Wednesday, August 27, 2014

W...W...W...Wednesdays - August 31


This meme was created by MizB at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

And, we're back. Disney was fun, but I'm also glad to be home. The girls start school today, so it will be nice to get back to the regular schedule around here.

What are you currently reading?



I'll start this one tonight.




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.

I'm also reading this one:


A publishing industry in constant change, authors find themselves trying to make decisions about whether or not to self-publish or traditionally publish. Now you have a book that explains the Hybrid Author path.
• What it is.
• What the options are.
• How to decide.
Including interviews with C. J. Lyons, Joanna Penn, J. A. Konrath, Hugh C. Howey, Barbara Freethy, Marie Force, Barbara Morgenroth and Jennifer Archer. The Hybrid Author is "a treasure house of useful suggestions and resources for any writer."

What did you recently finish reading?





It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the small 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 way with food brings both gratitude and condemnation, placing the pair in the middle of a maelstrom of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.

You can read my review at http://cherylschristianbookconnection.blogspot.com/2014/08/cfba-miracle-in-dry-season-by-sarah.html

I also read this one on vacation:


"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.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Not sure, but probably this one:






Many girls in elementary and middle school fall in love with the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. What they don’t always realize is that Wilder’s books are autobiographical. This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura’s real life as a young pioneer homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys. This biography, complete with charming illustrations, points out the differences between the fictional series as well as the many similarities. It’s a fascinating story of a much-celebrated writer.

What books made your list this week?

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Vacation


We'll be away from August 18 - 25. Good thing for house sitters or our cats and the hermit crab would get might lonely.

Hope you have a great week!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Prairie Memories by Patrick Loubatière Now Available!



Prairie Memories
$19.99
Magazine - 68 pages - Glossy Coated Paper - 8.5 x 11 Inches - English Language -
Published July 2014


  • Exclusive in-depth interviews with four actors from Little House on the Prairie: Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls), 14 pages; Richard Bull (Nels Oleson), 14 pages; Dabbs Greer (Reverend Alden), 14 pages; Katherine MacGregor (Harriet Oleson), 21 pages.
  • The interviews with Richard Bull and Dabbs Greer were made shortly before their death.
  • All pictures published in the magazine are courtesy of the actors. Most of them are very rare and previously unpublished.


Magazine available only through http://prairiememories.bigcartel.com/product/prairie-memories Can be dedicated by the author upon request.

Payment by Paypal or check.

Patrick  Loubatière is a French writer, stage director and high school teacher. He is the author of the book "Little House on the Prairie from A to Z", which accompanied the complete series on DVD, in 2006. He also interviewed the actors on the bonus segments, plus created the trivia quizzes. 
Since 2006, he has co-starred with Alison Arngrim in France in two comedic, interactive shows based on Little House on the Prairie. 

Aside from Little House, he has published interviews with most of the actors on the series Lost, NCIS, The Mentalist, Desperate Housewives, Criminal Minds, Revenge, Castle, Dallas, etc.


PURCHASE HERE!

Friday, August 15, 2014

Book Review: Ghosts of Salem: Haunts of the Witch City by Sam Baltrusis

If you're fascinating by the haunted history of Salem, Massachusetts, then you need to pick up a copy of Ghosts of Salem: Haunts of the Witch City by Sam Baltrusis.

From cemeteries to crime to curses and more, Ghosts of Salem floats through the history of the infamous New England town known for its witch trials. With wit and charm, Baltrusis brings Salem alive for the reader. In this engaging and informative book, readers learn not only about Salem's history, but also residents' opinions on the ghosts that are rumored to make Salem home.

Filled with historical photographs, Ghosts of Salem is the perfect book for curious minds and history lovers. Thoroughly researched, this book totally captivated me and I read it in one sitting.

Series: Haunted America
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: The History Press (August 12, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626193975
ISBN-13: 978-1626193970


Kobo      


Add this book to your Goodreads shelf HERE

Sam Baltrusis, author of "Ghosts of Boston" and "Ghosts of Cambridge," freelances for various publications and is the former managing editor of Scout Magazine in Somerville and Cambridge. He has been featured as Boston's paranormal expert on the Biography Channel's Haunted Encounters and Paranormal State's Ryan Buell's Paranormal Insider Radio. Baltrusis moonlights as a tour guide and launched the successful ghost tour, Cambridge Haunts, and is producing a new tour in Salem.


