Friends 4Ever Bracelet Kit: Growing Tree Toys Review

I have only been a mom for three and a half years, but I have been a trained Early Childhood Educator for over 10 years and I know the value of play-based learning. If I find a toy that is high quality in make and design, is fun and teaches my children something, I know I have found a toy worth buying.

One company out there that provides fun, educational toys for children of all ages is Alex Toys. Through the Growing Tree Toys Blog Network Program, I was recently sent the Alex Friends 4Ever Bracelet Kit to review.

The Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit from Alex Toys allows kids to show the world that they are so important to each other that they share and wear their imaginative bracelet masterpieces everywhere they go! A super-stocked craft kit for best friends, the Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit includes 4 color-coded foam looms, which allow kids to make 2 distinct bracelet styles in 8 funky patterns; 22 colors of floss; funky beads for adding special accents; and a beading needle, making it easy for kids to create unique friendship bracelets in no time. Plus, this fabulous Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit is the friendship kit that features a convenient, take-me-anywhere storage suitcase with handle for on-the-go fun that friends will love. The newest and trendiest way to make bracelets, the Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit from Alex Toys is the ultimate jewelry kit for kids that have already decided that they are "BFF's!" Instructions included.

I have been getting quite a kick over the fact that all the toys and television shows that I watched as a child are coming back 20+ years later (okay, seriously I just scared myself!)...Smurfs, Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, Care Bears, Stirrup Pants, and now Friendship Bracelets. 

Alex Toys has put out a great starter kit for young kids to make and trade these bracelets with all their friends.  Any child interested in crafts, and making things will be happy to receive this kit! The colors of the yarn are bright and fun, and the yarn itself is quite durable. I very much agree with the age recommendation of 8+ for the Alex Friends 4Ever Bracelet Kit, as it does take stronger fine motor skills to learn to make the bracelets. That said, once your child gets going, they will be begging to by more floss from your local craft store! 


This kit is a perfect summer craft idea that will keep your child busy for hours. It will also make a fantastic Christmas gift idea!


I highly recommend the Alex Friends 4Ever Bracelet Kit and give it a huge thumbs up!


BUY IT: You can purchase the Alex Friends 4Ever Bracelet Kit online, through Growing Tree Toys.


***Thank you to Growing Tree Toys for providing me with a complimentary Alex Friends 4Ever Bracelet Kit, for the purpose of review on this blog***

From My Mama's Kitchen: A Book Review

About The Book:

From My Mama’s Kitchen – “food for the soul, recipes for living” is a wonderful keepsake book about motherly love. It is a tribute to acknowledge and honor moms all over the world for their spiritual and inspirational contribution in making a positive difference in the lives of their children and their loved ones.

Adopted at birth in Malaysia, and later moving to the United States to attend college, Johnny Tan’s life journey led him into crossing paths with various women he admiringly referred to as “Mom.”

It is from his 9 moms’ insightful parenting skills and motivational words of wisdom that guided Johnny in decoding the many mysteries and challenges of everyday living. This served as the wonderful backdrop for everyone to reflect back and rekindle their own memories with their moms – during the various heartfelt moments that might have otherwise been forgotten.

Entertaining, inspiring, and educational, Johnny has managed to bring “motherly love” to center stage, honoring the various significant roles mothers play in our daily lives – the forgotten heroes of our time!



About The Author:


In 2001, I left a successful career as the Chief Operating Officer of a major company to pursue a life-long dream of owning my own business. Today, The Reyna Collection® is a premier multi-resource group located in the Dallas Market Center.

In April 2007, after being inspired, and encouraged by my various “moms,” I began a new project – a book titled, “From My Mamaʼs Kitchen – food for the soul, recipes for living.” Spiritually driven, I finished writing this heart-felt memories and words of wisdom expressed by my 9 moms, whom I have met at different points of my life over the years, in 9 months. I wrote to honor and pay tribute to moms all over the world for their spiritual and inspirational contributions in making a positive difference in the lives of their loved ones, through the various roles of being a teacher, a coach, and a counselor. I
used the kitchen as the backdrop because it is and will always be the heart and soul of every home.

In April of 2009, I launched From My Mama's Kitchen Talk Radio (FMMK Talk Radio). This weekly internet radio show serves as a resource center for women and mothers everywhere by bringing inspirational, spiritual, and motivational stories from our special guests of ordinary people especially mothers doing extraordinary things.

I am a member of the Writersʼ Guild of Texas, Speakers Co-op of Dallas, and I am also an accomplished amateur ballroom dancer. I have performed with various dance partners for more than 10 years at various ballroom and charity events in Louisiana and Texas.

I currently reside in Dallas, Texas.

My Review:

I loved this book! Johnny Tan takes you on a wonderful retrospective journey of the impact of a mom in one's life! In his case, nine moms!

What an incredible read. With sincere and heart felt honesty, Tan reminded me to take time to let my own mom know just how much she means to me and what she taught me.  As an adopted child, I know the gift that was given to me as a toddler and I will forever be thankful for the gift of family I was given.

Now, as a mom myself, Tan has made me realize the gift and legacy I am giving to my own girls! This is the perfect gift for any mom in your life!

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!


