Sunday, April 29, 2012

Prize of My Heart By Lisa Norato

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Book Description:

Rich in Historical Detail, This Is a Romance that Delivers!

An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.

Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day another's evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.

As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love.
 
 
My Thoughts:
 
Prize of My Heart is the first book by Lisa Norato I have had a chance to read and I enjoyed it.  The story takes place in the year 1815 in Massachusetts.  Prize of My Heart is a Christian Fiction Historical Romance with some twists and turns in it.  Lisa Norato writes with authority about the time period, boats/ship building, and sailing.  It is apparent in the details that a lot of research went into this book and that Lisa Norato has interest in these things.  The characters are very interesting and some are definitely not what they seem. Most of the characters in this book are deeply rooted in faith and live their lives that way. Others found faith that had been lost years before.  I enjoyed this book but found myself getting lost in details.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction especially stories with a nautical theme.  I look forward to reading more of Lisa Norato.
 
 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

For The Love Of Books: Letters To Heaven: Reaching Beyond The Great Divid...

For The Love Of Books: Letters To Heaven: Reaching Beyond The Great Divid...: I received this e-book from PR By The Book for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book. Book Description And Author Info...

Check out my contest!!!

Blue Moon Promise By Colleen Coble

I received this e-book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.

Book Description:

“Tell me, Miss Marsh, are you a Christian?”
“Why, yes sir, I am.”
“I thought as much. God has led me here for a purpose…
I have a proposition for you.”
Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, where the man she came to marry seems surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to provide for.
Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate realizes he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.
Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance and suspense…immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.


My Thoughts:

Blue Moon Promise is the first book I have read from author Colleen Coble and I truly enjoyed it.  Blue Moon Promise is a Christian Historical Fiction story that takes place in Texas.  Colleen Coble weaves a story about Lucy who recently lost her father to an accident and her stepmother walked out leaving her with two siblings to support. Lucy losses her job and finds out they are being evicted, Lucy prays for help and guidance on what to next.   Then a  friend of her father's shows up with a proposition for Lucy. To marry his son, Nate and Lucy and the children will be taken care of but they need to leave for Texas in the next day. That night as Lucy prays again about this proposition, someone breaks into their home looking for something Lucy's Dad had but she has no idea what it is. Lucy decides they need to get out of Indiana and feels that this friend's offer of help is where she is led to go.

Colleen Coble writes a beautiful story full of love, hard work, suspense, and faith in this historical fiction book.  The characters are real, dealing with real and messy situations. Her characters are very easy to relate to.  Colleen Coble writes with such authority about the time period, Texas during that time, the surroundings, and the way of life at that time that I felt like I was right there.  This story is very grounded in faith, leaning on God to get through the tough times, and finding faith in what seems hopeless.  I truly enjoyed this story because it had a little bit of everything: romance, faith, suspense, and action.  I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. You won't be disappointed. I look forward to reading more stories by Colleen Coble.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Letters To Heaven: Reaching Beyond The Great Divide By Dr. Calvin Miller

I received this e-book from PR By The Book for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.

Book Description And Author Information:

In these masterfully written letters to heaven, Calvin Miller thanks, lovingly reflects on—and sometimes confesses his regrets to—the departed influences in his life. Some are names familiar to us all (C. S. Lewis, Todd Beamer, Oscar Wilde); others he knew well; and some he only admired from a distance. But all brought a brightness to his life or challenged him to live more fully in some way. Aware that eternity for any of us is only a step away, Miller has sought to complete the unfinished business of life by writing letters to the great beyond. This moving work will not only elicit a desire in readers to reconcile all things unfinished, but teach the living about the importance of people and the treasure of faith while holding out for us all the hope that awaits. 

Calvin Miller is one of the nation's most accomplished authors--with 4 million books in print—as well as a highly-respected member of the faculty at Samford University, Beeson Divinity School, and a well-known, sought-after speaker. 

His latest work, Letters to Heaven (Worthy Publishing, February, 2012) contains the letters he wrote to the influential voices in his life: some well-known, some he knew quite well, and some he admired only from a distance. But all made his life brighter in some way.

I'm sure most of us have felt a sense of unfinished business with our dearly departed, and sometimes imagine the words we wished we'd said to someone who is now in heaven.

Miller offers us a graceful and poignant way to extend the olive branch and the opportunity to fully enjoy life and express gratitude now--before it is too late.


