Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee ~ #MeToo

Introducing a new title for middle
graders that I thought might be of interest to most of my readers 

Maybe He Just Likes You by
Barbara Dee

Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade
audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about
experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an
unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the
boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks
her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she
say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird.
According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t
she know what flirting looks like?

But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls.
During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.

It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance
meeting, Mila begins to find

solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with
the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to
respect others—and herself.

From the author of Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal,
and Star-Crossed comes this timely story of a middle school girl
standing up and finding her voice.”

About the Author: Barbara
Dee is the author of several middle grade novels including Maybe He Just
Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed.
Her books have received several starred reviews and been included on many
best-of lists, including the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten, the Chicago Public
Library Best of the Best, and the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books
for Young People. Star-Crossed was also a Goodreads Choice Awards
finalist. Barbara is one of the founders of the Chappaqua Children’s Book
Festival. She lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a
sweet rescue hound dog named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.

Rosie Reviews:

I was able to read this book in less than two hours.  I found that I could not stop reading.  I wasn't sure that I wanted to read it but my mom told me she wanted me to read it and help with a review so I agreed.

I would recommend this book to any kids (boys should read it too) ages 9 and up, especially those in 6th grade like me and in Jr High and High School.  My big sister read it too and she said the same thing about it that I did.... this book is SO GOOD. 

This is the type of story that makes you emotional and kind of uncomfortable at times, but is so important to read because it really does happen in real life.  My sister and I both have had boys say things and do things that made us uncomfortable and we just didn't know what we should do about it.  I like how Mila tries to tell her friends how uncomfortable she is and how two of her friends did try to stick up for her.  I didn't like that Zara wasn't a good friend and wouldn't listen.  If one of my friends tells me she is having problems with someone I try to listen and go with her to tell an adult.  It is important to stick up for yourself.

This is a really good story and one that I am going to recommend to my friends to read!





Susan's Review:

Mila's story is one that is all too common and often overlooked in our culture.  As several times it stated in the book, other students and even adults tell Mila that she is "over reacting" to the situation.  She thankfully is determined and continues to try to fight back and speak out in her own way, but it becomes difficult to know who to trust.  Nobody should have the right to harass or touch another person in any way that makes that person uncomfortable. This well-written story affirms Mila’s anger,
confusion, and fear during each confrontation, but also highlights the importance of speaking up
and speaking out against harassment.

I was thrilled with the depth given to each of the characters in the story and how well the author creates a realistic world with characters that act in age appropriate manners.  The adults in the story are all-too realistic in how they each handle the situation presented by Mila.  The way in which Mila finally conquers her fear and "speaks out" is humorous and serious at the same time, though I do not condone how it was accomplished, I do applaud her for her bravery and determination to finally make herself heard.

This book should be in all school libraries, in every teacher's list of required reading.  For those who have been on the receiving end of unwanted touch or uncomfortable words will be relieved to find there are many others who have been through it too.  Boys of all ages will be able to get insight into what it feels like to be on the receiving end of the "harmless" jokes and innuendoes and maybe refrain from participating in this inappropriate harassment.  And to finally have a book that shows how common sexual harassment is for young girls and boys and that it is not your fault, you are not overreacting, you are not alone and you do have a voice...speak out!  And if they don't listen...keep speaking until they hear you!


Maybe He Just Likes You by
Barbara Dee 

Aladdin

Available October 1, 2019

Hardcover $17.99  Ebook $10.99

Ages 9-13

304 pages

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review from Media Masters Publicity. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Hailee by Penny Zeller ~ another amazing review

Hailee by Penny Zeller

Montanna Skies Series #3 

At twenty years of age, Nathaniel Maxwell Adams Jr., better known as Nate, fulfills a prophecy he made eleven years prior by moving to Pine Haven. What he hadn't planned in his youth, though, was to become a pastor, especially since his parents adamantly oppose the idea. So, as he shepherds a flock in the growing Montana town, he feels called to another smaller yet no less significant mission field: his mother and father.



For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin, roaming the Cincinnati streets trying to keep food in the mouths of her two younger brothers and herself. This often meant thieving, which landed her in the Sanctuary of Hope, a home for delinquent youngsters. There, her life changed, thanks to her patient, loving teachers. Now, at eighteen, she pursues a dream to become a teacher herself and bravely accepts a position in Montana. She still has faith that she'll find her brothers again someday, but for now, she's ready to put the past behind her.



