The Secret on the Island ~ Book Blast with Giveaway

The Secret on the Island

About the Author:
Dorcas Mladenka is a retired university professor who has spent a lifetime writing in personal journals, in workbooks for her students, and numerous unfinished collections of poetry and short stories. With retirement, she has finally completed her first novel. She currently lives in Texas.

Book Spotlight:

Title: The Secret on the Island
Author: Dorcas Mladenka
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 166

Purchase at iUniverse 

As a research assistant for a Texas detective agency, Maggie Haslo has a knack for connecting the dots. She can see that the facts don’t add up in the suspicious death of her friend Mando. A history professor at the local university, Mando was killed in what the police are calling a drive-by shooting—but Maggie’s not buying it.

Before his death, Mando had invited Maggie to the diving site of a sunken Spanish galleon off the Gulf coast; when her friend, Sister Clare, asks her to come investigate suspicious circumstances at her convent on nearby Mustang Island, Maggie decides to combine trips. A few days later, a nun is murdered, and Maggie makes a shocking discovery: the deaths of Mando and the nun are related.

As she drives back and forth between the city and the island with her faithful German shepherd, Zoe, Maggie must put aside her sadness for the friends she has lost in order to be strong for friends that are still living. In the process, she meets more trouble than she could have imagined, but also a blue-eyed detective—who turns out to be trouble of different kind.

Maggie’s detective skills are about to be put to the ultimate test. Can she crack the case before another dead body shows up?

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Mister Spunky and His Friends ~ Review and Giveaway

Mister Spunky and His Friends
(Based roughly on a true story)
By Kelly Preston

Mister Spunky is a cute story that shares an important lesson.  When we take the time to reach out to someone who is hurting it can make the difference in their life.

When Mister Spunky decides to spend the day at the beach, his day turns out much differently than he expected.  Along the way to the beach he meets three different dogs who all have problems from being bullied, to feeling unloved, to having a special need.

The drawings will capture the attention of your children and the story will teach them a valuable lesson in caring about others.  Stories with dogs are always well received and Mister Spunky is no exception. With Christmas coming this is a perfect gift for your little early reader whether they are your child, grandchild, or a niece or nephew.

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

About Mister Spunky and His Friends

Mister Spunky and His Friends is the creation of award winning author, Kelly Preston. She has
taken the story line from her book, Real Dogs Don't Whisper, placing it in a picture book format
for children to enjoy. Mister Spunky and His Friends is about the importance of love, friendship;
and, helping those with special needs. Follow Mister Spunky along his journey to the beach,
where he meets three new friends; teaching him important life lessons along the way. Parents,
if you enjoyed Real Dogs Don't Whisper, your children will enjoy this book for them. There are
several pages at the end of the story for coloring activities. Ages: 5+

Official website

Amazon

Mister Spunky and His Friends Book and Mouse Pad Giveaway  

Pump Up Your Book and Kelly Preston are teaming up to give you a chance to win an autographed copy of Mister Spunky and a mouse pad!

Terms & Conditions:
• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen to win an autographed copy of Mister Spunky and a mouse pad
• This giveaway begins November 21 and ends November 29, 2013
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 1, 2013
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.
• Giveaway is open to U.S. only

Good Luck Everyone!

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About Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston is, first and foremost, an animal lover. Raised on a ten-acre property in a small town in Pennsylvania, she grew up with horses, rabbits, and – of course – dogs. When she left home after college, she acquired Gizmo, an irresistible Lhasa Apso that started her on a journey full of joys and sorrows, hopes and tribulations, frustrations, endless lessons in patience, and above all else, love. All of this has come at the hands (more precisely the paws) of Gizmo,
Betty Boop, Buffy, Carla Mae, and the inimitable Mr. MaGoo.

Mr. MaGoois a nine-year-old Lhasa Apso and the book’s co-creator and co-writer. He is, in his own words, “the alpha and omega of all dogs – in the cutest and sparkiest, most fun-loving package ever.” Ignoring Kelly’s persistent eye-rolling, Mr. MaGoo has forged ahead with this project in an attempt to, as he puts it, “present the facts from a dog’s perspective. In other words, the correct, most accurate, most interesting, only-one-that-matters perspective,” to which he adds, simply, “Woof!”

The Blessed Child ~ Review

The Blessed Child
By Ted Dekker and Bill Bright

Jason Marker is about to flee Ethiopia when war spreads south into the country.  But a favor to to his interpreter has Jason heading to the Ethiopian Orthodox monastery known as Debra Damarro.  But the EPFL is just minutes away and Jason has even less time to get Caleb, a young orphan and Leiah, a Red Cross nurse out of the monastery.

What happens during their escape is something that Jason and Leiah are totally unprepared for.  A soldier whom they believes has been shot and wounded or even killed sits up after Caleb examines him.  But the surprises with Caleb don't end in Ethiopia.  And neither does the danger.