My Thoughts:

Letters to Heaven is the first book I have read by Dr. Calvin Miller.  His book, Letters To Heaven is a unique book of letters to people who have passed on; famous people and people personal to Dr. Calvin Miller, people he hopes to see when he goes to Heaven. The letters he writes are beautiful, honest letters that are very touching and really get you thinking.  Dr. Miller truly shows his transparency in all of the letters he writes. His letters are to people who have touched his life whether face to face or their influence in the world.  As I read this book it really touched me in a way no other book has.  It really got me thinking about what I would say to those who have passed on in my life that influenced me and who those people would be. Some of the letters are funny, some are sad, and all of them truly brought emotions out.  Dr. Miller writes with such honesty that is so refreshing.  This book has really made a big impression on me and really has challenged me to look at my life and what I do and who I may influence and how I influence.  I highly recommend this book to anyone especially those who enjoy inspirational stories. You won't be disappointed. I want to give a Big Thank you to Babs Chandrasoma and PR By The Book for this wonderful opportunity to read and review this book.


AND NOW A CONTEST!!

PR By The Book has offered one of my lucky readers the opportunity to win the artfully crafted"Letters to Heaven" stationery, created specifically for Calvin and this incredible book that offers individuals a beautiful template to start their words of healing. So here goes for the contest

To be entered into the contest please leave a comment on my blog with your email address for 1 entry, if you become a follower(or already are) on my blog you will be entered again.   The contest will run from April 25, 2012 until May 2, 2012.  I will contact and announce the winner on May 3, 2012.


       

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Brush of Angel's Wings By Ruth Reid

I received this e-book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Booksneeze.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.

Book Description:

Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.


My Thoughts:

Brush of Angel's Wings is the second book by Ruth Reid that I have had the pleasure of reading and it does NOT disappoint.  As those of you who read my blog know I LOVE Amish Fiction so this book is right up my alley.  The first book by Ruth Reid, The Promise of an Angel, is a beautiful story that really stuck with me and Brush of Angel's Wings does the same thing. This is the second book in her Heaven On Earth Series.   In this story Ruth Reid writes about two young people who are put together against their own wishes and are being watched and guided by two angels: one good and one evil.  This story is just a wonderful story about good and evil and the struggles we all have with making the right choices even though we may not want to. In this story we again see the power of angels and the miracles that happen all around us daily.  Ruth Reid writes with such authority about the Amish and about the belief in angels. This beautiful story grabbed me from the beginning and I found myself unable to put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction and/or stories about angels. You will not be disappointed.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Harriet Beamer Takes The Bus By Joyce Magnin

I received this e-book from Shelton Interactive through Zondervan Publishing for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.


Book Description:

Aging and recent widow Harriet Beamer insists she's getting along fine with her dog Humphrey in Philadelphia ... until she falls for the fourth time, injuring her ankle, and causing her son and daughter-in-law to cry foul. Insisting Harriet move in with them in California, they make a bet that her ankle is broken, and she foolishly promises to move if they're right. Four x-rays later, Harriet's ankle---and her heart---are broken. She packs up, ships her huge salt and pepper collection to California, and prepares to move away from the only life she knows. The only catch? She's doing it her way. Just wait till her daughter-in-law hears Harriet will travel cross country only by public transportation and alternate means. What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming journey by train, metro bus, ferry, and motorcycle. Along the way, Harriet discovers that although her family thinks it's time for her to be put out to pasture---God has a different plan.


About The Author

Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright’s Pond series and the middle grade novel “Carrying Mason.” She is a writing instructor and frequent conference speaker. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.


My Thoughts:

Harriet Beamer Takes The Bus By Joyce Magnin is a really COOL book. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of reading a book by Joyce Magnin and I thoroughly loved it.  From the beginning of this book I was completely hooked on it, had a very hard time putting it down!!  The main character Harriet Beamer is a really cool older lady who is widowed and lives far away from her son. She takes a tumble, not her first one,  and Harriet and her daughter in law make a bet- if her ankle is broken she will move from Philadelphia to California to be with her son and daughter in law if it is not broken she stays were she is.  It was a bet Harriet lost. Harriet comes up with a plan that she will take public transportation and alternate way to get from Philadelphia to California. She has never seen the world really and has dreamt of seeing the the salt and pepper shaker museum. All of her shakers that she has in her collection have come from others travels. So on her trip she goes.

