Annie's Special Day - Children's Book

Kids will love watching the clock with Annie as her special day unfolds and her friends join her for a slumber party that is so much fun she doesn't want to miss a minute of it. Parent's be prepared to read this book over and over as your child delights in the idea of staying up all night while effortlessly learning the basics of how to tell time.  ***

-Barbara Simpson Carducci, Author of "Storee Wryter Gets A Dog"

Take a delightful romp, hour by hour, through a very special day in Annie's life. It's her birthday, and every hour brings a new adventure. Join Annie through a day of celebration into the dark of night and finally sunrise in the morning. What great fun!

-Suzanne L. Walls, Author, "Backyard Birds of the Piedmont"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authors Bio:

Clara Bowman-Jahn worked as a registered nurse for thirty two years finally trading that job for her true love, writing. Clara's short  stories have been published in the anthology of the "Campaigner's Challenges 2011" Book.

When Clara is not writing, she does volunteer  work for a local elementary school and her church. She also likes taking long walks with her husband, blogging, and reading books. She is a member of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Pennwriters, Bethesda Writer's Center and Round Hill Writer's Group. She lives in rural Loudoun County, Virginia with her humorous husband, a senior dog and  two cats. And she  is the proud mother of two wonderful grown sons and a grandmother to a delightful grandson.

Author's Links:

http://www.eTreasurespublishing.com/  under authors

http://www.facebook.com/cbowmanjahn for facebook page

https://twitter.com/#!/CBoJahn for twitter.

http://clarbojahn.wordpress.com/ for my blog. Thanks for reading!

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5895641.Clara_Bowman_Jahn add my book to your to-reads.

http://www.clarbojahn.com/ my new website.

My Thoughts:

I  requested a print book, however Clara's publisher was unable to provide one for me. I was given a pdf version which I read on my kindle. It was poorly written, the pictures were hardly visible, and it wasn't even about the little girl's birthday. As a mother and a grandmother, I personally didn't get the concept of learning time on what was suppose to be this little girl's very special day! Don't recommend!

Against The Tide - Reviewed

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Against the Tide

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Elizabeth Camden




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




A Word from Elizabeth:

I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.




I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it.  Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.




As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.






ABOUT THE BOOK

Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden's Latest Offering




As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.




However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.




Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.




If you would like to read the first chapter of Against the Tide, go HERE.




My Thoughts:  Bane from The Lady of Bolton Hill has returned and this is his story. Elizabeth, has written a captivating novel full of intrigue an suspense.
Lydia knows she shouldn't get involved with Bane yet she is drawn to help him.
With Opium not controlled by the government, and being used for all kinds of remedies, Bane is determined to bring down the evil Professor, his former boss. Lydia has no idea how personal this is for Bane.
A perfect read to curl up on the couch with a blanket and warm cup of your favorite drink!

Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson

About the Book: A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart? For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water. Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/e0YC2

Meet Melanie: Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense). Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years. Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction. Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com. Dobson landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-dobson Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and  Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

My Thoughts: This had a really slow start for me, which is really unusual for a Melanie Dobson book. As Samantha and Alex, along with the rest of the wagon train travel thousands of miles to get to their destination at Fort Vancouver. I could just feel their elation at finally arriving! So many lost their lives along the Oregon Trail, it was treacherous country and they were not use to the terrain. The romantic tension and suspense keeps you turning pages. There is the expected misunderstandings, and complications that come with a romance. This is a perfect fall read!

Queen of the Waves - Janice Thompson

About the book: When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/e0YHw

Meet Janice: Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers. Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds. Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter. Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com. Thompson landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-thompson Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

My Thoughts: The title of this book should be scheming aboard the Titanic! GRIN! I loved the pig named Countess, I was rolling with laughter reading in the opening chapter, Tess wrestling with the huge pig. Jacgueline is being "forced" to marry a man who will help her father's business, she is not interested to say the least. Her mother isn't happy about it at all. Together they come up with a scheme . . . Jacqueline will board the Titanic and go and live with her Grandmother in New York. For Jacquie this is the perfect answer, although her mother has no idea what she has up her decadent sleeve. Jacquie is in love with the gardener, Peter, and has no intentions of going to New York. Peter's younger sister, Tess has suffered at the hands of their father and he is worried about her, so when Peter comes up with the idea of his sister taking Jacquie's place, the plan is born. Jacquie teaches Tess the finer arts of being a lady, and gives her the clothes that would've been in her trousseau. Tess doesn't believe she can pull any of it off. Aboard the Titanic you feel as if you are one of the passengers. The ship comes alive through Janice's pen. You can hear the music, smell the food, feel the air on the deck. When tragedy strikes, you sense every bit of it like it's 1912 all over again. I absolutely adored this book!

