5.18.2017

~ Red Nose Day ~

Called to Help

As we near the start of summer and think about vacations and time off with families there are others who are not nearly as fortunate to enjoy those luxuries. On May 25th NBC television will air Red Nose Day, a live telecast aimed at ending child poverty.


Red Nose Day is unique in that multiple charitable organizations will benefit from the three hour live program that night. The event is all about coming together, to have fun, and make a difference for kids in need.  The goal is to end child poverty, here in the U.S. and around the world -- one nose at a time.
The fundraiser began in 1988 by U.K. director, Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral) and recently started in the U.S. Red Nose Day raised over $36 million in 2016, and over $23 million the previous year, totaling over $60 million in its first two years in the US.
The two charities among many others that will benefit from Red Nose Day are Covenant House and charity: water.  These are both Christian organizations that everyday work tireless to make a difference here at home in the U.S. and around the world. What’s staggering with the statistics is that this is happening right here in the U.S.


We’ve learned from Red Nose Day charities that:


  • 1 out of 5 young people live in poverty.


  • Every Year, More Than 2 Million Kids in America Will Face a Period of Homelessness.
  • 57% of homeless kids spend at least one day every month without food.
It’s heartbreaking with regards to the homeless kids and youth as it puts them in such danger of human traffickers – something I know so many of our churches and organizations fight against.  We have an opportunity to make a difference and keep some of these kids away from the streets.
We hope you will consider taking the time to help those in need and checking out both ministries and finding a way however big or small to support them. We’re called to help those in need and we often forget that although we are fortunate to live in a country that provides us with a lot – there are many children right in front of us who struggle to even get a meal a day. We hope you’ll think about ways you can help our youth and even join in on the fun and put on a Red Nose and post to your social channels with the hashtag: #rednoseday


Red Noses are available at all Walgreen locations.  For those wanting to do something fun and get involved, stop by Walgreens and buy a red nose.

We do believe that if we can all raise awareness about this issue – we can all end child poverty one nose at a time!

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For readers, churches, community leaders  -anyone-  who would like more information, 
who would like to help spread the word about Red Nose Day 
on Thursday, May 25 and/or to donate please visit:

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Ed Sheeran and Peaches Special Feature:

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Julia Roberts Special Feature:

5.17.2017

More Than a Soldier ~ Spotlight with Giveaway

More Than a Soldier 
~ based on a true story ~
is Angelo DiMarco’s powerful story of survival, 
resilience and courage.

Book Details:

Book Title: More Than a Soldier: One Army Ranger's Daring Escape From the Nazis

Author: D.M. Annechino

Category: Adult Fiction, 316 pages

Genre: Historical Biography, WWII

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release date: April 2017

Content Rating: PG-13 (A few four-letter words and violence associated with war)

Tour dates: April 24 to May 19, 2017







Book Description:

Feeling a patriotic duty to defend his country after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, seventeen year old, Angelo J. DiMarco, enlists in the U.S. Army. Severely short of frontline fighters, the Army rushes Angelo through Ranger training and sends him to Italy as part of the 1st Ranger Battalion. Their objective: stop the German invasion.

Fighting on the front lines in Italy, the German’s teach Angelo a sobering lesson on life when they capture him during the bloody battle of Cisterna. Against insurmountable odds, Angelo miraculously escapes in a way that stretches the imagination. He survives behind enemy lines for over five months, hiding from the Germans and trying to outmaneuver them. He begs for food, sleeps in barns and suffers from many ailments, including dehydration, malnutrition, malaria and exposure to the elements.

More Than a Soldier is Angelo DiMarco’s powerful story of survival, resilience and courage.


Buy the Book: 

Amazon


Praise for More Than a Soldier:

Annechino colorfully draws the actions scenes, and richly brings the supporting cast of characters to life. A moving tale of survival in war-torn Europe.
- Kirkus Reviews

Nuanced and eloquently written, More Than a Soldier adds to the body of WWII literature an extraordinary story of survival and a deeply affecting portrait of a soldier’s coming-of-age.
- The iRead Review

Meet the Author:


Daniel M. Annechino, a former book editor, wrote his first book, How to Buy the Most Car for the Least Money, while working as a General Manager in the automobile business. But his passion had always been fiction, particularly thrillers. He spent two years researching serial killers before finally penning his gripping and memorable debut novel They Never Die Quietly. He has written and published five novels—all thrillers. But his latest work, More Than a Soldier, is a Historical Biography set in Italy during WWII.

A native of New York, Annechino now lives in San Diego with his wife, Jennifer. He loves to cook, enjoys a glass of vintage wine, and spends lots of leisure time on the warm beaches of Southern California.




Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

BOOK SPOTLIGHT TOUR:

April 24 - Library of Clean Reads - book spotlight / giveaway
April 24 - Puddletown Reviews - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 25 - Working Mommy Journal - book spotlight / giveaway
April 26 - A Mama's Corner of the World - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
April 27 - Books, Dreams, Life - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 28 - 100 Pages A Day - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
April 28 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - book spotlight
May 1 - My Reading Journeys - book spotlight / giveaway
May 2 - Il Mio Tesoro - book spotlight / guest post
May 2 - Leels Loves Books - book spotlight
May 3 - fundinmental - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 4 - A Soccer Mom's Book Blog - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 4 - T's Stuff - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 4 - Writers and Authors - guest post
May 5 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - book spotlight / guest post
May 7 - Writers and Authors - book spotlight / giveaway
May 8 - Cheryl's Book Nook - book spotlight / giveaway
May 8 - Deal Sharing Aunt - book spotlight / giveaway
May 9 - Kristin's Novel Cafe - book spotlight / author interview
May 10 - Nighttime Reading Center - book spotlight / giveaway
May 11 - Books for Books - book spotlight
May 12 - Celticlady's Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
May 12 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 15 - The Autistic Gamer - book spotlight
May 16 - Bound 2 Escape - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 17 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight / giveaway
May 18 - Lukten av Trykksverte - book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 - Essentially Italian - book spotlight / giveaway


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5.16.2017

Waves of Murder ~ Spotlight with Giveaway

Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the 
sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!



Book Details:

Book Title: Waves of Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery
Author: C.S. McDonald
​Category: YA Fiction, 190 pages
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: April 11, 2017
Tour dates: May 15 to 26, 2017
Content Rating: G
(The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

Book Description:

School’s out for the summer!

Kindergarten teacher, Fiona Quinn is looking forward to spending some quality time in her yard and with her boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry. However, Fiona’s plans get squelched when her mother volunteers her to edit a manuscript for famous romance author, Wyla Parkes.

What’s so bad about that? The author insists Fiona must work on the manuscript at her beach cottage on Presque Isle--three hours away from her yard and Nathan. Spending six weeks in an adorable cottage on a private beach doesn’t really seem all that bad until people start turning up dead—beginning with the author! Fiona’s summer of sun and sand is instantly transformed into a murder investigation. Can Fiona and Nathan crack the case or will the murderer get away on a wave of deceit?

Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!

Buy the Book: 


Meet the Author: 



For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. She was a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. Now she adds the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series for her young granddaughters, and has found that so many adults love them too.

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook


BOOK SPOTLIGHT TOUR:

May 15 - Library of Clean Reads - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 15 - Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama - book spotlight / giveaway
May 15 - Working Mommy Journal - book spotlight / giveaway
May 15 - Corinne Rodrigues - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 16 - Reviews in the City - book spotlight / giveaway
May 16 - Celticlady's Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 16 - Books, Dreams, Life - book spotlight / giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight / giveaway
May 17 - Rainy Day Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
May 17 - Sleuth Cafe - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 17 - Zerina Blossom's Books - book spotlight / giveaway
May 17 - Mystery Suspense Reviews - book spotlight / guest post
May 18 - FUONLYKNEW - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 18 - The Book Drealms - book spotlight / giveaway
May 18 - Laura's Interests - book spotlight / giveaway
May 18 - #redhead.with.book - book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 - Babs Book Bistro - book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 - Brooke Blogs - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 19 -100 Pages a day - book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 - Puddletown Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
May 22 - Hall Ways Blog - book spotlight / giveaway
May 22 - Literary Flits - book spotlight / giveaway
May 22 - Books for Books - book spotlight
May 22 - Bound 2 Escape - book spotlight / giveaway
May 23 - Kristin's Novel Cafe - book spotlight / giveaway
May 23 - Katie's Clean Book Collection - book spotlight / giveaway
May 23 - Cassidy's Bookshelves - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 23 - Travelling Through Words - book spotlight / giveaway
May 24 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 24 - Seasons of Opportunities - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 24 - Bookworm Cafe - book spotlight / giveaway
May 25 - JBronder Book Reviews - book spotlight
May 25 - Carole's Book Corner - book spotlight /
May 25 - Deal Sharing Aunt - book spotlight / giveaway
May 26 - 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy + Sissy, Too! - spotlight / giveaway
May 26 - StoreyBook Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
May 26 - Jessica Cassidy - book spotlight


Enter the Giveaway!
Ends June 3


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5.15.2017

Behind the Scenes ~ Review

Behind the Scenes
Apart from the Crowd #1
By Jen Turano

What if you were deemed too unusual for polite society and yet you were a part of it? Well, for six years Miss Permilia Griswold has found herself in just such a position and has been relegated to the wallflower section. Most young women would be disheartened at finding themselves in just such a position but Permilia uses it to her advantage - sharing society tidbits with the reading public through her society gossip column.

