Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock*A Review

Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in.
Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together--both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise--"cross my heart and hope to die"--never to tell anyone else.
When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own.

Paperback: 348 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780764208096
ISBN-13: 978-0764208096
ASIN: 0764208098
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

About the author
Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.

http://www.anntatlock.com/index.php





MY REVIEW
This is the first book I’ve read written by Ann Tatlock and Promises to Keep is an amazing book. I was quite captivated from the first page until the end. For me reading a book in two days means it’s a fantastic read.
One reason I was amazed was because Promises to Keep is told by an eleven-year-old girl named Roz. If someone would have told me that it was told from this young girl’s perspective I wouldn’t have thought I would have liked it, but I love it and mean to keep this one on my bookshelf to reread. It also goes into my favorites of the year.
This story is about a family leaving the husband, because he was abusive among other things. In their new home an older lady shows up on their porch and acts like this is her home and it was until she broke her hip and her sons sold the house. So she wants her house back, but is willing to live with the new family. She is a great help to the family with taking care of the children as the mom goes off to work and does cooking and everything she did before, but for the family.
Roz {eleven-year-old daughter} makes a new friend and they both make a promise about their daddy’s and they both mean to keep it, but is this a wise move? Are promises and secrets trouble or something to keep no matter what.
This book has such a warm, homey feeling in it even though it talks about family problems, separation, divorce etc… It shows a family really trying to keep it all together and loving each other.
Ann gently puts God in the picture and eventually the family knows they can’t do anything without God.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is an excellent read and will make you happy you read it.

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Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Hawaiian Crosswinds by Linda Lee Chaikin*A Review

Torn between family loyalty and their deep affection for one another, Rafe Easton and Eden Derrington strike an agreement that will bring them together after one final year of pursuing their dreams. For Eden, those dreams involve dangerous medical research with her father, and spending time with the mother she never knew - a leper on Moloka'i.

Rafe's dreams are equally noble - managing the family estates and serving in the Legislature - until both begin to unravel. Revolution threatens the fragile calm of Hawaii's sovereignty, and the man who murdered Rafe's father now threatens the lives of Rafe's mother and adopted son. With love, danger, and political upheaval demanding his attention, Rafe must commit to a course of action without second thoughts.

Love, beauty, and blessing - the perfect "happily ever after" to a Hawaiian romance - unravel in the Hawaiian Islands of 1892. What will this mean for Rafe and Eden, caught in the Hawaiian Crosswinds?


ISBN: 978-0-8024-3750-1
Publish date: May, 2011
Page Count: 352
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25
Format: Paperback
Weight: .87 LBS

LINDA LEE CHAIKIN has written over thirty top selling books, including The Silk House series and For Whom the Stars Shine, a finalist for the prestigious Christy Award. Two of her novels have been awarded the Silver Angel Award for excellence. Linda is a graduate of Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and taught neighborhood Bible classes for many years. She and her husband make their home in Northern California where her favorite recreations are reading and taking vacations where the wind blows through lonely deserts and ghost towns.


MY REVIEWHawaiian crosswinds by Linda Lee Chaikin the second book in The Dawn of Hawaii series is such an excellent book with great substance. It isn’t one of those books that have only fluff and light-hearted content.
Hawaiian Crosswinds has many characters that aren’t fictional. Interlaced in this book of the Derrington and Easton families are real people who have been an important part of nineteen century history from Hawaii. I also love the family tree, maps and terms and words of Hawaii.
In Hawaiian Crosswinds you will read about two very powerful families and what they each want to get done politically to make Hawaii even better than it already is.
The main story is about Rafe and Eden who love each other, but both have their own interests that they want to pursuit first. Will doing their own pursuits make them draw apart or will they get closer?
In this gripping, page-turner that is full of political intrigue, murder, drugs turn out happily for all or will things happen that will bring great sadness?
I really love the way Linda writes; she has a wonderful way with words and paints such colorful pictures with her words. I’ve read many if not all of Linda’s books and plan on reading her next ones. Linda brings Christ and the salvation message into her stories so beautifully.
I recommend this book and will be keeping it for my bookshelf. It will be a great book to read again and again. I really love her work.


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Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

K is for Kite God's Springtime Alphabet by Kathy-jo Wargin*A Review

“Hooray, it’s spring! We love April showers, blessing the earth to bring beautiful flowers.” From A to Z, children will bounce along the alphabet celebrating the newness of God’s springtime and all the beauty it brings. There are butterflies to catch and kites to fly, lambs to cuddle and tulips to gather!

Description:
As soft April showers make our hearts sing, let’s find the sweetness of God’s gentle spring.

Discover both God’s world and the alphabet through the refreshing newness of springtime experiences. Beautiful illustrations and playful poetry fill this book with everything spring from A to Z. From the first April shower to flying kites and playing in puddles, young readers will delight in the uplifting seasonal message and will grow in their appreciation of the spring season and the miracle of new beginnings.