Saving Gideon - Reviewed

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Saving Gideon B&H Books (October 1, 2012) by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Amy:I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gideon Fisher wants one thing out of life -- to be left alone. This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife and son to the point of losing his faith. He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community. But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does Gideon have but to let her in?

Dallas socialite Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere lifestyle. Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through (yet another) bad breakup. Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money. All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself. Avery soon discovers the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.

But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before. Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her. And there’s something more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.

Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness. Yet as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles, or will their sheer differences pull them apart? If you would like to read the first chapter of Saving Gideon, go HERE




My Thoughts: Amy Lillard is a new author for me, she wrote a captivating story of two people with broken hearts that just need a place to heal. Gideon wants to just be left alone, and Avery is tired of being used by everyone. In the quiet and peace of the area around her she connects with God, and those around her, and surprising to Gideon he starts to have feelings for her. He has no intentions of being in love with anyone again, especially an Englisher. Amy did a great job of weaving this story with the two different worlds into a believable story. Highly recommended!

Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger's Life with Lily Giveaway!!

About the Book: 

Book 1 in the ‘Adventures of Lily Lapp’ series.

Lily is six in this story, just starting first grade in a one-room schoolhouse in upstate New York. Her parents are busy building a farm, and soon animals join the family—Jenny the cow and Chubby the miniature horse. A baby brother arrives, too, which Lily has mixed feelings about. (She wanted a sister!) Aside from a mischievous friend like Mandy Mast, Lily is happy at school and even happier at home. 

Trouble is brewing at the schoolhouse and change is on the horizon for Lily and her family.

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/e60PH  

Meet Suzanne: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has one husband, four children, one son-in-law, a brand new grand-baby, and a couple of dogs. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

Suzanne has contracts with Revell for six more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom·” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to Simple Living.

Find out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.

Blog Tour Schedule: 
Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/life-with-lily-kindlenook-giveaway-1016-author-chat-party-with-suzanne-woods-fisher-and-mary-ann-kinsinger-and-blog-tour 

“Based upon Kinsinger’s own childhood, it’s reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie books.” —Romantic Times



Celebrate with Suzanne and Mary Ann by entering their contest and RSVPing to the “Life with Lily” Facebook Author Chat Party on 10/16!

Two fortunate winners will receive:

• Either the new Kindle Fire or new Nook HD


• Signed copy of Life with Lily for you and a young reader in your life.  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 15th. Winner will be announced at the Life with Lily Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/16. Connect with authors Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger for an evening of book chat, Q&A about Mary Ann’s Amish childhood, trivia, and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Life with Lily and join Suzanne and Mary Ann on the evening of the October 16th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 16th!

 
My Thoughts:  What a charming book! I have a granddaughter named Lily, so when I saw this book I just had to read it. My Lily is just two, so the character Lily actually reminds me of my oldest granddaughter Nani who is 4. All bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and ready to take on the world. She is the oldest, her mom just had her baby brother Dannie, Lily's reaction to Dannie was priceless . . page 15 . . . Lily peeked at the baby. Why, it was the ugliest little baby Lily had ever seen! His face was all red and wrinkly. His head was bald. Lily didn't know what to say as Papa lifted the baby carefully out of Mama's arms. He asked Lily to sit in the rocking chair next to the bed.

I was laughing so hard when I read that I nearly wet my pants. As adults we OOO and AHH over new baby's but we have no idea what little children are thinking.

Lily has many new experiences, from helping her father plant a garden, take care of the animals, going to school where there is a new teacher.

The age range is 8-12, however this would be a great read aloud at bedtime for kids younger. There are sketches that are in the book, much like what you would find in the Little House On The Prairie series.

All Things New

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This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

All Things New

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Lynn Austin




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.




Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.




ABOUT THE BOOK

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.




Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.




With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.



If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.




My book just arrived, review to follow.