Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Book Review: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot
From the publisher's website:
As a seed awaits the spring sunshine, so one young woman hopes for a brighter tomorrow.
Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming the new schoolteacher in Ladreville, Texas, is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he affects her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly conquer the past in order to find happiness?
(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses and Scattered Petals, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the co-founder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler. She lives in Wyoming.
As a seed awaits the spring sunshine, so one young woman hopes for a brighter tomorrow.
Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming the new schoolteacher in Ladreville, Texas, is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he affects her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly conquer the past in order to find happiness?Book 3 in the Texas Dreams series
, Tomorrow's Garden
is a powerful story of overcoming the odds and grabbing hold of happiness.
, Tomorrow's Garden is a powerful story of overcoming the odds and grabbing hold of happiness.My thoughts on the book:
I enjoyed this book, although I liked the second book in the series (Scattered Petals
) better. It was fun reading about what happened to the characters that I read about in the previous book.
) better. It was fun reading about what happened to the characters that I read about in the previous book. I'm not sure why, but it took me a while to finish this one. I don't think it was because it was boring, but I did notice that the author used too many "big words" in this particular novel, something I didn't notice in the second book. They were not words I hadn't heard before (except for the word "megrims"), but it made the tone of the book a little different and caused me to stop reading when I saw one and interrupted the flow of the plot. A few examples of these words are: peregrinations, prognosticative, and "a Gallic shrug" (I'm still not sure what that means).
Aside from that, I thought Mrs. Cabot wrote an interesting plot and tied up the stories of these Texans well. I'm kind of sad that there won't be any more books in this series.
I give Tomorrow's Garden 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
“Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.” 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. (I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses and Scattered Petals, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the co-founder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler. She lives in Wyoming.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Book Review: Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer (and a GIVEAWAY!)
(Be sure and read at the bottom of this post to see how you can enter to win a copy of Beside Still Waters
!)
About the book: Marianna Sommer believes she knows where her life is headed. Nineteen years old and Amish, her plan is to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and live in the only community she's ever known.
When Marianna's family moves from Indiana to Montana she discovers life and faith will never be the same. As she builds an easy friendship with local guy, Ben Stone, Ben not only draws her heart, he also gets her thinking about what loving God and living in community is all about.
As Marianna struggles to find "home", she also encounters God in intimate ways. Click here to watch the book trailers.
Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer begins with a sad scene of an Amish man and his family who are involved in an accident on the road in which two of the children die and another is born prematurely. This 
sets the tone for the rest of the book, where the baby has grown up and is the main character of the book.
I like how Mrs. Goyer represents the Amish in a way that is not "perfect" and realistically portrays their weaknesses as well as their strengths. I feel as though I understand Amish ways a little more now as a result of reading this book.
I most like the character Ben, who is Marianna's new friend in Montana who demonstrates to her the joy to be found in a meaningful relationship with God. He seems like the kind of friend any of us would love to have.
Beside Still Waters is a fun and entertaining read. I give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
(I received this book from LitFuse for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
Link to buy the book: http://triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#BesideStillWaters
About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon
, The Swiss Courier
, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough
. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. Visit http://www.triciagoyer.com/ for more info.
Details at Tricia’s blog, It’s Real Life: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2011/04/beside-still-waters-giveaway.html
BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last!
!)About the book: Marianna Sommer believes she knows where her life is headed. Nineteen years old and Amish, her plan is to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and live in the only community she's ever known.
When Marianna's family moves from Indiana to Montana she discovers life and faith will never be the same. As she builds an easy friendship with local guy, Ben Stone, Ben not only draws her heart, he also gets her thinking about what loving God and living in community is all about.
As Marianna struggles to find "home", she also encounters God in intimate ways. Click here to watch the book trailers.
Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer begins with a sad scene of an Amish man and his family who are involved in an accident on the road in which two of the children die and another is born prematurely. This sets the tone for the rest of the book, where the baby has grown up and is the main character of the book.Marianna has felt pressure from her parents all her life to become like the sisters she never knew. And when her brother decides to leave the community to follow the ways of the "Englisch", Marianna's parents decide that the best thing to do to protect the remaining children is to move to Montana.
Many experiences with the Englisch in her new home help Marianna see the rigid ways of her people and she begins to see the joy they find in knowing God in a deeper and more personal way.
I like how Mrs. Goyer represents the Amish in a way that is not "perfect" and realistically portrays their weaknesses as well as their strengths. I feel as though I understand Amish ways a little more now as a result of reading this book.
I most like the character Ben, who is Marianna's new friend in Montana who demonstrates to her the joy to be found in a meaningful relationship with God. He seems like the kind of friend any of us would love to have.
Beside Still Waters
is a fun and entertaining read. I give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.(I received this book from LitFuse for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
Link to buy the book: http://triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#BesideStillWaters
About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. Visit http://www.triciagoyer.com/ for more info.About Beside Still Waters Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of the first book in the Big Sky Amish series Tricia is giving away 10 copies of Beside Still Waters and a pair of super cute antique Amish salt & pepper shakers.
and a pair of super cute antique Amish salt & pepper shakers.Details at Tricia’s blog, It’s Real Life: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2011/04/beside-still-waters-giveaway.html
BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
WWW Wednesdays
WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!
What I am currently reading: The Walk by Richard Paul Evans - Like I said last week, I need to read this book before I can read Mr. Evans' newest one, Miles To Go
. Then I will review them both.
What I recently finished reading: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot - I liked Mrs. Cabot's last book in the Texas Dreams trilogy, but not as much as the second one. Review to come tomorrow.
What I'll probably read next: The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker
- I have been waiting for this book for a while. Ted Dekker is one of my favorite fiction authors. Even though he is a bit macabre at times, he clearly illustrates the stark contrast of good vs. evil.
What I am currently reading: The Walk by Richard Paul Evans - Like I said last week, I need to read this book before I can read Mr. Evans' newest one, Miles To Go
. Then I will review them both.What I recently finished reading: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot - I liked Mrs. Cabot's last book in the Texas Dreams trilogy, but not as much as the second one. Review to come tomorrow.What I'll probably read next: The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker - I have been waiting for this book for a while. Ted Dekker is one of my favorite fiction authors. Even though he is a bit macabre at times, he clearly illustrates the stark contrast of good vs. evil.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
FIRST Wild Card Tour: That's When I Talk to God by Dan and Ali Morrow
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card authors are:
and the book:
David C. Cook (April 1, 2011)
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dan and Ali Morrow are parents of two wonderful daughters. When they’re not writing children’s books, they like to go on adventures around their Colorado home. They are the authors of That’s Where God Is (2010), their first children’s release. Visit the authors' website.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Cory Godbey illustrates, animates, and writes for Portland Studios, a creative firm dedicated to telling great stories and pursuing excellence in art. He has contributed to projects such as Zune Arts, Flight graphic novel anthologies, and has worked with many major publishers.
Recently, Cory was accepted in the acclaimed Society of Illustrators Annual.
Cory seeks to tell stories with his work.
He also likes drawing monsters.
Visit the illustrator'swebsite.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Targeted to children four to eight, That’s When I Talk to God mirrors the day of the typical child, creating an opportunity for readers to put the practices in the story to use in their own lives. Through beautiful illustrations and an engaging, familiar character, readers can relate to That’s When I Talk to God. Children will learn to go to God with their fears, their joys, their questions, and their desires. They will also learn the hows, whens, and whys of praying to the Lord in a way they can easily apply to their own experiences. And adults will be reminded to communicate the benefit, simplicity, and beauty of prayer.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434700186
ISBN-13: 978-1434700186
AND NOW...THE FIRST FEW PAGES (Click on the pictures to enlarge them!):
Friday, April 15, 2011
Business Ideas for Teens
Yesterday, I posted a review for a book for teens entitled Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp. Today I want to share an article with you written by Mrs. Topp that gives ideas for businesses that teens can start. These are low cost businesses that are relatively easy to get going. I hope this will be helpful for you.