Sam's Website Twitter Facebook  

Follow the rest of the Ghosts of Salem tour HERE


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

I read this book for the following challenge:






Wednesday, August 13, 2014

W...W...W...Wednesdays - August 13


This meme was created by MizB at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

I'm reading this one for the author's virtual book tour. Look for my review on August 27th at http://cherylschristianbookconnection.blogspot.com/



It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the small 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 way with food brings both gratitude and condemnation, placing the pair in the middle of a maelstrom of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.(


What did you recently finish reading?






The boy with the feather headdress told stories without saying a word. The boy whose legs formed the shape of a heart communicated with that special language that comes from within. With his hands, his face, his smile and his eyes, he could communicate everything his listeners needed to hear. Walking Eagle's tales awoke deep emotions, conveyed a sense of solidarity, and created bonds between hands and hearts of different tribes that lasted forever.

Walking Eagle: The Little Comanche Boy is a magical tale about nature and harmony between the different peoples of the world, reminding us of the power of stories to bring out our very best from within the deepest part of the human soul.


Lose weight, energize, and glow with over 50 recipes and complete 10 day detox plan. This whole foods cleanse includes detailed menu plan, shopping list, and bonus recipes to make after your cleanse. Renewal “Anytime” also includes pre-detox plan, daily instructions, FAQ’s, and post-detox next steps.

Check out my review of Renewal "Anytime" 10 Day Detox at http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-renewal-anytime-10-day.html

What do you think you’ll read next?

I'm scheduled to review Amber Stockton's latest book at my Christian book blog next week, but it hasn't arrived yet.



If I don't receive that one, I'll probably start The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick. 



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.

Hope you'll share your recent and upcoming reads.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I'm Not Sure I Want To Read


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Books I'm Not Sure I Want To Read---basically any book that has you're going, "TO READ OR NOT TO READ?"

1


I probably shouldn't admit this one, never mind start off my list with it. David S. Brody is a former client of mine. When Cabal of the Westford Knight came out, it was listed as a mix of The Da Vinci Code  and National Treasure. Intriguing.

Based on scientific, historical and archeological research, the novel takes readers on a tour of 600-year-old sites and artifacts throughout New England, binding together stone towers and ancient inscriptions in a plot that reveals the true secrets of both the Knights Templar and the Jesus bloodline. This novel was also the basis for the 2013 movie, The American Templars. 

When the book came out in 2009, I was really hot to read it. The poor thing is close to the bottom of my TBR pile. I'm still interested, but not enough to make me clear my review schedule.

2

Before I say anything else, let me just state that I love the work of Sheila Roberts. Her book, On Strike for Christmas, about a group of women who decide to leave all the holiday preparations up to their husbands and families and wind up on the news when a local reporter picks up the story, is one of my favorite seasonal tales. It was made into a movie in 2010. 

Better Than Chocolate came to me as part of a book club mailing. It looks like a good story, but I just haven't felt like reading it and am not sure I will. It might make a good giveaway one day.

3

The history lover in me compelled me to enter the giveaway for Elizabeth Street by Laurie Fabiano. I'm still interested in reading it, but time is so precious and my TBR pile so large, I'm not sure I'll get to it any time soon.

4

I bought The Remains for my Kindle after reviewing another of Vincent Zandri's books. It is a thrilling story of twin girls and a terrible attack. Vowing to keep it a secret the two grow up struggling with their past and their belief in God. Thirty years later their attacker is released from prision. One of the twins is dead from cancer, the remaining twin must face her biggest fear and face a killer who wants her dead. Because Zandri's work was so engaging, I wanted to own this one--I've also downloaded other books of his. I simply haven't read any more yet. I'm guessing I will one day.

5

I bought Alone by Lisa Gardner soon after I reviewed Love You More. Alone is the first book of her series featuring Detective D.D. Warren. Gardner's publisher hired me to promote Love You More and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to know the beginning of D.D.'s story. With six novels and one novella now, I'm not sure I'll catch up.

