Found on the web Friday

Around the Web

These are things I have come across this week.  It does not mean they were originally published this week, just that I found them this week.

- Ruth at Viva Veltoro shared information about what you should about car seats that are involved in car accidents.  Please note, that the information applies whether or not a child was actually in the car seat at the time of the accident.  

- With fall here, it is time to preserve those last tomatoes from the vine.  There is a recipe for Fiesta Salsa over at Halfway Oak Farms.  There are also instructions for how to make the salsa if you do not want to preserve it, at the bottom of the recipe.

- Whitney at Rookie Moms, shared how to make your own portrait studio at home.  This would be great for taking your own photos or as a small business.

- Did you know that Rosh Hashana started on Wednesday?  Aimee over at Multicultural Kid Blogs shares how her family celebrates it and a bit about the history of the holiday.

- Danielle over at Blissful and Domestic shares a video on how to make Basic Dinner Rolls, which will come in quite handy at Thanksgiving in a couple of months.  In the meantime, I can practice with my family at home.

Giveaways

These are giveaways I have found and entered.  In some of the cases, I will receive an extra entry into the giveaway for sharing it with you. 

- Over at Sonya's Happenings, you can enter to win a $25 of YumEarth organic and natural candies.  If you have never had these, they are soooo yummy.  Also, this giveaway is part of The Pumpkin Party Giveaway Hop, so she has links to 24 additional giveaways, as well. Ends 10/8.

- You can win the Blu-Ray of "The Fault in Our Stars" over at Irish Film Critic. Ends 10/30.

- Have a little one in your life, or one on the way?  You can enter to win an organic XOve baby one-piece and matching swaddling blanket at Family Focus Blog. Ends 10/13.

- Krusteaz is running an instant win facebook giveaway where you can win instantly a Weber Spirit SP-320 Gas Grill and year supply of Krusteaz Flatbread Mix, a 3-piece Weber Original Grilling Tool Set, or a coupon for a free box of  Krusteaz Flatbread Mix.  Ends 11/6.

- Over at Steamy Kitchen, you can enter to win a gift bundle that includes 2 Cases of Ball Green Heritage Jars, a Fresh Herb Keeper, Dry Herb Jars, Frozen Herb Starters, 5-Blade Herb Scissors, and Ball Blue Book. Ends 12/22.  

Found on the web Friday

Around the Web

These are things I have come across this week.  It does not mean they were originally published this week, just that I found them this week.

- Back in February, Buzzfeed published a piece that shared 31 Impossibly Fun Wedding Ideas.  My favorite idea from the list is to honor the grandmothers by having them be your flower girls.  I just found it to be an incredibly sweet way to include them in the ceremony.  The list has many more unique ideas as well, so be sure to check it out.

 

- I love the free crochet pattern for this Stars and Stripes scarf from Yarnspirations.  I am hoping to make it for my daughter who loves everything patriotic.  I am new to crocheting, but the pattern is rated to be fairly easy.

- In March, Nadia, at Teach Me Mommy, shared how she organizes her craft tapes.  I am new to using washi tape, but think her idea for organizing them is genius.  I also like how she organizes her bigger tapes.

- My new baby loves his muslin blankets, both for swaddling and as a nursing cover.  The fabric is breathable so he doesn't sweat like crazy under it, yet it provides me the coverage I want without being see-through.  I was excited to find this post from Must Have Mom! (from March) for DIY Cotton Muslin Swadling Blankets tutorial.

- I recently received a nut milk bag from From Kitchen Essentials to review.  I am planning on making horchata with mine, so keep an eye out for that post coming soon.  In the meantime, An Ordinary Housewife shared how she used the nut milk bag to make almond milk.  I love almond milk and have wanted to make my own for a while and now that I have this bag, I have no excuses not to try it.

Giveaways

These are giveaways I have found and entered.  In each case, if you follow the link, I will receive an extra entry into the giveaway.  This will not always be the case, but this week it worked out that way. 

- Win a Hillshire Farms Naturals product from Nicole's Nickels.  Super easy entries, end 9/15/14.

- Easy Green Mom is giving away  SpenceBaby organic hoodie and pant set.  Easy entries.  The giveaway is part of a blog hop, so there are a bunch more baby-themed giveaways listed on her page.  Ends 9/15/14.

-  You can win DisneyNature Bears on Blu-Ray from The Review Wire.  Lots of ways to enter, including a free daily entry.  Ends 9/17/14.

- Measuring Flower is hosting a Spa for Ma blog hop and they are giving away a $300 Kohl's gift card.  There are links to other giveaways related to pampering mom on the page. Ends 9/15/14.