But once in the US, Caleb is placed in the custody of Father Nikolous of the Holy Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Burbank, Nikolous tries to use Caleb's gift for his own purposes - monetary gain.  But Nikolous's promotion of Caleb brings out the crowds who are seeking a show or healing.  Unfortunately someone else has been made aware of Caleb's existence after a chance encounter that should never have taken place.

Caleb is the key to a new understanding of God and His kingdom and he is the threat that could destroy a man destined for great power!  Blessed Child is classic Dekker at his best.  Originally published in 2001 Blessed Child still has a powerful message that will touch your heart.

What is chance?  What is destined by God?  Open your mind to see with your heart and walk further into the Kingdom.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description

“Whoever said that a straightened hand was more dramatic than a healed heart anyway?”

A young orphaned boy was abandoned in the midst of an invasion and raised in an Ethiopian monastery. He has never seen outside its walls—at least, not the way most people see. Now he must flee those walls or die.

But the world beyond is hardly ready for a boy like Caleb.

When relief worker Jason Marker agrees to take Caleb from the monastery, he unwittingly opens humanity's doors to an incredible journey filled with political intrigue and peril. Jason and Leiah—the French-Canadian nurse who escapes the monastery with him—quickly realize Caleb's supernatural power to heal. But so do the boy's enemies, who will stop at nothing to destroy him. Jason and Leiah fight for Caleb’s survival while the world erupts in debate over the source of his power.

In the end nothing can prepare them for what they discover.

Little Shepherd ~ Review and Giveaway

Little Shepherd
by Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Illustrations by Eugene E. Ruble

Five year Obed has just been entrusted with his first flock of sheep when one chilly night a bright light fills the sky.  Angels fill the night sky delivering a message about a newborn baby.

To Obed's surprise Father and the other shepherds all head to Bethlehem to see the sight the angels said they would see.  But Obed is worried about the sheep they are leaving unguarded.  What about the wolves that have been howling throughout the night.  But Father assures him that the sheep will be safe.

What they found was what the angels had told them a baby in a manger surrounded by animals and his parents.  But as the wolves continued to howl Obed couldn't understand why he alone seemed concerned for their flocks.  Did no one else hear the predators? 

When they returned, to Obed's utter amazement not a sheep or lamb was lost!  Somehow Father had known that this would be the case.  It was a part of the miracle of the night filled angels, a newborn baby and unguarded sheep.  This would be a night Obed would remember!

The Little Shepherd is the perfect book to share the joy and wonder of the season with your children or grandchildren.  Children with feel a connection with Obed as he is 5 and thus be drawn into the story from the opening.

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


About the book:

Obed is in the hills outside Bethlehem when the angels appear to announce the Savior's birth.
Can he trust that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his flock safe while he visits the
newborn King?

Excerpt:

Off in the distance, a wolf howled. Obed moved closer to his flock, scanning the hills for any
sign of a pack that might race in and steal his sheep. His family depended upon the sheep for
food and their wool for clothing. No sheep would be lost under his watch.

He shivered inside his cloak. While the days were getting warmer, the nights still chilled him. He
walked over to the large fire blazing inside the pit. He rubbed his hands together and held them
up to the fire to warm them.

Above him, the sky twinkled with millions of stars. Obed couldn’t remember a night so clear.

Suddenly, a bright light filled the sky.

Obed trembled. “Father, what is happening?”

Available at the following:

Guardian Angel Publishing

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Indiebound.org

Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA2KStzoCPo

or

About the author:

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer, children’s author and editor. Her first children’s book,
Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is a member
of the SCBWI, a book reviewer, and blogger. Cheryl also writes under the name of C. C. Gevry.
Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two children. She also
has a son who is married.

Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com and
the Little Shepherd book blog at http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/.

Rafflecopter giveaway for a set of 2 Little Shepherd mugs (valid for residents of
U.S. and Canada only):

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Little Shepherd Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Nov 4
Book spotlight at The Story of a Writer
Book review at Margo Dill’s Read These Books and Use Them!

Nov 5
Book review and interview at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
Book trailer reveal at 4 the Love of Books

Nov 6
Guest post at I’m A Reader, Not A Writer

Nov 7
Guest post at This Little Book of Mine
Guest post and book review at Topsy Turvy Land

Nov 8
Interview at Between the Covers

Nov 11
Guest post at Marilyn’s Musings
Guest post at Authors and Appetizers

Nov 12
Book review at Janet Ann Collins On Words
Guest post at Bookingly Yours
Book review and giveaway at Mom Loves 2 Read

Nov 13
Book review at Maureen’s Musings

Nov 14
Guest post at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Nov 15
Guest post at Paperback Writer
Book trailer reveal at Broken Teepee

Nov 18
Book review at Blooming with Books

Nov 19
Book review at Nancy Stewart Books
Radio interview at Stories from Unknown Authors at 1 PM.