Page Count: 40

Paper Edge Description: Plain
Size: 9.3 wide x 11.1 high x 0.4 deep in. | 236 wide x 282 high x deep 10 mm
Weight: 0.935 lb | 423 gms

Available: February 2010
World
Publisher: Zonderkidz

Kathy-jo Wargin
When Kathy-jo Wargin was a young girl, each night after dinner, her mother let her choose between washing the dishes or writing a poem. Before long, she decided that if she grew up to be a writer, she wouldn't have to do any dishes. She has since learned that even though she has published more than twenty award-winning books for children, she still has to wash the dishes. Kathy-jo lives in Minnesota with her husband and her son. Go to her website www.kathy-jowargin.com


Kim Gatto
Artist and designer Kim Gatto strives to create wonderful images that anyone of any age can enjoy. Illustrating is her passion and she savors every opportunity she gets to pursue her dream. "Regardless of what your specific goals and aspirations are, the pursuit of doing what you love for a living will likely be a challenge, however, getting there is priceless." Inspired by nature, animals, and children, Kim has worked on many educational projects, but "B is for Bunnies" will be her first Picture Book. Kim lives in New Jersey, with her husband Michael and three kitties: Choco, Skittle, and Charlie. In 2008, they are also expecting a new addition to their family, their first child.

Illustrator’s website
http://www.designsbygatto.com

MY REVIEW
K is for Kite God’s Springtime Alphabet by Kathy-jo Wargin is such a wonderful, colorful book. I really love it. Alphabet books are fantastic for young children, but one that brings God into the picture is just priceless. It’s a really good size, over 9x11 and the pages are bright, colorful and the children, animals etc.. all have such sweet expressions and it is a hardcover book. The illustrator Kim Gatto does such a fantastic job. I would like to see more of her illustrations in the future.
Every letter of the alphabet tells about something special in Spring, like grass, Lambs, Pussy Willows, Sunshine.
One of my favorite pages in this book has these words, “We’ll stay Outdoors in the fresh springtime air. A walk in the woods shows God everywhere!” I feel that way exactly.
Another thing I love about this book K is for Kite is that the children and the adults {parents} are doing so many things together and just having a wonderful time.
I would highly recommend this Alphabet book for your favorite child. I certainly will be looking for more books written by Kathy-jo Wargin.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

TROUBLE POSTING COMMENTS

Hello everyone!
I have a friend who tried to leave a comment on Loree Lough's book Unbridled Hope. If you want to enter the giveaway, but blogger won't let you leave a comment please email me at wandaelaine at gmail dot com and I will add you to the list. I tried to leave a comment myself and wasn't able to.
So if you run into this problem, but want to join the giveaway just email me and you will be entered.
Thanks and have a fantastic day!
Move giveaways coming very soon.

Loree Lough-author interview & BOOK GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Loree Lough for the interview and for donating a book to one of you. Here is the link for my review of her book Unbridled Hope. I love this books beautiful cover, don't you?

http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/06/unbridled-hope-lone-star-legends-book-3.html

Tell us about Unbridled Hope, the featured book.
Almost from page one (when a steamboat explosion kills Callie's parents, oldest brother, and fiance), there's action and adventure in this, the 3rd and final novel in the Lone Star Legends series. Like the first two books (Beautiful Bandit and Maverick Heart), the story focuses on truth, trust, family, and faith:


Micah, thinking the baby boy who's foisted on him by a female con artist, accepts responsibility for little Liam. Callie, who wrongly blames herself for the explosion, believes she doesn't deserve love, marriage, or a child of her own, volunteers to take care of the child. Soon, she's bonnet over boots in love with the baby and his "daddy."


Will they trust the Lord--and each other--with the secrets that have kept them apart, and discover a love like they could ever have imagined?

Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?

At last count, there were 79 of my titles on the shelves. Unbridled Hope is #80.

Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why?

I'm really excited about the release of The First Responders series (Abingdon Press), partly because all of the novels pay tribute to those brave men and women who risked it all on 9/11...and those made the ultimate sacrifice to save others. All of the stories center around characters who were directly impacted by the tragedy, and show their struggles--emotional, physical, and spiritual--with the aftermath. Another reason I'm really excited to see this series succeed in a big way is because I've promised to donate a generous portion of my own proceeds to organizations that exist solely to assist and support first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, soldiers, etc.).


The first novel, From Ashes to Honor, is scheduled for release in September, to coordinate with the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. (And yes, it's available for pre-order online, via Christianbooks.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.! )

The Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years. What would you like to see happen in this field in the years to come?

My most heartfelt prayer for Christian fiction is that one of the stories--mine, a writer pal's, an author I've yet to meet--will become a HUGE hit as a book and as a movie. Not only would our Father in heaven find "lost sheep" among the readers and movie-goers, but the message would provide a healing balm for our nation, which is hurting in innumerable ways.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?

