Book Review: But Aren’t I Lucky That by Deanna Beech

But Aren’t I Lucky That

By Deanna Beech

Publisher: The Brier Patch

Published: Nov. 15, 2015

ISBN:  9780996437400

Amazon Synopsis:

“But Aren’t I Lucky That…” is a fantastically illustrated children’s book that helps kids learn to find and celebrate the positive as they work through everyday challenges. By using evidence-based concepts from Positive Psychology, Dr. Beech weaves an enjoyable story that guides readers through easy to apply tools that foster happiness, optimistic thinking and resiliency.

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads

Book Review: The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story

The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story

By Clement C. Moore

Illustrated by Amanda Brack

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Published: Oct. 6, 2015

ISBN: 9781634501798

Amazon Synopsis:

Spread the Christmas cheer with this whimsical retelling of Clement C. Moore’s cherished poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” This new edition of the classic features the text of Moore’s original poem, illustrated with beautifully detailed LEGO brick scenes and characters.

See the colorful stockings hung by the chimney in the fanciful brick house, and look on at the visions of dancing brick sugarplums. Turn the pages to reveal Saint Nicholas with his bundle of toys and his eight trusty reindeer, and watch as he magically slides down the chimney to bring presents to the good little girls and boys before shouting, “Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!” This treasured Christmas poem in brick will quickly become the highlight of your holiday storybooks and a great new tradition for the whole family!

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads

Book Review: My Fairly Dangerous Godmother by Janette Rallison

My Fairly Dangerous Godmother

By Janette Rallison

Publisher: Rally Point Press

Published: Apr. 6, 2015

ASIN: B00VRDHFSO

Amazon Synopsis:

Some people bomb auditions. Sadie Ramirez throws up during her tryouts on TV show America's Top Talent. Her performance is so bad, it earns her a fairy godmother through the Magical Alliance's Pitiful Damsel Outreach Program. Enter Chrysanthemum Everstar: a gum-chewing, cell phone-carrying, high heel wearing fairy godmother in training. She misinterprets Sadie's wishes and sends her back in time to be a part of The Little Mermaid story and then makes her one of the twelve dancing princesses. Wishes are permanent, and if Sadie wants to get back to her home, she'll have to strike a magical bargain--one that involves stealing a goblet from a powerful fairy queen. With a little help from a handsome and talented thief, she might be able to pull it off.

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads

Book Review: Merry Stirring Mice: Santa's Secret Team By Cynthia Dreeman Meyers

Merry Stirring Mice: Santa's Secret Helpers

By Cynthia Dreeman Meyers 

Publisher: Beckham Publications Group 

Published: Sept.16, 2014

ASIN: B00NNWXLTO

Amazon Synopsis:

Not many people know about the secret part of Santa’s team. 

In a colorful, charming moment-by moment description, author Cynthia Dreeman 
Meyers shows us what really goes on the night before Christmas. 

Watch Mama Mouse and Daddy Mouse show their kids—Max and his little sister Molly—how to prepare for the man. 

“Max, come away from the door please and help your sister stir the candy-cane mix,” Mama Mouse begins. 

Soon come the sugarplums, the candy canes, and finally the note that says, “For Santa.” 

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads

Home and Away Blog Tour and Giveaway with Dean Hughes

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Home and Away: A World War II Christmas Story by Dean Hughes

Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but this year it is going to be difficult. Money is tight, and wartime rationing is taking its toll as well. Harder still, her oldest son, Glen, is on the front lines of the battle in Europe. Glen Hayes wants nothing more than to be home for Christmas. He holds a sprig of lavender in his pocket. The scent reminds him of his mother. The memory of home may be the only thing that is keeping him alive and sane during the horrors of war. Dennis Hayes is sixteen and longs to see his older brother again. He also longs to have a relationship with his father, but most important, Dennis is determined to buy something special for his mother this Christmas--the one gift he feels certain she deserves. So many families have had their hopes dashed in World War II. Will the Hayes family make it through?

Amazon * Deseret Book

Praise for Home and Away ''It's 1944 and teenager Dennis Hayes longs to join his older brother Glen, who is fighting in Europe..When his family receives word that Glen has been wounded, Dennis realizes that going to war is not so glamorous. Christmas isn't the same without Glen, but the Hayes family members hope and pray that they'll be reunited soon. Hughes's faith-filled, old-fashioned story feels like it could have been written during the period in which it takes place.'' --Library Journal ''Home and Away is far and away the best story I have read this year. Awesome and moving.'' --bestselling author, Obert Skye

Westly: A Spider's Tale Book Tour with Bryan Beus

Westly: A Spider's Tale

 By Bryan Beus

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: Sept. 29, 2015

ASIN: B014VC5MXM

Amazon Synopsis:

When Westly emerges from his cocoon, not as a beautiful butterfly, but as a spider, he is rejected by the butterfly kingdom and undertakes a journey to discover who he really is. But not even the dirt eaters can offer him answers. Not the dragonfly, the centipede, the moth, or even Zug Zug, the fly. None have ever seen an eight-legged creature who can spin webs. However, Westly's new friend the Raven has offered to help. If only the Raven could get inside the glass menagerie where Westly and the other bugs live. Yes, yes, the Raven is sure he could change everything. But sometimes things don't turn out the way we plan.

