Torn Asunder ~ Launch Day Spotlight

Torn Asunder by Alana Terry 

Torn Asunder is the newest suspense novel from award- winning author Alana Terry. Torn Asunder is the story of Hannah and Simon, two North Korean refugees who sneak back into their country to serve as underground missionaries. In this world of spies, secret police, and informants, Simon and Hannah learn that staying together won't just compromise their ministry. It could cost them both their lives.

Torn Asunder launches today for just 99 cents, and all book sale proceeds today support the work of Liberty in North Korea, an organization that runs an underground railroad for North Korean refugees. You can get the paperback or the ebook for 99 cents for a limited time only. And remember the best news ~ Your purchase will help save a North Korean refugee!

Excerpt from Torn Asunder:

Simon gritted his teeth. His head felt like it was sinking. The general kept his voice level and pleasant as he slipped the device over Simon’s pinky. “Now, you just tell me who you delivered your Bibles to, and I’ll let you leave here with everything intact.”

Simon tried to swallow. His whole jaw was swollen from his scuffle in the woods. He shut his eyes and hoped the general couldn’t feel him tremble.

General Sin chuckled to himself. “Silly me. I forgot.” He slid the device off Simon’s finger. “This kind of tool won’t work on a big, strong man like you.” He strode over to Hannah and yanked her hand before Simon could even cry out. He jammed her ring finger into the opening.

Simon struggled against his iron restraints. “Let her go!”

Hannah sucked in her breath. General Sin still glared at Simon. “This is your last chance. Give me the names, and I'll release her unharmed.”

Simon’s field of vision blurred over. He wanted to scream. The metal from his handcuffs sliced open his wrists. He pictured himself breaking free and tackling the general to the ground.

“Better talk.” General Sin yawned. “I hate getting my uniform messy.”

Hannah’s hand trembled, but she didn’t make a noise.

“Three ...”

Simon clenched his jaw, unable to tear his face away from Hannah’s wide, terrified eyes.

“Two ...”





Want more? Buy Torn Asunder on amazon now. And remember, all book sales today will be donated directly to Liberty in North Korea, a group committed to seeing North Koreans achieve their freedom in THIS GENERATION.

Want to help spread the word? See below to click and tweet, or share this image on your timeline. Then be sure to scroll down to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $100 gift card, surprise grab bag ($60 retail), great CD from Cherie Norquay, and free prizes to everyone who enters! And don't forget to leave a comment and tell us what you think of Hannah and Simon and those like them who sneak into hostile mission fields to share the gospel.

Post by Alana Terry.

Are you on twitter? Just click to tweet ~

Tweet: Buy a book. Save a refugee. Torn Asunder by Alana Terry. All proceeds today to @libertyinNK. #99cents #suspense http://ctt.ec/QjI3D+

Tweet: New release Torn Asunder, Christian #suspense set in #NorthKorea. All proceeds today donated to @libertyinNK #99cents http://ctt.ec/6io3Z+

Or copy and paste into an email or Facebook status: Torn Asunder is a new Christian suspense novel by Alana Terry about two North Koreans who serve as undercover missionaries. It's on sale for only 99 cents, and all book proceeds today will be donated to Liberty in North Korea's underground railroad for North Korean refugees.

Did you help spread the word? Click below to claim your prizes!

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Why Dogs Are... ~ Review

Why Dogs Are...
By Tana Thompson

Illustrations by Marita Gentry

This is a delightful and touching story about dogs and how they came to be called dog and the job God gave to dogs.

In a nutshell God sent the first dog to earth, specifically Brian a young man who could neither hear or see, as a testament of His LOVE.  Love that Brian could not see or hear in his day-to-day life.  And DOG was GOD's love for Brian both tangible and knowable in his life.

This is a book geared towards younger children and the pictures are perfect for this story.  This book would be perfect for a bedtime story or a classroom story-time setting.  This will also open up young readers to the world of therapy/guide dogs and the important role they play in our world.

I was provided a copy of this book through BookFun/TBCN in exchange for my honest review.

ABOUT the BOOK

Why Dogs Are tells the story of how a dog teaches some life lessons to a very special child. It seeks to explore the concept of God’s unconditional love and how someone without the ability to see or hear can comprehend its scope and His impact in our lives. Named a Finalist in the non-profit Indie Book Awards (category Spirituality, 2014), 100% percent of net profits from book sales goes to charities that train and support therapy dogs.