Nov 20
Guest post at 4 the Love of Books
Book trailer reveal at Thoughts in Progress

Nov 21
Guest post at Literarily Speaking

Nov 22
Book review at Cheryl’s Book Nook

Nov 23
Book review at Freda’s Voice

Nov 26
Book trailer reveal at Celtic Lady’s Reviews

Nov 27
Book review at ASC Book Reviews (ASC Photos and Designs)
Guest post Tribute Books Reviews and Giveaways

Nov 29
Book spotlight at Cheryl’s Book Nook

A Confident Heart ~ Review

A Confident Heart Devotional
60 Days to Stop Doubting Yourself
By Renee Swope


Have you ever had a doubts about what you are doing and in your ability to even be a halfway decent approximation of a functioning person?  Well, A Confident Heart will help you find confidence both in yourself and in God's love and caring for you as His beloved child.

Whether you are suffering from doubts brought about by guilt, fear, or past hurts God is ready to offer you His love and His confidence. Renee offers incidents from her own life and from the lives various people from the Bible to helps gain the confidence that we need so that we might fulfill the purpose that has been given us.  Not only will we fulfill it be we will do so in a manner that will bring about a greater blessing because we are not fettering ourselves with doubts.

At the back of the book there are appendixes - first a personalty summary so that you might determine your strengths and weaknesses and thereby able to counteract some causes of your doubts.  Second is When I say, God says in which we verbalize or think doubts and God offers a truth counter to our thought process and there are Scripture references to back these truths up.

All-in-all this is well thought out book and would make an excellent gift for any and all the dear ones in your life.  I think men and women would both find truths to help them get past the periods of trouble and doubt in their lives.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the book:

Confident, strong, and free--it's closer than you think

We all have doubts, fears, and insecurities, even if we've convinced ourselves that other women don't share those struggles. If you're tired of feeling like you're not good enough, smart enough, or gifted enough, Renee Swope has a message for you: you already have something special to offer the world!

Expanding on her popular "When I say--God says" statements, Renee offers you a daily thought-map to help exchange your most common self-doubts for God's transforming truths. Her authentic style and soul-stirring devotions include personal stories, powerful biblical teaching, and real-life application wrapped around one of God's promises each day to help you

~ live confidently in your God-given roles, relationships, and responsibilities
~ break free from people-pleasing and performance-based living
~ trust the certainty of God's truth over your circumstances and emotions
~ take a step toward the life of faith God designed for you and let this sixty-day journey to a confident heart be your guide.

Peril ~ Review

Peril
Bloodlines Trilogy #3
By Jordyn Redwood

Peril is the third offering in the Bloodlines Trilogy and it is intense.

Morgan Adams and her husband Tyler Adams are teetering on the edge after the death of their baby. But this is just one part of their problems Morgan needs a kidney due to a complication of her pregnancy and she is running out of time and the will to keep going.  But when an unknown family tie comes to light she, along with the hospital where she works, is drawn into a hostage situation.

Dr. Thomas Reeves is conducting experiments that are having unexpected side-effects on the patients. The issues seem to be only in their minds, but there is evidence beginning to surface that may prove otherwise.  But Dr. Reeves's sole focus is his own success and the potential accolades that may come his way.  Career is everything to him - friendship and family have no ties on his heart.

There are aspects in this book that are quite intriguing such as persistent memory on cells and organ donation.  Though this is technically a fiction/suspense it is a book that will make you stop and think - after you've finished reading the book, that is.  This is also a book that will touch your heart so be sure to have a tissue or two nearby.

I was provided a copy this book by Kregel in exchange for my honest review.


About the book: 

Dr. Thomas Reeves is at the pinnacle of his career. The Department of Defense has awarded him a lucrative contract for his new research into superior autobiographical memory, which promises the ability to create combat troops able to quickly learn complex battle plans and enact them perfectly under the most demanding battlefield scenarios.

An elite unit has received neural grafts from fetal cadavers of genetically altered brain cells with enhanced NMDA receptors. The results are remarkable . . . until the recipients begin suffering hallucinations, nightmares, paralysis, . . . and death. Dr. Reeves searches for answers, but DOD insiders want him to stop the search.

The situation becomes public when pediatric ICU nurse Morgan Adams, Dr. Reeves's daughter, is taken hostage by three research subjects in an attempt to force Dr. Reeves into disclosing why they are sick. If answers aren't revealed within twenty-four hours, patients in the pediatric ICU will be killed.

This spine-tingling conclusion to the Bloodline Trilogy raises spiritual and ethical dilemmas torn directly out of today's headlines. When does life begin? How far does commitment to family go? And can the sins of the father ever be forgiven? 

NOAH ~ Movie Trailer Reveal

As an added excitement for Friday I'm sharing the just released 

movie trailer for NOAH which stars Russell Crowe.

In a word WOW!

Don't believe me check it out...

Even if you do believe me check it out!

Can't wait for this to be released.

If the trailer is any indication this will be an incredible film!

Now a little bit about NOAH...

NOAHSynopsis: After visions of an apocalyptic deluge, Noah, the world’s only righteous man, is chosen to undertake a divine mission to build a massive ark to save his family and all of creation before the impending rains fall and the flood waters rise. 
Cast: Russell Crowe, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson
Director: Darren Aronofsky 
Trailer