Delightfully illustrated by the author, Westly: A Spider's Tale is a story about discovering one's true potential, learning that being different is not a bad thing, and that even misfits can grow up to be heroes.

Book Links

Amazon  *  B&N  *  Books-A-Million  *  IndieBound  *  Goodreads

Book Review: Raising the Enemy (Audible Audio Edition) by Dominique Wilkins

Raising the Enemy [Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]

By Dominique Wilkins

Publisher: Dominique Wilkins

Published: Nov. 3, 2014

ASIN: B00PCSPZ8C

Amazon Audible Synopsis:

Patricia was in a relationship with Carlos, who fulfilled many of her needs, but not the important ones. She stayed until she began to bear children and realized exactly how selfish he was. Merely supporting his family with a job was no longer enough for her. So, two children later, in frustration, she finally faces the fact that Carlos was not the man they needed and left him. Her plan takes an unexpected downturn when her son Paul decides that now that they've moved, he is the new man of the house and should control his mother. They have a constant struggle for domination throughout Paul's teen years as he questions Patricia's judgment and fights to rule the household. Their struggle for control reaches an inevitable climax, when bad things are said, hurtful things are done. Then there was an accident. As all accidents do, it commands for a wake up and a change. Find out what changes has the accident caused. Will the conflict get worse, decrease, or make Paul immediately regret every word or thing he did to disrespect his mother and try to take it all back?

Book Links

Audible.com   *  Amazon.com  *  Goodreads

Book Review: Made With Dad by Chris Barnardo

Made with Dad: From Wizards’ Wands to Japanese Dolls, Craft Projects to Build, Make, and Do with Your Kids

By Chris Barnardo

Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

Published: May 5, 2015

ASIN: 9781632207227

Amazon Synopsis:

Releasing in time for Father's Day, Made With Dad features fifty unique, fabulous projects for fathers to make with their children. Projects include everything from samurai swords to pocket-size dolls, wizard wands to paper zoos.

All projects can made from affordable, easy-to-find items—often regular household ones already owned. Full-color photographs, line drawings, and detailed instructions provide an easy, visually lush, and family—friendly manual.

This is a book for fun and bonding, one boys, girls, and adults will enjoy. It will allow families to create objects to play with everyday or display in their rooms, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads

What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know Cover Reveal and Giveaway with Rachelle Christensen and Connie Sokol

 

  What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know 

by Connie Sokol & Rachelle Christensen 

 Is your daughter asking questions about friends, peer pressure, school, and even her weight? As a mom, are you wondering how to answer them? Welcome to the club. But you can relax. Because we’ve asked real sixth-grade girls to dish on their top secret questions. And, we’ve provided time-tested real-life answers that work. Add to that an enjoyable format. The “Just for Girls” section speaks right to your daughter in words and ways she understands. The “Just for Moms” section talks straight to moms, giving you information, resources, and easy-to-share answers. We include tips for how to start, handle, and enjoy the conversations no matter the situation. Create connected conversations with your daughter as you explore these life questions together. Get plain facts and jumpstart questions. Discuss the provided scenarios so she can practice responses to use in real-time. Download decorative cards with positive statements and fun fill-in sentences. Use What Every Girl Needs to Know About 6th Grade to make it happen. Together, answer questions and create connection. You got this.

Enter the Goodreads 3 Book Giveaway

Crossroads Book Review, Trailer and Giveaway with Cathy Bryant

CROSSROADS

A Miller's Creek Novel ~ Christian Contemporary Texas Romance Bk 6

by Cathy Bryant

Publisher: Cathy Bryant

Published: Apr. 6, 2015

ASIN: B00U8KE12K

Amazon Synopsis:

A Miller's Creek novel and Christian contemporary romance

A former soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal...

After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads  *  Free Sample Chapter

Book Review: The Berenstain Bears' Country Cookbook: Cub-Friendly Cooking with an Adult by Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears' Country Cookbook: Cub-Friendly Cooking with an Adult

By Mike Berenstain

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Published: Feb.10, 2015

ASIN: 9780310747208

Amazon Synopsis:

It’s The Berenstain Bears' Country Cookbook! Bear lovers everywhere are sure to find favorite recipes for fun food in this new kid-friendly, cookbook--ranging from Bear favorites that use honey and berries to pie, a delicious stew, and even some Berenstain favorites like Jan Berenstain’s famous green lasagna.

Featuring breakfast, lunch, main meal, and dessert recipes as well as kid-friendly cooking tips such as food and measurement conversions, this is sure to become a go-to cookbook for delicious and fun recipes kids can cook with an adult.

Book Links

Amazon  *  Goodreads