The book is first in a series called “Love Unleashed.” The author’s own dog Muttley was a therapy dog that brought his light and love to nursing home residents and to children with disabilities. Born deaf and blind, Brian was the inspiration for the book. His character is a composite of the many children who attended the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind who had to learn to live life with one or more disabilities. “Why Dogs Are is everything a good children’s book needs to be – engaging and delightful,” said Amy S. Royal, professional freelance editor. “But when an author tackles a big concept and manages to convey it in a simple, yet powerful way, good becomes great. Great becomes wonderful. Wonderful becomes very special. This is an engaging, delightful and very special book with a story and message that will live forever.”

ABOUT the AUTHOR

Tana Thompson spent 30 years teaching in colleges and universities around the south, watching computers go from huge mainframe technological monsters to carry-in-youpocket smart phone equivalents. Now in retirement, she is following her dream of writing, having interests in children’s literature and non-fiction genres such as memoirwriting and regaling unique travel experiences shared with her late husband, Ken, in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. She is so committed to using her right brain for a change that she also makes jewelry, stained and fused glass, and delights in photography. She lives on her own heaven-on-earth slice of Lake Logan Martin in beautiful Alabama, with 2 “chosen” dogs, 2 rescued dogs and 4 rescued cats.

Tana Thompson wrote her first story in the sixth grade, was encouraged by her teacher to continue writing, and didn’t. But the desire remained in her heart only to be reawakened later in life. In the interim, she earned a Ph.D. from Georgia State University and taught computer and management information systems in several colleges and universities around the south. Her last career position was the most meaningful, assisting teachers and staff at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind to integrate computers into their daily job duties. Her late husband Ken was Vice President at the Institute; together they experienced the exceptional love and devotion of parents, family and teachers working with these exceptional children. The Thompsons also participated in a pet therapy program that saw their two Golden Retrievers, Rambeau and Muttley, form a team that visited nursing homes, classrooms and especially the students of AIDB, where the dogs sensed a “special touch” was required. Muttley earned his “Canine Good Citizen” designation, and proudly wore his official bandana and patch when visiting his special friends. http://whydogsare.com/about-the-author

Never Ever Give Up ~ Review

Never Ever Give Up
The inspiring Story of Jessie and her JoyJars
by Erik Rees with Jenna Glatzer

Sometimes someone is an inspiration without ever trying and Jessie Rees was just such a person.
In February 2011, eleven year old Jessie Rees started displaying some odd symptoms - double vision and an odd head tilt.  Little did anyone suspect these were symptoms that were about to alter the Rees family forever.

On March 2, 2011 the Rees family learned that Jessie had a rare cancer for which there was no known cure.  The next 10 months were filled with their fight to bet the odds, to be the less than 1% who survive.

But this isn't just a cancer story.  No, this is Jessie's story and story of seeking to help others in spite of her own struggles and daily battles.  Jessie, who went in for treatments saw children who couldn't leave the hospital.  Feeling blessed that she was able to go home and stay with her family, Jessie wanted to reach out to these other children.  She wanted to give them the gift of caring and as a result JoyJars were created.

But Jessie wanted to reach out to children everywhere who had cancer and through her love and caring NEGU (knee-goo) was born.  NEGU was Jessie's motto Never Ever Give Up!  Her caring was inspirational and in the ten months that she had she made an impact that touched lives all over the world.

This is an inspiring and heart-touching book.  You will shed tears as Jessie has moments of triumph and as her friends and family say goodbye.

In conjunction with September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month I was provided a copy of this book through Handlebar Hub in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
It started with a simple question: How can we help them? 
It became an international movement called NEGU: Never Ever Give Up. 
When Jessica Joy Rees was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 11, she chose to focus not on herself but on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer. During the ten months she battled cancer, she and her family worked in the "Joy Factory" (originally their garage) making JoyJars.--packages filled with toys, games, and love for other kids with cancer. Jessie first handed them out personally at the hospital where she was being treated, but the effort blossomed quickly and there were soon thousands of JoyJars. being distributed across the United States and to over fifteen countries. 

Today, more than 100,000 kids have received JoyJars., and they continue shipping each week to kids in over 200 children's hospitals and 175 Ronald McDonald Houses. Jessie lost her battle with cancer in January 2012, but her message lives on in the Jessie Rees Foundation, which has become a beacon of hope for families fighting pediatric cancer. 

