A Perfect Pet for Peyton-book review and giveaway

Publisher: Northfield Publishing
Author:  Rick Osborne & Gary Chapman
ISBN# 978-0-8024-0358-2/0-8024-0358-1
Publication Date:  March 1, 2012

You may be familiar with the original book by Dr. Gary Chapman, The 5 Love Languages.  I would like to introduce to you a new book written by Rick Osborne & Gary Chapman for children called A Perfect Pet for Peyton.

Peyton and Penny the twins are off to Mr. Chapman’s Pet Pal Emporium for their big birthday celebration where they will be given their perfect pet pal! They are so excited to celebrate with their friends as they look around the Emporium and explore all the animals. Hidden animals and bugs are illustrated into the pictures for even more fun as you progress through the book. 

Each child exhibits one of the five love languages and is matched up with the perfect pet that fits his love language. Each of the 5 love languages; gifts, words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch and acts of service are explained and shown easily from a child’s perspective. This book is sure to bless children as well as parents as you cuddle up over and over to read this endearing book.

The  illustrations by Wilson Williams Jr, draw the reader in as the children celebrate not only the birthday but their love languages. 

You can enter to win a copy by following the Rafflecopter link below!!

60 Acres and a Bride-book review

She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. 

Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future. Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/9sK2C.    

About Regina:

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children. Meet Regina here.

My Opinion

I really enjoyed Sixty Acres and a Bride and I knew from the very start that this was a story based on Naomi and Ruth. It kept me up really late at night, way past my bedtime.  Lots of drama with a young widow from Mexico that goes with her Mother In Law to Texas, money problems, lots of hard work, cultural differences and of course LOVE.  I love how she learns to rely on the Lord and just trust in Him.  I give this one 4 1/2 out of 5 stars!

Celebrate with Regina by entering to win a Kindle Fire and coming to her Author Chat Party on 3/27!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/26/12. Winner will be announced at Regina's Author Chat Facebook Party on 3/27. Regina will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and some beautiful silver jewerly!

So grab your copy of Sixty Acres and a Bride and join Regina and friends on the evening of March 27th for an evening of fun.

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 27th!

Learn more about Regina by visiting her website, www.reginajennings.com.

Thanks for reading,

 

Chick-Fil-A Kid's Meal Giveaway

I don't know if you are like me or not but I just love Chick-fil-A.   This company has it going on, they are truly in the business of serving great food and with a smile.  I've never ever had a bad experience with CFA, they always say, "It's my pleasure" after I say thank you and that's something you don't find very often these days.  When my kids were younger I was happy to let them play on the playground because I've actually seen staff inside of it cleaning!  Chick-fil-A  has done it again and is offering 3 of my readers a chance to win a free kids meal and you can spin the wheel for some family fun activities.

TV in Bedrooms

I appreciate the guest post, Vito Rivers I think I am ready to give in to my teenagers’ requests. They have wanted TVs in their rooms for three years now and I have been trying not to give in because I thought they would just end up staying in their rooms and never coming out. But, at this point that doesn’t sound like the worst idea!  I know that sounds terrible of me to say, but just wait until you have a seventeen, fifteen, and thirteen year old in your house all at once. It is tough! I never get to watch anything I want to watch on direct tv Charlotte because they are always already fighting over what they want to watch! The seventeen year old likes to watch cooking shows because she is all into cooking right now, the fifteen year old only wants to watch sports, and the thirteen year old still wants to watch nickelodeon! I am thinking we may be buying three TVs for Christmas this year.  They will be so excited and I will finally be able to watch some TV!

Song of My Heart-book review

About the book:



Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.


McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit.




After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.




Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

About Kim:



Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.




She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.







Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/9uLOD



My Opinion

I absolutely loved this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.  I loved all of the characters and especially the sweet spirit that Sadie has, her love for her family, the Lord and everyone that she meets.  The writing in this book was so descriptive I felt like I was there and could hear Sadie's sweet voice lifted up in praise to the King of Kings.  This is a book that you won't want to miss!

Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}!

Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!



One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

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 29th!

Thanks for reading,

 

Action Alert

Action Alert is a product that aids in protecting children from dangers that can be associated with Internet usage. This is a program that can be easily installed on your computer that your child or children uses and will offer protection from those people and influences who want to corrupt the young minds that are active on the Internet today. There are 8 ways that Action Alert works:

 maximum protection plan you’ll get access to the following:



1.multiple user protection

2.full social network monitoring

3.fully customizable


Action Alert has received many awards like iParenting award from Disney Award,  the Safe Family seal of approval and was even featured on NBC's The Today Show.  There is a free version or a maximum protection verstion that costs $29.99.

My Opinion

When I first signed up for the service and downloaded it to my computer I really liked it but after about a week I noticed it was really slowing down my response time and even blocked me from accessing my computer.  I had to uninstall the program and restore all settings to before I had downloaded Action Alert. Hopefully they will be able to get couple of the kinks worked out because it really was a great program, the option of having info sent directly to your cell phone is pure genius and very convenient for a busy parent.