6

What do you do when you come into a series late in the game? That's what happened to me with Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series. After I fell in love with the Hallmark Channel's original series based upon the Cedar Cove books, I wanted to read them all. Do you know how many there are? I can't imagine catching up--especially when the television show follows the books closely enough for me to know what is going to happen later on. 

7

I met Leslie Meier at a local writers conference a few years ago when she sat on a mystery writers panel. Mother's Day Murder is another one of those series book--though I didn't know it at the time. I'll probably get to this one, but it sure won't be next week.

8

Outside the Ordinary World by Dori Ostermiller is another one of those conference books. I sat on a panel with Dori and bought a copy of her book. I've never read it and feel a pang of guilt every time I notice it in my bookshelf. I'm sure I want to read it, just not sure I'll be making the time soon. 

9

Here's a book I never see me reading. Granted, my vampire stage is long done; but even so, I simply have no desire to read this or any other books in the series. 

10

When there is so much hype surrounding a book, you're tempted to give in. Sometimes your curiosity gets the better of you and you want to make sure you're not missing anything. I harbor no such feelings for Fifty Shades of Grey. I can't imagine picking this one up. 

Secret Addition 

I'm not going to post a picture of this one or mention the author's name because it wouldn't be fair, but there are two books in my TBR pile that I'm fairly certain I won't ever read. I bought one of them online and then another at a writers conference. This author was at the conference and I was familiar with her work, so I wanted to quickly introduce myself. By the way she looked at me you would have thought I hadn't showered in a month. She wouldn't even shake my outstretched hand. She was just so rude and full of herself that I was kicking myself for buying one of her books earlier.

Every other author I have met at a conference has been polite and welcomed interaction. Some are more reserved than others, but it's not like she was a literary agent who I cornered in the bathroom to give my 30-second pitch. I haven't bought another book of hers and the two books I own are sitting at the bottom of my TBR pile. 

So, what books made your list of books you're not sure you want to read?

Monday, August 11, 2014

Musing Mondays - August 11



Musing Mondays is a weekly meme from MizB at Should Be Reading. It asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

My Musing:

What is your favorite go-to genre? If you could read at your leisure (maybe you already do) and not worry about a review schedule, what would be the first genre you would reach for?

My choice would be historical fiction. I enjoy so many historical novels; and now that I am expanding the time period I read about, my selection of books is increasing too. Right now, I am reading Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas. I haven't gotten very far, but hopefully I'll get some reading done soon.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Free for Kindle: The Liar's Gallery by Aaron Paul Lazar


From award-winning author Aaron Paul Lazar:

The last place Gus LeGarde expects to find his old friend Byron Cunningham is in a plane that crashes in a field near his farmhouse. But that’s just the first surprise in a series of shocking events beginning with the discovery of a Monet painting crammed into the plane’s fuselage. Is it real? Or fake? The trail leads Gus into a twisting trio of dangerous art world conspiracies.

Gus fends off some very pushy collectors and soon realizes he may have crossed paths with treacherous criminals, putting his family at risk. As if that isn’t enough, he must also contend with a problem that’s close to his heart: his daughter, Shelby, is growing up too fast. She’s determined to sing professionally and is now under the spell of a wolf in tenor’s clothing, handsome Greek student, Dmitri. When she vanishes with the family car, her frantic parents desperately chase the fading trail.

A slew of Facebook messages on Shelby’s computer lead them to The Eastman School of Music, where both Shelby’s new flame and Gus’s old friend have been hiding secrets linked to the art scandal. There’s a real Monet out there somewhere, and nothing—including murder—will stop the desperate man who wants it.

NOTE: This series can be read in any order. Each book is complete and can stand alone without having read the first books in the series.

File Size: 430 KB
Print Length: 264 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Aaron Paul Lazar; 1 edition (July 7, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00LMD7ZSO


PURCHASE HERE!

Interview with Gabriel Constans, Author of The Last Conception


Gabriel Constans previous novel, Buddha’s Wife, was highly acclaimed by writers and reviewers, such as Bell Hooks, Chitra Divakaruni and Robert Blake. It is presently being adapted for the screen, as is The Last Conception. Other works of fiction by the author include St. Catherine’s Baby, The Skin of Lions: Rwandan Folk Tales, and Zem Master Tova Tarantino Toshiba: The Illustrious and Delusional Abbess of Satire.