When their paths converge in Pine Haven, their lives begin to overlap in ways they can't ignore. And they must discover if God intends for their destinies to converge, as well.



(spoilers ahead. . . . )







I was  drawn to the main character Hailee from the beginning of the book.  Her story of love and sacrifice for her younger brothers endeared her to me right away.  I was captivated

by the circumstances that led her ultimately to Pine Haven as the new teacher, and her reluctance to build the relationship between her and Nate due to her fear of others learning of the sins in her past.

Nate has his own issues to deal with as he tries to follow God's plans for his life in spite of what his parents plans for him.  I liked how the author showed that although he was determined to be obedient to God's call on his life, he was never disrespectful when speaking with his parents.  Although I could see how it would be tempting when they refused to acknowledge his chosen profession, or the fact that as a grown man he should be able to determine his own way in life and choose not to follow in his father's footsteps.  I admired his honesty and willingness to seek help from his Uncle when uncertain, and his faith in God even during difficult situations.

Both Hailee and Nate are believable characters, both have a faith in God and make for an interesting story well worth reading.  Once again, author Penny Zeller has written a wonderful piece of Christian Fiction with a sweet, heartwarming romance thrown in.  I definitely recommend this book, and this series to any CF lover!







About the Author:

Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles. She is also the author of the blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author" www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com where she also provides weekly doses of inspiration and humor, along with movie reviews from a Christian worldview, and interviews with some of her favorite author friends.

Among other books, Penny is the author of "McKenzie," "Kaydie," and "Hailee" in her Montana Skies Historical Romance Series (Whitaker House) and "77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others" (Beacon Hill).

Penny is an active volunteer in her community, devoting her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. When she's not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. While she is generally a health nut, Penny does have one small weakness: hot tamales (yes, the little red candy kind!)



Penny loves to hear from her readers at her website, www.pennyzeller.com

and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

20 Recipes Kids Should Know by Esme Washburn

Kids of all ages love to help Mom and Dad in the kitchen.  From stirring the cake batter to trying to crack eggs without dropping shell pieces in the mix, kids love to learn how to create fun foods.  To promote this love of cooking, having kid-friendly cookbooks with easy recipes is a great way to provide independence and creativity in the kitchen.  Here is one of my new favorite recipe books just for kids ~ ~ ~ written by kids!

20 Recipes Kids Should Know by Esme Washburn

The perfect book for children, this fun and engaging cookbook is
written and photographed by a pair of young sisters for budding chefs.



Whether
they're helping stir cake batter or producing their own YouTube cooking
channel, kids of all ages are getting increasingly busy in the kitchen.
This cookbook features twenty classic recipes that are fun, healthy,
adaptable, and easy to prepare. From banana bread and the perfect
grilled cheese to breaded chicken and apple pie, each recipe is written
in a clear, accessible style that young cooks of every level will be
able to follow. The author is a young chef whose love of

cooking
developed from her own family's food traditions like baking popovers
with her grandmother and Sunday-night pizza making. By teaching kids
basic recipes that can be adapted in endless ways, this book is the
perfect launching pad to finding their way around the kitchen--or
launching their own cooking careers.



With fun and easy recipes like this one my 11 year old loves for strawberry shortcake (was delicious for my Mother's Day brunch in bed this year)

And don't forget the Banana bread and chocolate chip cookies she and her sister made me for my birthday!  So yummy!

 

Whether your kiddos are beginners in the kitchen, or seasoned chefs, this book is a great addition to any youngster's CookBook collection! 

Check it out on Amazon (affiliate) for $11.70

Or in most bookstores for $16.95

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

National Geographic is Poetic ~ Review: The Poetry of US

The Poetry of US (ages 8-12, $24.99) contains
more than 200 poems, all showcasing the diverse people and places of of
the United States. Curated by former U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate J
Patrick Lewis, familiar verses and brand new voices accompany striking
photographs as the reader embarks on a literary
trip through all 50 states and the many cultures, traditions, histories
and passions that define us.   



Poems are arranged by region, from coast to coast, and among them are works by Langston Hughes, Dorothy Parker, Robert
Frost, Naomi Shihab Nye, Walt Whitman, and more. Reflecting the United States’ melting pot of people, the distinctive
voices of immigrant and minority writers as well as poems in Spanish,
Arabic, and Korean with accompanying translations
into English are also featured.  



From the
familiar to the surprising, subjects include people, places, landmarks,
monuments, nature, and celebrations. Inspiring, thought-provoking and particularly timely,
this collection of poetry and photography eloquently reveals the spirit that unites US.     