 I think this would be a great program for someone that may not be able to monitor their children's computer time as often as I do.  Our computer is in our living room and the children only have access to it a specific time of the day and only when I am able to monitor their usage. 

I was given this product to review in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my very own.  If you would like to see what other TOS crew mates had to say please click here.

Thanks for reading,

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

By Luci Swindoll
Published by Thomas Nelson

Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world? Is that even realistic? Yes! There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof.

With heart and humor, this best-selling author and beloved speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become a little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy. This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman. These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don’t need more tips for “having it all,” but we could all use insight on “having what matters,” and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll.

Luci has spent eight decades accumulating the stories, memories, verses, and practical tips that make up Simple Secrets to a Happy Life. Whether traveling the world or building life-long friendships, singing in the opera or working for Mobil Oil, every step has taught her a little more about how to love God, love her neighbor, and love herself.

The result is both personal and universal. Organized into fifty short chapters, her reflections form a simple and profound outline for making the most of the lives God has given us.

We could all use a little more joy in our lives, which means we could all use a little more Luci. Visit her through these snapshots of wisdom. You’ll find yourself drawn back again and again.

My Opinion

 Luci Swindoll, the sister of famous Chuck Swindoll, was the author of this christian book.  I was a little surprised that it was actually considered a christian book because it's really more common sense and very similar to reading an advice column.  If you are a very new housewife or mom then this might be a good book for you but I already knew everything in the book and wasn't really impressed.  I feel that you should keep your $15.99 and use it for something else.  I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.

Thanks for reading,

My Imaginary Jesus

Price:          14.99 

ISBN:

978-1-4143-6473-5 

Trim Size:

5 1/2 x 8 1/4 

Binding:

Softcover 

Release:

April 2012 

Matt Mikalatos liked Jesus a lot. In fact, he couldn’t believe how much they had in common. They shared the same likes, dislikes, beliefs, and opinions. (Though Jesus did have better hair.) So imagine Matt’s astonishment when he finds out that the guy he knows as Jesus . . . isn’t. He’s an Imaginary Jesus: a comfortable, convenient imitation Matt has created in his own image. The real Jesus is still out there somewhere . . . and Matt is determined to find him.

In this hilarious, fast-paced, sort-of-true story hailed as “Monty Python meets C. S. Lewis,” Matt embarks on an incredible chase to find the real Jesus and ask him the one question that his Imaginary Jesus has never been able to answer. It’s a wild spiritual adventure like nothing you’ve ever read before . . . and it might bring you face-to-face with an impostor in your own life. This new edition now contains a discussion guide, an interview with the author, and other bonus features! (Previously published as Imaginary Jesus.)

Author Bio

Matt Mikalatos Matt Mikalatos received his BA in writing from the University of California Riverside. Like many future world leaders, he began his career as a clerk at a comic book store. Having discovered that such work caused women to shun him, Matt took control of a high school classroom and taught American literature and drama (although he was best known for his riotous "study halls"). Then Matt, in an unexpected move, joined Campus Crusade for Christ. In a moment of weakness, his best friend, Krista, agreed to marry him. He and Krista were briefly expatriated by Crusade to East Asia, where they ministered for three years. Now back in the States, Matt provides leadership to the international ministries of Crusade's northwest region. Matt has published articles in Discipleship Journal, The Wittenburg Door, Relief, and Coach's Midnight Diner. Matt and his wife live near Portland, Oregon. They have three beautiful daughters. You can join Matt at http://www.facebook.com/matt.mikalatos https://twitter.com/#!/mattmikalatoshttp://mattmikalatos.com/ My Opinion This book was not only engaging and refreshing but it was also hilarious!  Matt Mikalatos is a fantastic writer and he actually made me LOL or laugh out load and my children ran into my bedroom to see what was so funny.  I was able to visualize when he was talking about the different  Jesus' throughout the book.  My FAVORITE line of the entire book is in chapter 37, when Matt says,  “Not because of who he was once upon a time, but because of who he is today, and because of who he promises we can become”.  This line was like being hit between the eyes with a 2x4, hello!!! I think a book club, reading group, or church group would absolutely love this book and would bring up some great discussions.  There is even a discussion section that addresses key portions of each chapter, this would be helpful for a book group.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

Thanks for reading,

 

Birthday Cake Batter Crispy Rice Treats

My awesome, amazing friend Mika has a FANTASTIC cooking blog called Mika's Pantry.  If you want to try some new, exciting recipes then head on over, her blog is great!  When we go visit Mika I feel like we are staying at a bed and breakfast.  Mika pulls out her BEST recipes and cooks like crazy while we are there, we leave stuffed like some fat, sassy pigs...LOL.  Mika's family and our family were given a very special gift of adopting from South Korea.  The bonus gift that God gave me was a special friendship with Mika, her husband Jim and their wonderful family. I'm getting all teary eyed just thinking about it.  Today is her birthday and I asked her for a guest post and she came up with this amazing birthday cake batter crispy rice treats.  Leave her a comment and maybe even a birthday wish!

