tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60036913606242561652024-02-07T18:53:16.809-05:001 Prince and 3 PrincessesBrodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.comBlogger413125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-64604315124436721292012-04-02T00:01:00.004-04:002012-04-02T17:35:57.662-04:00Just Down The Road- Jodi Thomas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WX6ygh7V3l8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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On April 3, 2012, my new story JUST DOWN THE ROAD will be released. I’m walking the floor waiting for the birth of this book because I fell like it’s the best I’ve ever written. A friend of mine commented that, over the last 36 books, I’ve said that a few times before, and I probably have, but I work to make each one better and this one shines. For those readers who love stories that wrap around your heart, you’ll love this one. It’s about the people of a small town who, though they think they live private lives also interact and change those around them. I’ve really never thought of the people in my books as characters, for me they are people, as real in my mind as my neighbors. They are wise and foolish, and loving…and unforgettable.<br />
<div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i>Tinch Turner was one of those rare characters who came to me fully developed. When I met him he was sitting outside the emergency room in Harmony, Texas, counting the roughnecks piling out of a pick-up and heading in for treatment. He was hurt and bleeding, but he’d wait until they were treated before he went in. After all, it was the least he could do, he was the one who sent them to the hospital.</i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i>As soon as I had Tinch down on paper I knew he’d have to meet a woman who could be his match. For a while I looked for another fighter, but the doctor who stepped in his path was a frightened woman who’d been broken once and only thought of running when trouble came. She’d have to give him a reason to live and he’d have to show her how to be strong.</i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i> </i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i>Tinch and Addison were born, then in my mind, they took the story and made it their own.</i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i> </i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i>I’m never sure what to say when people ask me what I do for a living. I daydream. I play. I imagine. I create. I scrub the rough worlds clean. I’m not a writer for a living, I’m simply a writer.</i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i> </i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i>In JUST DOWN THE ROAD all my work, and skill and that spark of talent seemed to come together. The people I created breathed. I’m very proud of this book and I hope it makes you laugh, and cry and fall in love with the people who live in Harmony.</i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i> </i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i>Enjoy the story, </i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Harrington;"> </span></i></div><div class="yiv1138099185MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Harrington; font-size: 22pt;">Jodi Thomas</span></i><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Harrington;">**Disclaimer** This post was written by Jodi Thomas</span></em></div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-59634162855059329272012-04-02T00:00:00.000-04:002012-04-02T00:00:10.195-04:00Just Down the Road - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimksPiicIyQDeaSbVOr6kz6ASkX_euuO2BeYsm2meNNo4hZO05XObUTaikAcT7LE1zftElmvH9ww94WJk3YWKkibOdgZWVbcLiJr64PbSq0dWNpJKL7TsBc3dftlHjtdute8zk9j-Rf8RF/s1600/51l44U2ECaL__SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimksPiicIyQDeaSbVOr6kz6ASkX_euuO2BeYsm2meNNo4hZO05XObUTaikAcT7LE1zftElmvH9ww94WJk3YWKkibOdgZWVbcLiJr64PbSq0dWNpJKL7TsBc3dftlHjtdute8zk9j-Rf8RF/s320/51l44U2ECaL__SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i><span style="font-size: small;">NY Times </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">and </span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">USA Today </span></i><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">bestselling author Jodi Thomas is pleased to present </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">JUST DOWN THE ROAD, the fourth novel in her award-winning Harmony series. </span></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing and brawl-ing. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both of their lives, forcing them out of the past —and into a future where love is just down the road… <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">"Extremely powerful and gripping writing...full of passionate moments, hidden secrets, and likable characters. <br />
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~ Roundtable Reviews <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">" Even for readers new to the series, the intricate relationships between these affable men and ec-centric women are easy to follow and even easier to love. " <br />
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~Publishers Weekly <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Jodi Thomas is the </span><em>NY Times </em></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">and </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">USA Today </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;">bestselling author of 34 novels and 11 short story col-lections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY won a RITA, the highest award for women’s fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.jodithomas.com/"><strong>www.jodithomas.com</strong></a><strong> </strong><br />
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I had the great opportunity to read the newest book in the Harmony series by Jodi Thomas. Just Down the Road is another great book by Ms. Thomas. I thoroughly enjoy how each new book brings back old characters from the whole series. The latest book is by far the best in the series and I look forward to reading more of Jodi Thomas' books.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this post. I was given a free copy of the book for review purposes. Thank you to Jodi Thomas and staff for the book.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: x-large;"></span></span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-22079625035981045312011-10-31T09:46:00.002-04:002011-10-31T09:51:05.905-04:00The Comforts of Home~ book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF5N6WqCDogC0ZOWQqHwPRUeS26aQV1z6pT5_Ke5EH_HFfj0dSwQUbOEaEkX-8cEWlgo3IOu5GheiIlJMLCpPTSwn3DwkrhxgOufYEsGBhrG29KBehzg90ctGsE1kFMuCjTG40vY7gA11/s1600/0425244482_l.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF5N6WqCDogC0ZOWQqHwPRUeS26aQV1z6pT5_Ke5EH_HFfj0dSwQUbOEaEkX-8cEWlgo3IOu5GheiIlJMLCpPTSwn3DwkrhxgOufYEsGBhrG29KBehzg90ctGsE1kFMuCjTG40vY7gA11/s1600/0425244482_l.gif" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jodi Thomas' newest</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;">book The Comforts of Home hits the shelves November 1, 2011. I love this series and was excited to read this new book. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Publishers Weekly Review </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Verdana; font-size: x-small;">In her third Harmony novel, Thomas takes readers back to that Texas town where a number of romances come to a head after a tornado strikes. Funeral director Tyler Wright struggles to profess his love to Maj. Kate Cummings. Aspiring rodeo star Noah MacAllen keeps returning to Harmony and his best friend (and beloved) Reagan Tru-man. Reagan, whose "uncle" Jeremiah (he’s her foster father) is dying, wrestles with her feelings for Noah and local firefighter Bran-don Biggs. Meanwhile, shy Ronelle Logan meets angry, lonely Martin Winslow, who helps her emerge from her shell. Despite their passion, Claire Matheson has trouble committing to Denver Sims. The tornado leaves each character wondering if loved ones have survived, and this uncertainty forces them to action. Even for readers new to the series, the intricate relationships be-tween these affable men and eccentric women are easy to follow and even easier to love. Thomas skillfully juggles the many subplots, and the relationship between Ro-nelle and Marty, which inspires both to trust again, is especially touching.<br />