      I knew right from the first few pages of this book I was going to love it.  Harriet is just a fun character. who faces her fears head on, trusting God's plan.  Harriet's journey is not just a physical one but a spiritual one also. On her way to California she meets many different people from different walks of life and learns so much about them but more about herself.  Joyce Magnin writes a wonderfully funny story that is truly heart warming.  This book has so much detail in the places Harriet goes that I felt like I was riding right there with her.  Joyce Magnin obviously did a lot of research about these places and the different modes of transportation in all these areas.  As I read this book I found I could relate on many different levels, as a Mom, as a child, and as someone who hasn't seem much of the world.  Harriet Beamer is an inspiring character who faces her fears head on, finds a way to do what she set out to do no matter what the obstacle, and does not let defeat get her.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and is looking to take the bus with Harriet Beamer. You won't be disappointed! I look forward to reading more by Joyce Magnin. Thank you Susan for giving me the opportunity to read and review this awesome book!!

Check out Harriet Journey at her blog: http://harrietbeamer.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 20, 2012

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club By Wanda Brunstetter

I received this e-book from Barbour Publishing, Inc through NetGalley.Com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.

Book Description:

Amish widow Emma Yoder’s first quilt class brings the most unlikely people together. There’s Star, a young woman yearning for stability; Pam and Stuart Johnston, a struggling couple at odds in their marriage; Paul Ramirez, a widower hoping to find solace in finishing a quilt; Jan Sweet, a rough and tough biker doing some creative community service; and Ruby Lee Williams, a preacher’s wife looking for relaxation when parish problems mount. But as these beginning quilters learn to transform scraps of material into beauty, their fragmented lives begin to take new shape with the helping hands of each other and the healing hand of God.


My Thoughts:

I LOVED THIS NOVEL!!!!!!! LOL Sorry but truly that is how I felt.  The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda Brunstetter is an AWESOME e-book.  I am a huge fan of Wanda Brunstetter's Amish novels and this one by far is my favorite. I found myself laughing out loud in places and other places surprised by where Wanda Brunstetter takes her characters.  This story is a wonderful story of Amish and Englishers who learn so much from each other. The characters in this story are a menagerie of true characters that I found myself relating to in such a way.  All the characters are from different backgrounds, different ages, and different sexes.  Wanda Brunstetter writes such a beautiful story of quilting, working together, and finding faith and strength from one another and God. This was such a fun story to read! I couldn't put it down and was a little sad when it ended.  I am not sure if Wanda Brunstetter plans on making this into a series but I hope so!  If you are a fan of Amish Fiction you will love this story.

The Chase (Crime Scene: Houston Novel) By DiAnn Mills

I received this e-book from Zondervan Publishing through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.

Book Description:

To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget.

Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel.

Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag?

Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.



My Thoughts:

The Chase by DiAnn Mills is a fast paced, action packed suspense novel with romance and faith intertwined for an awesome read. This story is drawn for a real life cold case.  From the beginning this story had my attention until the very end.   The characters in this story are well written and are easy to relate to.  DiAnn Mills has extensive knowledge of  FBI and Police procedures, how cases are handled especially cold cases.  The writing was extremely accurate and credible.  DiAnn Mills weaves a vivid story that I could picture start to finish.  The Chase not only dealt with this cold case and crime fighting but also trusting God in all things and finding faith again.  I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for more books in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoy Christian Suspense and Romance.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

A Time For Peace: Quilts of Lancaster County #3 By Barbara Cameron

I received this e-book from Abingdon Press through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.




Book Description:




After Years of Hardship, Jenny’s Life Appears Perfect. So Why Does Something Seem to Be Missing? Jenny Bontrager is finally at a place of love and belonging with her husband, Matthew, and his children. Life seems golden with both her family and career as a writer.
But everything Jenny now believes in is thrown into question with the discovery of a long-lost letter from her father. Her sense of peace and contentment destroyed by betrayal, Jenny struggles with her renewed faith--and the love of everyone around her.






My Thoughts:






A Time For Peace is the third book in Quilts of Lancaster County Series by Barbara Cameron. I had the pleasure of reading the first two stories in this series and loved them. In  A Time For Peace Jenny Bontrager seems to have it all, a loving husband, loving stepchildren and wonderful friends and family. But something is missing, her inability to have a baby of her own. As she struggles with this her Grandmother becomes very ill and while Jenny is taking care of her she stumbles on a letter from many years ago from her father to her grandmother that rocks Jenny's faith and her relationships.