BUY IT: You can purchase From My Mama's Kitchen online, directly from Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

***Thank you to author, Johnny Tan, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review on this blog***

UPDATED - Lumby On The Air: Book Review & GIVEAWAY

About The Book:

The enchantingly offbeat town of Lumby is surrounded by vast natural beauty -- something its quirky residents have never taken for granted. On Main Street, the town mascot, Hank, a resident pink flamingo, dreams of becoming a bald eagle soaring among the mountain peaks. But when outside forces threaten the very fabric of the town, Hank's feathers aren't the only ones that get ruffled.

Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with a weeklong family reunion and a ceremony to renew their vows. Mark breezily dismisses Pam's misgivings about temporarily closing Montis Inn, and heads off to the county fair to try his hand at both chain saw sculpting and sheep shearing, with chaotic -- and hilarious -- results. Meanwhile, Pam juggles her thrill-seeking mother, who has a new "friend with benefits," and her nonconformist niece, who posts unedited commentaries on her online blog. When Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family, and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit that defines Lumby triumph once again?

About The Author:

Gail Fraser had a successful career in corporate America holding senior executive and upper management positions in several Fortune 500 and start-up corporations. She lives with her husband, Art Poulin, and their two dogs near Saratoga Springs, New York.

For more information, view Gail Fraser's Web site.

My Review:

I recently discovered one of my new favorite authors in Gail Fraser and her Lumby Series! After reading The Lumby Lines, I fell in love with delightful and whimsical characters and writing that is remisnicent of Jan Karon. When I was approached to review Lumby On The Air, I immediately said yes! 

With each chapter, your emotions will come alive with the antics of the townspeople of Lumby, and learn about past relationship issues that come to a head in this newest edition of the Lumby Series. The book follows several broken relationships and the road to forgiveness and renewal that takes place with a number of characters. There are storylines within this novel that will appeal to both young and old. It is also a very clean book, so could easily be read by young adults (16+). 

Lumby On The Air will take you to a place that is full of small town warmth, hospitality and generosity. You will learn the importance of family, friends and community as you read this delightful book! 

I have been so impressed with this series that I was hoping it was not done. And it's not....there will be more coming soon! WooHoo! I cannot wait to see what is next for the folks of Lumby. I have already added them to my TBR List and I am very excited to see where Gail Fraser takes the town of Lumby next! 

Lumby On The Air is a perfect summer/beach read and I give it a HUGE thumbs up!!

BUY IT: Lumby On The Air will be available online, through Amazon.com and Amazon.ca in July 2010 - it will also be available through your favorite local bookseller.

WIN IT: One (1) reader will win a copy of Lumby On The Air


TO ENTER: Leave me a comment about any of my posts from this week


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GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 14, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***Thank you to FSB Media for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review on this blog***

Blogmania Sponsor: Discovery Toys

As a mom and trained Early Childhood Educator, I am always looking for fun, yet educational toys for my children, and the children I work with. In September 2008 I joined Discovery Toys as a way to get some great toys for my then 11 month old daughter, and make some extra money at the same time.

About Discovery Toys:

Founded by an early childhood educator in 1978, Discovery Toys continues to grow from a passion for education. Today, it is the leader in learning toys for early childhood education as the foremost direct marketing company of its kind in the category.

 The company’s toys, books, games, and music categories are sold by age-appropriate groups: infant to toddler, toddler to preschool and school years. Best in class, Discovery Toys combines multiple levels of learning in every toy and safety and quality standards beyond the national standards.

 One on one interaction between DT Educational Consultants, parents, and children brings to life the promise of helping children learn through play. As a natural extension of what teachers and parents do and love, it’s no surprise that many of the thousands of Educational Consultants are one or both.

 Today, interest in the intersection of education and play continues to grow. Discovery Toys is prepared for unprecedented growth and opportunity for both the network and the children it serves.

Head over to Discovery Toys, where you can shop online, find a consultant, find out how to host a Discovery Toys party, and find out how to become part of Discovery Toys and start your own home business.

If you are in Canada, you can contact me directly to place an order today!

BLOGMANIA SPONSOR NEWS:

I am very excited to announce that I will be sponsoring three prize packs for BLOGMANIA!!! There will be one each for infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children. 

Stop by on Sept. 15 & 16 to find out

what great Discovery Toys products

you can win for your child!

Blogmania Sponsor Feature: Golden Path Alchemy

I recently did a review for Golden Path Alchemy and I love the products. I would like to once again introduce you to this fantastic company:

About Golden Path Alchemy:

Golden Path Alchemy is a holistic, handmade, herbal skin care company. We combine Chinese herbs, Western herbs, therapeutic essential oils, flower essences and gem elixirs to create powerful healing blends that transform your skin from ordinary to extraordinary.

Our products are handmade in small batches with all-natural, local and certified organic ingredients to ensure freshness and potency. Each product is rich with the all the nourishment your skin needs to reveal your radiant beauty. 

Discover which lines will Awaken, Purify, Refine, Renew and Illuminate your skin, body and spirit.

 

 

What Makes Golden Path Alchemy Unique?

***We formulate all of our skin care products in small batches. This ensures their quality and freshness. To maintain the integrity of our products we suggest you store some of them in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place.

***We have an organic garden in Montecito, California where we grow a portion of our raw materials for floral waters, tinctures and infusions of local herbs and flowers.

***We use no testing on animals

***We appreciate that the skin is the body’s largest organ and anything that you put on it you should be able to safely absorb. Since we consider all of our products “Food for the Skin” they are pure enough to eat, but we hope you’ll use them according to directions. All products are "food grade"

***We use the freshest, local, organic raw materials available and we indicate the use of certified organic materials in the ingredient list.