Spring Cleaning - A Time for Teenagers to Make Money
Spring Cleaning - A Time for Teenagers to Make Money
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Book Review: Starting a Micro Business by Carol Topp (and a GIVEAWAY!)
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1
(Cincinnati, OH) With unemployment rates high, the teen population is finding it harder and harder to find work. Adults are competing for the same minimum wage jobs. But there’s an alternative—starting a micro business. What is a micro business? It is a very small, one-person business that you can start easily and quickly with what you already know or own. No money needed, low risk and no debt! Students can spend as much time running a micro business as they wish and can even close it down during busy times. The best advantage for teens to own a micro business is that it not only brings in extra cash (often more than imagined), but students end up learning a great deal about business, money and themselves. It may lead to an entrepreneurial life or at the very least, prepare students for higher learning opportunities.
Starting a Micro Business will help teenagers earn money while learning how to start their own business. A micro business is simple to start, usually home-based, low risk, educational and easy for a busy student to run. This book offers ideas, a business plan, starting with no debt, pitfalls to avoid and resources to get a teenager started making money running their own micro business.
From the book's website:
"Starting a micro business will help teenagers earn money while learning a lot. A micro business is simple to start, usually home-based, low risk, educational and easy for a busy student to run. This book offers ideas, a business plan, pitfalls to avoid and resources to get a teenager started making money running their own micro business."
Since the book to be reviewed today is a book written primarily to teens, I asked my son, who is fourteen years old, to be a guest reviewer. This is what he says about it:"I found Starting a Micro Business to be more helpful than the 'Dummy' books I have read on the same subject. The real-life examples are helpful. The information is useful and I hope to use the book in the future to start my own micro business. I believe every teen who wants to start their own business should read this book and that it will help them succeed."
I agree with him. Although small in size (112 pages), it is full of information for teens to help them get started with:
1. Getting an idea for their business
2. Writing a business plan
3. Avoiding common problems
4. Financing their business
If you have a young person in your family who is thinking about having their own business, this is a great resource to own. I give Starting a Micro Business for Teens 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
(Tomorrow I will have a bio of the author, Carol Topp, and an article on business ideas for teens.)
(I received this book from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
GRAND PRIZE!
One commenter will receive: The Complete Set of Carol Topp's Micro Business for Teens Series
(Winner will receive the four books shown below)
Starting a Micro BusinessISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1
Retail price: $9.95
Running a Micro BusinessISBN: 978-0-09829245-1-8
Retail price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-3-2
Retail price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-2-5
Retail price: $14.95
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
WWW Wednesdays
WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!
What I am currently reading: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot - I just started this one, so I can't sy much about it yet. I'll be reviewing it for Revell during the week of April 17-23.
What I recently finished reading: The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir
- I enjoyed this detective novel. The main character was, well, quite a character! Review to come soon....
What I'll probably read next: The Walk by Richard Paul Evans - I have Mr. Evans' newest book, Miles to Go, to read for review, so I need to read The Walk first since the other is a sequel to it.
What are you reading? If you have a link to your recent reviews, please add them in the comments.
What I am currently reading: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot
- I just started this one, so I can't sy much about it yet. I'll be reviewing it for Revell during the week of April 17-23.What I recently finished reading: The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir
- I enjoyed this detective novel. The main character was, well, quite a character! Review to come soon....What I'll probably read next: The Walk by Richard Paul Evans
- I have Mr. Evans' newest book, Miles to Go, to read for review, so I need to read The Walk first since the other is a sequel to it. What are you reading? If you have a link to your recent reviews, please add them in the comments.
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