A Sandy Grave ~ Interview with Giveaway

Yesterday I reviewed A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine, a book targeted at the preteen reader dealing A Sandy Grave, the beach, and writing.
with poaching.  Well, today I'm sharing a short interview I recently did with Donna about

Q 1. Why did you decide to write a book geared towards kids that deals with poaching?

A. Many of my story ideas come from reading news articles, and I found the story of a washed up dead whale on a California beach very interesting. It piqued my creative juices immediately.

Q 2. Have you ever had any experiences with Marine Biology? If so what?

A. A few years ago, we vacationed at the Atlantis in the Bahamas and we went swimming with the dolphins. Exhilarating time!

Q 3. What do you like best about a day at the beach?

A. The peacefulness of the sound of the ocean and immersing myself in a compelling mystery book rejuvenates my mind and body.

Q 4. How did you decide on the title A Sandy Grave? Having read the book it makes sense, but I'd like to know the thought processes behind the name.

A. While reading the article mentioned above and discovering how the authorities took care of the dead whale provided the perfect title.

Q 5. What do you most enjoy about writing?

A. The research and developing a creative outline to intertwine the two to make a story leap from the pages.

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About the Book:

The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?

About the Author:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway. Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna’s 2013 releases of Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony and the 2014 release of A Sandy Grave will be joined by an additional book to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership.

Visit Donna online at www.donnamcdine.com or at her blog www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

EXCERPT: The lifeguards had their arms extended and attempted to move the crowd back. The tallest lifeguard said, “People, please stay back. The authorities will arrive to examine the whale to determine the cause of death within the hour. The whale must have died at sea and washed ashore.”

PURCHASE AT: GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING AMAZON BARNES AND NOBLE Title: A Sandy Grave Author: Donna M. McDine Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Pages: 24 Language: English Genre: Tween Chapterbook Format: Paperback, Hardcover and eBook

A Sandy Beach ~ Review with Giveaway

A Sandy Grave
By Donna M. McDine
Illustrations by Julie Hammond

Leah, Nicole, and Hayley are excited to spend their summer vacation at the beach.  After all there is just something special about saltwater scented air and warm sand beneath your feet.

But when a whale is found dead their vacation turns into a lesson about poachers.  Someone has stolen teeth from the beached whale and they are planning to profit from it.

When Leah spots some suspicious looking men she thinks she knows who the poachers are. But how are three tween girls going to stop the men they suspect of poaching whale teeth?

With a suggested reader age of 8-12  A Sandy Grave is an excellent book to introduce the tweens in your life to the concept of poaching.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author in conjunction with this PUYB book tour.  Be sure to come back tomorrow for my interview with author Donna McDine.

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About the Book:
The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?

About the Author:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway. Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna’s 2013 releases of Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony and the 2014 release of A Sandy Grave will be joined by an additional book to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership.

Visit Donna online at www.donnamcdine.com or at her blog www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

EXCERPT: The lifeguards had their arms extended and attempted to move the crowd back. The tallest lifeguard said, “People, please stay back. The authorities will arrive to examine the whale to determine the cause of death within the hour. The whale must have died at sea and washed ashore.”

PURCHASE AT: GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING AMAZON BARNES AND NOBLE Title: A Sandy Grave Author: Donna M. McDine Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Pages: 24 Language: English Genre: Tween Chapterbook Format: Paperback, Hardcover and eBook

Visible Threat ~ Review

Visible Threat 
By Janice Cantore

Brianna Caruso is determined to protect the innocent even if it means breaking a few rules.  But this time her risk taking may come with a price.  But is she to blame or is she just taking on guilt that isn't hers?

When a young woman's body is found in a river amongst in storm debris, Brianna and Hero are called on by Jack O'Reilly and his partner Ben to search for clues.  All they have to go on is an unusual tattoo and a blanket.  "Who is this young woman?" and "Is someone looking for her?" are the questions nagging at Brianna and Long Beaches homicide detectives.  This is no mere drowning.  Someone murdered this young woman and then hoped the storm with take the evidence out to sea.

The case Brianna is working on is much bigger than she could have imaged.  Human trafficking, European Mafia and Long Beach has just become ground zero for stopping an utterly evil man who will kill everyone and anyone who tries to get in his way.

Meanwhile Brianna is facing a review board, budgetary cuts to Hero's funding and the interest of two men. And she is trying to learn more about God and before this case is done she will be seeking Him in prayer!

If you read the first book Critical Pursuit you won't be disappointed in Visible Threat.  This book will open your eyes to the real and present threat of human trafficking.  The dangers of the lies put forth by those behind it are seductive to those seeking a new and better life until it is too late and they are trapped!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection—perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.

Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.

After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier—an organized human trafficking ring. 

The Long Awakening ~ Review

The Long Awakening
                 a memoir
By Lindsey O'Connor

Imagine your life if you lost a part of it.  You couldn't remember you were excited to welcome a newborn child into your life.  Worse yet the first month and a half of your child's life would be something you would never experience.  How do you recover from something like that and what's more how do you recapture what should have been?

On August 30, 2002, Lindsey gave birth to her daughter.   But what should have been a time of joy and celebration soon becomes an long and lingering battle.  Complications from pregnancy send Lindsey into a 47 day long coma.

But awakening from the coma was not the end of her ordeal - she needed to relearn basic functions.  What you or I would take for granted was lost.  And worst of all Lindsey seemed to have a detachment from her emotions.  This is Lindsey's journey to recovering what she had lost and to reconnect with her family as both wife and mother.

When one hears about someone in a coma waking-up one doesn't necessary realize what the recovery after awakening is like.  Lindsey can't even breathe on her own.  I think when she compares having a bit of a memory arise being similar to coming to the end of a chapter in a book and not beimg able to continue on an interesting comparison.

Take a journey of awakening when you read The Long Awakening.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and as a result of this the publisher Revell has provided me with a copy of this book in exchange with my honest review. 

About The Long Awakening

The riveting true story of a life-threatening coma, a miraculous awakening, and the long quest to regain what was lost.
The day our baby came into the world was the day I left. A day that began all smiles and excitement and anticipation and joy ended with running and panic and blood and tears. And then coma.

I lay suspended in the deep, my newborn unknown. Nothingness. Layers where dark pulled from below, light called from above, and me, trapped in between, longing to break the surface. 

To live.

Forty-seven days later when I first saw my husband's face leaning close to me, I knew where, and who, I was. But other things took much longer to know. Learning to restitch life--and love--when everything's changed, and finding who we are afterward, can be the longest journey of all.

I'm Lindsey O'Connor, and this is the story of my long awakening.

Hot Buttons Bullying and Image editions ~ Review

HOT Buttons

By Nicole O'Dell

As anyone with younger children, tweens, and teens knows peer pressure is a real and present fact of life.  But by being prepared one can be ready to offer a steadying hand to keep peer pressure from overwhelming the young people in our lives.

Edition 5 is the Bullying Edition and Edition 6 is the Image Edition.  In both books popularity can be a driving force behind image and bullying issues and fear is a motivating factor in in a child keeping it hidden from parents.  Taking a proactive approach and confronting these issues before they occur is the best way to help your child be prepared.

Unfortunately issues of image are instilled early in a child's life, as adults gush over a child's cuteness, looks, and clothes.  Looks and appearance equal attention and approval/disapproval.  But we should instead focus on a young child's acts of kindness, caring, and honesty instilling value on the internal character rather than outward appearance.

Your children need for you to be approachable so that they can feel confident that they can come to you with a problem and that you will listen to them and offer advice when they need it.  Your communication needs to be two-way not just you spouting off what your experiences were in middle/high school.  Talking and consistent involvement will create a level of trust in your relationship, but remember you are the parent not the BFF of your child and they need/want your help and guidance.

Remember that fitting in and bowing to peer pressure is not the answer.  We are each unique and that uniqueness is what allows us to make individual contributions.

Bullying Edition and Image Edition overlap in areas as these two issues can contribute to one another, but by no means are they the same book.  Bullying looks at the different and various forms bullying can take physical, verbal, and technological.  While Image deals with how we present ourselves and why we seek approval of our appearance.  Image focuses on how we as adults lead by example and even how we tend to put our own selves down.

Eating disorders, body piercings, tattoos, depression, falling grades, and lack of self-esteem are signs that help is needed.  But with these two books you can offer the help your child needs before these situations arise.  And the most important tools at your disposal are time spent with your child, communication that is two-way, leading by example, consistency in all that you do and say, and prayer. 

 I was provided a copy of these books by Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.


About the book: 

From dating to drugs, modesty to purity, morals to popularity, teens face all sorts of tough issues. How teens respond to these challenges will influence their future, possibly define their future, maybe even determine whether they have a future or not.

Following four successful books in the uniquely packaged Hot Buttons Series, author, mom, and broadcaster, Nicole O'Dell now debuts two more books on two of the most prevalent issues in the lives of today's teens: bullying and image. Parents can reach for these quick-reference resources to create healthy conversations with their teens about teasing, cliques and gangs, suicide, or self esteem, piercings and tattoos, eating disorders, and trash talk.