March is a big birthday month for our family, my daughter Bay

and I have a birthday 3 days apart!   Next Friday Bay is having a

sleepover for hers and I'm planning on serving these yummy treats to 

all the girls.  I thought I had better try out the recipe this weekend just to 

make sure it was good.  You know I HAD to make sure.  I couldn't

take that chance that they might not be good.  Maybe that's why I 

kept going back for another one.... just to make sure mind you.....  

Birthday Cake Batter Crispy Rice Treats

(adapted from How Sweet It Is)

(printable copy)

3 Tbsp. butter

1 (10 oz) bag regular size marshmallows

1/4 cup dry cake mix

6 cups crispy rice cereal

1 (1.75 oz) container of sprinkles

Melt butter in a dutch oven over low heat and add marshmallows.  Stir until 

melted and add in dry cake mix and stir until combined.  Stir in cereal and mix 

thoroughly.  Pour in 1/2 the bottle of sprinkles and continue mixing.  

Using a spatula coated with non-stick cooking spray, press batter into a baking 

dish.  Top with the remaining sprinkles.  Let sit for a few minutes to firm up a bit.  

Well the verdict around our house is that they are even better that the

original treats and much cuter, if I do say so myself.  Come on and 

join the cake batter craze!  It's yummilicious!

 

More Beauty Less Beast-Transform Your Inner Ogre

About the book: With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner beast that unexpectedly pounces, roaring and shredding, as it threatens to destroy the divinely beautiful princess hidden within. In More Beauty, Less Beast, women will find simple, practical techniques for embracing the true beauty rightfully theirs as cherished daughters of the King. Whether jaded by emotional wounds, unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, this laugh-out-loud, girlfriend-to-girlfriend encouragement will help women transform their destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant to be.




About the author: Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living."


Visit http://www.deboracoty.com/ for more about Debora and her books.

My Opinion

I really enjoyed this book and read it in only 1 day, it was a very easy read.  I laughed out loud (LOL) a lot while I was reading it and can see some writing on the wall, as they say.  Everything in the book is right on track and would make an excellent discussion book for a ladies group, book club or group of friends. I can see myself referring to over and over in the future. I'm not sure why we as women seem to beat ourselves up so much and not see that what's on the inside of us is much more inportant than the outside. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for it's humorous approach to taming the beast inside of us.

Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor, Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in More Beauty, Less Beast. Celebrate with Debora by entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!

One "beautiful" winner will receive:

• A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
• A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
• Chocolate (Every good things begins with chocolate!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party on  3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)


So grab your copy of More Beauty, Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.

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 22nd!

Thanks for reading,

 

Progeny Press-The Bronze Bow

With over 100 literature guides available I'm sure it would be easy for you to find something to help supplement your curriculum.  Progeny Press is a family owned company and has been producing

these literature guides since 1992.  Progeny Press offers four different levels of study
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School, and each guide includes a variety of elements, depending on the level of the study.  To help the teacher out they also categorize them by genre and grade level.  We have been studying Rome this year in our home school curriculum and reading The Bronze Bow as a read aloud so that's the study guide I picked. 

The guides are very user-friendly and are currently available as a print version, or on CD. Parents and schools can print multiple copies of pages for use with all of their students.  One of the coolest things, in my opinion is that all of the study guides are NOW available in a new interactive format that allows the student to type their answers directly on their computer screen.  The Progeny Press Guides cost from $10.99-$27.99.

My Opinion
This was one of my favorite literature guides that we've done over the past couple of years.  The study guide was perfect for my 6th grader yet easy enough for my child that has some special needs.  Both of my kids loved it and thought it was a lot of fun digging deeper into the book with the help of the study guide.  I loved how the Bible was integrated throughout the whole study, it's important to me that my kids see the Christian perspective plus they had so much fun.

If you would like to read more reviews about Progeny Press and what the TOS crew had to say click here.

Thanks for reading,

 

Beauty for Ashes-book review

Beauty for Ashes

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9781595549013
• Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
• Publication date: 2/28/2012
• Pages: 336
• Sales rank: 273,851
• Series: A Hickory Ridge Novel
• Product dimensions: 5.50 (w) x 8.40 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Overview

She's a beautiful young widow. He's a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He's determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to give beauty for ashes.

My Opinion

I enjoyed this second book by Dorthy Love. Loved that some of the Characters from the first book Beyond All Measure, made a return visit!  I loved that this book was like a roller coaster ride with some ups and downs and some wild twist and unexpected turns.  It left me feeling breathless and excited at the end.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars because I just personally LOVED it.  Dorothy Love is a gifted writer that has a special way with words and some fantastic characters.  You won't want to miss this book and I recommend it to everyone!

We're thrilled to announce the fun giveaway Dorothy is hosting! First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.

One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love
• Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/20/12. Winner will be announced at Dorothy's Facebook Author Chat Party on 3/20. Come for an evening of chat, trivia, and a sneak peek at the next book in Dorothy's Hickory Ridge series - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a stunning sapphire ring!

So grab your copy of Beauty for Ashes  and join Dorothy and friends on the evening of March 20th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss Dorothy's delightful giveaway and party. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!