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<strong>About Jodi Thomas</strong><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: medium;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,Calibri; font-size: medium;">Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today best-selling author of 34 novels and 11 short story collections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY won a RITA, the highest award for contemporary fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Resi-dence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure* I was not paid for this book review. I was sent a free copy of the book in exchange for my review. Thank you to Jodi Thomas and publishers for sending the book.</span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-56106004739030522692011-10-31T09:38:00.003-04:002011-11-02T13:31:10.022-04:00The Comforts of Home- Jodi Thomas<div class="yiv1073337411MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BT-RbtILSs4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>I’m getting excited. THE COMFORTS OF HOME is on its way and due to hit the stands <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1320067342_1">on Nov. 1</span>. Whenever I write any of the Harmony Series, I always feel like I’m stepping into another world and for me it is a real world. The town is as real to me as any place I’ve ever lived. I’ve lived in little towns from <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1320067342_2">Freehold, NJ</span>. to <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1320067342_3">Sierra Vista, AZ</span> but now spend most of my days in the little town of Canyon, Texas. For me, I feel at home writing about a small town and the warm, caring people who live there.</div><br />
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<div class="yiv1073337411MsoNormal">THE COMFORTS OF HOME is about a woman I’d wanted to write about since she first appeared in WELCOME TO HARMONY. Ronelle was one of those invisible people we see about town but don’t take the time to know. After a chance meeting with a man who seems more isolated than her, she begins to grow as a person and discovers a world she’d only dreamed of living. The magic of this story for me was how two broken people can help one another. </div><br />
<div class="yiv1073337411MsoNormal">I hope you’ll join me for this journey inside a small town where people care deeply about one another. You’ll see people you’ve grown to know in WELCOME TO HARMONY and SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY. When I’m writing I always think of the reader at the other end of the line. I always wish I could whisper, ‘come along with me on an adventure. I’ll make you laugh and cry and fall in love with the people of Harmony, just as I have.</div><br />
<div class="yiv1073337411MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="yiv1073337411MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">Jodi Thomas</span></div><br />
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*Disclosure* This post was a guest post written by Jodi Thomas.</div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-5170195338645133682011-09-26T14:07:00.000-04:002011-09-26T14:07:30.893-04:00Shadow in Serenity- book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu39pO5KWraNFiiOibPxswcC6QPnjrJkoyYmumEJatUovPwDlFP5ccxOJKL2RNtVJ8x4MDco3mArwf0qvrhjEsDgFnxc1Uky9xs7YICRDJy_qg2SgmiKjNDpmSav_CHLU7ziau7kzCgsQR/s1600/0310332311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu39pO5KWraNFiiOibPxswcC6QPnjrJkoyYmumEJatUovPwDlFP5ccxOJKL2RNtVJ8x4MDco3mArwf0qvrhjEsDgFnxc1Uky9xs7YICRDJy_qg2SgmiKjNDpmSav_CHLU7ziau7kzCgsQR/s320/0310332311.jpg" width="207" /></a> </div><br />
Shadow in Serenity written by New York Bestselling author, Terri Blackstock takes you on a journey to small town Texas.<br />
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<em>Carny Sullivan, suspicious about suave, handsome Logan Brisco and his charming ways, is drawn to him, despite her best intentions and her determination to expose his plans for her quiet Texas town.</em><br />
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<em>Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one—and she’s seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she’s the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed.<br />
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Carny is determined to reveal Brisco’s selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will.</em><br />
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For me personally it took a bit longer to read, as I had a hard time getting into the plot of the story, not because it was a bad book, just not one I was overly excited about reading, not a hard plot to follow so I pretty much figured out how it would end well before I was done reading it. <br />
Shadow in Serenity is a fun read, with a happy ending. This book was previously published under a different title, and has been modified to fit into the Christian realm. I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those that like Christian books. <br />
Shadow in Serenity will be available to purchase starting in September 2011.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this post. I was sent a free copy of the book to read in exchange for my review. Thank you to the PR Company for sending the book.</span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-79747851944395274692011-09-16T11:23:00.000-04:002011-09-16T11:23:58.358-04:00It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil - Winner<span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-span">The big winner of the It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil gift certificate is entry 1, Karen B.</span><br />
Thanks to the two who entered :)<br />
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Result:<span id="true-random-integer-generator-result">1</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits">Powered </span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-button-span"><input id="true-random-integer-generator-button" name="true-random-integer-generator-button" type="button" value="Generate" /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits">by <a href="http://www.random.org/" target="_blank">RANDOM.ORG</a></span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-6350111263481554802011-09-06T11:42:00.000-04:002011-09-06T11:42:31.598-04:00It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil- book review and GIVEAWAY<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvREycoCpH99tJD-BnWnSQghNw1npIUBVC7SzctH3YYO9YNmu54WifJ85iduDpMRwiJbGFKwXiktfecyP6_1Exzc128RGhh5NSLfARYigQwjfMaek10KnQy_8JRW9wh3FpnvEm_3e1Oj8/s1600/978-1-58997-615-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvREycoCpH99tJD-BnWnSQghNw1npIUBVC7SzctH3YYO9YNmu54WifJ85iduDpMRwiJbGFKwXiktfecyP6_1Exzc128RGhh5NSLfARYigQwjfMaek10KnQy_8JRW9wh3FpnvEm_3e1Oj8/s1600/978-1-58997-615-3.gif" /></a></div>I just love the title of this book! It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil was written by Dr. Kevin Leman. Dr. Leman has written many books on children and parents. He has a way with words and it was a fun book to read. Obviously from the title you can figure out what the book is going to deal with and I think most families will find the book a help. <br />