And when left to her own devices Permilia was known to be very spendthrift - not that a young woman of her means should have to, but Permilia had a special need for all her saved allowance. And if saving a coin or two could be accomplished by haggling Permilia wasn't about to waste a coin she could save. Unfortunately for Mr. Asher Rutherford he was the target of Permilia's latest haggling experience.

To say Permilia made an impression on Asher was an understatement. And when Permilia manages to dance with Asher she is about to make an impression on society that won't soon be forgotten as her style of dance is uniquely Permilia. And when she overhears a threat to Asher's life Permilia knows she has to act. What follows is a series of events that are both humorous and serious and polite society will never be the same.

This is a fun first book in the newest series from Jen Turano and like her other books, this is one heroine one wouldn't mind spending time with. Permilia is a caring person who knows her own mind and is inventive in getting the results she desires. This is a light-hearted historical fiction that will leave the reader with a relaxed and happy disposition. And who knew that society gossip could fill out a dance card (or two or three).

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

About the Book:
After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym "Miss Quill," she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society--albeit one on the fringes--would know. 

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she's determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn't believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't anticipate is that she'll end up putting herself at risk in the process--or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.

5.12.2017

Too Deep for Words ~ Review

Too Deep for Words
Shenandoah Valley Saga
By Andrea Boeshaar

Carrie Ann Collier has become a new person at least to those who use to know her when she lived in Woodstock and was Carrie Ann Bell.  Her new husband Peyton has changed her life for the better and unknown to her he has invited her sister Margaret to join them leaving the abuse of the Wayfarers Inn behind forever.  But Margaret has changed since Carrie Ann last saw her. She's grown up and she is appreciative of all that Carrie Ann had done for her.

But after a brutal battle news is delivered to Carrie Ann that Peyton is missing and presumed dead. But she refuses to believe her husband of less than one month has been killed. But everyone else believes the awful news that their nephew, brother, brother-in-law, and friend has died. Even more upsetting is Peyton's directive naming his close friend Eli Kent as executor of his will. How could he pick someone on the opposing side of the war?

To Eli, Peyton's request is a blessing in disguise offering him an opportunity to care for his family while looking out for Carrie Ann as well. But can he help Carrie Ann when she most needs it - searching for her husband behind enemy lines in the most notorious prison camp - Libby Prison?

This book is a fictionalized account of the Civil War from October 1864 to March 1865 with actual dated news reports throughout. The focus of this book is the Confederate viewpoint and the destruction that was wrought on the Shenandoah Valley. The pain and suffering of war is well portrayed and the utter lack of the essentials was a driving force in the harsh conditions that the prisoners found themselves in.

This is a story of faith and family. I have not read the first book but I was able to easily able to pick up on the storyline without any difficulty. This is a moving historical romance that will appeal to a wide readership. I highly recommend this book it would be an excellent choice for a book club selection. Carrie Ann's journey and faith would be well worth an examination.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review.

About the Book:
Carrie Ann Collier has been a newlywed for nineteen blissful days--as blissful as life can be in the midst of war, that is. Soon that war will take a toll she never expected. When her new husband, Peyton, goes missing during battle, she refuses to believe he is dead and must find a way to move forward with everyday life in the face of fear.

As Carrie struggles with how to welcome her estranged sister, Margaret, back into her life, another new arrival appears on her doorstep--her husband's best friend, and rebel officer, Eli. Wounded and bitter, Eli is nonetheless committed to keeping his promise to Peyton: take care of the Collier women, no matter what. But to Carrie, he's a painful reminder of her lost love.

Then unexpected news makes Carrie wonder if miracles do happen. If Carrie infiltrates the enemy once again, she might find out what really happened to the love of her life. Will Eli be able to keep his promise to keep her safe? Can they forgive each other if promises are broken?

As fans of Boeshaar's books have come to expect, Too Deep for Words is a meticulously researched novel. Readers are taken directly into the heart of the realities of the Civil War and reminded how, even in the darkest circumstances, faith in Christ offers hope.

5.09.2017

The Essential Amish Cookbook ~ Review

The Essential Amish Cookbook
Everyday Recipes from Farm and Pantry
By Lovina Eicher

The Essential Amish Cookbook is a delightful assortment of recipes, personal tidbits, and photographs (but none of the author). For those who want to create food from scratch, this is would be a perfect gift. There is a little bit of everything in this book - breads, breakfast dishes, soups, salads, meat dishes, desserts, and much more. There are many dishes that will appeal to Vegetarians (not Vegans).

