Thunder: Stone Braide Chronicles *Book Review* + Giveaway

In post-apocalyptic America, Selah Chavez is crouched in long grass on a shore littered with the rusted metal remnants of a once-great city. It is the day before her eighteenth Born Remembrance, and she is hunting, though many people refuse to eat animal flesh, tainted by radiation during the Time of Sorrows. What Selah's really after are Landers, mysterious people from a land across the big water who survive the delirium-inducing passage in small boats that occasionally crash against the shoreline. She knows she should leave the capture to the men, but Landers bring a good price from the Company and are especially prized if they keep the markings they arrive with.

Everything falls to pieces when the Lander Selah catches is stolen by her brothers--and Selah wakes up the next morning to find the Lander's distinctive mark has suddenly appeared on her own flesh. Once the hunter, Selah is now one of the hunted, and she knows only one person who can help her--Bohdi Locke, the Lander her brothers hope to sell.

This is Book 1 in the Stone Braide Chronicles series.

When Selah woke with the marking of a Lander, her mom insisted she pack her things and leave before her father returned. She didn't understand other than the fact her "father" wasn't really her father and she had been kept in the dark about this her whole life. She knew what she needed to do first....find Bohdi!

Selah has quite the adventure finding the person that changed her life with one touch. She must remain hidden from everyday people because instead of hunting them herself she is being hunted. She is one of them.

With evocative descriptions of a strange new world that combines elements of scientific advances, political intrigue, and wilderness survival, Bonnie S. Calhoun weaves a captivating tale of a world more like her own than we may want to admit!

This book will be available everywhere Oct. 2014

If you're interested in reading the first chapter please do so here.

Thanks to Family Christian for this book to review

GIVEAWAY TIME

A Home In Drayton Valley *Book Review*

It was her best friend's dying wish. What else could she do?

New York was a crowded, disgusting place to live for some families in the 1880s. Tarsie Raines had dreams of moving away to greener pastures. She just needed to convince her best friend Mary that it was the best thing for her family as well. Tarsie didn't have a husband or children to worry about, but Mary would need to pray and convince her husband.

Joss was miserable with worry about how to take care of his family. It's hard to do when you have a drinking and gambling problem. He owed so much money. He could barely afford food for his family. His wife was ill all the time it seemed. When his next check came in it was all going towards his debt. He couldn't let that happen so he agreed to join a wagon train to Kansas.

The journey was a long one. Some unexpected things came up trying to reach their new home. 

This was a good story about a man who grew up with no love from his papa. He didn't think he could be a good dad to his own children either. God puts someone in his life to help him see that he only needs one Father to teach him how to be a good papa. Such a sweet ending about the powerful changes God can make in a person's life if they give Him a chance.

Book provided by Bethany House for this review.

PERSECUTED *A Book Review* + Giveaway

About The Book:

The Question Is Not IF Attempts Will Be Made to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When....

The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical. But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option--putting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation's freedoms.

OK, I must tell you....I requested to review this book because there's nothing like a good, suspenseful mystery. I also didn't know if I was going to like it. Politics and government are the last thing I really wanted to be reading about. 

I was hoping to receive this book in time for my 1500 mile trek back home to visit my family in IL. Well, it didn't make it and I thought the review needed to be posted by July 13th. What day did I return you ask? The evening of July 12th. So I tell my hubby that I will be locking myself away to get this book read before midnight on the 13th. 

I finally decided to check my email between chapters, and wouldn't you know that it's not due until July 18th! What a relief...so here I found out I had more time, BUT I couldn't stop reading! This story had pulled me in and I couldn't turn away. I had to know what was happening next.

Politics will cause people to do some pretty disturbing things. I would have never imagined John's "friend" would even consider something like this. After I read this story I watched the trailer for the upcoming movie, and I am looking forward to seeing it. Right now it won't be showing at a theater within 50 miles from me...Booo. I hope that changes. The writer left it open in case something else should happen to John and his family, so maybe there will be a sequel to this story.

I really hate giving away all the goods to the story in my reviews so you really must read it yourself if you want to know everything! 

About The Author:

Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about the intersection of faith and pop culture for more than a decade. He's also the author of Offworld and The Dominion Trilogy . Robin and his wife and children live in North Carolina. Visit Robin's website...www.robinparrish.com

Visit the official movie website

Check them out on Facebook

GIVEAWAY TIME

1 winner will receive a copy of this book

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Bob's Red Mill Granola

Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods is an employee-owned company

that is a leader in natural, organic, and gluten-free foods. Their

mission to promote “whole grains for every meal of the day” is

backed by a diverse line of over 400 products, including whole

grains, flours, cereals, baking mixes, and more. With a dedicated

gluten-free manufacturing facility, strict quality control protocols,

and an in-house gluten-testing laboratory, Bob’s Red Mill is one

of the most trusted sources for safe gluten-free products.

For our party I set up a yogurt bar. I had different flavors of yogurt and the different types of granola.

Everyone seemed to have a favorite flavor.

I loved the strawberry yogurt with the apple blueberry granola.

My guests were thrilled to take home a sample pack and a coupon!

Just the facts

• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Granola is made with specially selected non-GMO ingredients that are handled carefully every step of the way to maintain gluten-free safety.

