Friday, July 31, 2015

Save with Label Daddy!! @usfg @labeldaddy #BackToSchool


Save 20% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are great for adults too! -- Put them on your sunglass/eyeglass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing, and more.



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Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. 
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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Web of Deceit 2 Winner #Giveaway! @susansleeman

Hey everyone! Remember the review I did last week of Susan Sleeman's new book, Web of Deceit? The link is there if you want to go back and read it, but the main reason I am bringing it to your attention is because Susan has graciously offered to host a giveaway where two of you will each win a copy of Web of Deceit!! This is an amazing book that I raced through and hoped it never ended. Find out a little bit about it and then be sure to enter through the form below.

BY SUSAN SLEEMAN
Will he help find her sister’s killer . . . or lead the killer to her door?


When FBI Agent Kaitlyn Knight discovers her brother-in-law is Vyper—the notorious cyber-criminal and murderer wanted by the FBI—Kait doesn’t question her duty to arrest him. But when he murders her sister in front of her, leaving her infant niece motherless, Kait vows to hunt him down and bring him to justice while raising the baby.

Three years later, and not even a whisper of a lead in her search, Kait is about to give up hope of ever finding Vyper. All of that changes when he goes on a murderous spree taunting Kait with clues that she and homicide detective Sam Murdock must solve before her devious brother-in-law takes another life.
As the body count rises, Sam discovers the killing spree is really about striking back at Kait. He must put everything on the line—including the relationship he’s developed with Kait—to ensure her safety. The killer is waiting, watching her every move—and he won’t stop until he’s exacted his revenge and reclaims his rights to raise his daughter.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS!
Two winners will be chosen through Random.org and they will each win a print copy of Web of Deceit. They will have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. This is open to US only. Giveaway will end 8/14.

If you don't win a copy, or you want to purchase a copy of Web of Deceit for a friend, it can be found through any of the links below.


Buy It Now for Print and E-book
Amazon Kindle Barnes and Noble Nook
Kobo Books-a-Million Google Play
Buy A Signed Copy


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Susan Sleeman Pens Another Thriller! @susansleeman


Will he help find her sister’s killer . . . or lead the killer to her door?




When FBI Agent Kaitlyn Knight discovers her brother-in-law is Vyper—the notorious cyber-criminal and murderer wanted by the FBI—Kait doesn’t question her duty to arrest him. But when he murders her sister in front of her, leaving her infant niece motherless, Kait vows to hunt him down and bring him to justice while raising the baby.



Three years later, and not even a whisper of a lead in her search, Kait is about to give up hope of ever finding Vyper. All of that changes when he goes on a murderous spree taunting Kait with clues that she and homicide detective Sam Murdock must solve before her devious brother-in-law takes another life. 



As the body count rises, Sam discovers the killing spree is really about striking back at Kait. He must put everything on the line—including the relationship he’s developed with Kait—to ensure her safety. The killer is waiting, watching her every move—and he won’t stop until he’s exacted his revenge and reclaims his rights to raise his daughter.




Susan Sleeman has done it again!! She has got to be one of my top three suspense writers and Web of Deceit just goes to show how well she can write. This novel, first in her Agents Under Fire series, takes you inside the office of the FBI and introduces you to the work they do. This is a fast paced thriller that I found myself reading at all hours of the day, just hoping it would never end. Needless to say, I felt like I had stepped into a script for CSI Cyber:)

The heroine, and yes she has the moral courage and strength to be a heroine, would be FBI agent Kaitlyn Knight known as Kait to her friends. When her brother-in-law shoots her sister in front of her, Kait vows to track him down if it is the last thing she does. It is made a little bit harder with being guardian over her niece but when Fenton(Vyper) shows up again, Kait dives in head first. Or rather, heart first. She has a hard time looking at it without her heart playing into the equation, understandably so, but not good when this guy is engaging in games at the expense of peoples lives. Thankfully she has detective Sam Murdoch to look after her. But even he can't control everything in her life. Sam is a great guy but I wish he had been more forthcoming with Kait. He seemed to hold out on her a lot but he turns out to be a really great hunky and protective cowboy. What he does in the end will make you gasp but wowza!