Barbara Cameron writes with such authority about the Amish, their lifestyles, and beliefs.  A Time For Peace picks up where Book 2 left off.  The characters in this series are beautiful and real. Barbara Cameron does a wonderful job portraying a realistic view of the Amish and show that they also struggle with faith like every other believer out there and that the Amish also deal with the same struggles everyone else does.   She also shows the loving, family dynamic of caring for one another especially the elderly.  Her descriptions of Lancaster County made me feel like I was there with the characters, watching all unfold.  I truly enjoyed this book as much as the first two in this series.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction.  I look forward to reading more books by Barbara Cameron.

Dangerous Mercy:Secrets of Roux River Bayou #2 By Kathy Herman

I received this e-book from David C. Cook Publishers through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.

Book Description:

This intense psychological thriller is the second book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou series from best-selling author Kathy Herman.
When elderly Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards, she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince’s halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs, she takes an interest in their lives and is delighted to be helping them get back on their feet.
Now a series of murders has cast a pall over the town and one of Adele’s handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele continues to show the young men kindness and care, in spite of her friends’ concern. This time that kindness could kill her.
 
 
My Thoughts:
 
Dangerous Mercy is the second book in The Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series by Kathy Herman. I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series and was hooked.  Dangerous Mercy picks up a few years later with Adele Woodmore living in Les Barbes to be closer to the Broussards.  Adele has found herself accepted in this community and well respected.  Adele has employed a few men to do odd jobs at her home from a halfway house in town. Adele befriends these men against advice from her friends.  The men she has working for her are being suspected in murders going on in town.
 
Kathy Herman writes a non stop, keep you guessing until the end thriller that I could not put down. I read the first book but you can read Dangerous Mercy stand alone, Kathy Herman does a great job to catch new readers up without disrupting the flow of the story.  Dangerous Mercy grabs you from the start and I personally couldn't put it down.  Kathy Herman does an awesome job at keeping her readers guessing until the end!  The characters are an interesting group who you can really relate to. I also found myself feeling like I was watching the storyline unfold.  Throughout Dangerous Mercy the theme of treating others as you want to be treated and being an example of Jesus to people really stood out.  I really felt it with Adele and her insistence to be an example to these men and everyone around her.  I highly recommend Dangerous Mercy to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction/suspense/thriller. You will not be disappointed.  I look forward to reading Kathy Herman's next book in this series!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Daughter's Walk By Jane Kirkpatrick

I received this book from the Blogging For Books Program for free for my honest review of this book.


Book Description:

A mother's tragedy, a daughter's desire and the 7000 mile journey that changed their lives.

In 1896 Norwegian American Helga Estby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City within seven months in an effort to earn $10,000. Bringing along her nineteen year-old daughter Clara, the two made their way on the 3500-mile trek by following the railroad tracks and motivated by the money they needed to save the family farm. After returning home to the Estby farm more than a year later, Clara chose to walk on alone by leaving the family and changing her name. Her decisions initiated a more than 20-year separation from the only life she had known.

Historical fiction writer Jane Kirkpatrick picks up where the fact of the Estbys’ walk leaves off to explore Clara's continued journey. What motivated Clara to take such a risk in an era when many women struggled with the issues of rights and independence? And what personal revelations brought Clara to the end of her lonely road? The Daughter's Walk weaves personal history and fiction together to invite readers to consider their own journeys and family separations, to help determine what exile and forgiveness are truly about.


My Thoughts:

The Daughter's Walk is the first novel by Jane Kirkpatrick I have had the pleasure of reading.  When I read the description of this book I knew I had to request it. I have always enjoyed historical fiction and to see that this book is fiction but based on a true story really grabbed me. I found myself having a hard time putting it down. This novel really spoke to me both as a daughter and a mother. 

I had never heard about Helga Estby and her 3,500 mile walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City, New York.  Jane Kirkpatrick does a wonderful job in the details that I never felt I was "missing" anything from the story.  The descriptions of people and places were so vivid, it was like I could watch it all unfold. Jane Kirkpatrick has written a wonderful story of faith, family, and friendship. The historical detail woven into her novel is fascinating, depicting a journey I had never before heard of, the walk across an entire country by a mother and her daughter. Clara's journey that follows this event is so well told by Jane Kirkpatrick and Jane succeeds in breathing life into Clara's character.  I found myself laughing with Clara and crying with Clara.  I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction.  I cannot wait to read more novels by Jane Kirkpatrick.



Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Awesome Contest!! Check it out!

SWFhousekeeping kit giveaway
Get your button here

30 Days of Repurposing - Win 1 of 3 Housekeeping Kits!

Do you know the 3 R's? Share your ideas for Reducing, Reusing & Recycling and be entered to win an all natural Housekeeping Kit? Find out how...