<div class="annotation"><em>Do you sometimes feel like a gerbil running on a wheel inside a cage as you scurry from place to place, chauffeuring your children from one endless activity to another? What if, for one moment, you could just step off of the wheel . . . and relax? How would you feel then? And what if that single moment could stretch into an hour, or even a whole day? It’s Your Kid, Not a Gerbil will provide practical solutions and helpful insight to get off the activity wheel so that you can put your time and energies where they really count: in establishing strong character and a love for home and family that will serve your kids well for a lifetime.</em></div><div class="annotation">I know most people who have kids have felt at one time or another that they are just running from activity to activity with no real purpose- I felt that way last school year, even though we homeschool it's still easy to get caught up in every activity under the sun. This year we are not doing as much running around! Most times my kids would rather stay home and play than run and do errands anyway.</div><div class="annotation">I recommend this book for everyone. It's well written and has many helps throughout the book.</div><div align="center" class="annotation"><strong>Giveaway</strong></div><div align="left" class="annotation">One reader is going to win a gift certificate to receive a free copy of the book It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil. All you have to do is comment. Tell me why you would like to read this book. One comment per person. I will choose a winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified by email. The giveaway will run through September 15th and end at 11:00 p.m. est. Open to USA residents only.</div><div class="annotation"> </div><div class="annotation">***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this review. I was given a free copy in exchange for review. I was also sent a free gift certificate to give to a reader. Thanks to Tyndale!</div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-1013660827789487732011-09-06T11:10:00.000-04:002011-09-06T11:10:30.950-04:00Horse Dreams- Book Review<div class="annotation"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUy0nEx72xSX6y68-lk9ngv7Pu_-xzmcNHvhis1yWq6R6mHdev4-niZSemgecTvBmBKVDDtmuu-2ccyhGzpkW3NViedYNP1T6EVimcz2FD6zlKhOsQdBD39TtyCvhKPzkIYxmDsEXHFmc/s1600/978-1-4143-3916-0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUy0nEx72xSX6y68-lk9ngv7Pu_-xzmcNHvhis1yWq6R6mHdev4-niZSemgecTvBmBKVDDtmuu-2ccyhGzpkW3NViedYNP1T6EVimcz2FD6zlKhOsQdBD39TtyCvhKPzkIYxmDsEXHFmc/s1600/978-1-4143-3916-0.gif" /></a></div><div class="annotation">Horse Dreams was written by Dandi Daley Mackall, who is the author of the bestselling Winnie the Horse Gentler series.<br />
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<em>Fourth-grader Ellie James has a great imagination. She spends a lot of time daydreaming of owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show. But when the answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life, will Ellie be able to recognize it? Join Ellie and her quirky family in their exciting, horse-loving adventures.</em><br />
I gave this book to my 5th grade daughter to read. She easily read it in one day. With 16 chapters it's a quick and easy read for most kids. She liked the book and would like to read more books from the author.<br />
I also read the book. I know it's a book for kids, but still it seemed a bit silly. I didn't care for how silly and dumb the adults were made to be in the books. I did like the sign language that was used in the book, which made it more educational. There is also a section in the back with horse terms. Overall, it's a book for kids and there was nothing bad or wrong with the book, just nothing substantial in it. It would be good for a child that loves horse stories.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Disclaimer** I was not paid for this review. I was given the book free of charge in exchange for my review. Thanks to the Tyndale blog program.</span></div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-14175861370240019092011-08-09T15:44:00.000-04:002011-08-09T15:44:10.421-04:00Courageous- Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerphD4Nz_ph6hZR9c6MXscaY_aVS_WzimN0ksfW8CqNKEgFOrzgyipMayCZNEfeoovXbT0EBD0NFbERunxkgB4e8xkIQ9m-CeKfOmKhVGhm1rmYrJkvrTIKTea4FtPrzI4IkLDnPm1hTd/s1600/978-1-4143-5846-8.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerphD4Nz_ph6hZR9c6MXscaY_aVS_WzimN0ksfW8CqNKEgFOrzgyipMayCZNEfeoovXbT0EBD0NFbERunxkgB4e8xkIQ9m-CeKfOmKhVGhm1rmYrJkvrTIKTea4FtPrzI4IkLDnPm1hTd/s1600/978-1-4143-5846-8.gif" /></a></div><br />
I had the wonderful opportunity to read the book Courageous, before it comes out in theaters this September. The book Courageous, was written by Randy Alcorn. About twenty percent of the book is based from the movie, and the rest is the authors invention of the story.<br />
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From the back cover<em> From the creators of Fireproof comes an inspiring new story about everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark. <br />
They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift farther and farther away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God . . . and to their children?</em><br />
The story plays out as each man must come to terms with his job, fatherhood, and his duty to God. There is tragedy and there is triumph in this book. Just a warning :there is reference to drugs and their is gang violence. <br />
I think it will be a great hit once the movie comes out, and I can't wait to see the movie version. The book was good, a few parts are a bit corny. Overall, I would recommend the book, and hope that the book will touch many lives.<br />
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*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this post. I was sent a free copy of the book thanks to Tyndale publishers.Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-46820608611856858652011-07-22T16:26:00.000-04:002011-07-22T16:26:16.251-04:00EvoraPlus- Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIM73wiog1WFJ_bmR42ezTaoywNujqBQENQbk-4P4OaN-bEx7Nbi65bGP5YbJdAKVK8Yu3s_t1bclscF_Isf8Ij3N-eNGBLhQgbr2tGbUmUCnyyo8c3JI3N6Cx8dKp7XedCVb7X9AVegh/s1600/evoraplus_box.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIM73wiog1WFJ_bmR42ezTaoywNujqBQENQbk-4P4OaN-bEx7Nbi65bGP5YbJdAKVK8Yu3s_t1bclscF_Isf8Ij3N-eNGBLhQgbr2tGbUmUCnyyo8c3JI3N6Cx8dKp7XedCVb7X9AVegh/s1600/evoraplus_box.png" /></a></div><br />
EvoraPlus® is a unique probiotic mint that contains the patented beneficial bacteria blend, ProBiora3®. EvoraPlus® represents a whole new level of oral care, one in which good oral health is supported and maintained with good bacteria – just the way nature intended. <br />
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EvoraPlus is a 100% natural, all-in-one probiotic mint that gently whitens your teeth and takes care of your bad breath. One small mint, that taken daily will whiten your teeth, while giving you fresh breath.<br />
EvoraPlus is the now more powerful and simple and easy to use. EvoraPlus was developed by Oragenics Chief Scientific Office, Dr. Jeffrey Hillman.<br />
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Who doesn't want fresh breath. This is the perfect way to whiten your teeth and freshen your breath at the same time. I loved the light minty taste. I am looking forward to seeing the results after trying EvoraPlus. You can purchase EvoraPlus and a variety of stores, like CVS, Target, Walgreen's, etc.<br />
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Now through August 31, 2011 you can save $5.00 when you order online at <a href="http://www.oragenics.com/">www.oragenics.com</a>. Use coupon code <strong>EPLUS811 </strong>( US only).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Disclaimer** I was not paid for this review. I was sent a free sample in return for my review. Thanks to EvoraPlus and Cara Downs for the opportunity.</span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-68753650074974123842011-07-12T18:12:00.000-04:002011-07-12T18:12:54.946-04:00The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven- Book Review<br clear="all" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I6uwYMlB4bUtyJ4yOl6E7oq_wXiP6rWv4rkrVfrbxeWAXqKmYwYoDN6AO2k9DUwrzezsz23tHodxytAu6MRCv132bm0tDDm1JbfB5PZFX45EMkdvwqB3539Dr2DtafHUi36df07t5Q5Y/s1600/978-1-4143-3607-7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I6uwYMlB4bUtyJ4yOl6E7oq_wXiP6rWv4rkrVfrbxeWAXqKmYwYoDN6AO2k9DUwrzezsz23tHodxytAu6MRCv132bm0tDDm1JbfB5PZFX45EMkdvwqB3539Dr2DtafHUi36df07t5Q5Y/s1600/978-1-4143-3607-7.gif" /></a></div><div class="annotation"><em>In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.</em></div><div class="annotation"> </div><div class="annotation">The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven was written by Kevin Malarkey. A terrible, tragic story of one man's car accident that changed the life of his son, Alex for ever. For me personally, it took me a while to read the book, mostly because I did not enjoy it, but needed to finish it for the review.</div><div class="annotation">I tried to read this book with an open mind, but I will be honest, I don't believe the story. This is my personal opinion. I found the book fascinating, but very hard to believe. While I feel horrible for the family and all that they have gone through, the book to me feels like a way to make a profit out of terrible tragedy. I will let you read the book for yourself to decide, as we are all entitled to our own opinions. I recommend reading it merely for the debate, about whether or not you believe Alex's story.