***We do not use any synthetic materials or chemical ingredients. No parabens, laurel sulfates, phthalates, petrochemicals (mineral oil, paraffin, 1,4 dioxane just to name a few), pesticides, propylene glycols or any of their many derivatives. No irradiated herbs, GMO’s, soy, wheat, synthetic fragrance, urea, EDTA, artificial colors, alkoxylated amides (such as TEA, DEA, MEA and MIPA) mercury, placenta, lead acetate, hydroquinone, synthetic emollients (such as PEG compounds), synthetic alcohols, silicones, artificial colors or synthetic preservatives

***We bottle our products in glass so that plastic does not leech into our products. Glass is also easier to recycle and has less impact on the environment. All printed materials are "green" and recycled packaging is also used.

BLOGMANIA SPONSOR!!!!

Golden Path Alchemy has generously sponsored a prize for BLOGMANIA with a package worth $100!!! Check back on Sept. 15 & 16 to find out what's in it!!! 

Promises To Keep: Review & Giveaway

About The Book:

Successful photographer Callie Perry thinks she has a pretty perfect life, although it may not be everyone's idea of happiness: a great job, lots of time with her daughters, but a workaholic husband. She couldn't be more unlike Steff, her younger sister, who has never held down a job—or a boyfriend—for more than six months. Walter and Honor, their divorced and perpetually feuding parents, have almost given up hope that Steff will ever learn what it is to be responsible … until they all receive a shocking email that changes their lives forever, and brings them together one extraordinary summer in Maine.

Promises to Keep is about the hard choices we sometimes have to make, about having to be your parents' child long after you've grown up—and about the enduring nature of love.

About The Author:

Jane Green was born and brought up in London. After abandoning a Fine Art degree and a stint in journalism, she went into public relations and worked for a time on This Morning. Jane then went back into the newspaper world and became a popular feature writer with the Daily Express, before going freelance and starting her first novel. A string of international bestsellers and marriage to an American later, Jane now lives in Connecticut – but flies home to London as often as four children and lots of animals allow.

Jane's hugely successful books include: Straight Talking, Jemima J., Mr Maybe, Bookends, Babyville, Spellbound, The Other Woman, Life Swap and Second Chance.

My Review:

If you want a fantastic summer read that will have you laughing, crying (more often than not), with a strong, well-developed storyline, and a wonderful cast of characters, than you have to read Promises To Keep. It is all this and more. A delightful addition is having a recipe at the end of each chapter. I actually tried a couple of them and they are really quite good! A great portrayal of how family comes together in tough times, regardless of past relationship problems or issues. Loved it!

I have never read works by Jane Green but after reading this book, I will definitely adding this author to my must read list!

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase Promises To Keep online here, directly from Penguin Books Canada. It is also available through your favorite, local bookseller.


WIN IT: One (1) reader will and Advanced Reader Copy of Promises To Keep


MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Penguin Books and tell me one other book you would love to read


EXTRA ENTRIES:


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GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 11, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***Thank you to Penguin Group Canada for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review on this blog***

Switch: Book Review & Giveaway

About The Book:

How far will one man go to save the people he loves most?

Sam White is an out-of-work actor, making a living as a security guard in a shopping mall. He returns home one night to find his house blown up and two body bags being removed from it. He assumes the bodies are those of his wife and daughter, until he receives a call from a man saying they are alive, but will only be spared if Sam follows instructions and completes the increasingly violent tasks set out for him.

When he meets Zack Parker, also a victim of the kidnapper, they realize their pasts are connected, and the two of them must race against time to discover the identity of their sadistic tormentor—staying one step ahead of the police—to save their families.
Set in Portland, Oregon, featuring the spooky and labyrinthine tunnels underneath the city, this is a fantastically commercial, brilliantly paced read from a debut author.

About The Author:

Grant McKenzie is a Scottish-born writer living in British Columbia. He began his writing career at the Calgary Sun covering the “Dead Body Beat.” His short stories have appeared in Out of the Gutter and Spinetingler magazines. His debut novel, Switch, was published in Germany and the U.K. in 2009.

My Review:

If you want to read a thriller that will take you on more twists and turns than a roller coaster, you must read Grant McKenzie's debut novel, Switch. This book had me wondering what was going to come next, with every turn of a page. A very intense, fast-paced, high-emotion and intense psychological thriller that you will not put down until the last page.

A warning though, there are some very disturbing crime scenes and a fair amount of foul language, so if you dislike those in your readings, then you will not want to read this book.

However, with a writing style that is crisp and reminiscent of crime writers like Patterson and Grisham, along with a great group of characters, this is a fantastic debut novel. I look forward to reading more from Mr. McKenzie.

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!


BUY IT: Switch by Grant McKenzie will be available to purchase August 2010 from Penguin Books Canada  -  it will also available through your favorite, local bookseller

WIN IT: One (1) reader will win an Advanced Reader Copy of Switch

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me why you would like to read this book


EXTRA ENTRIES:


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GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 10, 2010

***This book was provided courtesy of Penguin Books Canada, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any manner***

Read & Share: The Jesus Series, Life & Miracles: DVD Review

About The DVD:

Take a wonder-filled journey with Jesus and His disciples.

