Aoleon the Martian Girl: Hollow Moon ~ Review

Aoléon the Martian Girl
The Hollow Moon Part 3
By Brent LeVasseur

Gilbert Sullivan is just an ordinary boy who lives in Nebraska.  At least he was until that night.  The night he met Aoléon, the night he went to Mars.

Something is wrong on Mars and Aoléon and Gilbert are about to investigate just what it is.  After all Pax, head of the resistence has specifically requested their assistance.  Their investigation will take them from within the Luminon to the Galactworks to the moon Phobos.

An ancient threat has hidden itself within Martian society and Aoléon and Gilbert may be the only hope for Mars, Earth and the Sol solar system.  But they need to survive and elude those who wish to stop them first.

The fate of the solar system and perhaps the universe depends on what Aoléon and Gilbert do next...

Aoléon the Martian Girl should appeal to preteens and young teens alike.  The illustrations throughout are colorful and fun.  Though not a graphic novel the illustrations will be an added plus for those who appreciate illustrations throughout their reading journey.

The danger and excitement continues...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Buy The Martian Girl Song!

Another World - Single

Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes

Joseph: Beloved Son, Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler ~ Review

Joseph: Beloved Son, 

                    Rejected Slave, 

                               Exalted Ruler

I was recently offered the chance to view and review Joseph: Beloved Son,
Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler.  This video is an excellent way to share the story 
of Joseph with the little ones in your life.

Opening with Abraham receiving a vision from God about his descendants and their servitude in a foreign land.  
At the time Abraham had no children about which the vision could be about.

We are then taken forward 170 years, witnessing Abraham's great-grandson Joseph receiving a gift of a coat of 
many colors.   We see Joseph's pride in his position of favoured son and his brothers' resentment.  And we see 
the moment when his brothers decide that they have had enough of Joseph.

Going from favoured son, to hated brother, to foreign slave within a few hours time Joseph's life takes a sudden 
and dramatic change.  We see Joseph's pride even in Egypt until a remark about his pride opens his eyes to the 
sin in his own heart.  A noticeable difference in Joseph's attitude brings about a change in his position as a slave
until he is betrayed by his master's wife.

When Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams is revealed to Pharaoh, God's hand is again revealed in his life. Pharaoh's
dreams are the means of bringing Joseph's family once again into his life.   


This is an excellent teaching tool, perfect for homeschoolers, Sunday school, and the home setting.

About the Film:

releasing May 5, 2016 

by Media4Kids International 

distributed via Vision Video

Based on the powerful Old Testament story, the 90-minute animated feature film from the makers of Torchlighters 
and Jesus: He Lived Among Us recounts the story of Joseph, the favored son sold into slavery by his jealous 
brothers only to become second in command of Egypt.

Joseph is a young dreamer, spoiled by his father and so resented by his brothers that they secretly sell him to
a slave trader. Eventually landing in the dungeons of Egypt, the young man who lacked nothing suddenly finds himself alone, forgotten, and overwhelmed with despair. Yet it is in this deep prison that Joseph begins to change, and in his humility he cries out to God. 

 
As the years pass, his growing faith and gift for interpreting dreams bring him to the attention of the Pharoah, who exalts the young man to a prominent position. Having learned humble obedience to God, Joseph becomes instrumental not only in saving Egypt but the brothers who initially betrayed him. Joseph is a moving story that powerfully demonstrates God's hand in all things, big and small. 

 
For ages 5 and up.

Aoleon the Martian Girl: Luminess of Mars ~ Review

Aoléon the Martian Girl
The Luminess of Mars Part 2
By Brent LeVasseur

Gilbert Sullivan is just an ordinary boy who lives in Nebraska.  At least he was until that night.  The night he met Aoléon, the night he went to Mars.

Picking up where part 1 left us.  We experience Gilbert's first full day on Mars including attending the Martian Space Academy with Aoléon. Martian school is very similar to school here on Earth.  Disguised as a Martian all too soon Gilbert's disguise is seen through.  But this doesn't interfere in any way with Gilbert and Aoléon's day.

And even more exciting is attending Zero-G training - floating and spinning in a weightless environment is unlike anything Gilbert has ever experienced.

But all is not fun and games (or even school).  There is a threat on Mars and something is wrong. Gilbert experiences this when he briefly connects with the Lumimess.  And then there is the request that Aoléon received to spy on the Luminon.  What's a Martian girl and a farm boy from Nebraska to do?

Aoléon the Martian Girl should appeal to preteens and young teens alike.  The illustrations throughout are colorful and fun.  The images though are more than colorful - they are vivid!  They bring this world to life. Though not a graphic novel the illustrations will be an added plus for those who appreciate illustrations throughout their reading journey.