</div><div class="annotation"> </div><div class="annotation"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* Disclaimer* I was given a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not paid for this review. Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for making this review possible.</span></div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-91793035248462312652011-06-20T09:38:00.000-04:002011-06-20T09:38:06.206-04:00Say Good-bye to Your Preschoolers Summer Boredom Blues<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We've all been there, we've heard the dreaded words of "I'm bored!" "There's nothing to do!" come from our children's mouth at least once during the summer months, and even more so on a rainy summer day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when the summer seems to be filled with endless opportunities, they always will find a way to be bored.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So plan ahead with some fun and stimulating activities!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Beat the Boredom Jar</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">: At the beginning of the summer, sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of activities that can be done alone or that you can enjoy doing together. Encourage your children to share their own ideas and help you decorate and label a simple jar as the family “Boredom Buster Jar.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll feel more involved in the project and more likely to think this is a “neat” idea, if they participate in the creation and idea generation. Next, write everyone’s ideas down on slips of paper and as a group decide which ones should go in the jar. Anyone in the family can pull any idea out of the jar to fight the summertime boredom blues. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
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<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Art Treasure Chest: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You’ll need to gather basic art supplies–child safe scissors, glue, markers, tape, and construction paper. Put them in a special box along with empty oatmeal boxes and paper towel rolls, colorful magazines, and bits of aluminum foil. Occasionally add a special surprise like chalk, stickers, or stamp pads so there’s always something new for the children to find. Even if you normally have these supplies around the house, it‘s fun for children to know that the Art Treasure Chest is just for them. They’ll probably have some good ideas of other household items that can be recycled to fuel their creative energies.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
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<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Family Performances</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">: Break out old clothes or costumes and encourage children to make up characters and create a play to act out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>They </b>are the directors, actors, and producers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can also make musical instruments out of pots/pans, wooden spoons, empty canisters and have a parade; or everyone can play along to your family’s favorite songs. Record or video the performances, and enjoy the replay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll also be capturing a bit of family history everyone will enjoy for years to come.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
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<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Fort Building: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Children love to build all kinds of structures--from small towns to large towers. Constructing forts or tents is an activity that can keep children focused and problem solving for hours. All the items you need can be found around the house–some chairs, cushions, blankets… and of course adult supervision.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
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<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Summer Scrapbook:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> All you need for this project is a spiral notebook. Encourage everyone in the family to draw pictures of favorite activities and collect mementos from special events throughout the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children love to go back through scrapbooks and albums and tell about what happened at each occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will also be building their storytelling skills at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Listening Game:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Lie down in the backyard, in the den or at the park and listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you hear? Do you hear what I hear? Can you imitate the sound? This is similar to watching the clouds and naming the shapes, and it encourages everyone to slow down and focus on listening.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Studies show that without stimulation, children can lose up to 60 percent of what they learned during the school year. Primrose Schools, a family of 200 accredited private preschools, suggests the key to overcoming summertime boredom and the “brain drain” effect is to encourage imaginative play and have a plan in place to keep children engaged during the summer months. So with activities like these you can offer a balance between the freedom of child-initiated play time and more structured activities that will help them keep engaged in what they learned all year long.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So with these tips in mind, sit down with your family and make a plan for an engaging, imaginative and fun summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Submitted by Emily Patterson on behalf of Primrose Schools. For over 25 years, they have helped individuals achieve higher levels of success by providing them with an AdvancED® accredited </span><a href="http://www.primroseschools.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">preschool services and education</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">. Through an accelerated Balanced Learning® curriculum, Primrose Schools students are exposed to a widely diverse range of subject matter giving them a much greater opportunity to develop mentally, physically and socially. Emily has written a number of articles on topics varying from bilingual learning to teaching the importance of volunteering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><br />
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</div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-54498215605776152682011-06-13T22:50:00.000-04:002011-06-13T22:50:56.406-04:00Alphabeasts~Always Playing, Always Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjRPBCwhUCq7GfTtDybdkISRrsjmemz-koSraJzwb70F52MmHLcOBgOTWUWPh9xIqhGO41M5ttVsy6_AtKZKy9lb6m0kTkLUvCQVGuQLlTs6OJdxPlM3nVq9fpum7Sw35pfjr26LliTAg/s1600/ASmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjRPBCwhUCq7GfTtDybdkISRrsjmemz-koSraJzwb70F52MmHLcOBgOTWUWPh9xIqhGO41M5ttVsy6_AtKZKy9lb6m0kTkLUvCQVGuQLlTs6OJdxPlM3nVq9fpum7Sw35pfjr26LliTAg/s200/ASmall.png" width="200" /></a>Are you looking for a new and innovative way to teach your child the alphabet? <a href="http://www.thealphabeasts.com/">Alphabeasts</a> is a fun and exciting way to teach your child all the letters of the alphabet and to learn how to put letters together and learn to read. Alphabeasts are soft and cuddly,with each one having a letter of the<a href="http://www.thealphabeasts.com/Departments/Alphies-Kids.aspx"> alphabet</a> on it's stomach. Each Alphabeast has a unique name and it's own story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwq-IN5bxbabuH4zWmJG1CSugR15A9xni4Wo6SIZQ591Tj27AN7bQgHYrWLW-zgXgU1aaOrsqivN7olwKK8zmSSK3J-W9pN0GimzMYs0c7PBQZH0rW2llBmM158zdkIMcZlD40kF2B1Re/s1600/M.