Animated straight from the pages of the popular Read and Share® Bible, The Jesus Series introduces children to the life of Christ. Unlike the 3-minute, bite-size story format of the Read and Share® DVD Bible Volumes 1-4, this DVD is an uninterrupted half-hour presentation of Jesus' ministry along the shores of Lake Galilee and the villages near Nazareth. Children will see Jesus call His disciples, feed 5,000 people, heal the sick, teach about God’s kingdom and introduce the Lord’s Supper.

This DVD completes The Jesus Series by presenting the life of Christ in a way that little ones can understand and build a solid foundation on.

My Review:

We already own a few of the Read and Share Bible Storybooks and they are a huge hit. Therefore, when I recently had the opportunity  through Book Sneeze (blogging review program from Thomas Nelson Publishers) to review Read and Share: The Jesus Series, Life & Miracles DVD, I jumped at the chance.

It is a very bright and fun DVD that will teach your children the work of Jesus Christ. It is very easy to understand for children, and even my almost  two year old wants to watch the "Jesus Bible Story movie". It is fully animated, and nice sounding, with music in the background, and will keep your child's attention for the full 40 minutes it runs. When your children ask to watch it repeatedly you know a DVD is a winner, and its even better when its a Bible Story DVD, because they are learning very valuable lessons at the same time.

I highly recommend this DVD for any birthday or other special occasion gifts and give it a thumbs up!


BUY IT: You can purchase Read & Share: The Jesus Series, Life & Miracles on DVD online, directly from Thomas Nelson. It is also available through your local Christian Bookseller.

***This DVD was provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson, for the purpose of review on this blog***

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Well it is once again time for Then Sings My Soul Saturday, hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders. It is one of my favorite blog hops that I am part of. The music I listen to every Saturday is so incredibly encouraging. Thank you to all of you that participate!

This week I am focusing on music that is encouraging for Christian marriages. During the last year my husband and I have dealt with some pretty heavy issues with regards to our marriage. We met in 1996 at Bible College and have been married since 1997. In the last few years though there have been some struggles, as we have gone from just the two of us for 9 years to having two children in 21 months. We also dealt with multiple family deaths, and I was diagnosed with cancer. We have dealt with a lot of stress over the last few years, and also got into a rut. T

hat ultimately brought us to a huge valley in our marriage. During the last year we have slowly been climbing out of the valley, with God's strong arms of love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. This is the short version. I have realized since my own parents split up last year (after 35 years of mostly unhappy marriage) that it really does take two to keep a marriage strong and healthy. I recently started to read Gary Thomas' book, Sacred Influence, and have been impacted by a few things he has said thus far (I am only on chapter 3):

"God, not your marital status, or the condition of your marriage, defines your life"

"If you truly want to love, motivate and influence your husband, your first step must be to connect AND stay connected with God. Find your refuge, strength, comfort, security and hope in Him."

Here are a few songs that have been especially encouraging to me over the last almost 14 years that my husband and I have been together, and through this last year or so.



This was the song that was played at our wedding Nov 1997



My husband and I have watched Fireproof, and as a result that is when we realized changes needed to be made in our relationship. I am currently working through The Love Dare and have seen some amazing changes (although small ones, still positive ones). Waiting is not easy for a personality like me who likes to fix things right away...but in the waiting my relationship with God has been improved huge! God is working through me and ultimately through my marriage.





This song from Kutless has been a huge encouragemant to me as of late. My prayer is that it is to you as well. Be blessed!



Also from Fireproof!

Be blessed this week!

The Five Love Languages Of Children: Book Review

About The Book:

Does your child speak a different language? Sometimes they wager for your attention, and other times they ignore you completely. Sometimes they are filled with gratitude and affection, and other times they seem totally indifferent. Attitude. Behavior. Development. Everything depends on the love relationship between you and your child. When children feel loved, they do their best. But how can you make sure your child feels loved?

Since 1992, Dr. Gary Chapman's best-selling book The Five Love Languages has helped more than 300,000 couples develop stronger, more fulfilling relationships by teaching them to speak each others' love language. Each child, too, expresses and receives love through one of five different communication styles. And your love language may be totally different from that of your child. While you are doing all you can to show your child love, he may be hearing it as something completely opposite. Discover your child's primary language and learn what you can do to effectively convey unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will resonate in your child's emotions and behavior

About The Author:

Ross Campbell, M.D is the author of the bestselling book How to Really Love Your Child, which has sold more than one million copies. An associate professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Ross conducts seminars on parent-child relationships. His other titles include The Five Love Languages of Children, Parenting Your Adult Child, How to Really Love Your Teenager, Kids in Danger, and Getting a Clue in a Clueless World.

Gary Chapman is the author of the New York Times bestselling The Five Love Languages book and series. With more than 35 years of pastoring and marriage counseling experience, he travels the world presenting seminars to couples who want to improve their marriage relationship. He is host of the weekly radio program Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, which airs on more than 250 stations. For information, visit FiveLoveLanguages.com. 

My Review:

If you have ever read Chapman's previous work, you know that he states everyone has one of five ways to give love, each of us responds differently to each way and  therefore each of us has a primary love language. The five primary love languages are:

1. Physical touch
2. Quality Time
3. Words Of Affirmation
4. Gifts
5. Acts Of Service

Not only do these love languages pertain to adults, married or not, but also to children. In The Five Love Languages Of Children, Chapman and Campbell show parents and caregivers that by realizing your child's primary love language you can build a relationship with them like you never dreamed. There is a quiz that you can use and determine what your child's primary love language is.