And the adventure continues...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Buy The Martian Girl Song!

Another World - Single

Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes

Aoleon the Martian Girl: First Contact ~ Review

Aoléon the Martian Girl
First Contact Part 1
By Brent LeVasseur

Gilbert Sullivan is just an ordinary boy who lives in Nebraska.  At least he was until that night.  The night he met Aoléon, the night he went to Mars.

This is the story of that night and what a story it is.  UFOs, floating cows and a planetary chase just name a few of the things Gilbert experienced thanks to meeting Aoléon.

But the night started with a nightmare - the same one he had experienced two other times that very same week.  But thanks to the nightmare he was awake and saw the lights - the lights that lead him to Farmer Johnson's field and to Aoléon.

Aoléon the Martian Girl should appeal to preteens and young teens alike.  The illustrations throughout are colorful and fun.  Though not a graphic novel the illustrations will be an added plus for those who appreciate illustrations throughout their reading journey.

And this only the beginning...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Buy The Martian Girl Song!

Another World - Single

Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes

Chance of Loving You ~ Review

Chance of Loving You
By Terri Blackstone,
          Candace Calvert,
               and Susan May Warren

Chance of Loving You is an anthology of three stories by three authors.

First up is For Love of Money by Terri Blackstone.
Julie Sheffield thought he was someone she just might might like getting to know better.  Blake Adcock seemed to be a gentleman and he was a Christian.  But when he doesn't leave her a tip other than half a sweepstakes ticket she thinks she's been mistaken again in her judgment.

Both Blake and Julie could use the money to give their dreams the financial start they need.  But money has a way of changing people, if they win can this twosome withstand the temptations that millions would offer?  

For Love of Money is a fun yet insight story that introduces us to two very different people and their unique perspectives on money.  Sometimes we can find love where we least expect it - but we have to decide what is most important love or money...

Second is The Recipe by Candace Calvert
Aimee Curran is a sweet young woman who is determined to honor her late mother by entering and winning the Vegan Valentine Back-Off.  A win would get her into culinary school and help her to fulfill her dream.

But when Aimee gets a little creative with the food trays at the San Diego hospital where she works, she finds herself worrying about her job.  But Aimee's creative flair with food introduces her to Lucas Marchal, whose grandmother was the recipient of Aimee's latest attempt.

In her quest to find the perfect dessert Aimee is about to The Recipe which is one everyone needs to discover.  And this discovery is just what Aimee needs when her plans start to come apart. Sometimes we need trouble to find what we've been searching for.

Third is Hook, Line and Sinker by Susan May Warren
Abigail Cushman is determined to win and if Ross Springer is the competition he had better watch out.  Which is too bad for Ross - who's been secretly in love with her for years.

But since his brother Scott died Abby has either ignored him or determined to crush him.  Ross can't seem to be the man his brother was.  He can't be the man Abby would love.

Ross has changed, since Scotty's death he's not the Ross Abby always knew.  Abby decides that the Deep Haven fishing contest that Ross is promoting is just what she needs.  Determined to prove that she's more than an all-brains-scholar Abby decides to join the fishing contest, and if she knows nothing about fishing she's willing to take a crash course.

Ross and Abby are both hurting and have been since Scott's death several years ago.  Is their pain keeping them from seeing the truth about who they truly are?

This anthology is a delightful assortment and if you have yet to have read all three of the authors this is the perfect opportunity to do so.  This was the first story I've ever read by Terri Blackstone and I have to say her writing is impressive.  I was drawn to this book because of the little teaser/excerpt of The Recipe that was in Candace Calvert's By Your Side.  I'm familiar with Susan May Warren through her Christiansen family series and this is of the same quality.  Overall I would highly recommend this book.  It is perfect for a quiet weekend or a long summer afternoon.

I was provided a complementary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

An anthology by three bestselling romance authors

For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock Trying to launch her own design firm while waitressing on the side, Julie Sheffield was drawn to the kind man she waited on at the restaurant last night . . . until he stiffed her on the tip by leaving her half of a sweepstakes ticket.

The Recipe by Candace Calvert Hospital dietary assistant Aimee Curran is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off to prove she’s finally found her calling. But while caring for one of her patients—the elderly grandmother of a handsome CSI photographer—Aimee begins to question where she belongs.

Hook, Line and Sinker by Susan May Warren Grad student Abigail Cushman has agreed to enter the annual Deep Haven fishing contest. She’s a quick learner, even if she doesn’t know the difference between a bass and a trout. But nothing could prepare her for competing against the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.

