Alone Yet Not Alone-book review

 

 


About the book:

A miraculous survival. An extraordinary faith. Autumn 1755. Settled in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, deep within America's new frontier, the Leininger family celebrates the blessings of a beautiful homestead and bountiful harvest. Until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French-Indian War, and the devastating raid known as the Penn's Creek Massacre. The lives of this simple, God-fearing family are forever altered when Barbara and Regina, two young sisters, are carried away by a band of Allegheny warriors. Driven by their faith in God and the powerful bonds of family, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again.


About the Author:

Tracy Leininger Craven loves history and retelling real-life stories in her historical fiction books. She also loves spending her free time in the great outdoors with her husband David and their three children.

My Opinion:

I started this book at 11:00 pm one night thinking I'd just read for a bit and then fall asleep.  However, that wasn't what happened.  I stayed up until about 1:00 am so I could finish the book, I literally couldn't put it down.  I'm a homeschool mom and last year we studied US history up to 1860.  This book would have been a perfect read aloud for the previous school year (since it's set in 1755) but it has a lot wonderful Christian values, faith, and actions so we are reading it this year for school. Barbara goes through many trials and tribulations including having her hair and skin dyed (yikes), you won't want to miss out on this amazing adventure that was based on a TRUE story. It has been a good review for some of the history that's incorporated through out the book.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for children 12 and up to read on their own but for any age as a family read aloud. 




 I'm so excited that the movie will be coming out in theaters on September 27th, 2013.  We're going to see it on opening day because my children and I are enjoying the books so much.  The movie has already received 5 Dove Awards and is family approved for ages 12+

 

Watch the trailer:






The Giveaway details:

I'm happy to be able to share a giveaway of this action packed book with my fantastic readers.  Leave a comment about your favorite time in history or favorite historical novel.  Please make sure your email address is posted so I can contact you if you are the winner.  Contest ends Sept. 4th, 2013 and is for US residents 18 years and older.




Media info:

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Alone Yet Not Alone-official website



 

Thanks for reading,

 

 

Redeeming Love-book review

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Paperback is $14.99 or 

Hardcover $19.99

About the book:

Can God’s Love Save Anyone? 
California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.  Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go.  A life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. Over 1 million copies sold!

The Author: Francine Rivers

"New York Times" best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith.

 First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. 

Since "Redeeming Love," Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes--all best sellers--and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

 Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

My Opinion:

My sister in law, Connie is credited with getting me to read this wonderful book.  She went on and on about how fantastic it was.  I knew that I HAD to read it after the glowing review from Connie.  Once it arrived at my door step I couldn't put it down and it's a really thick book (482 pages)!  I'm a little ashamed to say that I let the laundry pile up and the housework go for several days, I was absorbed and couldn't wait to find out what happened to Angel/Sarah.  This is a must read if you love Christian fiction!  I've become a huge fan of Francine Rivers, her writing is amazing and just pulls the reader in like a tractor beam (my nerdy Star Trek side coming out).  I can't wait for the movie to come out, I'll be one of the first ones in line to see it!

If you'd like to read Chapter 1 of Redeeming Love click on the link

Thanks for reading,

 

I am Second

 

As soon as I heard about I am Second I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about this ministry and why it's impacting not just our nation but the whole globe.  First, I went to I am Second's website and read everything about them.  All they really want to do is show everyone that we all have struggles but you can overcome them with the power of God.  Next, I watched the videos the first one I saw was of Bailee Madison.  Wow, this little girl blew me away with her humbleness, humility, love for the Lord and for giving all of the glory to God.  This amazing young lady is well known for playing May Belle Aarons in the movie Bridge to Terabithia as well as a guest on many Disney TV shows, and several other movies.  She must have some amazing parents that are raising her right and have set her eyes on the One who should be number one in our lives.