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwq-IN5bxbabuH4zWmJG1CSugR15A9xni4Wo6SIZQ591Tj27AN7bQgHYrWLW-zgXgU1aaOrsqivN7olwKK8zmSSK3J-W9pN0GimzMYs0c7PBQZH0rW2llBmM158zdkIMcZlD40kF2B1Re/s200/M.png" width="181" /></a>Alphabeasts are a great teaching tool, perfect for parents and educators alike. Whether your child is just learning their letters or is an avid speller, Alphabeasts are a fun way to encourage learning. Alphabeasts can be <a href="http://www.thealphabeasts.com/Departments/Shop/Alphabeasts.aspx">purchased</a> online for $20.00 each. </div><div id="Div1"><b><em>Each of the 26 Alphabeasts has a distinctive design characteristic and physical attribute that makes them unique from one another. The beasts are 15" in height and are two-sided with contrasting colors front and back as well as upper and lower case alphabet characters on each side to enhance learning and playful functionality. Each beast has solid thread eye detail, a felt mouth with solid thread teeth, an exclusive custom dyed pallette, a generous polyester fill and a plush, washable velveteen outer body.</em></b> </div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was sent three Alphabeasts and my son loved them. I was very surprised at how well made they were. Extremely bright and bold colors and very soft. My son, who is 4, is learning his letters and I was happy that he knew what two of the letters on his Alphabeasts were. He had fun turning his Alphabeast over to see the upper case letter and the lower case letters. We were sent letters M, I and P, so we couldn't make any words, but they are still useful in letter recognition. Overall I think they are a great tool for learning and just plain fun. My only concern would be the price, at $20.00 each it would be very expensive to purchase the entire alphabet, but it could be a good investment for homeschoolers and schools.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check them out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alphabeasts/103276919756787?sk=wall#!/pages/Alphabeasts/103276919756787?sk=info">Facebook </a>too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer* Thank you to Mark at Higher Advertising for sending the Alphabeasts for review. I was sent this product for review purposes, I was not paid for this review.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-76118072642378846272011-06-09T17:39:00.000-04:002011-06-09T17:39:14.656-04:00A Reluctant Queen - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCPfvdMjvSUYUhwfj2p24pfBPh4H-hXUyLBM-xZWXLg_RI1g7NK3cyh087PZM_a_QRcbZgqoRnaI9dzlZliP30pMi1s9-iv4fpWdC2W-N6X0jB4UV04A7k9eafsQ6Ae-iv9XN1bdlvyyf/s1600/_76_125_Book_421_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCPfvdMjvSUYUhwfj2p24pfBPh4H-hXUyLBM-xZWXLg_RI1g7NK3cyh087PZM_a_QRcbZgqoRnaI9dzlZliP30pMi1s9-iv4fpWdC2W-N6X0jB4UV04A7k9eafsQ6Ae-iv9XN1bdlvyyf/s320/_76_125_Book_421_cover.jpg" t8="true" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The story of Esther as you have never read it before! Joan Wolf has taken the beloved Bible story of Esther and has turned it into a modern day love story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> From the back cover - <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCPfvdMjvSUYUhwfj2p24pfBPh4H-hXUyLBM-xZWXLg_RI1g7NK3cyh087PZM_a_QRcbZgqoRnaI9dzlZliP30pMi1s9-iv4fpWdC2W-N6X0jB4UV04A7k9eafsQ6Ae-iv9XN1bdlvyyf/s1600/_76_125_Book_421_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><em>She was a simple girl faced with an impossible choice. He was a magnificent king with a lonely heart.</em> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Their love was the divine surprise that changed the course of history.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beloved story of Esther springs to fresh life in this inspired novel that vibrates with mystery, intrigue, and romance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a very good book and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun way to read a Bible story I have heard from childhood spun into an adult book. The author has a great way of bringing the story to life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I definitely recommend this book</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="emptyClear"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">* Disclaimer* I was not paid for this post. I was sent a free copy thanks to Thomas Nelson publishers.</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-46246158186038923622011-06-04T19:48:00.001-04:002011-06-16T20:01:08.165-04:00Barielle - Review<div align="center" style="border: currentColor;"><a href="http://www.barielle.com/"><img border="0" src="http://robinleedyassociates.com/assets/assets-barielle/Barielle_Logo-med.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor; text-align: left;">With summer weather in full swing it's time to start wearing flip-flops and sandals. It's also time to make your feet and nails pretty! <a href="http://www.barielle.com/">Barielle</a> has just the products you need to get your hands and feet summer ready. With a great line of products you are sure to find just what you need. I tried out a few of the following products, and was pleasantly surprised. The nail polish was a pretty summer shade, and lasts for about two weeks. I also enjoyed the cracked heel cream. It has a really nice scent and feels great on my feet. </div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor; text-align: left;">They also carry a line of<a href="http://www.barielle.com/Shades_Nail_Color-Color_Choices.html"> nail polish</a>, with many shades to choose from. </div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor; text-align: left;"><ul><li><strong>Shades by Barielle</strong> ($8 each). Salon-strength formula that is completely free of the chemicals dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde – pregnancy safe.<br />
Provides high-shine glossy coat and forms protective barrier for a long-lasting finish. When shopping online…buy one get one 50% only at<a href="http://www.barielle.com/"> barielle.com.</a></li>
</ul></div><ul></ul><div align="center" style="border: currentColor; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.barielle.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://robinleedyassociates.com/assets/assets-barielle/NSC-sm.jpg" /></a>•<strong>Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream</strong> ($10): The most popular, ground-breaking product for nail treatment. Helps strengthen nails to resist splits, peels and breaks.</div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor;">Use daily to maintain healthy nails.</div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor;">Noticeable improvement in 3-4 weeks.</div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor;">Can be used over nail polish or on bare nails.</div><div align="center"><ul><li><strong>Barielle Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender</strong> -- CEW Award Winner ($16): Quick drying top coat with UV protection. Keeps dark colors from fading and light colors from yellowing. Apply as needed after manicure.</li>
</ul></div><br />
<div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="http://www.barielle.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://robinleedyassociates.com/assets/assets-barielle/Nail_Brightener_2-sm.jpg" width="164" /></a>•<strong>Barielle Nail Brightener</strong> -- Cosmo Girl Award Winner ($16): Natural nail enhancement for dull or yellow nails. </div>Specifically formulated with anti-oxidizing properties to hydrate and brighten nails. Apply every other day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.barielle.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://robinleedyassociates.com/assets/assets-barielle/TFCC-sm.jpg" width="181" /></a><br />
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<div style="border: currentColor;">•<strong>Barielle Total Foot Care Cream</strong> -- Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner ($12): Luxurious conditioning cream that helps eliminate calluses and cracks.</div><div style="border: currentColor;">Contains NO harsh peeling ingredients, acids, or camphor.</div><div style="border: currentColor;">Leaves your feet feeling soft and silky.</div>Baby powder fragrance. Apply one or twice per day.<br />