Visit Gabriel online at www.gogabriel.com or his blog at http://gabrielconstans.wordpress.com/

Where did you grow up?

Redding, California, which was mostly logging industry and summer tourism for the lakes and mountains close by. I’ve been living in Santa Cruz, California for about 40 years now.

When did you begin writing?

I began writing in high school, where I started an alternative newspaper. It wasn’t until reaching my late twenties that I began writing again seriously (or humerously).

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

When I’m writing something, I start in the morning and write all day and evening, for as many days as it takes.

What is this book about?

Passionate embryologist, Savarna Sikand, is in a complicated relationship, with two different women, when she is told that she MUST have a baby. Her conservative East Indian American parents are desperate for her to conceive, in spite of her "not being married". They insist that she is the last in line of a great spiritual lineage. In the process of choosing her lover and having doubts about her ability, or desire to conceive, Savarna begins to question the necessity of biology and lineage within her parents' beliefs and becomes forever fascinated with the process of conception and the definition of family. Threads of Dan Brown (DaVinci Code), Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Sister of My Heart) and the film The Kids Are All Right, are tied together in this colorful tale of awakening, romance and mystery.

What inspired you to write it?


There are a number of questions I was thinking about. One of those questions involved the thought that perhaps a different religious leader actually had children (contrary to historical belief) and that a woman in present day society was the last in line (unbeknown to her) of that famous teacher. I wondered what that would be like for her to find out. I also have one daughter who is married to a woman and they had children and another who is married to a man and went through IVF to have their children. I wanted to share a little of what those experiences are like and have it be an intricate part of the story.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

Charlemagne (Charley), because she is clear with what she wants and makes it happen.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

Once I found the right publisher, it has been very smooth and a wonderful process to bring this story to life.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Melange Books at http://www.melange-books.com/authors/gabrielconstans/lastconception.html or Amazon

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

I’ve invested in time. It took a lot of time to find the right media markets for this specific work and to contact them all, which I’m still doing daily. Keeping a daily presence on social networks over the last several years is also a wonderful way to connect with people in general and specifically about the book.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

It’s a complicated affair. Not everyone is a good writer and not everyone is able to write well. At the same time, if you practice writing daily, have others critique your work (and edit it) and keep at it, you may turn horrible work into something decent or some decent writing into something great. The other advice, that is always suggested, but is also true, is keep reading. Read. Read. And read some more.

What is up next for you?

I’ve written a screenplay of The Last Conception and have several producers reading it. Looking for others who may be interested, in case those now pass on the story.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I always think my latest story or book is the best and this is no exception. The Last Conception is a wonderful tale about love, romance and family. It is both personal and universal.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Book Blitz: Waiting for Heaven by Heather Gillis - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Title: Waiting for Heaven: Finding Beauty in the Pain and the Struggle
Author: Heather Gillis
Genre: Religion / Memoir / Spirituality
Publisher: WestBow Press
Publication Date: March 20, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4908-2786-5

Life can sometimes lead us to unexpected places, to only leave us broken, desperate, and hurting. Heather Gillis and her husband, Mac, waited in anticipation for the birth of their third child. Like many Christian couples, their dreams and expectations in marriage, parenthood, and daily life developed differently than they’d planned, and left them grieving a life that would never be. Their journey gives insight into a new normal and uncovers the stepping stones of the healing process. In their process, they re- discovered God’s abounding love through their experiences of joy, heartbreak, and purpose. Heather reaches out to parents around the globe to speak openly about being a wife, mother, friend, relative, or stranger during life-changing trials and devastating struggles. In God’s love, she has found beauty in the midst of pain and struggle, as well as peace in His presence on Earth while waiting for Heaven.

Book Excerpt:
Life is not about how comfortable I can be; to expect life to be comfortable is unrealistic. I’m not exempt from the harshness or pain of this world. I have realized since Bowen’s passing that there are no guarantees in life; to think otherwise leads to disappointment. When I was pregnant, I assumed Bowen would be healthy. I assumed that when I left the house, I would return, unharmed. I assumed for some reason I would make it through life unscathed; I never thought I would be writing these words.

