A bit of me ~ My greatest phobia

To join in with a bit of me go here

We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
I know, some of you are skeptical about putting yourself out there on the internet and I completely respect that. That’s the entire reason I have no desire to ever reveal the “real” names of The Turkeybird and Littlebug. In time, once they’re old enough, if they chose to do that on their own I will respect their decision. So, if ever during the time I’m doing this meme do you feel the question is just too personal for your liking, feel free to post something else, I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable with what they share and I promise it will always be “kid-friendly”. I mean, this is a primarily children’s and young adult site, you know?
So, let’s get started!
This Weeks Question: Your absolute greatest phobia.

hmmm. Weirdly enough. Frogs! and YES ~ it goes back to my childhood! Ahem little brother ;)



Don't like them. Run from them and if you hear me squeal, most likely there is a frog near! There you have it!

Have a blessed weekend and Happy Reading

Going to the Hop!

Let go to the Hop!! Join with Jennifer and tons of others here


Here's some info about the Hop!
1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below
In your link, please state the main genre that you review: eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc. Please do not list every genre you review - if you are review a variety, please put eclectic! The Hop gets jumbled up if the title is too long, so please limit to one genre. I will be limiting the number of characters in the title to ensure the Hop doesn't look messy! Thank you!
Example: Crazy-for-Books (literary fiction)


2. Post about the Hop on your blog. Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!). I have to thank my friend, Lori, for this week's question! I was drawing a blank and she came up with this fab question! If you have a question that could be used in a future Hop, leave it in the comments! Thanks!
Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?

2. Visit other blogs in the Linky List! Make new friends! Follow new book bloggers! Talk about books! Rave about authors! Take the time to make a quality visit! Check out other posts and content, make a new friend! Don't randomly follow someone if you never intend on actually following them! No spamming please! (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!


This weeks question:
Jennifer has asked to to share who our Favorite "new-to-me" Author is??

Cathy Bryant ~ Author of Texas Roads



Thanks for all those who have come to visit! I pray everyone has a blessed weekend

Byron Nelson

Something most of you may not know about me is that I LOVE Golf! No, not playing golf but watching it on TV or being on the course while my family plays is something I LOVE! Golf has been a huge part of my family. My Dad played, my brother plays as does my husband and while I wouldn't know the first thing about swinging a club I will be happy to drive you around the course no matter how hot it might seem!

I was given the opportunity to share an article from the new book by Byron Nelsons widow Peggy, "Life with Lord Byron" and was thrilled to share it with you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!


Mr. Romance


About the book:
Peggy Nelson lived most of her life in Ohio, then moved to Texas in 1986 to marry world- renowned professional golfer Byron Nelson. A writer by profession, Peggy worked for twelve years in advertising circles in Dayton, Ohio. After moving to Texas she authored the history of Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children in Dallas. And in 1992 she assisted Byron in the writing of his autobiography, How I Played the Game. Peggy continues to live at and helps manage Byron Nelson’s Fairway Ranch in Roanoke, Texas, plays golf occasionally, does a little flower gardening, tends her small flock of chickens, plays piano, attends Bible classes, volunteers at the new Byron Nelson High School, and serves as a greeter at her church. She is also a busy volunteer at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Dallas each year. Peggy delights in her many friends, in visits to and from her sons and their families, and in the thousands of happy memories she has of her life with her beloved Byron.

Dark in the City of Lights ~ Review

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dark In The City Of Light Bethany House (July 1, 2010)

by Paul Robertson





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and the author of The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.











ABOUT THE BOOK

What Evil Haunts the Shadows of 1870s Paris?



Baron Ferdinand Harsanyi — After his wife's mysterious death, this Austrian attaché holds control over mines whose coveted ore could turn the tide of war.



Therese Harsanyi — Swept up in new romance and the spectacle of Paris, the Baron's daughter is blind to the dangers stalking her family and the city she loves.



Rudolph Harsanyi — Unsure whom to trust, the Baron's son's grief over his mother's death twists into growing anger and a desire to break free.



As France and Prussia plunge toward war, one family is caught in a web of deceit, political intrigue, and murder that threatens to tear them apart.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Dark In The City Of Light, go HERE.

Hands on Bible ~ Review

Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. The Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. This new edition features updated tip-ins, a more portable size for kids, an attractive cover, and online parenting helps. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities (A “Do-It” activity in EVERY feature!) and the full New Living Translation text, the Hands-On Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and “do” God’s Word!