- The Review Wire is also participating in a giveaway blog hop, this one is for autumn apparel.  You can win a Karina dress from them and she also has more links to other participating blogs on the page.  Ends 9/23/14.

Book Review and Giveaway Info: Stress Test

About Stress Test

They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

My thoughts on Stress Test

This book combines all the areas I have been interested in through my life.  When I was younger, I was very interested in law and criminal justice.  As a young married, I became very interested in medicine and nutrition.  I have taken college-level courses in all of these subjects and still get excited when I read about them.   When you add in a bit of romance and the fact that this is from a Christian publisher, ensuring it is spiritually friendly, it is a book I greatly enjoyed.   It is a fast paced book which is difficult to put down and not one you will want to read while you are eating (some of the medical scenes can be a bit descriptive) or trying to unwind for the night.

I recommend Stress Test to anyone who enjoys crime novels, medical novels, and/or legal dramas.

About Richard Mabry

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Learn more about Richard at: http://www.rmabry.com

About the giveaway 

Richard Mabry is celebrating the release of Stress Test with a Nook HD Giveaway! Enter today.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• A $15 gift certificate to BarnesandNoble.com

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 27th. Winner will be announced on 4/29/13 at Richard's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

 

Disclaimer

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review and Giveaway Information: Love in the Balance

About Love in the Balance

Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon.
How's a Girl to Choose?

Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together.

Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town-and her life-and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything. But he won't be in Lockhart long and while it certainly seems like he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind.

What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

My thoughts on Love in the Balance

Love in the Balance is the second book in the Ladies of Caldwell County series, and while there is some crossover of characters and storyline with Sixty Acres and a Bride (you can read that review here), you can definitely follow along without having read the first one.  Like so many romance novels, this storyline is based on two things: a couple that doesn't communicate honestly and someone who is struggling between following their heart and doing what society expects of them.  Although those themes were prevalent, I still enjoyed the book and it was different in many other ways.  I enjoyed watching Molly grow from being someone who had a fairly impersonal relationship with God to someone who embraced the example and grace of Christ by the end of the book.  Having said that, the book is not a preachy book, but her relationship with God is a minor, but strong, theme.  

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Sixty Acres and a Bride, or likes romance or coming-of-age novels.

About Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children. 

Find out more about Regina at http://www.reginajennings.com/.

About the giveaway

Regina Jennings is celebrating the release of Love in the Balance with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on 4/4!








One "lovely" winner will receive:


• A Kindle Fire 
  


• A copy of Regina's Sixty Acres and a Bride and Love in the Balance

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Love in the Balance" Author Chat Party on April 4th. Connect with Regina, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Love in the Balance and join Regina on the evening of April 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Regina Jennings for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Giveaway info

The Purex® brand is teaming up with Honey Bunches of Oats and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to launch a monumental prize giveaway: The 2013 Tropical Trio Sweepstakes!

One lucky winner will be sent on a tropical paradise vacation to Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach! Enter to win a chance to spend your days relaxing underneath the warm, Hawaiian sun and your nights exploring Waikiki’s never-ending nightlife. There will also be 5 first-place winners, who will each receive a one-year supply of Purex Tropical Splash Detergent and Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends Cereal.  An additional 100 second-place winners will receive coupons for FREE Purex Tropical Splash Detergent and Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends Cereal.

Book review and giveaway info: Firefly Island

About Firefly Island

Sometimes love takes you on an adventure completely off the map.

Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas-with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow.

A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranch living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jack's presence-and his mysterious past-set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers . . . and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save. 

My thoughts on Firefly Island

I know that many people would not quite understand how the whirlwind romance that Mallory experiences would cause her to drop everything and move away from all she knows.  However, my husband and I met in February of 1999 and we were engaged within a few days of him moving to NY (from Bellingham, WA) in June of the same year.  Our wedding was in November of 1999 and we were pregnant a month later, so I could relate to how Mallory was feeling.  I enjoyed watching her adjust to her new roles as wife and mother, and also to living the small-town rural life.  I also loved that she became a blogger :)  

Firefly Island is a bit of romance, a bit of mystery and has a lot of intrigue.  I did not find the mystery parts to be predictable, but when the book ended, I had a LOT of unanswered questions.  I am hoping there will be a sequel, but still felt that the ending was a bit sloppy with too many loose ends.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy feel good books, with a bit of romance and mystery.  

About Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. 

Visit www.lisawingate.com

About the giveaway

Lisa Wingate is celebrating the release of Firefly Island with an iPad Mini giveaway and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 19th).









One fortunate winner will receive:


• An iPad Mini


• The Moses Lake series (Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Firefly Island Author Chat Party on March 19th. Connect with Lisa, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join Lisa on the evening of the March 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

 

 

 

Disclaimer
I received a copy of the book to facilitate my review.  All opinions are my own.