We can do all the right things in life, but that doesn’t guarantee us rewards or benefits in this life. We did not choose the path we are walking, but God willing, we will endure what comes our way and to where God wants us to go. We can have all the plans in the world but God is in the driver’s seat, and God knows what he is doing; we just have to trust him. Uncomfortable situations have taught me to trust in God, and I have learned more than I ever thought I would; and still am.

Purchase Book at:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Heaven-Finding-Beauty-Struggle/dp/1490827862

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waiting-for-heaven-heather-gillis/1119019515

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21809735-waiting-for-heaven

Meet Heather Gillis. In her book, Waiting for Heaven, Heather recalls the story of her infant son, Bowen, and her family's journey with polycystic kidney disease. Through Bowen's short life and death, she and her husband, Mac, discovered the true meaning of God’s love and grace. By telling her poignant story in the book and speaking to groups, Heather hopes she can help others through the challenges of loss and devastation; giving hope that their can be joy and happiness again.

After Bowen's death, Heather founded Bowen's Hope, a ministry serving kidney disease kids and their families, especially those getting dialysis treatments at Phoenix Children's Hospital. She's also involved with Camp Maska for dialysis patients in Arizona, and has raised over $50,000 for the PKD Foundation. In addition, Heather volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, an organization serving meals and providing temporary housing to families with children in the hospital.

Heather works part time as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She and Mac have two living children, Brooklyn and Blake. With a serving heart, Heather’s passions are her family and helping others.

Visit Heather online at www.bowenshope.com

Contact Heather at:



Contest Giveaway


Pump Up Your Book and Author Heather Gillis are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive the prize.
  • This giveaway begins August 1 and ends on August 29, 2014.
  • Winner will be contacted via email on September 1, 2014.
  • Winner has 72 hours to reply.
  • VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I'd Give To Readers Who Have Never Read...


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

This is going to be a mish-mash of genres, so hopefully it works.

For those who haven't read Civil War fiction, I suggest The Killer Angels. This book was the basis for the movie, Gettysburg. This novel got me interested in the conflict and led to the many years of reading fiction and non-fiction about this time period.



For those who haven't read contemporary romance, I suggest A Comedy of Erinn by Celia Bonaduce. I don't kill myself looking for this genre, but I loved how the author threw together two characters who weren't necessarily likable when they first met and created a love story with them. 


For those who haven't read funny fantasy novels, check out Magic, Mensa and Mayhem by Karina Fabian. This book had me rolling on the floor laughing, while it also provided a great storyline. Read the book blurb and you'll be ready to pick it up. 



For those who haven't read fiction with a Southern flair, you should consider The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. This is the first book by White that I read and it made me a huge fan of her work. Her books are set in the South, so they are loaded with Southern charm. This one in particular is filled with romance, mystery, and past secrets. 


If you have never read a Christian novel with unusual characters, you must read Ten Thousand Charms, the first book in the Crossroads of Grace series by Allison Pittman. I loved this story of a woman born into a life of prostitution who meets a devout Christian miner when his wife dies in childbirth. Opposites thrown together under difficult circumstances, their love is unexpected. 


If you've never read a novel written by a man in the point of view of a woman, you must read The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner. I became a lifelong fan of Gortner's work because of this book. Eloquently written, this is riveting story filled with complex characters. 



If you've never read a book with an unusual narrator, then perhaps The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a book to try. It took me a while to get into this one because of the odd narrator. 



To a reader who has never read dystopian fiction, I would recommend The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch. Though The Hunger Games remains my favorite book in this genre, I felt more sympathy for fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn than I ever did for Katniss Everdeen. I think that's because Katniss was so self-sufficient and prickly. 



For those who haven't read middle grade adventure stories, I suggest Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool. There is so much conflict going on in this story, and the adventure that Early and Jack embark upon changes their lives. 



If you've never read a children's classic, I highly recommend The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Out of all of Wilder's books, I feel this one has the largest appeal. It's a story of survival and pulling together as a family. It's the story of heroes who risk it all so that a town won't starve to death. It tells the story of a community that truly had to depend on each other just to make it through to spring. The reason it is my favorite--other than that Almanzo Wilder is a hero-- is that The Long Winter displays Wilder's keen eye for detail so well that you would swear you were right there.