Children's Book Review~If You Were Me and Lived in...Egypt

Author Carole P. Roman's series introducing children to culture around the world is a favorite in our home. We have all of the books in the series, and everyone enjoys when we receive a book on a new country. We have all learned so much-even the adults!

Each book has colorful illustrations throughout the pages. If You Were Me and Lived in Egypt was illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga. It is 28 pages long, with a helpful Pronunciation Guide at the back of each book.  Each book covers basic topics children would be interested to know about how other children of another country live. Topics such as school, money and shopping, names, landmarks,food, and sports.

We learned so much in If You Were Me and Lived in..Egypt! We really didn't know much about Egypt we realized quickly after beginning to read the book. I was surprised to learn that Egypt is a Transcontinental country, meaning it is located in both Africa and Asia!

These books would be a great resource for any family, especially homeschoolers! They would also make a great gift.

Learn more about the author and purchase her books at www.caroleproman.com

I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review~An Unbroken Heart

About the Book: 
An argument. A crash. In an instant Joanna's world is changed forever.

One minute, Joanna Schrock was arguing with her parents, and the next, her parents’ lives were claimed in a hit-and-run buggy accident. Her body is broken, but her heart is in even deeper pain— after all, how do you cope with your parents’ deaths when your last words were spoken in anger?

 After an extended stint in a physical rehabilitation center, Joanna re-enters her Amish life. But nothing is the same—not even her feelings for Andrew Beiler.

 Joanna has loved Andrew since the age of twelve, and her feelings have not changed throughout the years. She is thrilled when Andrew wants to get married, but she wonders whether it’s love he’s feeling, or pity. As the couple’s wedding date approaches, Joanna isn’t overcome with the deep joy she was hoping to feel; instead, she’s wracked with anxiety and guilt.

 Joanna hears God whispering to her, Be strong and courageous, but she’s afraid that courage looks a lot like walking away from her dreams and into the plan of her Heavenly Father.

 If Joanna takes the first step toward healing, will it cost her everything she’s ever wanted? Or could God be changing the desires of her heart?

What I Thought: 
An Unbroken Heart is the second book in author Kathleen Fuller's Amish of Birch Creek series. The first book, A Reluctant Bride, was an excellent story, as are all of the author's books! She never disappoints to give readers a captivating story line, and An Unbroken Heart was no exception. The characters from the Schrock and Troyer families are very complex and have been through devastating situations. In An Unbroken Heart, Joanna and Andrew must learn to deal with their families tragedies while keeping faith in God to steer them on the path to love and forgiveness. 

At the back of the book are discussion questions, perfect for a book club. I'm excited for the next book in the Amish of Birch Creek series, A Love Made New, coming out Fall 2016.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review & Author E-Reader Giveaway~Medical Judgment

About the Book: 
Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she's about to lose her life. After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn't think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her---and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband's best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it's too late, and they're both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won't protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

You can read more reader reviews from this blog tour at Litfuse. Purchase your own copy of Medical Judgment at Abingdon Press.

About the Author: 
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes "medical suspense with heart." His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers' debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and Romantic Times' Reader's Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.


Connect with Dr. Mabry: Website | Facebook | Twitter

What I Thought: 
Dr. Richard Mabry is a talented writer. As a retired doctor, he is able to draw from his medical knowledge to come up with fascinating stories. Medical Judgment was a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat mystery. There were twists and turns throughout the story, and with so many possibilities for the villain, I found myself guessing and changing my guess as to who it was throughout the book.The characters were well developed. I liked the main character of Dr. Sarah Gordon. She was realistic, and a strong woman trying to get through each day after her husband and daughter are taken from her. Medical Judgment includes Group Discussion Guide and Questions, and a sneak peak of the first three chapters of another book by Dr. Mabry, Fatal Trauma. If you are looking for a story that will suck you in and not let you go until the very last page, Medical Judgment is for you!

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Author E-Reader Giveaway!

Just what the doctor ordered: heart-thumping suspense and intrigue, courtesy of Richard Mabry’s new medical drama, Medical Judgment. Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. They’ve stalked her and set a fire at her home. Trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter is tough enough, but she has no idea what will come next. As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? Why are they after her? And with her only help being unreliable suitors in competition with each other, whom can she really trust?

Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Medical Judgment
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.

Children's Book Review~The Bunny and the Mysterious Butterfly

About the Book: 
 The Bunny and the Mysterious Butterfly, by Carmel Rivello
Publisher: Carmel Rivello Productions
ISBN 978-0996755108
Published October 2015
Pages: 50
SRP: $14.95 
Description from the Publisher: Hip and happening grandmother, children’s book author Carmel Rivello has just released her new book, The Bunny and the Mysterious Butterfly that connects the feelings of friendship and occasional loneliness inspiring children with a gentle introduction to ET’s that bring Bella, the bunny, joy, surprises and intergalactic travel. This book is the first in a series for children of all ages and a glimpse of the wondrous possible future that awaits humanity, reminding us that we are all connected. Through her acclaimed story, Carmel empowers children to be the best version of themselves. 