He then gives you key ideas of how to implement each love language. Though the book is designed for children over the age of five, it can be fairly easily adapted to children as young as three. I have used a number of the ideas with my preschool daughter and have seen a definite change in some of her problem behaviors, particularly in the area of temper tantrums.

The Five Love Languages For Children is very well-written and organized, easy to read and easy to implement, regardless of your current relationship with your child! Along with this book, there is also The Five Love Languages Of Teenagers, which I have also read and highly recommend.

If you want to change the relationship you have with your child, you MUST read this book! It will change your life for the better!

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase The Five Love Languages of Children online, through Moody Publishers. It is also available through your local Christian bookseller.

***Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review on this blog***

The Castaways: Book Review and Giveaway

About The Book:

Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.

Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life

About The Author:

Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, PA, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her seven previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa. 

My Review:

I have heard that Hilderbrand's book are a great read, so when I had the opportunity to read her latest release, The Castaways, I jumped at the chance. It was a good read but very different. Each chapter is written from the perspective of each of the characters and the book bounces back and forth between them all. This was initially a little annoying but once you get used to it, you actually end up really getting into the story.

As each chapter is read, you learn more about each of the characters, as well as Tess and Greg. You learn what makes them tick, about their daily lives, affairs, and ultimately some pretty big secrets. The book has two main storylines...the deaths of Greg and Tess, and how the remaining six people deal with the deaths. Though I don't approve of scentationalizing extra-marital affairs, this book shows the consequences that come of them. The book follows the journey of love, love lost, death, forgiveness and moving on from the past.

As a result, you will read a well developed and written book, that will keep you intrigued for hours! It is a great summer read, although a little deep for "beach reading" in my opinion, but great for a road trip or reading with a glass of iced tea on your deck during vacation! I will definitely be looking to read more of Hilderbrand's writing.

BUY IT: You can purchase The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca - it is also available through your local favorite bookseller.


WIN IT: Three readers will win a copy of The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand


MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell my your all time favorite book or author


EXTRA ENTRIES:


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GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA ONLY (NO P.O. BOXES PLEASE)


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 8, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for a review on this blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own***

Audio and Video

The Secrets Of Newberry: Review & Giveaway

About The Book:

For Ivory Bones Arcineaux and Julian Bynote, life in 1950s New Orleans couldn't be sweeter. Friends since they met in an illegal gambling house in Newberry, Louisiana, they have their pick of all the fine women, good food, and hot nights they can handle. They seem to have it made-especially Julian who begins to make a new life for himself after meeting the beautiful, classy Magnolia Garbo at a social. But both men are about to find out that letting the good times roll can be deadly when a simple robbery goes wrong and Julian witnesses Bones murdering a man in cold blood.

About The Author:


Essence bestselling author Victor McGlothin is a former bank vice-president who nearly forfeited an athletic scholarship due to poor reading skills. Ultimately, he overcame that obstacle and later completed a Masters degree in Human Relations & Business. Victor is also an on-line columnist of Victor Said?, a real Brotha to Sistah look at relationship.

Victor lives in Dallas with his wife and two sons.

My Review:

The Secrets Of Newberry is a very good historical thriller, with a well-written storyline and lovable characters. The journey the two main characters take to maintain their loving relationship is amazing.  You will be taken back to the deep south and all the secrets that existed back in 1955 and 1971, and the impact on relationships, as a result. A delightful read that drew me in, with the beautiful descriptions and all the twists! Quite enjoyable!

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase The Secrets Of Newberry at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
              It is also available to purchase through your favorite local bookseller


WIN IT:  Three (3) readers will win a copy of The Secrets Of Newberry


MANDATORY ENTRY:  Head over to Hachette Book Group and let me know one other book you would love to read


EXTRA ENTRIES:


1. Follow this blog


2. Grab my button


3. Subscribe to this blog


4. Follow me on Twitter


5. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA ONLY (NO P.O. BOXES PLEASE)


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 7, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own***

CSN Review: Cuisinart Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer

Recently I had the opportunity to complete a product review for CSN Stores. They have 200+ stores, with products such as cookware, daycare furniture, and much more.

With so many stores and products to choose from, it took me a long time to finally decide on what to review. As a mom, I am often in the kitchen, and I love to bake, especially cookies. One item that I have needed to replace is my mixer. I am not in the position, financially, to afford a heavy duty stand mixer, nor do I have the space for one, but a good quality hand mixer is something I have needed to replace for a while. My last one died on me a few months ago, and I have really missed it.

CSN Stores was able to come to my rescue. I was sent the Cuisinart Power Advantage 7 - Speed Hand Mixer!!!!

The Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer flawlessly and easily mixes even the heaviest ingredients. From dense cookie dough to whipped cream, the powerful motor with automatic feedback can perform any mixing task. And the precision touchpad with digital display shifts speeds with just one touch!