This story has many suspenseful moments and even though you know who the bad guy is from the start, it in no way solves anything. He is a creepy killer and I seriously felt like I was reading a CSI Cyber plot. The romance is a good part of it but doesn't steal the show. Excellent research has been done by the author and it is revealed in the writing. I am hoping the next books deal with Kait's two FBI friends, Nina and Becca. One thing that deals with a secondary character is Nina and her ex-boyfriend. He is a Navy Seal and I just want to mention something. Why do the women who are dating guys in risky jobs always feel like they can't date them as they never know if they will come home alive?? Come on ladies! Life is short and you can't control what job your future husband works. Okay, done with my little piece:) There were a few words in it that I personally don't use (screw) but overall a very clean read. Another excellent book from Susan Sleeman!!



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Summer's List by Anita Higman with #Review


About the book: 
Summer's List 



A dying wish alters the course of a young woman's life.

Life hadn't been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness---caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother's bookstore---she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love . . . didn't turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something---or someone.

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer's past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1GKqprL



MY REVIEW-Summer's List is another one of Anita Higman's books that made it onto my favorites shelf. While the author is known for her mystery novels, at least that is what I know her for, this one was different, and in a really good way. It was thought provoking and I found myself considering my own life to see things I could change.

Summer is the main character but the others in here are so important they don't seem secondary. Her grandmother is dying but before she dies, she gives Summer a bucket list of things to do. As she follows the list, along with her friend Martin, she finds herself discovering who she really is and what her grandmother wanted her to realize.

The first couple chapters were hard for me as they are almost depressing. The author is setting the stage for the reader and I stuck with it through to the end. Boy am I glad I did. The characters are delightful and so well written that I almost expect to meet one of them someday. But I think the most important thing for me would have to be the lessons. See, I enjoy a good book that makes me learn things. History is good but the life changing discoveries really drive it home for me. And that is what I found while reading Summer's List. An amazing book that will challenge you as well as entertain you. Great summer read!




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Monday, July 13, 2015

CFBA Tour for Jack Staples and the Ring of Time




This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Jack Staples and the Ring of Time

David C. Cook (September 1, 2014)

by

Mark Batterson and Joel Clark


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, DC.  One church with seven locations.  NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area.  NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill.  Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and the two most recent, The Grave Robber and Jack Staples and the Ring of Time.  Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.



ABOUT THE BOOK



Eleven-year-old Jack's ordinary life is upended when mysterious creatures attack his hometown and he is whisked into a fantastical adventure filled with danger at every turn.


Jack learns that most live in a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that have covered human eyes since the beginning of time. But the Awakened experience the world as it truly is, where war rages between good and evil—and Jack is at the heart of it. The Awakened are searching for The Child of Prophesy who will both save the world and destroy it. When Jack joins in their epic battle he must learn to trust his friends and face his fears if he is to make his life count.


If you'd like to read the first chapter of Jack Staples and the Ring of Time, go HERE.



MY REVIEW-I just recently got this book and have had time to only skim it. What I found was an interesting and quite different story than what I am accustomed to. Though I think readers of fantasy novels will thoroughly enjoy it.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Summer Secrets #Review & #Giveaway! Jane Green Cookbook!


I had personally never read a book like this one before. Jane Green is a well known author but one that I hadn't actually picked up and read through one of her novels, front to back. So when I was given the chance to check one out as well as hold a giveaway for a copy of the same book, I was pretty excited:)  Summer Secrets is a fun beach read that I quickly got through. I think I will be keeping an eye out for her upcoming cookbook as it will have a ton of southern down-home recipes. One of which I was allowed to share with you all below:)



Summer Secrets tells the story of Cat, a woman who is a recovering alcoholic and had her marriage lost because of it. There are several parts that are flashbacks where we see big choices that were made in her past and the consequences that arise from them. She has a daughter and a best friend, but she is also trying to keep from falling in love with her ex-husband. I don't want to give away too much of the story, otherwise you won't go buy it, but it was interesting and well written. The only worries I had with it include the language(there are plenty of swear words interspersed throughout the story) and that the one man is a gay guy. Just a heads up for those of you who might not want that type of thing.

So for those of you who are avid Jane Green readers, have you heard about her upcoming cookbook, Good Taste, Good Food, A Good Life? She started a Kickstarter fundraiser and within 5 days it was completely funded!! I couldn't believe it when I heard about how quickly the money was raised. Anyways, check out the recipe below from the new cookbook that I was able to give you all a sneak peak of.