Early praise for The Poetry of US:

“...an expansive gathering, with dazzling visuals” - Kirkus

Review:

Celebrate the gift of language and the vibrant culture of the United
States with this collection of classic and never-before-published
poetry. Poems are arranged by region, from coast to coast,and are designed for family sharing, but geared to
younger readers, this beautifully illustrated treasury is a must-have
for the family bookshelf.



With three children ages 10 to 17, plus several nieces ranging from age 2 through 7; there is a lot of opportunity for reading and family enjoyment of books in my house.  Poetry is one of those subjects that I personally love but have trouble getting many of the kiddos to read or listen to.  The Poetry of US is a wonderful book that has easy to read and understand poetry that caters to kids (and adults) of all ages.  Even the 17 year old boy got involved reading to the younger girls.  I loved the cultural poems in the variety of languages that were translated into English.  


A book I recommend for any household!





Affiliate link for purchase:  AMAZON

 

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

What happens when the bride wears BLUE? Find out in this review!

The Bride Wore Blue

by Mona Hodgson

The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek—Book 3

Headed toward a fresh start but tethered by her past, Vivian longs to break free, to find forgiveness and love.



At last, the sisters are reunited! The youngest Sinclair, the family“ baby”, is moving from Maine to Cripple Creek, Colorado and joining Kat, Nell, and Ida. But Vivian is a young woman with a will of her own, and made some decisions back in Portland that have begun to haunt her. Will she be able to live up to the expectations of her three perfect and now happily-settled sisters?

The sisters warmly welcome Vivian to the mountain west, but the wild-and-woolly mining town isn’t ripe with opportunities for a respectable young woman. The youngest Sinclair sister is determined to make her own way, so when she’s offered a job as a

hostess in a sporting house, she takes it, thinking the position is appropriate for a tainted, unlovable woman like herself.



 Although she’s convinced she’ll never be asked to entertain privately, Vivian keeps her employment a secret from her sisters, knowing they’d be mortified—as will Carter Alwyn, the kind and godly sheriff ’s deputy who’s sweet on her.

Vivian is descending into a life of secrets, lying to the very people who love her and could help her heal from her mistakes. Will an outpouring of grace remind her that she is still God’s beloved and that her past can be washed as clean as Rocky Mountain snow? 

Author's Web Site           Author Bio          More Info         Read Chapter One        

My Review:

I have now read all three of The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek stories to date.  This third book in the series gives the reader an in-depth look at the "baby" of the family, Vivian.  I felt like Vivian had been a typical spoiled baby sister, wanting her own way before she went to join her older sisters in Cripple Creek, and had learned some hard life lessons in a very difficult way.  Though she seemed to be more mature and to have learned from the mistakes in her past, she seemed to continue to resent her older sister's influence in her life at times, and I think it led to her making more mistakes that could possibly been avoided if she would have just taken the time to talk with one or more of them.



This realistic sibling dynamic made the story much more enjoyable for me, as well as the estranged romance between Vivian and Deputy Alwyn.  The overwhelming lesson of forgiveness, faith and acceptance is an integral part of the story from beginning to end.  This heartwarming story is one that shows how forgiveness, love, and family loyalty can help overcome difficult circumstances.  I also enjoyed the mystery and danger involved that gave the wild west type feel to this story that I really like.



This is a good christian fiction romance, with some wild west outlaws, soiled doves,  train robbery and so much more excitement thrown in the mix.  Although it can be read alone, I do recommend reading the first two books in the series first in order to get to know many of the other characters in this story.

Disclosure: All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

New books in the Fairday collection: Check out this review of the original Secret DMS files!

For this review, I was sent a paperback copy of The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by one of the authors: Jessica Haight.  I was so excited for the chance to read and review for Jess since she is my most faithful follower on this blog; and since I am always on the lookout for new middle grade books to entice my 10 year old to read more. 



About the book ~ taken from the blog:

The newer book cover!





~ For more info on the book, the authors and some clue-finding fun ~

visit: Jess's blog:   http://jessicahaight.com/The_DMS_Home_Page_.html

or Fairday's blog:   http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/

Fairday on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/fairday

Jess on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/@dmsfiles

My Review:

I fell in love with the characters in this book from page one.  Fairday and her family are unique, entertaining, and completely believable.  I enjoyed getting to know Fairday, her family, Lizzy and the kids in Fairday's new school.  The  mystery and suspense is perfect for young readers (and even older ones like me).  The writing flows and I never had to re-read or pause to figure out what was going on.  I love that the story is easy to read and understand and yet written in such a way that kids ages 10 through teen will enjoy the story, the characters and the adventure.  I am anxious to see what happens next!  The story ends perfectly with a mystery solved, yet with more adventure and mystery yet to come!  Excellent job Jess and Stephanie!  A definite 4.5 stars from this book lover!