 

Next, I watched the video that Annie Lobert did. I didn't know who she was or what she had struggled with in her life.  This is a totally different end of the spectrum from little Bailee Madison.  Annie starts by talking about how she was always searching for love and affection from men because she never received it from her dad.  Men, this shows us that you need to love on your little princesses, wrestle with them, make sure you are a part of their life and that they know you love them.  You do not want them searching for love in all the wrong places.  Annie, resorted to prostitution, drugs and was at her very lowest point when she cried out to Jesus and He saved her.  Now, she's second and He's first in her life.  This is a very powerful story that will bring you to tears!  Here it is just in case you want to watch it.

 

 Think about who is first in your life, is it you, your friends, husband, children?  If you realize that one of these are first in your life take a step back and re-prioritize make Jesus first and yourself second.  After you do that everything will start falling into place and He will direct your path.  If you're struggling in life and can't seem to find a way out of your situation I am Second would love to help you.
  Reach out to them, they are available 24 hours a day every day of the week

7 to discuss how Christ can be first in your life.

 

Call 1-800-633-3446

or

Email: info@iamsecond.com

 

they even offer live chatting on their website click here to be taken to the live chat page.

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Iam2nd.Nashville

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IamSecond

Website:  http://www.iamsecond.com

If you would like the opportunity help make more of these powerful, God inspired videos here's an easy way to help.

Give Change, Make Change- Many more stories are waiting to be told.  You can help.  Commit $2 every Tuesday to build film funds, and your contribution will be used to develop, produce and promote new films. Join the project and become an I am Second insider with access to exclusive content via Facebook.  For more info on this exciting opportunity click Seconds to Change.

Thanks for reading,

Typecrush-game review

My kids are 12 and 13 and they're at the age that's really fun to play games.  When we have family game night we laugh all night long.  Of course, they are very competitive too and want to win, don't we all!  Anyway, when the game Typecrush came up for review we jumped at the opportunity to add another game to our game night fun and it's also educational so we can play it during school too! 

 I thought it was sweet that Kylan chose love for his word.

The one rule is simple- whoever solves the word first gets to choose the next word.

We like to play themes, for example since we're learning about US History we try to incorporate as many US States, presidents, etc. into a round.  You could choose colors, shapes, foods, animals, your options are endless as long as you have a great imagination.

 

How to play:

Use the chart on the right and the hint displayed to solve the word below.
Each colored circle represents a letter from the corresponding color bar in the chart.

 

and this picture shows the answer is pizza

 

 

Typecrush is recommended for ages 7 and up.  All materials are 100% recycled and the game is handcrafted in the USA.  Everything you see in the picture below is what you get when you purchase Typecrush.  The price is $25 and shipping is free=BONUS

I like that this game comes in a small tube with a screw on lid.  It's easy to take anywhere because it's about the size of a soft drink can.  We've taken it camping and on a road trip and the kids also like to plop down on the living room floor and play.  Clean up is a breeze because everything easily fits back inside the tube.

 

To contact Typecrush click on one of the links below.

Twitter

 Facebook

 Pinterest

 Instagram

 

To see what other moms have to say about Typecrush click on the Mosaics button below.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

 

Earn some free books from Tyndale!

Anyone in bloggerland like FREE books?  I know I do!  Count me in if it's books and FREE.  If you like to share info through Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. you can earn some free books from the new Tyndale Rewards Program.

 

I've blogged for Tyndale for a couple of years and always find books that I enjoy and some that my children enjoy too.  Several months ago I blogged about a devotional Bible that Makenzie really wanted for tweens.  It was a gorgeous book and really spoke to her on her level.  That's just one of the many rewards you can earn. Incentives in the program include a free gift on your birthday, FREE books including audio books (yippee),
sharing your recommendations on products. So, the more you participate the more you earn!

Here's a great video that Tyndale has put together to help you learn more about their rewards program.

 

Earning points is easy! Some of the many ways to earn points are the following:
 

~taking a survey

~subscribe to a newsletter or devotional

~share the Rewards Program with friends

~join the birthday club

~join a focus group

~review Tyndale products

~share about the program on social media

It's easy to join all you need to do is click here and the link will take you to the sign up page.

Thanks for reading,