Good Taste Sneak Peek: Shrimp Cakes

Shrimp Cakes:


None of us are big fish eaters. Although I will often choose salmon on a menu, and while I can't say I hate it, I’d much rather be tucking into pork. I choose it mostly because it makes me feel virtuous.
My children appear to have inherited my lack of allegiance to all things from the ocean. That said, we once went for a walk along the beach at low tide and stumbled upon thousands of mussels on the rocks, just waiting to be harvested and steamed in garlic and white wine. What was a girl to do other than stop a passing dog-walker and request a spare blue plastic bag normally used for other things, fill the bag, and all our pockets, with dozens of mussels. The children were thrilled at the free food we were gathering and later cooking ourselves, and the mussels were amongst the best I have ever had. Other than that, and occasional smoked salmon, the only seafood they really look forward to is shrimp. Heaven forbid we put out a shrimp platter for a cocktail party if the Smalls are home. Within ten short minutes it has been demolished. Similarly, these shrimp cakes satisfy them in every way, and best of all there is no flour necessary to bind them together. I have no idea why shrimp sticks together so willingly, but am very happy it does. 
Ingredients: 
1 lb. raw shrimp, roughly chopped
1/4 cup coconut milk 
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro 
Minced jalapeno/Thai pepper 
6 Scallions 
Knob of 1” Ginger, grated
Coconut oil to fry
For dipping sauce: 
1 clove garlic, minced 
1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraiche 
Salt and pepper
Method: 
Pulse 2 tablespoons of cilantro, shrimp, coconut milk, jalapeno, scallions, and ginger until combined but still chunky. 
Form into balls and flatten about halfway with your palms. 
Fry in melted coconut oil about 3 minutes on each side.
To make dipping sauce combine remaining cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper with crème fraiche or sour cream.
Anyone interested in winning a copy of Summer Secrets? Giveaway is open to the US only. Random.org will choose the winner and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway will end 7/21.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

The Innocent by Ann Gabhart with #Review


She longs for peace--for her land and her heart--but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?




Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart.



MY THOUGHTS-I am always intrigued by other cultures than the one I live in. Whether it be Amish, Mennonite, Shaker, or foreign or even different time periods. So when I was offered the chance to review this book here, by an author I enjoy, I went for it. Needless to say I had varied emotions while reading this one.

The story itself is interesting and the plot is a good one. A woman, Carlyn, is forced to leave her home after her husband goes missing in the Civil War. She doesn't know whether he is alive and missing, or dead and missing, but she chooses to live as if he were still alive out there somewhere. When push comes to shove though, she finds herself being put out of her home and decides to move in with the Shaker women at their nearby village. Carlyn doesn't believe as they do but it gives her a place to live without any bills to pay.

I enjoyed Carlyn, even though I didn't agree with her decisions, and the Sheriff was my personal favorite. Troubled and tormented by his past, Mitchell has compassion on the "widow" and tries to help out where he can. Of course it doesn't help that he just might have feelings for her as well:) With all that said, I do have to say that I will probably never read another book about Shakers. And it has nothing to do with the author's writing at all, but rather with the Shaker religion. I found myself amazed and rather bewildered by some of the things they teach. And yes, I went to research for myself about their faith after I got done with this book. For quite a bit into the book I had no clue who they were talking about when the sisters kept bringing up Mother Ann. I kind of had an idea in the back of my mind over who she was, but when I went and did my research, I was a bit weirded(is that a real word?) out. Her visions and prophecies are a mainstay of the Shaker religion, such as celibacy is essential for salvation, and she is also looked upon as being all the perfections of God in female form, as well as the "second coming of Christ"?? Sorry, but just too much for me that goes against Scripture.

So, while I found the plot to be good and I love this author's novels, I will make sure to only read the historical ones not dealing with the Shaker religion:) If you are open to reading ones like this, please pick up her book. It is quite interesting to see how they live and what they believe.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Friday, July 3, 2015

Sons of God's Generals with #Review

About the Book:



One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.
—Psalm 145:4
Go behind closed doors with the sons and daughters of modern world changers, as the next generation shares personal stories of what it was like growing up being the children of God’s generals.