Be sure and check Barielle out on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/barielle">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/barielle">Twitter</a> for contests and chances to win great prizes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Disclaimer* I was not paid for this post. I was sent free samples of products in exchange for my review. Thanks to Barielle and to Robin Leedy Associates for the opportunity.</span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-49177993496956992612011-04-14T00:01:00.002-04:002011-04-14T16:11:09.841-04:00The Wild Soccer Bunch book 2 - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YhfhFvmEaleBwR04IhRANlG-ePIC_NsMYU9WKQsq1dZ1IQx9ukA2itkc8csUYz3byg8-cY4XfFjMeVAfiLdfjszitB_z2GqxVAgdsrjuaKmlL0_r5QMnPMdMsl9hT7XBOokeo3s3Y8CN/s1600/kevin_book2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YhfhFvmEaleBwR04IhRANlG-ePIC_NsMYU9WKQsq1dZ1IQx9ukA2itkc8csUYz3byg8-cY4XfFjMeVAfiLdfjszitB_z2GqxVAgdsrjuaKmlL0_r5QMnPMdMsl9hT7XBOokeo3s3Y8CN/s1600/kevin_book2.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Author Joachim Masannek is back with the second book of the wildly popular series The Wild Soccer Bunch : Diego the Tornado.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fabio, the son of a famous Brazilian soccer player, wants to join the Wild Soccer Bunch. But Fabio’s father has other plans. He makes his son play for the Furies, one of the best youth club teams in the country. The Wild Soccer Bunch is devastated, but Diego has a plan. He turns the Wild Soccer Bunch into a club team and challenges the Furies to a game! Can the Wild Soccer Bunch survive the game? Can their friendship endure the test?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If your child loves soccer they will love this series of books. Both boys and girls alike will find the series fun and captivating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My nine year old daughter read the book in about two days, she really enjoyed reading it and couldn't put it down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Wild Soccer Bunch has sold over 10 million copies world wide and is a world wide phenomenom. You can purchase book two Diego the Tornado on <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a> or through <a href="http://www.wildsoccerbunch.com/">The Wild Soccer Bunch</a> website.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For more information as well as contests, games, and prizes follow on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thewildsoccerbunch">Facebook .</a></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. I was sent a free copy to read and review. Thank you to the PR team for sending this book.</span></div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-18200544520601876402011-04-13T10:41:00.001-04:002011-04-13T10:50:45.588-04:00The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIJaN3V1UtJcbGlRG0OFqJcvzFdo2iMYcaaj9IBcaFNRR9qwow8_aI7Jdn46aLIf3pK6YmkFZ3wVA_gHJclfOZW4hxAYJz_yqZ2n6OSRh4xfMl2KkBSU5ui4ZQg9mKjmn3OEKgk8-iAiA/s1600/Joe-Joe%2525202-Cover%252520front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIJaN3V1UtJcbGlRG0OFqJcvzFdo2iMYcaaj9IBcaFNRR9qwow8_aI7Jdn46aLIf3pK6YmkFZ3wVA_gHJclfOZW4hxAYJz_yqZ2n6OSRh4xfMl2KkBSU5ui4ZQg9mKjmn3OEKgk8-iAiA/s320/Joe-Joe%2525202-Cover%252520front.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second book in the The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill is Case #2: Mineral Mischief. Written by Renee Hand and Illustrated by: Jake Karwoski.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>In the midst of having her friends visit her rock collection, Maple Moo’s rare mineral goes missing from underneath her large cow nose. She instantly turns to Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill, the most famous detectives in Acorn Valley, to find it. But they didn’t know the task was going to be an impossible one. The suspects were hard to figure out. Was it Candy Cardinal, who committed the crime? She collects various gemstones to make jewelry. Brutus and Betty Blue Beaver also collect minerals and have a fancy quartz collection. Liam the Llama looks suspicious with his igneous rocks and exploding volcano, or was it Huckleberry Moose with his sedimentary rock collection? Joe-Joe and Biscuit find themselves at a loss until some bullies roar into town. Will the detectives be able to find the missing mineral? Or, will this be a case they won’t be able to close? Find out in case #2 in the award-winning Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series-Mineral Mischief. Look for the various activities in the back of the book concerning rocks and minerals for added learning. Bubbling rocks, anyone? </em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBYTDZ2JLDSt7E9jjNscKVlT_wsnpumXTC933Xl1_FnuWIQ4jJyxOqN1SzO9syhVgVWjU-_1FIYXg5oDufLp2VhQ1-Q63sGqz93K9b1MdczoWYhVTwu5ye9W6Ehx4Hg8m0fhheb0e-qhD/s1600/Suspects%252520Pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBYTDZ2JLDSt7E9jjNscKVlT_wsnpumXTC933Xl1_FnuWIQ4jJyxOqN1SzO9syhVgVWjU-_1FIYXg5oDufLp2VhQ1-Q63sGqz93K9b1MdczoWYhVTwu5ye9W6Ehx4Hg8m0fhheb0e-qhD/s320/Suspects%252520Pics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My nine year old daughter read the book and loved it. She especially liked all the information about rocks and the experiments in the back of the book.<br />
As a homeschooling mom, I love that the experiments were added to the book, as this will give us some fun projects to try. <br />
The book is funny, and educational and is well suited for children ages 7 and up.<br />
I think the only thing I would like to see changed for the series is too see the illustrations done in color, instead of black and white.<br />
You can find more information about the author <a href="http://www.reneeahand.com/">Renee Hand</a> on her website. She is an award winning author and has written many other books as well as the The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill. You can order book two through <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a> and Barnes and Nobles.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this review. I was sent a free copy to read and review. Thank you to Renee Hand for sending the copy and for writing an excellent book.</span><br />
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</div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-87152954753372850832011-03-30T11:51:00.001-04:002011-03-30T11:51:00.418-04:00TEXAS BLUE Book Tour with Jodi Thomas<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HrKk-vl7ILA?fs=1" width="425"></iframe></div><strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>About the book:</strong><br />
TEXAS BLUE, my 31st book, will be out in April and I had a great time with this adventure across Texas. First, I opened in 1875, with two friends parting ways one stormy night in Austin. Duncan, a Texas Ranger, is off to fight at the border and Lewt, a gambler, plans to find a wife while his friend is away. <br />
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Duncan, called Duck when he was a boy in earlier books, is wild and fearless. Lewt has never done anything brave and never plans to.<br />
Lewt decides to join a group of men Duncan hand selected to travel to Whispering Mountain and meet his three female cousins. Though Lewt knows his friend would never introduce a gambler to his rich relatives, he wants a chance for more than just a life in saloons.<br />
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The reader steps into two stories running at once. Duncan fighting, being hurt in the fight, being held captive and Lewt learning how to act around women he doesn’t have to buy a drink to talk to. Both learn and grow as they discover what is important in life.<br />
Ride along with me and I promise I’ll take you through Texas from a ranch big enough to be its own kingdom to a fight in Texas history that became a legend the Texas Rangers still repeat. <br />
<br />
<strong>From the author:</strong><br />
I’ve been setting books in Texas history for almost twenty years. As a fifth generation Texan, the world seems very real to me. People sometimes ask if I’d like to go back there, and I always say no, I just loving living there in my imagination. While writing this book I felt like I was returning to a much loved ranch I’d written about before called Whispering Mountain. My hero, Duncan, was rescued as a boy from an outlaw camp and adopted by the McMurrays. He’s been raised with three girl cousins and feels very protective of them. When they think he sent men to the ranching hoping to marry them off, the girls declare war on Duncan. <br />
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I hope readers will love this story as much as I loved writing it. Though TEXAS BLUE was my 31st book, I was a little surprised that I still love writing as much as ever. Some stories come easy, some seem more like work, but with this one all I did was turn on the laptop and hang on. The story took off all on its own. My characters were so strong at some points they took over the story. <br />
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Wishing you many hours lost in reading,<br />