One chance for each woman to change her life . . . but will love be the real prize?

Author Terri Blackstock - view author info
Author Susan May Warren - view author info
Author Candace Calvert - view author info

2015 INSPY's Shortlists Released Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2015 INSPYs Shortlists Released

April 30, 2015—The INSPYs Advisory Board is pleased to announce that the following books have been shortlisted in the fifth annual INSPY Awards. Recognizing the need for a new kind of book award, the INSPYs — http://inspys.com — were created by bloggers to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.

Debut

The Butterfly & the Violin by Kristy Cambron | Thomas Nelson

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas  | Bethany House

How Sweet the Sound by Amy K. Sorrells | David C. Cook

Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry | Howard

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin | Bethany House

General Fiction

Thief of Glory by Sigmund Brouwer | Waterbrook/Multonomah Press

All Right Here by Carre Armstrong Gardner | Tyndale

Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke | Tyndale

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay | Thomas Nelson

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin | Bethany House

Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog by Ronie Kendig | Barbour

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt | Howard

A Table by the Window by Hillary Monton Lodge | Waterbrook/Multonomah Press

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade | Bethany House

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert | Waterbrook/Multonomah Press

Historical Romance  

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander | Bethany House

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem | Howard

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta | Tyndale

Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund | Bethany House

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden | Bethany House

Speculative Fiction

Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart | Thomas Nelson

Shadow Hand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl | Bethany House

Seek and Hide by Amanda G. Stevens | David C. Cook

Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry | Howard

A Draw of Kings by Patrick W. Carr | Bethany House

Mystery and Thriller

A.D. 30 by Ted Dekkar | Center Street/Hachette

Checkmate by Steven James | Signet Select/Penguin

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering | Bethany House

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig | Barbour

Playing Saint by Zachary Bartels | Thomas Nelson

Literature for Young Adults

Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren | Blink/Zondervan

Storm Siren by Mary Weber | Thomas Nelson

Blur by Steven James | Skyscape

Destined for Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon | Blink/Zondervan

Jupiter Winds by C.J. Darlington | Mountainview Books

The innovative INSPY Award is designed to help readers in their search for the preeminent faith-inspired literature of today. The INSPYs were created to select and showcase books with the highest literary standards that grapple with the Christian faith. To find these works, the INSPYs net is cast wide, accepting nominations of books aimed at the Christian bookstore market as well as those from the general market. The winners of the 2015 INSPY awards will be announced June 28. In the meantime, http://inspys.com will feature author interviews to introduce readers to the creative minds behind these books.

Thick as Thieves ~ Review

Thick as Thieves
Circle C Milestones 1
An Andrea Carter Book
By Susan K. Marlow

Andi Carter's horse Taffy is her pride and joy and she's nearly beside herself with anticipation and worry about Taffy's first foal. Taffy's delivery is difficult and nearly costs the life of both the mare and the foals.

But school keeps Andi from spending as much time with her beloved horses as she wants to.  After all the foals need to be worked with, to be trained.  But her mother insists that school is important.  But more than the new foals make school miserable for Andi.  Macy Walker is new to school and she's determined to make life miserable for everyone, especially her seatmate Andi.

Cattle rustlers have moved in and are striking all the ranches in the area.  But Andi is more concerned about having a bully in the schoolroom than rustlers until the Circle C's horses are threatened.  Can Andi keep her horses safe?  Or will she lose them to the rustlers?

Thick as Thieves is set in the 1880's in the San Joaquin Valley of California.  This book examines the importance of family and how they influence how we live.  Andi's family is loving and caring, which is in sharp contrast to Macy and her family.  Often those who strike out are hurting and need a friend. But to someone who has been hurt offered friendship may be hard to accept.  How do you trust when trust has been destroyed?  Tweens and teens will enjoy this book especially if they have a fondness for horses,.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Kregel Blog Tour program in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.


About the book: 

Fourteen-year-old Andrea Carter would rather ride her beloved palomino, Taffy, than do anything else. But life on the Circle C ranch in 1882 is busy. Between school and chores, Andi is left with little time to prepare for Taffy's first foaling. Then when the event finally arrives, it nearly ends in disaster.

Returning to school keeps Andi hard-pressed to find time for foal training. And she now has a new problem on her hands--Macy Walker, who has been assigned as Andi's seatmate. The new girl's crude manners and cruel behavior bring storm clouds into Andi's life, as does the news that cattle rustlers have moved into the valley.

When the cattle rustlers turn to stealing horses and strike the Carter ranch, Andi's only hope for recovering her precious colts lies with Macy. Can Andi trust this wild girl? Does she have a choice?