In transparent, tell-all chapters, you will read first hand experiences from the children of:

• Bill and Beni Johnson • Heidi and Rolland Baker
• Randy and DeAnne Clark
• John and Carol Arnott
• Mike and Diane Bickle
• Lou and Therese Engle
• Che and Sue Ahn
• Georgian and Winnie Banov
• Jack and Trisha Frost
Be inspired… as the next generation shares their raw testimonies of encountering God—building their own personal relationships with Jesus

Be encouraged… as you witness secrets to building a long-lasting godly inheritance that you can pass on to the next generation

About the Author:
Joshua Frost is the youngest of three siblings born to Jack and Trisha Frost. Born in 1986 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Joshua moved to Redding, California to become part of Bill and Beni Johnson’s Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. While attending school in Redding, he met and married his wife, Holly Nicole Mack Frost. They presently reside in Redding with their two children. Joshua and Holly’s life ministry at present is to continue to be mentored by Generals, those who demonstrate the Love of Father God through the integrity of their own personal lives. Eventually they intend to pursue full time ministry however the Father leads them. They both serve on staff at Bethel Church, Redding, California.

MY REVIEW-This is a book I found to be interesting but not quite my style. I like biographies but I guess I prefer a longer length, instead of just a few pages long. This is my personal preference so please don't think I am being negative. The book itself was excellent in learning a tad about the sons of some people who may be well known to you. I hadn't ever heard of these people so I had a learning experience all around:) The authors all take a few pages and tell about their families, their ministries and what it was like growing up in their homes. The good, the bad, the privileges and the drawbacks. Many things are not any different than in a normal household, but others you may find interesting to read about. Again, this is a book that would be good for sons and fathers to read together, or even as a family.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson with #Review

ONCE UPON A SUMMERTIME

BY MELODY CARLSON



She's looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.

Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises--not the least of which is discovering that Sean O'Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position.

This sweetly romantic tale of dreams come true takes you through the storied streets of New York City--and into the depths of the human heart.

MY THOUGHTS-Melody Carlson is an author I normally don't read much of. I prefer either historical or mystery but this one looked to good to pass up. And I am glad I requested it! This was a heartwarming romantic story that I enjoyed as a break from my preferred genre.

Anna is a small town girl who had dreams of being management in some fancy posh hotel. But instead she stayed with her grandmother to help out and is now managing this rinky dink motel. When a friend comes back to town and gives her the push she so needed, Anna spreads her wings and takes off to New York City in hopes of being hired at a boutique hotel. What she doesn't expect is the appearance of her childhood crush, Sean. And while things don't go as planned in her job search, she is hired as the head of housekeeping while Sean is hired for the management position, she feels unexpected freedom of doing what she has always dreamed of.

I totally fell in love with Sean and his too big to be true demeanor. Of course, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Irishmen and though he doesn't have the brogue, I loved him. The only worry I had with this book was that everything in her dreams came true. I am always fearful when a story plays out with everything turning right, the road is nice and easy, etc. It isn't that way in real life after all. Anna really has no hardships and she gets her job, her new life in the big city and a romance to boot. But if I look at it as being fiction, keeping things in perspective, it helps a lot. The characters in this one really drew me and even the secondary people were fun to read about. And seeing New York City through the eyes of the character is fun. I have been there and seen many of the same buildings and tourist attractions that Anna does in the book. Lots of fun to read and a great summer novel!



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Thursday, July 2, 2015

To Win Her Favor #Review with $25 Family Christian #Giveaway #FCBlogger

I received this book from Family Christian. All thoughts are 100% mine. 

Tamera Alexander is a great author and one whose books I enjoy reading. They are historical and while you learn fascinating tidbits from the past, you also delve into a wonderful story often full of lessons we could all use some help with. The plot for To Win Her Favor is different than many and deals with a marriage of convenience but also a woman who wants to race horses. Not one you normally come across:) And she pens it beautifully!



The story itself is well written. I have always loved the way Mrs Alexander tells her stories and this one is no different. Maggie is a fighting stubborn woman who wants to race her mare, no matter what others think. But when she finds out her father is slowly losing strength and their house is going under, she doesn't expect what happens. She is urged into a marriage of convenience with an Irishman, Cullen McGrath, by none other than her own father! The two of them clash quite a bit but I love how gentle and persistent Cullen is. and I definitely understand where Maggie is coming from so I don't fault her in the least. There are a couple parts between them that I would caution readers over. Not anything explicit but still somewhat brings you to the marriage bed and then shuts the door. A little bit close for my taste but I just skimmed over it and went on with the story. Still, this is a book that went on my keeper shelf and won't be leaving anytime soon. Loved it!!

For those of you interested, I was offered to host a giveaway for one reader to win a $25 Family Christian gift certificate. This can be used online or in store. You can even purchase your own copy of this book if you would like:) The giveaway will end 7/20 and winner will be chosen through Random.org. They will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
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