Jodi Thomas<br />
<a href="http://www.jodithomas.com/">http://www.jodithomas.com/</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor">www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure* All content was written and sent from the author Jodi Thomas with her permission to post. Thank you to Jodi Thomas for supplying the book to read for my review. I was not paid for this post.</span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-6089580087267306842011-03-30T00:05:00.000-04:002011-03-30T00:05:01.018-04:00Texas Blue - Book ReviewTexas Blue is the fifth book in the “Whispering Mountain” series by author Jodi Thomas. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG7ZBfPSBZlYhurn6Z2LuUwis31t3kTOxU9ECqw8cCLVmChae8-q3n9GPMM1VCYSHnYTeS_2TjR2W-Oa2wikLtDkgiWoV8UWqBYf9S7hD6DARiX_JqPW7-PQWSEaZ6mP6XUnt95nynyHI/s1600/61PiX5iCd7L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG7ZBfPSBZlYhurn6Z2LuUwis31t3kTOxU9ECqw8cCLVmChae8-q3n9GPMM1VCYSHnYTeS_2TjR2W-Oa2wikLtDkgiWoV8UWqBYf9S7hD6DARiX_JqPW7-PQWSEaZ6mP6XUnt95nynyHI/s1600/61PiX5iCd7L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>From the back cover:<br />
Gambling man Lewton Paterson wants to marry into a respectable family, even if it costs him his friendship with Duncan McMurray. After fleecing a train ticket from one of the three gentlemen picked to call on Duncan's cousins, Lewt makes his way to Whispering Mountain. But seducing a well-bred woman is harder than Lewt thought, and he realizes that to entice a McMurray sister, he'll need to learn a thing or two about ranching—and love. <br />
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I absolutley loved this book! I couldn't put it down and was able to read it in a weekend. The characters were so fun and Ms. Thomas brings Texas to life in her books. I went to my local library and have put on hold as many of Jodi Thomas' books as they had. <br />
I don't want to give anything away in the book, but it is a must read. As it is the fifth book in a series, you don't necessarily have to read the first four books, I am going to go back and read them so I can get caught up in the series, but Texas Blue can be read first.<br />
Texas Blue comes out April 5th so be sure and order you copy.<br />
You can follow Jodi Thomas on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Jodi-Thomas/143527997010"> Facebook </a>and <a href="http://twitter.com/jodithomas">Twitter</a> and visit her webpage <a href="http://www.jodithomas.com/">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post. I was sent a free book for review purposes. Thank you to Ms. Thomas for the book.</span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-2171330997358246132011-03-15T10:35:00.001-04:002011-03-15T10:38:28.245-04:00Scunci Bendini clip - review<a href="http://scunci.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://robinleedyassociates.com/assets/assets-scunci/s22970_A_V10_Blue-med.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://scunci.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://robinleedyassociates.com/assets/assets-scunci/s38282_A_V10_Slvr_Gld-sm.jpg" /></a>As a mom of three little girls I am always interested in new hair products. I was asked to review the newest hair clips from Scunci called the Bendini clip.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Here’s a new and easy way to dress up your hair…just bend and snap! <br />
Perfect for prom, wedding, communion or just to add a bit of sparkle to hair any day, we are introducing the new scünci® bendini™ clips! This high fashion hair jewelry adds instant glam in two easy steps, and works on almost any hair length and texture. The scünci bendini is available in three different sizes and a variety of styles, including jeweled crystals, colorful beads and metallics. It’s also available in the special scünci “girl” line designed especially for the little beauties in your life.<br />
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To use the <a href="http://www.scunci.com/bendini.html">scünci bendini clip</a>, start with gathering your hair in the desired style. Slide the bendini comb into the hair, and bend and snap it securely in place for an all-day hold. <br />
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The bendini clip are now hitting shelves at drug, mass and grocery stores nationwide starting in at a suggested retail price of about $4.99 per pack. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We received two packs of the Bendini clips for girls. They are bright and colorful and right away two of my girls fought over them. It took us a few minutes to figure them out. They stayed in pretty well and my oldest daughter really likes them. Honestly, I am not sold on them. I am not sure how many uses we will get out of them as the clips are made from plastic and are already starting to bend funny. I am hoping they hold up as my daughter has worn them every day since we received them.</div>They also make clips for moms too. <br />
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You can find out more great information and take part in scünci giveaways at the scünci <a href="http://www.facebook.com/scuncihair">Facebook page</a> or following scünci on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/scunciHair">Twitter </a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post. I was sent a sample product for review purposes. Thanks to Julie at Robin Leedy & Associates, Inc.</span>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-23845610749096548142011-03-15T10:06:00.000-04:002011-03-15T10:06:04.940-04:00Lilly's Wedding Quilt - book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNuck-ccgovDUrT5ncU79yGjsCrL_6VbYd46OjFUQRqoZ2tLMbEN1b7Szy0VtiLnWklNR6POAz-daKikg7dtcClHLtWaKVmjvkAhoTIELL1y3e_z5MyIEjxaiAhDNC400qGmJNr63MDDs/s1600/_80_140_Book_329_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNuck-ccgovDUrT5ncU79yGjsCrL_6VbYd46OjFUQRqoZ2tLMbEN1b7Szy0VtiLnWklNR6POAz-daKikg7dtcClHLtWaKVmjvkAhoTIELL1y3e_z5MyIEjxaiAhDNC400qGmJNr63MDDs/s1600/_80_140_Book_329_cover.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lilly's Wedding Quilt was written by Kelly Long. From the back cover:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>She isn't looking for love. He's mending a broken heart. It will take divine intervention for these two to get together.</em></div><em>Local Amish schoolteacher Lilly Lapp is tired of weddings, afraid of horses, and immersed in caring for her depressed mother. But when Jacob Wyse, a handsome horse breeder from her small community rescues her from a dangerous accident, Lilly discovers a renewed interest in life and the possibility of love.<br />
Yet Jacob has lost the one true love of his life to another man and doesn't care to expose himself to the vulnerabilities of loving again.</em><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>God works to bring this unlikely pair into a sweet romance to produce a pattern of faith, which leads to the creation and comfort of Lilly's Wedding Quilt</em>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you love to read Amish fiction this is a must read. The author has done a wonderful job of bringing the Amish culture to life. The story is one of finding true love and the ups and downs that go along with it. I really enjoyed this new to me author and plan on reading the first book in the series. I also can't wait to read the next book!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post. I was sent a free book to read in exchange for my review. Thank you to<a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/"> Book Sneeze</a> for making this possible.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-45068671717594372332011-03-02T12:11:00.000-05:002011-03-02T12:11:03.877-05:00Seek Me with all your Heart - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhryA7ic3OVyZRFqsRje45dNyYPpc0dKzMzcrxxizpANkalsDyL6cMSlOJPU8Ya_shd2F6syGqJ_zEmOrHSYEd_PfTYuUdD2SI5HL0Enp8T7my5LzztLLu4-L5qWCXTYAjD7dp-7svoNh/s1600/_140_245_Book_370_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhryA7ic3OVyZRFqsRje45dNyYPpc0dKzMzcrxxizpANkalsDyL6cMSlOJPU8Ya_shd2F6syGqJ_zEmOrHSYEd_PfTYuUdD2SI5HL0Enp8T7my5LzztLLu4-L5qWCXTYAjD7dp-7svoNh/s1600/_140_245_Book_370_cover.jpg" /></a></div>Seek Me with all your Heart was written by Beth Wiseman. <br />
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<em>A groundbreaking series takes Amish readers where they've never gone before . . . Colorado. Emily Detweiler’s family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can’t get far enough to escape what happened there.</em><br />
