in fact the intellectual and emotional center of her daughter's world. It was Abigail who urged Louisa to write, who inspired many of her stories, and who gave her the support and courage she needed to pursue her unconventional path. Abigail, long dismissed as a quiet, self-effacing companion to her famous husband and daughter, is revealed here as a politically active feminist firebrand, a fascinating thinker in her own right. Examining family papers, archival documents, and diaries thought to have been destroyed, LaPlante paints an exquisitely moving and utterly convincing portrait of a woman decades ahead of her time—and the fiercely independent daughter who was both inspired and restricted by her mother's dreams of freedom.

A story guaranteed to turn all previous scholarship on its head, Marmee and Louisa is a gorgeously written and deeply felt biography of two extraordinary women as well as a key to our understanding of Louisa May Alcott's life and work.

I also downloaded some Kindle freebies over the last few weeks.





That's it for me this week. I hope the mail carrier was good to you. Enjoy your week.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

The Real Star of Bethlehem by Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Lucy Robbins, and Leslie Trettin

dixie

Looking for a new Christmas musical to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? Pick up a copy of The Real Star of Bethlehem by Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Lucy Robbins, and Leslie Trettin.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to be in children's ministry enjoy preparing special holiday events for our students as much as family and friends enjoy seeing the children perform. In The Real Star of Bethlehem, when the stars learn a star will be born, they begin competing for their chance in the spotlight. As they are "enlightened" they discover the real star is Jesus.

The Real Star of Bethlehem is a unique and fun way to share the Christmas story. A blend of historical and fictional characters come together in this lively musical that kids will love being a part of. With rhyming shepherds, stars with very human attributes, and a coffee-drinking owl, the authors have created a musical that will capture your heart. You can also pick up a copy of the music CD with tracks of the four songs from the play.

Churches, Christian schools, and families will want to use The Real Star of Bethlehem as a way to focus hearts and minds on the precious gift of our Savior.

A Christmas Musical
Category: Angelic Harmony
Author: Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Lucy Robbins, and Leslie Trettin
Playbook ISBN: 9781616337308 1616337303
eBook ISBN: 9781616337315 1616337311
Music CD ISBN: 9781616337322 161633732X

I received a free digital copy of this playbook and a track from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Musical Playbook Review: The Real Star of Bethlehem by Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Lucy Robbins, & Leslie Trettin

dixie

Looking for a new Christmas musical to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? Pick up a copy of The Real Star of Bethlehem by Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Lucy Robbins, and Leslie Trettin.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to be in children's ministry enjoy preparing special holiday events for our students as much as family and friends enjoy seeing the children perform. In The Real Star of Bethlehem, when the stars learn a star will be born, they begin competing for their chance in the spotlight. As they are "enlightened" they discover the real star is Jesus.

The Real Star of Bethlehem is a unique and fun way to share the Christmas story. A blend of historical and fictional characters come together in this lively musical that kids will love being a part of. With rhyming shepherds, stars with very human attributes, and a coffee-drinking owl, the authors have created a musical that will capture your heart. You can also pick up a copy of the music CD with tracks of the four songs from the play.

Churches, Christian schools, and families will want to use The Real Star of Bethlehem as a way to focus hearts and minds on the precious gift of our Savior.

A Christmas Musical
Category: Angelic Harmony
Author: Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Lucy Robbins, and Leslie Trettin
Playbook ISBN: 9781616337308 1616337303
eBook ISBN: 9781616337315 1616337311
Music CD ISBN: 9781616337322 161633732X

I received a free digital copy of this playbook and a track from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Book Review: Christmas Is Coming! But Waiting Is Hard! by Karen Whiting



My childhood was filled with activities that prepared my heart for the coming of Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there were Jesse Trees, caroling to local nursing homes and other service projects, the weekly lighting of the Advent wreath, and a focus on the Scriptures leading up to the birth of our Savior.

If you are looking for family activities and devotionals centered around Advent, Christmas Is Coming! But Waiting Is Hard! by Karen Whiting is an excellent resource. The book starts out by stating “God’s Love Is an ADVENTure” and shares the deeper meaning behind the wreath, candles, evergreens, and other symbols of Christmas.

Each day of Advent focuses on these symbols, providing an activity, a short prayer, a suggested hymn or song, a few questions for discussion, a “Did You Know” factoid, and an additional “Try It” activity at the end. These activities are simple and fun, so kids will enjoy participating as they gain knowledge and open their hearts and minds and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Last year, a friend of mine was seeking a resource such as this for her family. I’m going to share this with her right away. What a great new tradition this could start in your family.

Highly recommended!

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

Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; Gld edition (September 20, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1501824724
ISBN-13: 978-1501824722

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Book Spotlight: Incomplete Sentence by E. E. Kennedy


Gregory Rasmussen, the infamous Rasputin Killer, never served the sentence handed down in absentia for a particularly brutal murder. He has eluded the law for years, but he is now believed to be in the North Country. When a resident is murdered at the local retirement home, speculation about the killer’s identity fills the headlines. Then another victim is found at Chez Prentice.

Trapped in her snowbound B&B with elderly new friend Hugh Channing, father of the first victim, and her baby, Janet, Amelia Prentice Dickensen and her staff are asking themselves: Where is the murderer? Is he really the Rasputin Killer? Could one of their guests be the infamous psychopath, known for his power to charm and his fine singing voice? Will publicity surrounding the discovery of a dead body in the basement put the B&B out of business?

Interspersed with humor and local Adirondack color, Amelia’s latest murder case is especially chilling.

Series: Miss Prentice Cozy Mystery Series
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Sheaf House (February 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936438402
ISBN-13: 978-1936438402

Purchase at: Christianbook.com and Amazon