Nicole's creative strategic scenarios, discussion questions, and Bible studies have and will continue to equip parents to proactively prepare their tweens and teens to respond to challenges with courage and grace.

Get these Hot Buttons here!

Never Giving Up and Never Wanting ~ Book Blast and Giveaway

Never Giving Up and Never Wanting
A Caregiver's Journey
By Barry Tutor

About the Author:
As a lifetime problem-solver, I faced the challenges of caring for my two AD victims by researching the disease and developing caregiving skills to assure their comfort and care.

About the Book:
Like most, I knew about Alzheimer’s disease. It causes old people to forget. When my relationship with this disease began, it highlighted how little I knew. Following my widowed mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I researched this disease to gain insight about my new role as her caregiver and decision maker. What I learned and experienced during her affliction still left me somewhat unprepared for what was yet to come. Sixteen months following my mother’s diagnosis, my dear wife and best friend was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Though now I was familiar with this silent killer, my wife’s diagnosis set into motion many changes and challenges in our lives. Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every sixty-eight seconds. Currently, Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top-ten causes of death that is on the increase and has no means of prevention and no possible cure. Given these facts, support for those afflicted relies on increasing levels of care-giving as the disease progresses. Let me explain something about this “old folk’s disease.” Alzheimer’s affects more than just parents and grandparents. It is also the disease of siblings, spouses, and children. Alzheimer’s forces many families to decide between home versus institutional care. An estimated fifteen million caregivers provide some level of care to the Alzheimer’s victims still living at home. No matter what level of care you are providing, the importance of preparation is paramount. Arming yourself with knowledge begins that preparation process. I was unprepared for the roller-coaster ride my life became as the sole caregiver for two Alzheimer’s victims. To meet their varied challenges, I adapted and developed multiple techniques for targeted personalized care. If only I knew then what I know now. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to better prepare you for your caregiving journey.

Purchase your copy: 

TRAFFORD PUBLISHING 

Book Spotlight Cut and Paste (just add cover): 

Title: Never Giving Up and Never Wanting To: A Caregiver’s Journey 

Author: Barry Tutor 

Publisher: Trafford Publishing 

Genre: Alzheimer’s/Caregiver 

Pages: 238 

Language: English 

ISBN-13: 978-1-46694-879-2 

$25 Amazon Rafflecopter Giveaway:
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Mary Elizabeth the Spotless Cow ~ Review

Mary Elizabeth the Spotless Cow
By Salvatore Barbera

Mary Elizabeth has a problem.  She's a cow without spots and all the other cows on the new farm where she lives have spots.  How is she ever to make friends when the other cows avoid her because she is different from them?

After all who would want to associate with a spotless cow!

With some clever thinking on her part Mary Elizabeth convinces the other cows that outward appearance doesn't determine someone's worth.  Going from spotless to spotted and back to spotless allows Mary Elizabeth to show the others one can be friends with someone different than they are - after all they are all cows no matter what their coloring.

Mary Elizabeth the Spotless Cow is a cute and well written book that will impart a valuable lesson to your children. 

I was provided a copy of this book in conjunction with this Pump-Up Your Book blog tour in exchange for my honest review.

From now until December 27, 2013 a hardcover copy of Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow, a book that teaches about acceptance, tolerance, and friendship will be available at  http://www.sweetles.com/shop/ for only $12 (regular retail price $17.99). As if all that isn’t wonderful enough, the author is donating 50% of the net proceeds from this book to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program to make a difference in the lives of children with critical and life threatening illnesses.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The story of “Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow” takes us on the journey she travels to figure out how to get the cows at a new farm to like and accept her.

While she hopes to find friendship at her new home, instead she learns what it means to be different from everyone else. (Spotless!) Mary Elizabeth uses clever ideas and a sense of humor to help her on her quest for friends at the new farm.

This inspiring tale shows how perseverance in spite of obstacles, using a sound thought process to arrive at solutions and the importance of having fun, using humor and enjoying playtime can build friendships.

When you buy this book, 50% of net proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program to make a difference in the lives of children with critical and life threatening illnesses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sal is the author and illustrator of “A Sweetles Dream”® book series. As the Creative Director for Hartman-Barbera llc, a family media & entertainment company, he is also an animator, sculptor, painter and all around fun guy. Sal lives the phrase: “A day without laughter is a wasted day”. To that end, he uses his writing, illustrating and animation skills to create endearing characters and comedic stories.