I absolutely love the New Living Translation! It's so practical and easy to understand so I am thrilled the Hands on Bible is written in this translation! This Bible is amazing! It has a years worth of activities, Fun Facts, as well as wonderful ideas for the kids to do for and with others like good deeds!

To me, there is nothing better than sitting down with your kids and being in the Word of God and this Bible provides countless way and the opportunity to do just that!

I am so thankful to have this opportunity to review this Bible! Thank you Tyndale for the complimentary Bible in return for this humble review

Monday's ~ What are you reading :)

Sheila hosts Mondays meme "What are you reading?" It is a great way to see what others are reading and to check out some really awesome books :0) Go here to join in

What is up this week @ Heart of a Bookworm? My sweet daughter and I have quite the Line up :)

This one is awesome so far!


She will be reading and reviewing this one Monday of next week


I am inhaling this one right now :) It's the 3rd book in the Rayne Tour Series! I have not read the other 2 but just downloaded book One on my Kindle for FREE !! woohoo!


this one looks pretty good and will be turning these pages SOON :)


I pray everyone has a blessed week!

A bit of me ~ My best quality?

About "A bit of me" from There's A Book Blog:

We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
I know, some of you are skeptical about putting yourself out there on the internet and I completely respect that. That’s the entire reason I have no desire to ever reveal the “real” names of The Turkeybird and Littlebug. In time, once they’re old enough, if they chose to do that on their own I will respect their decision. So, if ever during the time I’m doing this meme do you feel the question is just too personal for your liking, feel free to post something else, I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable with what they share and I promise it will always be “kid-friendly”. I mean, this is a primarily children’s and young adult site, you know?
So, let’s get started!


This weeks question is to share about our Best Talent or Quality....

Hmmm ~ I know that I am a very good listener. As a Hair Stylist this proves to be a gift! There is something about that person when they sit in your chair. They share EVERYTHING! LOL But I just have that personality that even when people aren't in my chair, it could be in the aisles at the grocery store or sitting at the doctors office waiting to be seen. My children are just amazed at how people just "SHARE" their stories with me without my saying anything :) It is a gift and I know the Lord has given me a heart to be a LifeCoach. I know the importance of being trusted with each word that is spoken and when they need advice ~ I seek the Lord always, and most importantly, listen to what HE says!


To participate in A bit of Me go here to join in :)

Friday @ the HOP :)

ABOUT THE HOP: Please go here to join Jennifer @ the HOP


In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!


The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!


RULES: (in hopes of simplifying things for everyone!)

1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below (be sure to include how long you've been blogging and what genres you review!).
If you have been blogging 3 months or less, please note that you are a NEW blogger!
If you post about the Hop on your blog, please link directly to your Hop post (don't forget to answer this week's question - see below!).

2. Visit other blogs in the Linky List! Make new friends! Follow new book bloggers! Talk about books! Rave about authors! (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

3. Post about the Hop on your blog! Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier!

4. In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!):


What book are you currently reading?


I am reading "The Bishop" by Steven James as well as reading "Dark in the City of Light" by Paul Robertson


Thank all of you for visiting :) Have a blessed weekend and Happy Reading!

Stars in the Night ~ Review

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Stars In The Night Summerside Press (July 1, 2010)

by Cara Putman





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From Cara:



I graduated from high school at sixteen, college at 20, and completed my law degree when I was 27.



My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. Now I have eleven books published with more on the way.



People say I've accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a home schooled kid when home schoolers were misunderstood and oddities.



I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife.



I often fear people won't like my books.



I've walked through the deep pain of miscarriage.



Really, I'm just like you – I don't have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I've discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too.



In the end I'm just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I've been obedient to step into the calling He's led me into.



Stars in the Night Background



Stars in the Night was an idea that had begun to percolate in my mind. I’d written two World War II series and was actively looking for my next setting. My husband, a huge World War II history buff, and I were kicking ideas around, and I’d decided Hollywood was probably the next place for me. I’d gone to the library and gotten a stack of research books when I got the call. An editor I knew but had never worked with wanted to know if I might be interested in a new line they were starting. As we talked, I got so excited. And then she emailed me their guidelines, which listed that Hollywood was a location they were interested in setting books.



Only God could have known ahead of time. But because I followed His prompting I was ready to run with an idea. Stars in the Night is the result.







ABOUT THE BOOK

Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer's sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her.