This more than a cookbook as the author shares personal information about the various recipes and her life. For those who are interested in learning more about Amish life there is information about both church services and weddings and recipes that will feed a large crowd - think a couple hundred or more.

There are over a hundred recipes found within these pages - so one is sure to find something to please and delight most palates. I'm personally looking forward to trying out several of the breads and many of the desserts. And who knew there was a salad recipe featuring dandelions (these are my treat of choice for our horses and goats!).

And just a warning don't look at this book when hungry it will inspire cooking!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review, All expressed opinions are my own.


About the Book:
Taste the goodness of Amish life.
Bestselling cookbook author and food columnist Lovina Eicher brings together the best of Amish cooking in The Essential Amish Cookbook: Everyday Recipes from Farm and Pantry. Join Eicher as she shares traditional Amish recipes along with her own kitchen tips and secrets. Growing up, Eicher learned to cook and bake at an early age alongside her mother, longtime columnist and Amish cookbook author Elizabeth Coblentz, and has put those skills to use in her own Amish kitchen as she cooks for her eight children.
The easy-to-follow, authentic recipes you’ll find in The Essential Amish Cookbook are prepared every day in countless homes in Old Order Amish communities across North America. Many of the more than 100 recipes are richly illustrated with step-by-step photographs to help you learn Amish cooking just as if you were in Lovina’s kitchen. From hearty main dishes to substantial sides—plus a generous sampling of scrumptious cakes, pies, cookies, and other delectable desserts—learn how to make the hearty, simple dishes that the Amish cook together and serve at home, church services, and weddings.
In a fast-food, digital world, the book’s colorful photos and conversational tone provide a real taste of Amish life and invite you to slow down. Your family will come to love her Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread, Rhubarb Juice, Roast Beef with Veggies, Oven Crusted Chicken, pickles, jams, and so much more. Experience the simple joys of Amish life—food, faith and family!

About the Author:

Lovina Eicher is author of the syndicated column, Lovina’s Amish Kitchen, which appears in 40 newspapers around the United States and on a weekly blog maintain by her editors. She is the author of several cookbooks. Lovina and her husband have eight children and live in rural Michigan.




5.07.2017

The Noble Servant ~ Review

The Noble Servant
A Medieval Fairy Tale #3
By Melanie Dickerson

Magdalen of Mallin is desperate to save her people who have been suffering since the region's copper mines ran out and her father died. Her only hope is marriage to a wealthy man, but Magdalen has always dreamed of marrying for love. And secretly she has had fond memories of her short time in the presence of the Duke of Wolfberg. But her dreams of the Duke are just that dreams or are they?

Suddenly Magdalen's hopes and dreams for herself and her people are about to come true. But when Magdalen's dream becomes a nightmare - when she is forced into a role of servitude by the very servants entrusted with her care - she finds herself living a life she never imagined. But who would believe a shamed servant girl that she is in truth the intended bride of the Duke of Wolfberg?

But there is more at stake in Wolfberg than Magdalen's future as something about the Duke seems amiss, but is Magdalen's memory of the Duke true or has it been altered by her dreams?

This is another delightful tale from Melanie Dickerson and those who have read her previous books will once again be enchanted. For those new to her work, this book is well worth reading as her books can stand alone though there are little snippets that refer to characters who have been in previous books. Tweens, teens and adults alike can enjoy this wholesome and refreshing reimagining of the Goose Girl. The cover is as beautiful as the story it wraps.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
SHE lost everything 
to the SCHEME of an 
EVIL SERVANT.

But SHE MIGHT just gain what 
she’s ALWAYS WANTED . . .if she 
makes it IN TIME.

The impossible was happening. She, Magdalen of Mallin, was to marry the Duke of Wolfberg. Magdalen had dreamed about receiving a proposal ever since she met the duke two years ago. Such a marriage was the only way she could save her people from starvation. But why would a handsome, wealthy duke want to marry her, a poor baron’s daughter? It seemed too good to be true.

On the journey to Wolfberg Castle, Magdalen’s servant forces her to trade places and become her servant, threatening not only Magdalen’s life, but the lives of those she holds dear. Stripped of her identity and title in Wolfberg, where no one knows her, Magdalen is sentenced to tend geese while she watches her former handmaiden gain all Magdalen had ever dreamed of.

When a handsome shepherd befriends her, Magdalen begins to suspect he carries secrets of his own. Together, Magdalen and the shepherd uncover a sinister plot against Wolfberg and the duke. But with no resources, will they be able to find the answers, the hiding places, and the forces they need in time to save both Mallin and Wolfberg?

New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson beautifully re-imagines The Goose Girl by the Brothers Grimm into a medieval tale of adventure, loss, and love.