Features:

• 220 watts of power with automatic feedback
• Chrome-plated Cuisinart logo band
• SmoothStart feature with 3 low mixing speeds eliminating splattering
• One-step power switch with 7-speed LED display
• Easy-to-use speed control and beater eject lever
• Swivel cord for right-handed or left-handed use
• Extra-long self cleaning beaters with no center posts
• Professional chef’s whisk and spatula

Specifications:

• Instruction and recipe book included
• Limited 3-year warranty
• Overall Dimensions: 6"H x 4.25"W x 9"D 

My Review:

This is a fantastic hand mixer. It flows nicely and works well with all types of batter. I have made cookies, pancake batter, and muffin batter in the last two weeks that I have owned the Cuisinart 7 - Speed Hand Mixer and I have not been disappointed. The one feature that I love the best is the digital power switch and gradual speed. No more splattering!! I also love the way it handles with such ease. Also, the beater design is awesome and makes for easy clean up! This is not the lightest hand mixer I have owned, so that could be a slight con but the pros about performance far out weight any design cons. This is the best hand mixer I have owned!

I have to give a shot out to CSN Stores for their excellent customer service and shipping practices. I have had the most pleasant experience working with Ashley from CSN Stores. She has efficiently and quickly answered any questions I had via email and the shipping was quick. In less than a week I received my product! Amazing!

Priced at $49.99 USD, the Cuisinart Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer would be the perfect bridal shower or wedding gift. It would also be a great gift idea for those young adults heading out to college or moving out on their own!

I highly recommend this product and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: Head over to CSN Stores and purchase your Cuisinart Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer today.

***I received a complimentary product from CSN Stores, in exchange for a review on this blog***

New Friend Fridays!

 

The Girl Creative and The Trendy Treehouse have officially teamed up to co-host New Friend Fridays! Each week you will have the chance to add a link to your main blog to the ever growing list below. New Friend Fridays is a fun blog hop where it's all about making new bloggy friends and offering meaningful comment support to other bloggers. Whether you add your link to the list at The Girl Creative or The Trendy Treehouse it's all just one great big list.
 

Head over to The Creative Girl or The Trendy Treehouse to join in the fun and grab the buttons!

The Bourne Objective: Book Review & Giveaway

About The Book:

Facing down mercenaries in Africa, Jason Bourne witnesses the death of an art dealer named Tracy Atherton. Her killing dredges up snatches of Bourne's impaired memory, in particular the murder of a young woman on Bali who entrusted him with a strangely engraved ring­­-an artifact of such powerful significance that people have killed to obtain it. Now he's determined to find the ring's owner and purpose. But Bourne never knows what terrible acts he'll discover he committed when he digs into the past.

About Author

ROBERT LUDLUM was the author of twenty-one novels, each one a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 210 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. He is the author of The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and the Jason Bourne series--The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum--among others. Mr. Ludlum passed away in March, 2001. http://www.ludlumbooks.com/ ... more

Audio and Video

• Listen to an Excerpt

About The Author:

ROBERT LUDLUM was the author of twenty-one novels, each one a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 210 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. He is the author of The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and the Jason Bourne series--The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum--among others. Mr. Ludlum passed away in March, 2001. http://www.ludlumbooks.com/

ERIC VAN LUSTBADER is most widely known as the New York Times bestselling author of twenty international bestselling thrillers including Ninja and Black Heart. He is also the author of two successful and highly regarded series of fantasy novels, The Sunset Warrior Cycle and The Pearl Saga. His novels have been translated into over twenty languages. www.ericvanlustbader.com

My Review:

I have been a fan of the Bourne movies starring Matt Damon for a long time now, but can honestly say that I had yet to read any of the books associated with them. That has now changed.

The Bourne Objective was an action packed conspiracy theory novel that will have you guessing until the very end. It is well written, and had me on the edge of my chair the entire time! My only frustration is that I was not familiar with the other novels and when references were made to past events, I was a bit confused. In my opinion, I probably should not have read this book first, but started with earlier ones. However, that does not take away from my impression that this was a great read! If you have been a fan of the older Bourne novels by Ludlum and now the newer ones by Lustbader, you will thoroughly enjoy The Bourne Objective.

I highly recommend this book and give it a thumbs up.

BUY IT: You can purchase The Bourne Objective online, through Amazon.com and Amazon.ca - it is also available June 2010 from your favorite local bookseller.


WIN IT: Two (2) readers will win a copy of The Bourne Objective


MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me why you would like to read this book


EXTRA ENTRIES:


1. Follow this blog


2. Grab my button


3. Subscribe to this blog


4. Follow me on Twitter

5. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S & CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY (NO P.O. BOXES)


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 9, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group for the purpose of review on this blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own***

Mr. Rosenblum Dreams In English: Review & Giveaway

About The Book:

At the outset of World War II, Jack Rosenblum, his wife Sadie, and their baby daughter escape Berlin, bound for London. They are greeted with a pamphlet instructing immigrants how to act like "the English." Jack acquires Saville Row suits and a Jaguar. He buys his marmalade from Fortnum & Mason and learns to list the entire British monarchy back to 913 A.D. He never speaks German, apart from the occasional curse. But the one key item that would make him feel fully British -membership in a golf club-remains elusive. In post-war England, no golf club will admit a Rosenblum. Jack hatches a wild idea: he'll build his own. It's an obsession Sadie does not share, particularly when Jack relocates them to a thatched roof cottage in Dorset to embark on his project. She doesn't want to forget who they are or where they come from. She wants to bake the cakes she used to serve to friends in the old country and reminisce. Now she's stuck in an inhospitable landscape filled with unwelcoming people, watching their bank account shrink as Jack pursues his quixotic dream.In her tender, sweetly comic debut, Natasha Solomons tells the captivating love story of a couple making a new life-and their wildest dreams-come true.