Review and Giveaway: Dial Coconut Water Body Wash

About the product
New Dial Coconut Water Body Wash is the first of its kind to contain coconut water for clean, healthy, hydrated skin.  Coconut water is found in young, green coconuts and is known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes.

My thoughts
Like many people, my skin tends to dry out easily in the winter.   I found the Dial Coconut Water Body Wash to be great at helping my skin retain its moisture.  I even used it today to shave my legs, which usually leaves me with ashy legs, but my legs are smooth and moisturized, without any added lotion.  I also love the scent.  It has a strong coconut scent, with a background scent of tropical flowers and greens.  It is easy to imagine myself in Hawaii or on some tropical beach, or at least until one of the kids comes in to the bathroom or I hear them fighting outside the door.  My husband and kids also enjoy the scent and I like that the soap is gentle enough that all of them (well, I didn't use it on the baby) can use it as well.  I am all for a family body wash, to reduce clutter in my shower.

Giveaway Information and a Reader Giveaway
Dial is holding a sweepstakes in order to celebrate the release of Dial Coconut Water Body Wash.  Grand prize is $1,000 and there will be 250 1st prize winners who will each get a free bottle of Dial Coconut Water Body Wash. You can enter their giveaway here.

In addition to the giveaway above, Dial has given me some coupons to give to one of my readers.  Enter below on the rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer 
Dial Soap provided me with a sample of the above product in exchange for my review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.
 

Book review and giveaway info: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska

About the book

     Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams-a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests-her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA's pressures.

   
     In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children's governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover-as Ellie did-that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

About the authors

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

Ocieanna Fleiss is a published author and editor. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. 

Find out more about Ocieanna at http://ocieanna.com/.

My thoughts

The media often portrays stars, both those on the screen and those in the music industry, as lost souls who struggle from deep personal struggles. In Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, Ginny, a  rising star in the music industry, shows us what could happen when one of those stars learns to deal with those deep struggles in a way that does not involve sex, drugs, or alcohol. She discovers a simpler life, true love, and a relationship with God. It was easy for me to sit back and wonder why she struggled so much with the issues she faces, but I quickly remembered that everyone is different.  We all come from different places in our lives and while some experiences are similar, often each of experience our lives in vastly different ways.  I enjoyed reading the story of Ginny, along with the love story that she was reading as well.  I also really enjoyed the Alaskan setting and the way the authors described it.  I was never one who wanted to travel to Alaska, but after reading a couple of books set there, I have added it to my bucket list.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good love story, especially one that revolves around second chances and to anyone who enjoys stories set in Alaska, as you will really get a feeling for what it is like to be there.

About the giveaway

Celebrate with Tricia and Ocieanna by entering their "Glacier Bay" Giveaway and RSVPing for their Facebook Party on Feb. 12th!







One fortunate winner will receive:


• A gorgeous handmade “Glacier Bay” bracelet


• A handmade cowl in "Glacier Bay" blues and greens


• A bottle of custom-made "Glacier Bay" sparkle polish in blue


• Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss and their two other “Love Finds You” titles {Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana, and Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington}


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the "Glacier Bay" Author Chat Party on February 12th. Connect with authors Tricia and Ocieanna, get a sneak peek of their new book projects, try your hand at the Alaska trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways—gift certificates, books, and more!



So grab your copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, and join Tricia and Ocieanna on the evening of February 12th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)















Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

Disclaimer 
I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and the authors for the copy of the book I received to facilitate this review.  As always, my opinion is my own. 

 

Giveaway Info: Nuby!!!

Nuby is holding a HUGE giveaway this weekend on their facebook page.  The giveaway will last through the weekend, and end at 11:59pm Sunday, January 20^th.

Giveaway Info: $10,000 Target gift card

Back in October, I shared with you about UNREAL candy and how excited I was to see a company making better-for-you treats, that actually taste great and cost about the same as comparable candy.  I just wanted to share a contest they are currently having to celebrate Target carrying their brand. 

It's super simple to enter:

• Take a photo of UNREAL candy (find a store near you: http://getunreal.com/find-unreal-candy/)
• Send it via email or text to unreal@pongr.com 
• Enjoy the candy you just photographed!

Book Review and Giveaway Info: The Lesson

About the book
Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world-with surprising results. Fisher's trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble. 

My thoughts
As with all of Suzanne Woods Fisher's books, I really enjoyed The Lesson.  The author has a great way of showing the Amish as real people, with quirks and issues just like everyone else.  In the beginning of the book, I found myself a little annoyed with Mary Kate, but as the book progressed, I realized I was very much like her at that age, and I enjoyed watching her grow as she experienced the things life handed her.  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish literature and coming of age books.