<em>David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Never mind that they haven't told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.</em><br />
<em>Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?</em><br />
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Author Beth Wiseman takes you into the daily lives of the Amish and the struggles that they deal with. A very well written book and a great story line, I look forward to reading the next book in the series. The only thing I didn't care for is the italicized Amish words, I know the author wants to add the language that the Amish speak, but it is a bit annoying to have to look to the front of the book to see what the words mean. Overall a great work of Christian fiction about the Amish, and I would definitely recommend this book to others.<br />
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***Disclosure*** I was not paid for this post. I was sent a free copy of the book thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and the <a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/">Book Sneeze</a> program.<br />
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</em>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-28810301832411461842011-02-17T13:50:00.000-05:002011-02-17T13:50:49.549-05:00WinnerThe winner of the Pediacare giveaway is entry #1<br />
SavannahsSmiles said...<br />
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I cuddle with him on the couch watching his favorite shows. He loves to eat popsicles when he is sick too.<br />
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The winner was chosen using Random.org. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email of another winner will be chosen.<br />
Thank you to the 2 that participated in the giveaway :)Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-60916824383519787312011-02-14T16:52:00.000-05:002011-02-14T16:52:06.002-05:00Journey to Riverbend - book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WH_Ap-TQVmquod50ltOPuVkyCbNuxrM6zGvFipOFg4_q1b3Y_a972ncDqHSxiiBlmXw8md_PTXuzdu-0VACCAKHf415b6NLVKXcOS3KvIHE3lMf-Xg7uYx8qp8ep22mVAlmJLF8Nz_qr/s1600/978-1-4143-3942-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WH_Ap-TQVmquod50ltOPuVkyCbNuxrM6zGvFipOFg4_q1b3Y_a972ncDqHSxiiBlmXw8md_PTXuzdu-0VACCAKHf415b6NLVKXcOS3KvIHE3lMf-Xg7uYx8qp8ep22mVAlmJLF8Nz_qr/s1600/978-1-4143-3942-9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<em>Michael Archer is nothing if not a man of his word. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. Unfortunately, Sam Carstairs, one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier, has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation. </em><br />
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<em>Soon after arriving in Riverbend, Michael meets and falls for the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel seems to be running from a past as dark as Michael’s.</em><br />
<em>When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael offers to join the search party formed by the local sheriff. With a budding romance behind him and a dangerous rescue ahead of him, he sets out on the trail, determined to complete his journey no </em><em>matter the cost.</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Henry McLaughlin is the 2009 winner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild Operation First Novel Contest. He has written an amazing story with Journey to Riverbend. You will find yourself out in the old west, awaiting action from the cowboys of days long gone. This book shows God's amazing grace and how forgiveness is the key to relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really hope that the author left the ending the way he did so that there will be a second book. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this review. I was sent a free book in exchange for my review. Thank you to <a href="http://www.tyndale.com/">Tyndale</a> publishers for the book.</div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003691360624256165.post-8591786319903498012011-02-08T12:14:00.000-05:002011-02-08T12:14:43.494-05:00Pedia Care Products - Review & Giveaway<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0motROjKQeJzKNNJ8oAdVisRWvNGE7LSjZ7zC75L_xKZmMaA364vI10-GQ9WynBd32E2NH3nwXz7GCXg5J0QejanbkCXGwZyYK7Cx6BksTSWnQxzY9tYjcDPSJjT-HS5q2SpXmCFqKeHx/s1600/prod_childrens_fever.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0motROjKQeJzKNNJ8oAdVisRWvNGE7LSjZ7zC75L_xKZmMaA364vI10-GQ9WynBd32E2NH3nwXz7GCXg5J0QejanbkCXGwZyYK7Cx6BksTSWnQxzY9tYjcDPSJjT-HS5q2SpXmCFqKeHx/s1600/prod_childrens_fever.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjI8YLF4LnF3qos_YS5-3_Pe73s-UBc2iJLZXV_ABIwLRkrFtQrHYVAVxFtrVgQGe13AfPM3CIViePs3yNqRn9WSXiJ6q1xBuxTbu2gyUEPrybdjRV_GwaAr_dapv6xlXoXdAOzLTYhO6/s1600/prod_flu.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjI8YLF4LnF3qos_YS5-3_Pe73s-UBc2iJLZXV_ABIwLRkrFtQrHYVAVxFtrVgQGe13AfPM3CIViePs3yNqRn9WSXiJ6q1xBuxTbu2gyUEPrybdjRV_GwaAr_dapv6xlXoXdAOzLTYhO6/s1600/prod_flu.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku7D-59_ChHlUvIEvjTyVxHVsX0F-YZx-r_FtmxtPNmNImYtrGAic269AfM0VLG_ZLtOo-PzNNNVFAh00nlWfnCxRO9gtcLjXtvC0c6xHO1MBKf_Dxsx3PJpwT97AmTdX9jMpsB0cFD-1/s1600/prod_cold.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku7D-59_ChHlUvIEvjTyVxHVsX0F-YZx-r_FtmxtPNmNImYtrGAic269AfM0VLG_ZLtOo-PzNNNVFAh00nlWfnCxRO9gtcLjXtvC0c6xHO1MBKf_Dxsx3PJpwT97AmTdX9jMpsB0cFD-1/s1600/prod_cold.png" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
It's that time of year when sickness just keeps on keeping on. It seems like everyone I know has a sick child or has been sick in the last month. I have had two kids with either strep or ear infections in the last 2 weeks. I am so ready for spring!<br />
I was asked to review some new products from <a href="http://www.pediacare.com/">Pedia Care</a>, and they came right in the nick of time! I was able to test out the new Children's Fever/Pain Reliever on my daughter. She actually had no complaints about the flavor, which was a good thing. We were also sent the new Children's Mulit-System Cold medicine, but I haven't had to use it yet, though I may try it out if my son keeps coughing.<br />
</div><em>PediaCare® products help the next generation of teachers, astronauts and scientists get the most out of their childhood. Because they can’t conquer the world, until they’ve mastered the playground. And they can’t master the playground if sniffles and fevers keep them in bed. That’s why for years pediatricians and parents have relied on us for safe, effective medicines. And now we’re proud to introduce an expanded line of products especially formulated for kids. No matter what the ailment, like cough, cold, fever or aches and pains, you can count on PediaCare® products to care for your kids. </em><br />
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You can purchase Pedia Care products nationwide at retailers and drugstores for around $6.99.<br />
To see more products offered by Pedia Care you can visit their <a href="http://www.pediacare.com/">website</a>, you will also find valuable coupons on the website.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">GIVEAWAY </div><div style="text-align: center;">One reader (US Residents only) will have the chance to win 1 bottle of the new Pedia Care Fever Reducer or the Cough & Cold formula.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>How to enter:</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">My only requirement is to tell me how you help your little one when they are sick.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please leave your email address with your comment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One winner will be chosen by Random.org on February 15th at 10:00 PM EST.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The winner will be notified by email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is open to US residents only. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Feel free to blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway, but the only entry is the one mentioned above.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post. I was sent free samples in exchange for my review. Thank you to Julie at Robin Leedy & Assocaites for sending the review and giveaway product.</span></div>Brodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683271041872892633noreply@blogger.com2