About The Author:


Natasha Solomons is a 29-year-old screenwriter. She based this story on her own grandparents' experience.

My Review:

This was an absolute joy of a book to read! With beautiful descriptions of the English countryside, lovely characters and a writing style that keeps you captivated until the end, you will fall in love with this book. You will laugh and cry as you follow this whimsical couple through trials and triumph alike. The strength of the human spirit is the main theme in this book, and I highly recommend this book!!!

BUY IT: You can purchase Mr. Rosenblum Dreams In English online, through Amazon.com and Amazon.ca - it is also available as of June 21, 2010 from you favorite local bookseller.


WIN IT: Two (2) readers will win a copy of Mr. Rosenblum Dreams In English




MANDATORY ENTRY:  Head over to Hachette Book Group and tell me one other book that you would love to read!

EXTRA ENTRIES:


1. Follow this blog


2. Grab my button


3. Subscribe to this blog


4. Follow me on Twitter


5. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY 
(NO P.O. BOXES PLEASE)


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 8, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Hachette Book Group, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are solely my own****

Fun Follow Friday (June 25)

Woo Hoo!!! Its Friday, and that means blog hopping time! I can't wait to find some new great blogs to follow! If you want to join in the fun, here is out it works:


Welcome to Fun Follow Friday hosted by Simply Stacie and My Wee View. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect  Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! We wanted to keep it fun and easy so all you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Fun Follow Friday unless you want to (but we really appreciate it if you do – to help get the word out).


When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the Fun Follow Friday. Of course, we would love for you to follow both hostesses blogs, Simply Stacie and My Wee View, but it isn’t mandatory. If you do follow us, just leave us a comment and we will follow you back.
The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!


To make things even more fun, each week one blog from the previous week, will be chosen at random to be put in the #3 spot.  The #3 spot will be chosen by Random.org! This week’s Fun Follow Friday blogger of the week is Tatum’s Family Reviews. She takes the #3 spot. We will be selecting next week’s blogger of the week from this weeks entries.


***new*** Fun Follow Friday is doing something new and different this week and offering you another way to promote your blog. How does a week premium ad spot on BOTH Simply Stacie and My Wee View sound?


To enter your blog, all you have to do is write a post on Friday telling your readers about Fun Follow Friday! Leave the link to your post on the linky on Friday and you are entered to win. We will be drawing 1 winner each week from the previous week’s entries and they will have their button proudly displayed on both blogs for a week.
I wanted to mention that you can still participate in Fun Follow Friday without making a blog post about it. However, to participate in this special giveaway, you need to write a post about it.


Happy hopping along!

Sweet Misfortune: Book Review & Giveaway

About The Book:

Sophie owns a chocolate shop where she sells Misfortune Cookies-dipped in bitter chocolate they contain messages she handwrites each day such as "Your car seems fine now, but just wait...it will eventually be a source of frustration and unexpected delay." What starts as a gimmick, turns into a surprise hit with customers. But when her ex-fiancée moves back to their small Washington town, he is surprised at how bitter and unhappy Sophie has become. He proposes a bet--she must place an ad in the paper that simply states "Wanted: Happiness. 

About Author

Kevin Alan Milne is the author of The Paper Bag Christmas and The Nine Lessons. He earned an MBA at Pennsylvania State University. Born in Portland, Oregon, Milne grew up in the nearby quiet country town of Sherwood, Oregon, where he currently resides with his wife and five children.

Audio and Video

 

About The Author:

Kevin Alan Milne is the author of The Paper Bag Christmas and The Nine Lessons. He earned an MBA at Pennsylvania State University. Born in Portland, Oregon, Milne grew up in the nearby quiet country town of Sherwood, Oregon, where he currently resides with his wife and five children.

My Review:

When I first discovered that Sweet Misfortune is a romance novel written by a man, I was not sure what to expect. A man writing a romance novel could definitely be interesting to say the least. It's just not something you typically see. However, I was thrilled with this quick action, and witty novel, that had whimsical writing and well-developed character's with a great storyline.

As you read through the initial tragic events of the main character's childhood, you will experience almost every emotion known to man...happiness, sadness, frustration, and more. You will be taken on one person's journey to find true happiness, and begin to think about what makes you happy. Along the way there are some twists and turns, and all is wrapped up in a delightful ending! I will definitely be reading more from Kevin Alan Milne!

This novel is a must read for the summer, and I highly recommend it!

BUY IT: You can purchase Sweet Misfortune by Kevin Alan Milne online, through Amazon.com and Amazon.ca - it is also available now at your local bookseller.


WIN IT: Two (2) readers will win a copy of Sweet Misfortune by Kevin Alan Milne


TO ENTER: Easy Peasy - comment on this post or any other from the last week!


EXTRA ENTRIES:


1. Follow this blog 


2. Grab my button


3. Subscribe to this blog


4. Follow me on Twitter


5. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
(NO P.O. BOXES)


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 7, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***This book was provided courtesy of Hachette Book Group for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions are my own***

Innocent: Book Review & Giveaway!

