Thursday, June 30, 2016

FREE 14 Day Trial Is Now Available for the Odyssey Adventure Club!



oac 

Think of ways you can enjoy this summer for free:
  • Hiking
  • Visiting parks in your area
  • Swimming
  • Camping in your backyard
  • Visit a public museum or library
Now, add more fun and imagination to your summer through the Odyssey Adventure Club!

The Odyssey Adventure Club will give you streaming access to more than 800 Adventures in Odyssey episodes plus a sneak peek of exclusive audio and video stories, on-line activities and daily devotions you can’t find anywhere else.

Start a free 14-day trial for your family today and make the summer even more fun!


**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, June 27, 2016

The Ringmaster's Wife By Kristy Cambron with #Review


The Ringmaster's Wife



An ounce of courage. A split-second leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life---one that's reimagined from what they might have become.

In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures to call her own, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World's Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny---a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.

A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling of Yorkshire, England, boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her life is planned out for her. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties in the grandest ballrooms the country has to offer. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.

When Rosamund's path crosses with Mable's and the Ringlings' glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, instead choosing the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers' circus.

A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster's Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the greatest show on earth!


Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28JxcaK


MY THOUGHTS-Kristy Cambron is an author I have really enjoyed. Her books delve into a whole different world and bring the readers along for the ride. This one was no different and just might be my favorite, though I would be hard pressed to decide between this one and The Butterfly and the Violin. While she pens a novel set in a certain time period, she also swaps timelines, normally going back and forth between two stories set many years apart.

In this one we have Rosamund, a princess in her own right, who wants something more than just marriage and the boring life that has been laid out for her. So when the opportunity arises to leave it all behind and go on a journey she grasps at the hand of the one who offers it, Colin. It isn't always exciting or thrilling, being a trick rider in the circus, and her life has its ups and downs, but she finds fulfillment and enjoyment.

I found myself totally enthralled with this story. After all, who doesn't enjoy a story about the Big Top and it's early days. Lots of history enclosed in these pages! The plot reminded me of Water for Elephants and the characters are realistic. It made me fall in love with both story lines, how they weave in and out, only to all end up together at the final chapter. What a wonderful novel from Kristy!! Loved it so much!




**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, June 17, 2016

Make Your Children World Explorers

worldexplorers 

Give your family summer vacation a makeover this year and turn it into a "staycation." Have your kids forget their summer boredom, turn off their screens, and instead circle the globe with Focus on the Family's "World Explorers" summer adventure kit!

Throughout the next two months, travel our colorful, diverse world, visiting 27 different countries on six continents. Part of the fun will be figuring out where the next stop is, using five clues that reveal interesting facts about the next country. Once you've determined where you're going, use the games, activities and faith lessons to give your kids a glimpse into that country's unique culture.

Click here to sign up and receive your free summer adventure kit.

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Don’t Be Bored This Summer!

Now is the time to make sure your kids have the greatest adventure this summer with more than 800 Adventures in Odyssey episodes and non-stop listening fun! Sign up for the Odyssey Adventure Club today for just $9.99 per month at OACLUB.org.
 

**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, June 13, 2016

My Father's House by Rose Johnson #Review


My Father's House 



Growing up, life is idyllic for Lily Rose Cates due to one constant --- her father's love.

But in her sixteenth summer, all that changes without warning. There begins Lily's struggle to find herself and the life she's lost. . . . Marriage promises fulfillment, but her happily-ever-after barely survives the honeymoon. Her husband's sophisticated façade hides a brooding man with even darker secrets.

When all illusions shatter, Lily must make hard choices --- abandon her husband or risk losing much more than her marriage. She flees their home in Detroit and sets out on a fearful journey to a house in Georgia that her husband knows nothing about. This is one woman's compelling tale of love and survival as she finds her way back home to who she's meant to be . . . in her father's house.


Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/217Bvib

MY THOUGHTS- Hmm, this one was a very different and somewhat difficult read for me. The story starts off slow and at times I was tempted to put the book down but something kept me reading. About chapter 5 or 6 it really started to pick up. Though fiction novels are my favorite, this one almost sounded more like a memoir, but definitely a good one. Lily Rose is such a good character. At times making you want to tell her where to go or how to respond, while at other times she has such a strength. It made me realize that we can't always control how others respond, but only ourselves. Again, this book deals with a difficult subject of an abusive marriage so please, if that bothers you at all, do not pick this up. The author does a great job at being tactful but sometimes things hurt so I would caution readers to be careful if that might be an issue for you.




**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, June 6, 2016

Change of Heart by Courtney Walsh #Review @courtney_walsh



A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to have it all. But her carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the FBI crashes her society brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for embezzlement, and he’s far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start of his indiscretions—for which he has little regret. As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close—and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse—his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation. 
Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend—and his own mistakes—stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?



MY REVIEW- What a delightfully intriguing story I found inside the pages of Courtney Walsh's new book, Change of Heart! I have read the first novel, Paper Hearts, and when this one popped up for review, I knew I had to request it. When it arrived I put it on the shelf because I try to keep them in order of what needs reviewed first, but I couldn't stay away for long.

The cover is amazing and would draw me in, even if I didn't know how talented of an author Courtney is. The book centers on Evelyn Brandt, whose husband Christopher is arrested for fraud and embezzlement, as well as Trevor Whitney, farmer and woodworker extraordinaire. Trevor I found to be a different kind of hero. He is sullen, moody and withdrawn, a big change from most of the tough guy leads that we see so often. I loved watching Evelyn change from who she had become as a politician's wife to the woman she used to be. A free spirit and quite skillful with her painting. This is the second book I have read recently with someone going back to drawing and I enjoyed seeing it in both of the stories. There are several secondary characters who are delightful such as Lillian, Trevor's aunt, Casey and Marin, as well as the older ladies, the Valentine Volunteers, who are in charge of the Sweetheart Banquet. Full of wisdom but not always the most tactful :) This book deals with some tough situations and I applaud Mrs Walsh for her plot. An excellent page turner!!