Three winners will be selected to received a galvanized bucket loaded with Clorox™ GreenWorks products and a pair of snazzy cleaning gloves delivered RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR!
Entering the contest is simple: just share your best ideas for Reducing, Reusing & Recycling in the form below! Then just do 2 (or more) of the 5 things listed in the form for extra entrees. (If you already subscribe, Like SWF and Like the books, then just check that box to let me know and it will count as an entry.) Contest ends on 4/30. Open to US residents only. (So sorry!)

The Money Saving Mom's Budget by Crystal Paine

I received this audio book from Litfuse for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this audio book.

My Thoughts:

The Money Saving Mom's Budget is the first time I had heard of Crystal Paine and WOW can't say enough good about her book and her website.  I loved the fact that I could listen as I cooked, surfed the web, or exercised......only downside I didn't always have the ability to take notes as I heard things I wanted to remember. LOL   The Money Saving Mom's Budget is an easy to understand guide. I am typically not one to find these things interesting but I have to say the way Crystal Paine approaches these topics I was fascinated. Its truly a step by step guide to help in more than just money issues but also organization and declutter which for those who know me I need LOTS of help in that area.  I found Crystal's ideas fun and easy solutions that broke things down step by step. I am so thankful for the opportunity to listen and learn from her!!  With hundreds of inspiring “why didn’t I think of that?” TIPS, plus WORKSHEETS, Paine breaks down your goals into easy, manageable steps so you can:
• Achieve a complete financial makeover
• Set up a realistic budget
• Never pay retail
• Slash your grocery bill
• Organize your time & your home
• Use coupons wisely
• Pay with cash only
• Live simply
• Become debt free
• Choose contentment
• Make every dollar count

If you're in need of some creative budgeting solutions, I would highly recommend The Money Saving Mom's Budget.

Enter Today and Save the Date-4/5!


Blog Post: "What I love about the audio edition of The Money Saving Mom'®s Budget is that I can listen to it on the go - on my run, in the car, or while I'm folding laundry. AND ... I love that it comes with the downloadable worksheets. I am able to work through those while listening to Crystal speak. So helpful. Perfect for my busy schedule." --Anne, blogger (and reformed budget breaker!)

Celebrate with Crystal by entering her iPad2 Giveaway (a GREAT tool to keep track of your budget!) and RSVPing to the Live Webcast Event on 4/5!


One savvy winner will receive:
  • A Brand new iPad2
  • The Money Saving Mom's Budget by Crystal Paine, audio edition
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/4/12. Winner will be announced at The Money Saving Mom's Live Webcast Event on 4/5. Crystal will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll share tips and advice and her husband will be joining her to share how the principles Crystal outlines in her book have dramatically impacted their family life. She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Money Saving Mom®'s Budget and join Crystal and friends on the evening of April 5th for an evening of fun of learning, sharing and encouragement.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Want more info about the MSM?

Click here!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The 13th Tribe By Robert Liparulo

I received this E-book from Booksneeze.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this E-book.

Book Description:
Their story didn’t start this year . . . or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment—endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they’ve been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since—by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he’s hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

The Tribe is poised to execute their most ambitious attack ever and the lives of millions hang in the balance. When Jagger’s wife and son are caught in the crossfire, he’ll stop at nothing to save them. But how can one man stand against an entire tribe of immortals?

My Thoughts:

The 13th Tribe is the first book I have read by Robert Liparulo and I truly enjoyed it.  In the beginning I had a little confusion with all the different characters but just briefly. After a few pages it all made sense.  This book is non stop, there is NO lag in action. This book grabs you and keeps you until the end. I had a very hard time putting this book down.  The lines of good and evil aren't so easy to see in this book. Filled with raw emotion and impossible decisions, you will both root for and against the "villains", but you will also do the same with regard to the "heroes".  You see  The Tribe equipped with the latest stealth tech, where they don't hold back on their  pursuit to rid humanity of undesirables; and then Jagger is a tough yet spiritually wounded hero struggling with the question of where is God when tragedy strikes. As I read this story and the authors concepts of justice, forgiveness and mercy it really made me sit back and examine my own convictions.  Robert Liparulo writes so vividly that it was so easy to picture the characters, their surroundings, and all the action that takes place in this book.  I truly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more by Robert Liparulo.  If you enjoy Christian Fiction/Action this is a great book for you!!

The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg

I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...