• These scrumptious whole grain cereals contain crunchy clusters

and a delicate, lightly sweet flavor. They are the perfect choice for a convenient healthy breakfast or wholesome anytime snack.

• The Gluten Free Granola can be prepared as a hot or cold cereal, with yogurt, or straight out of the bag. The possibilities are endless!

• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Granola is made with whole grains and is completely gluten free (handled in a dedicated gluten-free facility and each batch goes through the R5 ELISA gluten test to verify purity).

• The ready-to-eat granola is a good source of fiber.

• The retail price for Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Granola is $4.29 for a 12 oz. package; prices may vary based on retailer.

Where to purchase

Bob’s Red Mill products are sold at

supermarkets and natural food stores

nationwide and online at bobsredmill.com.

Learn more online

 bobsredmill.com

 facebook.com/BobsRedMillNaturalFoods

 twitter.com/bobsredmill

 pinterest.com/bobsredmill

 instagram.com/bobsredmill

Thank you greenmomsmeet and Bob's Red Mill for the products to review.

Sock Monkey Costume Review

 My little one searched the girl costume section of the Costume Supercenter site for the perfect dress-up. She really couldn't decide until she saw this adorable Sock Monkey one. 

This costume is made with good quality material that won't tear after one day of wearing it. It's held together really well so far.

If you're feeling super crafty you can purchase a Sock Monkey kit to make and carry around. You know how they have matching dresses for the dolls? Well here you can have matching sock monkey ;).

So, just remember when you need a costume to check out their supercenter. Fabulous products for a great price! For my fellow military friends and family....they offer a military discount. AWESOMENESS!

Costume provided by Wholesale Halloween Costumes for this review. Opinions are my own.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered *TV Show Review*

The new original series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" is a wonderful combination of romance, comedy and drama that follows the lives of four postal detectives who transform themselves into a team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time. The team includes charming Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), the group's leader is a man of faith who prayerfully approaches his work with the goal of making a difference in people's lives; new team member, Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), a technophile who brings 21st century sensibility to the group; free-spirited, “girl next door” Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) who has a photographic memory; and lovable Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), a master in conventional research methods. 

The show airs SUNDAYS, 8/7c on Hallmark

I had the privilege of reviewing an episode of Signed, Sealed, Delivered and I LOVED it! I can't help but get excited about something that is safe for the whole family to watch. It really is hard to find wholesome television shows these days. I can watch this with my kids and not worry about it. It incorporates scripture in the dialogue between characters and in it's theme.

I thought this episode was so cute. I used to work in the field with developmentally disabled adults so this one really touched a special place in my heart. The actor and actress that the letter concerned did such a great job with their characters! I wish I had Hallmark Channel to see the upcoming episodes! 

I also LOVE the fact that The American Bible Society has a bible study that goes along with each episode! Am I the only one excited about this? There's some great family study time right there!

This incredible series even incorporates scripture in its themes and in the conversations between characters.  In FACT, The American Bible Society has built a bible study to go with the series, Sign up for that here:

http://www.americanbible.org/features/signed-sealed-delivered

A seven-day Bible reading experience to dig deeper into the meaningful biblical themes revealed in each episode of Signed, Sealed, Delivered. YOU MUST SIGN UP! You'll be glad you did.

FIND OUT MORE

Check out the show's Website

Their Facebook

Facebook for creator Martha Williamson

If you have the Hallmark Channel I really hope you get a chance to watch this series and experience the biblical teachings involved.


Thank you Flyby Promotions and Hallmark Channel for this opportunity to review this show.

Alone Yet Not Alone *Book Review* + Giveaway

Faith, hope, bravery, and survival. This was a beautifully written story that I couldn't stop reading! I love to read anything that is based on true events, and the older in history the story is the better. This book did not disappoint. When I first received this book I gave it to my almost 11 yr old son. He read the first couple of pages, but wasn't really interested in it yet. He said he'll read it later, so I will return to this post and add his comments and thoughts on the book after he does that.

This story is for younger readers ages 8 and up.

About the Story

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. That is, until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French and 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 hole firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again.

Rich in historical details, Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, true story of a family caught in the cross fire of the French and Indian War.

My Thoughts
It's 1755, war is brewing, and they are just going about their day to day lives. These families had no idea things were about to change so drastically. 

The strength and courage that Barbara had were a blessing from above. God really can get you through the toughest of times as long as you believe. It takes hope and faith in what God can do. He got these girls through many adversities. 

Regina, her younger sister, had been put with another tribe years earlier. Barbara could only pray that her sister would continue to put her faith in the Lord as well. 

Barbara and 3 other captives attempt to escape. Her past attempt had failed and if she was caught death would be her punishment. I found myself hoping it would all work out for her and her friends as I read.

This book is full of adventure and Christian values. They were alone without family surrounding them, yet not alone...Praise the Lord!

I just really look forward to seeing this movie when it comes out.

The feature film will be released in theaters June 13th 2014!

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.

Check out the official movie website Here

Like them on Facebook

Reserve your tickets Here

Thanks to Zondervan for the review copy of this book. Opinions are my own. "Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

GIVEAWAY TIME

1 copy of the book for you