About the Author: 

 Carmel Rivello, mother, grandmother and author knew she had to write a book for children, after having the experience of making Contact with other cosmic cultures . The need for children to know about what the future holds for them , in a non-threatening and gentle way made this book happen. Ms. Rivello is a graduate of Cal Lutheran University, with a triple major in Drama, Art and Women's Experience. She taught Italian to her class ,studying the Art and Sculpture of the Renaissance , and enjoyed a wondrous trip to Italy, connecting with her family background. Her world travels enabled her to communicate with many diverse cultures, learning their languages, and understanding their customs. She is a much sought-after speaker to women groups, enjoys doing Voice-overs and presents to many Twelve step Recovery groups. She is a docent at the Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, CA. and spends time between there and Ojai, CA . Her children and grandchildren are her greatest treasures. Her partner, Gerald Barney inspires her daily to write,create,cook Italian dishes and garden. The Bunny and the Mysterious Butterfly is the first in a series of books, written to engage children in the wonders and mysteries of other cosmic cultures. Carmel is able to enjoy the gifts of being a senior, having "Chronological Credibility".

What I Thought: 

 After reading the description of The Bunny and the Mysterious Butterfly, and seeing the cute cover art, I thought it would be a great book for me to read to my four-year-old grandson. The illustrations in the book are very bright and colorful, and my grandson enjoys looking at the pictures. The story itself, however, was too long for my grandson's attention span. There aren't pictures on every page-sometimes on every other page, but often not for three pages or more. Although the print is a little larger for early readers, it was just too much story for him in one sitting.  I could see reading a few pages each day instead. 

 Here is Daniel enjoying the pictures in the book. I liked the concept in the story of Bella the bunny being lonely, as Daniel is an only child and we adults can't play with him all day long.  Although I knew the story included extra terrestrial beings, it was a little too strong a part of the story for me. Besides that, the story was positive and uplifting. 

For more information on The Bunny and the Mysterious Butterfly, including links to purchase your own copy and a free download of a coloring book, www.carmelrivello.com

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review~Having a Martha Home the Mary Way

As a wife and mother, it seems a constant struggle to keep the house clean. It feels like a losing battle most days. I would love to have my home spotless 24/7, but I know that is not realistic for a busy, functioning family with kids and pets. In her book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Satisfied Soul, author Sarah Mae helps readers tackle their homes cleanliness one day at a time, while nourishing their souls with stories and scripture.

After an introduction into Gentle Homemaking, explaining Martha and Mary, and the author telling her story, there is a chapter on how to use the book, explaining the Martha Challenges and Mary Challenges. The Martha Challenges are for those who aren't natural cleaners, and breaks down cleaning tasks into smaller, doable steps. The Mary Challenges invite you to read a scripture and ponder different aspects of your life.

Each day has a scripture, a story/lesson, a Mary Challenge with plenty of room to write your responses down, and a Martha Challenge for the day. I found the Mary Challenges very thought provoking, and the Mary challenges were totally doable. At the back of the book are some extra tips to help you. The most important thing I took away from Having a Martha Home the Mary Way is that cleaning the house is about more than just cleaning. It's not about everything looking perfect, it is about creating a peaceful, comfortable retreat for those you love. I want my home to be the place my family looks forward to coming home to.  If I'm stressed about cleaning, I will not be creating the warm environment for my family. 

Having a Martha Home the Mary Way is a great read for those with cleaning challenges and those without. Inside its pages are great reminders of why we, as wives and mothers, do what we do.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review and Author Giveaway~A Daughter's Dream

About the Book:

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.
That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?
Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.
But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

About the Author:  
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Connect with the author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

What I Thought: 
Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. I have read most, if not all, of her books, and have never been disappointed. A Daughter's Dream is the second book in her series The Charmed Amish Life. The first book, A Son's Vow, was a wonderful story, and A Daughter's Dream is as well!  Sometimes, the subsequent books in a series can be not quite as good as the first book, but that is not the case here.

Both the  Kinsinger and Yoder families are still grieving the loss of their family members. Jacob is new to Charm, and he and Rebecca felt an instant attraction when they met. As they each try to figure out God's plan for their lives, they become closer. They learn that what they thought was best for their futures is not necessarily God's path for them.

A Daughter's Dream was quick to draw me in. Shelley Shepard Gray has a way with characters that makes me feel like I know them personally. The story moved along at the perfect pace, so that I never wanted to put my book down!  I look forward to the next book in the series!

At the back of the book are some bonuses:
*Meet Shelley Shepard Gray
*Letter from the author
*Questions for Discussion
*Granola Bar Recipe
* A Few Charming facts from Shelley Shepard Gray
*A Sneak Peek from the next book in the series, A Sister's Wish

Read more reviews of A Daughter's Dream here, and purchase your own copy of the book at the author's website.

Enter here for your chance to win:  https://promosimple.com/ps/9a93

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.