**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.**

Jesus Inspires Me Activity and Coloring Book #Review

ABOUT THE BOOK (32 pages): 


Everyone loves the familiar faces on the Knowing My God series board book covers. And now these characters step out into an expanded new role as Soul Mates, Friends for Life™ who involve your little artist in their world of drawing, coloring, reflecting, solving, decorating, and imagining. With the breezy flair of artist Missi Jay, each original page in the book ties in facts and themes from the well-regarded Knowing My God series, while inspiring creativity and a personal connection with Jesus. The beautiful glossy cover and just-right size make this newest addition to the line a perfect companion to the Knowing My God books on any family trip. Are we there yet? With the Graham Blanchard Soul Mates showing them the way, young passengers might be willing to ride a little longer.



MY THOUGHTS- Inside the pages of this activity book I found a cute book that any child would be interested in. Lots of Bible verses are entwined through the coloring pages so that the child is learning while they are enjoying themselves. Definitely a plus in my book! This would be great for a child, grandchild, birthday present, etc. My idea would be to make a gift basket and include this, some crayons, colored pencils and maybe a story book from the Knowing My God series. Voila!





**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, June 4, 2016

Richard Mabry’s ‘Medical Judgment’ e-Reader Giveaway

Medical Judgment 





Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she's about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn't think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her---and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband's best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it's too late, and they're both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won't protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?


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


MY REVIEW- Richard Mabry is an author whom I enjoy reading. His books are medical suspense and they are quite thrilling while immersing the reader into the world of doctors and detectives. This one is no different with a woman trying to start over alone. But someone isn't going to let her start over, at least not without a fight. She has two men wanting to step in and help, but can she trust them? An amazing story that had me reading into the wee hours of the night. Don't let the medical aspect scare you away!!


THE GIVEAWAY DETAILS!!

Just what the doctor ordered: heart-thumping suspense and intrigue, courtesy of Richard Mabry’s new medical drama, Medical Judgment. Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. They’ve stalked her and set a fire at her home. Trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter is tough enough, but she has no idea what will come next. As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? Why are they after her? And with her only help being unreliable suitors in competition with each other, whom can she really trust?




Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!





medical judgment - 400 



One grand prize winner will receive:




  • A copy of Medical Judgment

  • A Kindle Fire HD 6


Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.






medical judgment - enterbanner



**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, June 2, 2016

Sister Eve and Blue Nun Book #Review!

Sister Eve and the Blue Nun

After a murder at the monastery, Sister Eve may need a miracle if she is to prove a dear friend isn’t a cold-blooded killer.
Sister Eve, a motorcycle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet another mysterious death.
Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middlesworth—a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th-century’s revered “Blue Nun”—and a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could even be examined.
When all evidence seems to point to the victim’s brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain.
Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive.


MY REVIEW-This is a book I wasn't quite sure about reviewing. After all it is a different religion than mine, and while I know about the Catholic faith, I normally don't read books dealing with nuns :) But I do love a good mystery and this one definitely sounded like a good one!

The plot was good and the characters were different, especially Sister Eve. She was fun to watch but not your normal nun. She drives a motorcycle and wears boots. I had somewhat of a hard time following some of the dialogue as the writing was different.  I also have to say, there are lots of references that went above my head. I didn't know what all the terms meant by any means, and I know quite a bit about the Catholic faith. Overall it was a fun read, but not sure I will re-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.**

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The Eleventh Preview! Family Friendly Series from FEELN



I recently had the privilege of previewing an episode of a new family friendly series called, The Eleventh. This is an exclusive show through Feeln, a streaming service that allows you to watch many family films and shows, including the Hallmark Hall of Fame features. I was somewhat hesitant with starting this series but boy am I glad I previewed it! Can't wait to watch as they release this year.

The Eleventh is about a young girl, I thought she was in her teens but from something that is said in the first episode, it appears she is a young adult. It starts off leaving the viewers in the dark about what exactly is going on, so you definitely feel the pull of persevering to the end to see what happens. Of course, that leaves you wanting even more! Janine is a teenager who is getting ready to leave for college and we see her ringing a doorbell where an older lady appears. Janine tells the older woman that she works at Goodwill and they found an envelope in a book that was donated so she wanted to give it to her. I don't want to give it all away so I will leave the rest of the episode to your imagination.

Let me just give you this real quick. There are devastating secrets about to be revealed as well as families that will never be the same. We see a teenager who is trying to deal with the death of her mother and a father who is doing his best to protect her, but something seems a little off with both sides so I cannot wait to see how it turns out!

I do know many iconic actors and actresses from a bygone era appear in this series as well as some new faces for me. The acting was well done, definitely grabs your attention from the start and I believe it will interest young and old alike. I only have two things that I didn't care for. One is that the father is sitting there drinking and has a pack of cigarettes on his stomach. I just felt it was better left out of a family show. The other thing is the deception/lying going on from the start. Janine lies to the older woman, then promises her father something only to turn around the next day and disobey that. There are obviously issues from the past, and I understand adults making decisions that will impact their children for better or for worse, but I don't like how easy it was for Janine to go against her father's wishes in a heartbeat.



Overall an intriguing start to a series that I will definitely be catching up on as they come out. Feeln is a streaming service I would urge families to look into. I know several of the shows I saw on their website are good and I couldn't believe some of the great ones I saw on there! If you wish to check out the full episodes of The Eleventh, as well as the other great shows they have available, please follow the link below. 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.**
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