Just Down The Road- Jodi Thomas

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.

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.

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.

Tinch and Addison were born, then in my mind, they took the story and made it their own.

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.

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.

Enjoy the story,

Jodi Thomas



**Disclaimer**  This post was written by Jodi Thomas

Just Down the Road - Book Review

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas is pleased to present

JUST DOWN THE ROAD, the fourth novel in her award-winning Harmony series.

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…

"Extremely powerful and gripping writing...full of passionate moments, hidden secrets, and likable characters.

~ Roundtable Reviews

" 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. "

~Publishers Weekly

Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today 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.

www.jodithomas.com

Twitter.com/jodithomas

www.facebook.com/ JodiThomasAuthor

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.


*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.

The Comforts of Home~ book review

Jodi Thomas' newest book The Comforts of Home hits the shelves November 1, 2011.  I love this series and was excited to read this new book. 

Publishers Weekly Review
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.

About Jodi Thomas
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.

*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.

The Comforts of Home- Jodi Thomas

I’m getting excited. THE COMFORTS OF HOME is on its way and due to hit the stands on Nov. 1. 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 Freehold, NJ. to Sierra Vista, AZ 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.

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.

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.

Jodi Thomas

www.jodithomas.com

www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor

*Disclosure* This post was a guest post written by Jodi Thomas.

Shadow in Serenity- book review

 

Shadow in Serenity written by New York Bestselling author, Terri Blackstock takes you on a journey to small town Texas.


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.

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.

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.

 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. 
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. 
Shadow in Serenity will be available to purchase starting in September 2011.

*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.

It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil - Winner

The big winner of the It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil gift certificate is entry 1, Karen B.
Thanks to the two who entered :)

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It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil- book review and GIVEAWAY

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. 

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.

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.

I recommend this book for everyone.  It's well written and has many helps throughout the book.

Giveaway

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.

 

***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!

Horse Dreams- Book Review

Horse Dreams was written by Dandi Daley Mackall, who is the author of the bestselling Winnie the Horse Gentler series.

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.
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.
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.

**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.

Courageous- Book Review

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.

From the back cover 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.
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?
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. 
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.

*Disclaimer*  I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a free copy of the book thanks to Tyndale publishers.

EvoraPlus- Review

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. 

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.
EvoraPlus is the now more powerful and simple and easy to use.  EvoraPlus was developed by Oragenics Chief Scientific Office, Dr. Jeffrey Hillman.

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.

Now through August 31, 2011 you can save $5.00 when you order online at www.oragenics.com.  Use coupon code EPLUS811 ( US only).

**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.