Sal’s sense of humor and empathy for his characters explore personal and social situations in ways that makes it enjoyable for both adults and children to experience together. Born in New York City, Sal moved to North Bergen, NJ where he grew up on a steep hillside neighborhood with his four older sisters. He currently lives in sunny Arizona with his wife and artistic partner, Sheri, who he defines as his inspiration. On any given day Sal might be painting, sculpting, drawing, animating, writing or enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: cooking, television, movies and golf.

Visit Sal Barbera’s website at http://www.salbarbera.com.

Snowflakes Fall ~ Review

Snowflakes Fall   
by Patricia Maclachlan
Illustrations by Steven Kellogg 

Celebrating the uniqueness of each life Snowflakes Fall is a thoughtfully written book for children.  Like each snowflake that falls no two lives are just the same.  

The seasons of life are seen in snowflakes.  Where Spring brings rain, Winter brings snow.  Life like the seasons progresses through times of trouble and sorrow and yet there are times of joy and happiness as well.

Snowflakes Fall celebrates the joys of knowing life even if it is fleeting like a snowflake falling to the earth.  Written in honor of those who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook/Newtown shooting I liked how the book has a trail of snow angels at the end.  This book will appeal to children and parents alike and is highly recommended.


I was provided a digital loan of this title in exchange for my review.  


Book Summary:
In Snowflakes Fall, Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan and award-winning artist Steven Kellogg portray life's natural cycle: its beauty, its joy, and its sorrow. Together, the words and pictures offer the promise of renewal that can be found in our lives-snowflakes fall, and return again as raindrops so that flowers can grow.

MacLachlan and Kellogg, who are longtime friends, were moved to collaborate on a message of hope for children and their families following the tragic events in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012. Kellogg lived in Sandy Hook for thirty-five years-he raised his family there and was an active member of the community. With Snowflakes Fall, they have created a truly inspiring picture book that is both a celebration of life and a tribute to the qualities that make each individual unique.

In honor of the community of Sandy Hook and Newtown, Random House, the publisher of Snowflakes Fall, has made a donation to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. Random House is also donating 25,000 new books to the national literacy organization First Book in the community's honor and in support of children everywhere.

Runabouts Book Blast

Join P.J. Jenkins, author of the parenting/bullying book, Runabouts, as she tours the blogosphere September 9 - September 20 on her first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! P.J. will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host P.J., please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.

ABOUT RUNABOUTS

Runabouts is a story about friends having fun together, as well as dealing with unpleasant situations. Sunny is a very good friend and tries to make sure that his friends are not taken advantage of by bullies. He also shows us how we can make choices for our own behavior even if others don't want to change their behavior. Sunny could leave Sharky stuck in the mud or he could choose to help him. What would you do? Enjoy the fun of zooming through the water and feeling the water spray over your face. I hope it will make you anxious to enjoy the water and warm weather just like Sunny.

Purchase your copy:

ABOUT P.J. JENKINS

I’m married and have two daughters, and seven and a half grandchildren. We enjoy spending time with our grandchildren and love to take them for rides on our boat. We are lucky to live in Michigan where lakes are plentiful as well as beautiful. I taught elementary school for over 35 years. Reading books is such a joy for children. Life often brings problems dealing with different kinds of people, and children need to now that they choose how they want to behave regardless of what others do. I hope they can see other options as well as enjoy a fun story.

Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins September 9 - September 20.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday September 21, 2013.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 9

Margay Leah Justice

Offbeat Vagabond

Minding Spot

Tuesday, September 10

The Writer's Life

Blooming with Books

Literary Winner

Bookhounds

Wednesday, September 11

As the Pages Turn

Bookworm Lisa

Day by Day in Our World

Confessions of a Reader

Thursday, September 12

Beths' Book Review

Literarily Speaking

Socrates' Book Reviews

Book Reviews by Dee

Friday, September 13

Mary's Cup of Tea

Authors and Readers Book Corner

Crystal's Many Reviews

Monday, September 16

Icefairy's Treasure Chest

Between the Covers

Tuesday, September 17

The Phantom Paragrapher

Beyond the Books

Wednesday, September 18

Literal Exposure

Inside BJ's Head

Book Marketing Buzz

Bibliotica

Thursday, September 19

Review From Here

Redroom

Emeraldfire's Bookmark

Friday, September 20

Queen of All She Reads

I Love to Read and Review Books