About the giveaway
Celebrate the release of The Lesson with Suzanne Woods Fisher by entering to win one of TWO iPads!








Two winners will receive:


• A brand new iPad


• A $15 gift certificate to iTunes

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 20th. Winner will be announced on 1/22/13 at Suzanne's Blog.






Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclaimer
I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Suzanne Woods Fisher for the copy of the book I received to facilitate this review.  As always, my opinion is my own. 

Book Review and Giveaway Info: Courting Cate

About the book

When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!

In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?

Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.

My thoughts

 I enjoyed this book, but found some of the characters a bit irritating.  Cate seems to have trouble trusting others.  I know people like Cate, and some do have very legitimate reasons for their mistrust, but the things that Cate has faced in her life that caused his to lose faith in others, particularly men, is not that different from things that we all face at some point in our dating lives.  Without giving to much away, Cate seems to mistrust men because the one guy she ever really courted, had supposedly only done so for a reason other than to build a relationship.  We never learn exactly what happened that led her to believe that he had other intentions, but I would question if it wasn't Cate's overactive mind causing her to believe that he had other intentions.  I also found Betsy to be a bit annoying as well.  She seemed really sweet in the beginning, but as the book went on, her true colors came out.  You can tell she loves her sister, but she is also incredibly selfish.  She does not care about how her sister feels, as long as she gets what she wants.  The character of Pete, I had a hard time disliking, even though I wish he would have insisted on communicating more with Cate, particularly in the latter half of the book.  It is not that the characters are not well written, it is just that some of them were a bit unlikable.

Aside from the characters, I enjoyed the rest of the book.  This is the first piece of Amish literature that really addresses the financial differences among Amish families.  I honestly did not think that there was a difference.  I guess I just never really thought about it, because they all seem to live to simply, but in Courting Cate, we really get to see how a wealthy family's daily life differs from a very poor family's daily life.  It really made me think about how even the things that I consider to be so simple and basic, are still a luxury to some people, Amish or otherwise.  

The storyline is different from the many other romance books that are out there.  This was more like a forced romance that blossomed into something more.  There are a few tender moments, but it is more about the emotional growth that the characters have to go through in order to mature.  I also like that all of the characters grow in some way by the end of the book.  The author did a good job of developing most of the characters, and explaining why they behaved in certain ways.  The only one I would like to have known more of their history is Cate.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story, but can handle it not being a lovey-dovey romance novel.  I am told it is a re-telling of Shakespeare's the Taming of the Shrew, but I have to admit, that I have never read it (gasp! I know.) so I cannot compare it.  However, if you enjoy the Taming of the Shrew, you may find this to be enjoyable as well.

About the author

Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon. 

Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

About the giveaway

A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate  with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!









One lucky winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• Courting Cate by Leslie Gould


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!





So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)






Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

*Disclaimer*

Thank you to Litfuse for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review.  As always, my opinion is my own.

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway

The holidays are just around the corner, so you know what that means….time for the Melissa & Doug “Terrific Twenty” list! This list compiles the “best of the best” holiday gifts for the 2012 holiday season, and we’re excited to share it here with you!

To celebrate, they’re having a “20 Days of Terrific Twenty” Giveaway on our Facebook page! Every day (starting TODAY, November 6) they’ll be giving away one item from our Terrific Twenty list to at least one of their lucky Facebook fans!

Head over to the Melissa & Doug Facebook page to enter to win. There will be a different prize given away each day, but you only need to enter once to be eligible for all the prizes. 

Book Review and Giveaway Info: The Memory Jar

About the book

Book One in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series

Every year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

My thoughts
There were a lot of things I liked about this book, especially the characters.  Sarah Shelter is a strong Christian woman, but bit rebellious in the traditional Amish ways.  She does things as she truly believes they should be done, and not just because others tell her that is the way it ought to be.  I enjoyed watching her grow and seeing her relationship blossom as well.  I also liked the consistency in the West Kootenai characters that the author carried over from her other books.

The Memory Jar is an easy read, but there are times the plot slows down a bit.  This is not necessarily a bad thing. It allowed me to put the book down and get some sleep, yet the plot picked back up quickly enough that it kept me from getting bored.


I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance stories, and there are definitely some romantic gestures in this story, as well as anyone who likes Amish fiction.  

About the author
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters
, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com

  

About the giveaway

Celebrate with Tricia by entering her Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 7th. (And be sure to ctry your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.)



Enter Today - 10/16-11/7!


One fortunate winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire


• Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover


• Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}


• The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review.  As always, my opinion is my own.