Any day Audra might have been flattered by the friendly overtures of Robert Garfield, a real-life movie star. But on the flight from Indianapolis to Hollywood, Audra can think of little else than finding her missing sister. When Audra arrives in the city of glitz and glamour, and stars, and learns her rising starlet sister has been murdered, all thoughts of romance fly away.



Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan.



Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister.



Could the killer be the man with whom she's falling in love?



If you'd like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Stars In The Night, go HERE.



Contest: Lots of opportunities to win and great prizes, and the grand prize contains some of Cara's favorite classic movies as well as all of her WWII novels: Launch Contest!


My review:
I found myself taking this book EVERYWHERE! I could NOT put it down! even while cooking dinner I had it in my hand LOL!
This is my first book to read by Cara C. Putnam and it will NOT be my last! I fell in love with these characters ~ they have depth and character.

Audra Shaeffer arrives in Hollywood only to find her sister has been murdered. She is determined to find the killer and to do that she must hang around all of the spoiled Hollywood stars to learn as much as she can. One gentleman in particular, Robert Garfield, seems different... but his name was found in her sisters "little black book" Can he be trusted? Can she keep her heart from falling for Robert? Will she find the killer? You will just have to pick it up and find out!

Heart of a Bookworm gives "Stars in the Night" ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Walking on Broken Glass ~ Review

When I saw the opportunity to review Christa Allans debut novel "Walking On Broken Glass" I felt instantly It was a book I MUST review! I am sooo glad I did!!

Back of the book:

Leah Thornton's Life, like her Southern Living home, has great curb appeal. But a paralyzing encounter with a can of frozen apple juice in the supermarket shatters the facade, forcing her to admit that all is not as it appears. When her best friend gets in Leah's face about her refusal to deal with her life, Leah is forced to make a decision. Can this brand-conscious socialite walk away from the country club into 28 days of rehab? Can she leave what she has now to gain back what she needs? Joy, sadness, pain and a new strength converge, testing her marriage, her frienships and her faith.

About the author:

Christa Allan, a true Southern woman who knows any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, weaves stories of unscripted grace with threads of hope, humor, and heart. The mother of five and grandmother of three, Christa teaches high school English. She and her husband, Ken, live in Abita Springs, Louisiana where they play golf, dodge hurricanes, and anticipate retirement. Author website: www.christaallan.com

My Review:

Being a child of an alcoholic I could completely relate to this book! While my Dad never spent time in Rehab he fought diligently to stay sober and through Gods help he did that successfully for 32 years before He passed away last December.

Leah is a young woman who is married and really doesn't know herself at all! She has allowed people and circumstances to dictate her life until one day her best friend confronts her about her excessive drinking. Leah decides that she should really listen and makes the decision to enter rehab. Will Leah find herself? Will her marriage be able to withstand her not drinking any longer?

Learning to live life without your addiction, maintaining relationships or healing those from the past demand facing and conquering those issues and Christa Allan does a phenomenal job sharing the steps, the pain, the truth and determination it takes to be successful. I appreciate how she shares how Faith gave her the Strength to do the Work she was responsible for doing, not just asking God for help but allowing the LORD and His word to show her the way and doing her part as well!

I highly recommend this book! Heart of a Bookworm gives "Walking on Broken Glass" ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

It's a party with Steven James on Facebook

Author Steven James will be having a party on Facebook!! He will be answering questions and giving away Prizes too!

Here is the link:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138265872862508 Hop over and join the others who will be "attending" this awesome party :)

heartless book review by jenna

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Heartless Bethany House (July 1, 2010)

by

Anne Elisabeth Stengl



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon be married. She dreams of a handsome and charming prince, but when the first suitor arrives, she finds him stodgy and boring. Prince Aethelbald from the mysterious land of Farthestshore has traveled far to prove his love--and also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be approaching Parumvir.



Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. When Una makes the wrong choice, catastrophe ensues for the princess and her family, and love, courage, and trust are needed when darkness engulfs the kingdom.



Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.



There are some delightful things and scenes: the Twelve-Year Market that appears in its own good time and sells fairy goods; a clever blind cat who is invariably underfoot and has, of course, a secret!



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


Jenna's Review ~

There are few words I can say about this book. The princess locked in a tower kind of scenario just minus the tower. Una was to be given a husband, but once he arrived he wasn't what she thought, or planned. Kind of like "Shrek". She doesn't believe his so called tales of a dragon king coming and that she and others must take caution. But the dragon king has Una in his sights. One risk everything they have to defeat this king.
Great writing, great author, and all around magical book! Pick it up!!!