On a personal note - I was trying to think of a creative way to entice my 10 year old son to give this book a try.  So, I pretended that the spiders on each page were "scary" to me (I would fake shudders and quickly close the page repeatedly to make him laugh and tease me).  Now, all 3 of my kids tease me about the spiders every time they see the book. - lol



I highly recommend you give this book a try - as I've found out from the blog, this is the first book of a series of five.  I can't wait to read the next mystery solved by the DMS team: Fairday Marrow and the Talking Library!

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Beauty and the Beast for young and old from Silver Dolphin Books #review

The First Stories series (Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Rapunzel) is a perfect interactive introduction to classic fairy tales. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the stories to life and introduce all the beloved characters with simple rhyming text and adorable illustrations. Pull the tab to turn the Beast into a prince, push the tab to fit the glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot, and pull the tab to let

down Rapunzel’s hair. Toddlers and readers of all ages are sure to enjoy these well-loved fairy tales once again with these beautifully imagined titles.



First Stories: Beauty and the Beast

“Do you love me, Beauty? Will you marry me?” First Stories: Beauty and the Beast is a perfect introduction to this classic fairy tale. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the story to life and introduce all the main characters: Beauty, her father, and of course the Beast! This well-loved fairy tale is beautifully imagined for a new generation by children’s illustrator Dan Taylor.





First Stories: Rapunzel

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair!" First Stories: Rapunzel is the perfect introduction for young children to this classic fairytale. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the story to life and introduce all the main characters: Rapunzel, the handsome prince, and of course the wicked witch! This well-loved fairytale is beautifully imagined for a new generation by children's illustrator Dan Taylor.

First Stories: Cinderella

"Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!" First Stories: Cinderella is a perfect introduction to this classic fairytale. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the story to life and introduce all the main characters: Cinderella, her stepsisters, the handsome prince, and of course the fairy godmother. This well-loved fairytale is beautifully imagined for a new generation by children's illustrator Dan Taylor.

Review:

My nieces will be so surprised when they receive these adorable board books for their upcoming birthdays.  Based on the classic fairy tales we all have grown to know and many of us love, these adorable books have a slide or flip on each page that adds wonder to the story being read.  Great for ages 1 and up, these adorable books are sturdy and will last through many hours of enjoyment.  Highly recommended by this Mommy Blogger (and Aunty blogger).





Beauty and the Beast: A Coloring Book

Bring the classics to life with a coloring adventure for all ages! With gorgeous line illustrations combined with quotes from the original text, this series offers a unique way to interact with beloved stories and add creativity and color to richly illustrated scenes. The enchanting Beauty and the Beast coloring book is full of wonderful pictures, patterns, and borders to be colored in, as budding artists immerse themselves in the story of Beauty, who goes to live with the terrifying Beast in order to save her father and then gradually learns to love him.

This enchanting coloring book is full of wonderful pictures, patterns, and borders to be colored in, as budding artists immerse themselves in the story of Beauty, who goes to live with the terrifying Beast in order to save her father…and then gradually learns to love him. All the key scenes and characters are here to color in as you relive this most romantic of fairy tales.

Review:

I would not recommend this adorable coloring book for that 1 year and up range, as I do the First Stories collection.  This is more for the kindergarten and up age range.  A fun way to explore the story of Beauty and the Beast (and many others found on the website) with bits and pieces of the classic story woven into wonderfully drawn pictures just waiting for those budding artists to color and design.   I love the idea behind this coloring book and although the pictures seem detailed enough for adults to color, it is intended for children to enjoy.  This is not the coloring book that I grew up with, nor what I sat coloring along with my children when they were young.  I can see many parents, grandparents, and babysitters loving this new fun way to color along with the kiddos!

For even more amazing coloring and activity based books, check out the Silver Dolphin website!





About Silver Dolphin Books

For over 17 years, Silver Dolphin Books has published award-winning activity, novelty, and educational nonfiction books for preschoolers to 12-year-olds. Our focus is to create books that engage and inspire children to learn more about the world around them while fostering a love of reading, exploration, and creative expression. From adorably-illustrated board books for toddlers to interactive play and building sets, to sound books made for story time, we develop innovative books that both enlighten and entertain.