About The Book:

The sequel to the genre-defining, landmark bestseller Presumed Innocent, INNOCENT continues the story of Rusty Sabich and Tommy Molto who are, once again, twenty years later, pitted against each other in a riveting psychological match after the mysterious death of Rusty's wife. 

About The Author:

Scott Turow is a writer and attorney. He is the author of seven best-selling novels: Presumed Innocent (1987), The Burden of Proof (1990), Pleading Guilty (1993), The Laws of Our Fathers (1996), Personal Injuries (1999), Reversible Errors (2002) and Ordinary Heroes (2005). A novella, Limitations, was published as a paperback original in November 2006 by Picador following its serialization in The New York Times Magazine. His works of non-fiction include One L (1977) about his experience as a law student, and Ultimate Punishment (2003), a reflection on the death penalty.



My Review:

Recently I had the opportunity to read Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow. You can see my review here. So you can imagine my excitement when I had the opportunity to read the highly anticpated, and 25 years in the making, sequel, Innocent. I jumped at the opportunity and was not disappointed!

The thing that I loved best about this book is that you really get to know the characters in a much deeper manner than in the first book. Actually, throughout the first half there is much flip-flopping between past and present, and you get perspectives from all the major characters! This was done in a way that was not confusing at all and really helped to set up the present book! I applaud Turow's writting style and the way he kept me hooked on the plot lines! There are tons of twists, and the ending came together very nicely! If you have read Presumed Innocent, you must read Innocent. If you have not read either, and enjoy crime/mystery/thriller novels, then you need to read both of these wonderful works by Scott Turow.

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase Innocent by Scott Turow online from Amazon.com and Amazon.ca - it is also available from your favorite, local bookseller.


WIN IT: Two readers will win a copy of Innocent by Scott Turow


TO ENTER: Head over to Hachette Book Group and tell me one book you would love to read!


EXTRA ENTRIES:


1. Follow this blog


2. Grab my button


3. Subscribe to this blog


4. Follow me on Twitter


5. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


6. Like Scott Turow on Facebook


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY (NO P.O. BOXES PLEASE)


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 5, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***This book was provided courtesy of Hachette Book Group for the purpose of review on this blog***

Backseat Saints: Book Review & Giveaway

About The Book:


Rose Mae Lolley is a fierce and dirty girl, long-suppressed under flowery skirts and bow-trimmed ballet flats. As "Mrs. Ro Grandee" she's trapped in a marriage that's thick with love and sick with abuse. Her true self has been bound in the chains of marital bliss in rural Texas, letting "Ro" make eggs, iron shirts, and take her punches. She seems doomed to spend the rest of her life battered outside by her husband and inside by her former self, until fate throws her in the path of an airport gypsy---one who shares her past and knows her future. The tarot cards foretell that Rose's beautiful, abusive husband is going to kill her. Unless she kills him first.


Hot-blooded Rose Mae escapes from under Ro's perky compliance and emerges with a gun and a plan to beat the hand she's been dealt. Following messages that her long-missing mother has left hidden for her in graffiti and behind paintings, Rose and her dog Gretel set out from Amarillo, TX back to her hometown of Fruiton, AL, and then on to California, unearthing a host of family secrets as she goes. Running for her life, she realizes that she must face her past in order to overcome her fate---death by marriage---and become a girl who is strong enough to save herself from the one who loves her best.


BACKSEAT SAINTS will dazzle readers with a fresh and heartwrenching portrayal of the lengths a mother will go to right the wrongs she's created, and how far a daughter will go to escape the demands of forgiveness. With the seed of a minor character from her popular best-seller, GODS IN ALABAMA, Jackson has built a whole new story full of her trademark sly wit, endearingly off-kilter characters, and utterly riveting plot twists.

About The Author:


New York Times Bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson lives in Georgia with her husband, their two children, and way too many feckless animals. Her debut, gods in Alabama, won SIBA's 2005 Novel of the year Award and was a #1 BookSense pick. Jackson won Georgia Author of the Year for her second novel, Between, Georgia, which also a #1 BookSense pick, making Jackson the first author in BookSense history to receive #1 status in back to back years. Her third novel, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, was a Break Out book at Target and has been shortlisted for the Townsend Prize for Fiction. All three books were chosen for the Books-A-Million Book Club.

My Review:

I have not yet had the experience of reading widely acclaimed gods In Alabama, but after reading Backseat Saints, I am definitely going to do so. Though I am not a huge fan of stories of abuse (particularly toward children and women), I thoroughly enjoyed reading Backseat Saints. Jackson's writing style will transport you to a place where you would never want to be...making the choice to do whatever you need to in order to save yourself from an abusive situation. Her descriptions of scenery and characters is exceptional. I was pulled into the story from the first chapter on. It was suspenseful and thought-provoking, with a little humor and edginess mixed in for good measure! I am not one to spoil plot lines, but the ending will shock you!

Be aware that there is some foul language and violent scenes but still, I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase Backseat Saints online from Amazon.com and Amazon.ca - it is also available now through your favorite, local bookseller.


WIN IT: Two (2) readers will win a copy of Backseat Saints


TO ENTER: Head over to Hachette Book Group and tell me one other book you would love to read


EXTRA ENTRIES:


1. Follow this blog


2. Grab my button


3. Subscribe to the blog


4. Follow me on Twitter


5. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook


GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA ONLY


GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 6, 2010


GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

***Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review on this blog. All review opinions expressed are my own***