Monday's ~ What are you reading :)

Sheila hosts Monday's "What are you reading?" over @ Bookjourney! Join in and share what you're reading this week won't you?


This week Jen and I will be reviewing:








After finishing these we will begin:






Happy Reading :)

A bit of Me

I know for me I tend to just post my reviews and that's about it for this blog! Afterall, this is for my reviews but I also know that learning the person behind the reviews is important as well :) IF you are interested I post alot of that over on my family blog ~
The Magoos News but from now I on I will be participating in this meme on Saturdays!

Danielle @ There's A book hosts this sweet meme and here is a little info. to explain the purpose:

We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.


This weeks question is:

What is your favorite smell and what memory does it trigger?

To name just one is quite difficult but my immediate thought is

Hawaiin Tropic Coconut Oil ~ It takes me so many places in my youth! Swimming, laying out with friends, to the beaches of California. It just smells sooo good!

I also have to include Chocolate Chip cookies because I immediately think of my Nana who always had them ready and waiting along with a delicious batch of Banana Bread! She was a fabulous cook and always had everything soo nice and made us feel so special!

One smell that has just recently had meaning to me is Beer Battered Fish! When I was little my Daddy would make the BEST fish and always made it in beer batter. Now that Daddy is gone I will never be able to have his fish but I found some that tastes and SMELLS almost the same! Gortons! Thank you for making this and allowing me those moments to go back in time! :)

Have a blessed weekend and Happy Reading

Doing the Hop

ABOUT THE HOP:


In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!


The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!


RULES: (in hopes of simplifying things for everyone!)

1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below (be sure to include how long you've been blogging and what genres you review!). If you post about the Hop on your blog, please link directly to your Hop post (don't forget to answer this week's question - see below!).

2. Visit other blogs in the Linky List! Make new friends! Follow new book bloggers! Talk about books! Rave about authors! (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

3. Post about the Hop on your blog! Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! Go here

Thanks to all who have visited from the Hop this week! This week Jennifer has asked us to share which book(s) we cannot wait to get our hands on.....

I would have to say Karen Kingsbury's new series coming out on Bailey Flanagan and the other one is Cathy Bryants sequel to Texas Roads! I have had the honor and privelege to vote in both of these book covers so I feel vested ;) in both books already!

The Sister's Wife ~ Review by Jenna

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Sister Wife Avon Inspire (June 22, 2010)

by Diane Noble





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diane Noble is a former double finalist for the prestigious RITA Award for Best Inspirational Fiction, a finalist for the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Reviewers' Choice Award, and a three-time recipient of the Silver Angel Award for Media Excellence.



With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.



For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She is currently writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one is The Sister Wife.



Diane’s hometown is Big Creek, California, a tiny village nestled in the rugged Sierra Nevada back country. As a child, Diane’s older brother Dennis fueled her creative streak by entertaining her with his own gift of storytelling. Growing up without TV and iffy radio reception, Diane became an avid reader, inhaling more than one hundred novels—both YA and adult—in a single

year by the time she reached seventh grade. Her passion for reading continues to this day.



Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.





ABOUT THE BOOK

What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife? What if that woman was your best friend?



Set in the heart of the earliest days of a new nineteenth-century sect known as the Saints, The Sister Wife is a riveting account of two women forced into a practice they don't understand, bound by their devotion to Prophet Joseph Smith.



When Mary Rose marries Gabriel, neither of them could foresee how quickly the community would turn to the practice of plural marriage. Devastated when Gabe is faced with an order from the Prophet to marry her best friend, Bronwyn, Mary Rose tries to have the faith to carry through with the marriage.



But can she really be married to the same man as her very best friend? Can Mary Rose and Bronwyn face betraying both their husband and their God to do what they feel is right?



If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of The Sister Wife, go HERE.





Watch the book video!







Jenna's Review:

This book is a "never put down". The trials of forced marriage and the definition of true friendship are all apart of this book. There's so much that I can't even say or I'll ruin it! All I can say is, two best friends are forced to heartbreak as one of them is forced to marry the other's husband. A new kind of practice that Prophet Joseph Smith has forced them to do. But can she really do it? Can she really betray her bestfriend and husband to do what is right? You'll have to read and find out!
This book is good for ages teen & up! I love this book and author! The way it's written is absolutely beautiful! The book is great, read, read, read!!

thanks, Jenna.