Find out more about Silver Dolphin Books on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and more!

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review through Media Masters Publicity. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

A great way to go through the day ~ Thank You, Lord, for Everything by P.J. Lyons

Love surrounds you, beauty, too.

Notice how God blesses you!

Clap your hands, shout and sing:

Thank you, Lord, for everything.

A comfortable and relaxing rhyme tells the story of God’s great blessings in this padded cover board book. P.J. Lyons’ engaging text and Tim Warnes’ playful illustrations remind readers how much they have to be thankful for.

Thank You, Lord, For Everything, is a sweet and

gentle rhyme-perfect for bedtime, quiet time, and anytime in between.




Review:

Even before this adorable little bear jumps our of bed, he begins his day by thanking the Lord for Everything around him.  All throughout his daily adventures he continues to be thankful.  "Thank You, Lord, for Everything" is a wonderful padded board book for young children with colorful and delightful illustrations that helps teach them the value of being thankful.  It is a sweet rhyming book that is sure to be a favorite of little ones and their parents/grandparents too.



You can find out more about this book and others like it here.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Don't Judge this book by it's cover! The Time Garden: A Magical Journey and Coloring Book {review}

A dazzlingly beautiful coloring book for all ages, The Time Garden will sweep you away into a whimsical cuckoo clock–inspired world, created in intricate pen and ink by the internationally best-selling Korean artist Daria Song. 



Journey through the doors of a mysterious cuckoo clock into its inky innerworkings to discover a magical land of clock gears, rooftops, starry skies, and giant flying owls—all ready for you to customize with whatever colors you can dream up.



Cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll wonder, was it all a dream?





The Time Garden features extra-thick craft paper, ideal for non bleed-through coloring, and the jacketed cover with flaps is removable and colorable. Special gold-foil stamping on the cover and spine and a To/From page make it perfect for gifting to adults and kids alike.



Then, explore the magical world outside the clock through the eyes of a fairy in the sequel, The Time Chamber: A Magical Story and Coloring Book!

{Review}

"The Time Garden" is an amazing coloring book created with adults in mind.  This is not your little ones' coloring book!  A beautiful story of a young girl who follows a fairy through a magical clock into a brand new world.  Follow the story from page to page through amazing sketches by artist/author Daria Song.

This book would make a wonderful gift for older kids and adults alike.  It is such a fun and fanciful book with a fun story told through detailed and amazingly artistic sketches that are right there waiting for someone to come along and fill in some color.  All it takes is a little imagination and some sharpened colored pencils to create a whole fantastic world right at your fingertips.

In addition to the fun waiting on each page, coloring can be very relaxing for adults in our stress filled world.  This "Alice in Wonderland" type story combined with all the small detailed areas to color makes for a book that will keep someone occupied for hours and hours.  Don't worry, you don't have to complete each page in one day - it took me a total of 4 days off and on to finish a single page - I even invited my 11 year old budding artist to join me deciding on colors and design ideas and helping fill in much of the page.  It was fun quality time for just the two of us!



I highly recommend this book and others like it as gifts for friends, family or just for yourself!  Check it out -  you can purchase a copy through Amazon or find some in your local stores!

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

The Biggest Story ~ wonderful illustrations and imaginative story that brings us back to our beginning! #Review & #Giveaway

About the book:

Hardcover: 132 pages

Publisher: Crossway (August 31, 2015)



In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung - a best-selling author and father of six - leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heave and new earth.  



With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible's core message-how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden-will

draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think.


WEBSITE  **  FACEBOOK  **  TWITTER  ** PURCHASE





Review:

Ask anyone who knows me, I LOVE children's books.  Each of my kiddos has their own personal library full of books just for them to read, reread and enjoy! Many of them I also have read as well.  I love finding new adventures for my kiddos to read that will engage their minds and intrigue their imaginations.


The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden is a wonderful children's book that helps children learn how the stories of the Bible connect to Scripture's  message about God's glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.  Filled with amazing and artistic illustrations that will draw children (and adults) into the biblical story in a whole new way.  From Adam and Eve through Jesus (The Snake Crusher) Rising From the Grave, the story is told in a simple yet powerful way that children can easily understand.  With the final promise that He will one day return again to "make a new beginning and to finish what He started." 



At the end of the book is a section just for parents that explains more about this book and how this book came to be written.  My girls and I both love this book and I can't wait to start reading it to my nieces as well.  Recommended by this Mom and Blogger.

      

  

About Kevin DeYoung:

Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan.  He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including Just Do Something, The Hole in Our Holiness, Crazy Busy, and Taking God At His Word.  He lives with his wife and their 6 children in Central Michigan.

About Don Clark:

Don Clark is an artist and the cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio in Seattle that has worked with clients such as Target, Nike, LEGO, and WIRED magazine.  He lives with his wife and their 3 children, 4 goats, 12 chickens, and 1 crazy dog on a farm just outside the city limits.

YEP - You guessed it - It's Giveaway Time Again!

You know how much I love to share new books and products with my readers - but even more, to offer one of you a FREE copy of this wonderful book!

Open to 18yrs and older - US and CANADA

void where prohibited.

Entry-Form

 Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. If you
have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30
days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you
are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.”

"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.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! #EyePoppingOddities ~ Check out these amazing and strangely fantastic facts from all over the world!

Eye-Popping Oddities is the latest addition to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! bestselling annual series.

All-new, bizarre, amazing, uncanny facts and feats! Readers will not believe what they’re reading, but each and every story has been verified 100 percent shocking, 100 percent incredible and 100 percent true! Whether Eye-Popping Oddities is the latest addition to a Ripley’s collection or a first-time purchase, readers of all ages will not be able to put this book down.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Eye-Popping Oddities is an incredible collection of the weirdest and wackiest facts in the world. From strange traditions in far-off places to weird

collections from the town next door, this new Believe It or Not! title will amaze and astound everyone.  



Crystal clear photography and incredible facts will keep readers turning the pages, as every new fact is unbelievable, but verified to be true.  Short stories and astounding facts will keep children and adults alike entertained for hours, as there is always something new to discover!

Review:

With "Eye Popping" color photos and page after page of exciting and yes even gross stories, the Ripley's Believe It or Not: Eye Popping Oddities 2015 is a thrill to read.  I love finding books like this for my 14 yr old son.  He enjoys reading the strange facts over and over.  Getting him to read can often be a challenge but with Ripley's books it is easy and fun.  These great books make super gifts for birthdays and Christmas.



This year's issue even has my 10 year old daughter's favorite fish:  the blobfish - named world's ungliest animal.  With 10 chapters divided into categories such as World, Body, Animals, Pop Culture, Beyond Belief and other amazing stuff.  This year's annual Ripley's book is definitely a must read for those who love fun facts, amazing feats and strange oddities.


*It is easy to grab your copy of this fantastic book through Amazon (and yes it is also available for kindle - but I personally recommend the print edition!)

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

A Time For Everything by Misti Parker ~ Historical Romantic Suspense has never been better! #MystiParkerBooks

After losing her husband and only child to the ravages of the Civil War, twenty-five-year-old Portia McAllister is drowning in grief. When she sees an ad for a live-in tutor in another town, she leaves everything behind in hopes of making a fresh start. But as a Confederate widow in a Union household, she is met with resentment from her new charge and her employer, war veteran Beau Stanford. 



Despite their differences, she and Beau find common ground and

the stirrings of a second chance at love—until his late wife’s cousin, Lydia, arrives with her sights set on him. Burdened with a farm on the brink of bankruptcy, Beau is tempted by Lydia’s hefty dowry, though Portia has captured his heart. 



In another time and another place, his choice would be easy. But love seems impossible amid the simmering chaos of Reconstruction that could boil over at any moment into an all-out battle for survival. Will Beau and Portia find their way into each other’s arms, or will they be swept away by raging forces beyond their control?



Review:

I love this story.  From the first opening scene through the final chapter Portia's story kept me reading and reading.  I really could not put this "book" down.



Portia has been through terrible tragedy and heartbreak to the point she wished to die.  But her loving sister and brother-in-law would not allow her to give in to her grief.  So Portia finds a way to get on with her life by taking a position as a live in tutor for a young boy with troubles of his own.

Beau is reluctant to have a young unmarried woman in his home.  He thinks his father is trying to set him up so his initial reaction to Portia is not favorable.  But over time, he comes to see her in a different way, but it might be too late for love.



Portia and Beau both come from lives that are filled with loss, grief and very difficult choices.  The struggles they overcome seem tremendous.  Their story is one that is worth reading, but a little caution; due to adult situations and circumstances, I would recommend this book for 16 and up.  It is clean for the most part but definitely not for younger readers.



*A Time For Everything can be purchased in paperback or ebook on Amazon

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.