I love interacting with readers at Twitter, Facebook, Shoutlife, and through my email and snail mail addresses. When they tell me how they identified with what one or more of the characters were going through, or found hope by reading about how the character(s) coped with a particular problem, I'm always humbled...because the situations come straight from God...proof to me that He wanted those specific readers to "get the message" in a very personal and profound way. So what they can do to encourage me is to keep on writing to let me know which elements of every story touched them...and why!

Many writers are also avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors? If so, could you name a few?

I have always loved Steinbeck, Twain, and C.S. Lewis. But my all-time favorite author, right from the get-go, is Jack London. Of all the books and stories he wrote, White Fang is right up there at the top of my "favorites" list.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?

Well, the Bible, naturally, and its trusty companion, the concordance. Then I'd bring a dictionary and a thesaurus, and my collection of Jack London stories. Yep. That would keep me happy for a long, long time!


If you had 48 hours to hang out with any TWO people (besides Jesus), alive or dead in the history of the world who would you hang out with and what would you do?

Thomas Jefferson, definitely! I'd ask him to tell me about every one of his inventions--why he was inspired to create them, and how long it took to perfect each. And then I'd just sit back and enjoy all the witty and profound things he said (that I love to quote, every chance I get) to find out which has been inaccurately recorded by historians!


And my Italian grandpa would join us, to share the amazing stories from his childhood (being gored by a bull as a boy, becoming a proud citizen of the U.S. by fighting for our country in WWI, etc.). I think the two men would have so much in common that they'd spend the entire 48 hours laughing and talking!

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?

First, I'm thankful that, by the grace of God, I am saved.
Second, I'm thankful for my family. (And yes, that includes all you in-laws! )
Third, I'm thankful that the Lord chose me to write. And write. And write!

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?

Wow. That's a tough one! I guess I'd have to say my Ocean City, Maryland honeymoon, because as a Midwest girl, transplanted to the East coast, I'd never seen the Atlantic. Yes, Lake Michigan is expansive and turbulent, but it pales in comparison to the ocean. Especially at sunset, when--if you're very, very lucky--you can see the astounding "green flash."


What are you writing now?

I'm working on book #3 in the First Responders series, An Honorable Man. This one features a former NYC firefighter, scarred inside and out on 9/11, who becomes a big-hearted, tattooed, pony-tailed, Harley-riding youth pastor who puts the heroine's "don't judge a book by its cover" mindset to the ultimate test!

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Before I answer that, I want to thank you, Wanda, for inviting me to share your blogspace!. Your generosity and big-heartedness is a blessing! I'd also like to thank all of your regular readers/followers for slogging through my answers to your questions; those who are so inclined can find me at Facebook, Twitter and Shoutlife, and people can also find me at http://www.theloughdown.blogspot.com, http://www.loreeloughcom, and by reading my monthly column, "Loree's Lough Down" in the "Berzerk" secion of Christian Fiction Online Magazine.


One of you will win the book Unbridled Hope by Loree Lough. It is a fantastic book that I loved.
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1


Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. ENTRY DEADLINE July 8, 2011

The Brave Young Knight by Karen Kingsbury*A Review-children's book

In this picture book, Karen Kingsbury tells the story of a boy in competition with other young knights to become prince of all the land. In a series of contests and competitions, the king recognizes the brave young knight as the winner, not because he was the fastest or strongest, and not because he was smarter or more cunning than the other knights. Rather, the brave young knight is the winner because he doesn't follow the crowd, instead making decisions based on what is right and true and in accordance with his faith. The moral of the story is that the bravest young boys are those who exhibit the strongest character.


Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310716454
ISBN-13: 978-0310716457
Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

About the Author
Karen is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction (TM) and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year. Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
http://karenkingsbury.com/

About the Illustrator
Gabrielle Grimard has been drawing since she was a very young child. Born in Montreal, Canada, she studied Fine Arts at Concordia University. She began her career as a muralist, painting numerous walls in commercial buildings in the Montreal area. She now lives in the Eastern Townships with her chickens, two children, and husband, who is a wood boat builder. They share an old barn as their creative studio.



MY REVIEW
This colorful book The Brave Young Knight by Karen Kingsbury is a new, better approach to an age old story. Many different knights were trying to do different things to become the new Prince. The competition had events for speed, strength and intelligence. The young, brave knight knew others were better and him in these events, but he did his best. I really like this book, because you don’t have to be the strongest, fastest or smartest, just do your best and be honest. This book has a Christian theme and is a really great book for encouraging children. Another part of the book I really liked was how supportive the young knight’s father was. He was always there for the young knight and keeps encouraging him to try his best.
The illustrator Gabrielle Grimard is really excellent. The pages are so colorful and the faces on the people are so believable and kind looking. With Karen’s words and Gabrielle’s pictures this book is a winner. It is written for 4-8 year old children, but would be great for a couple of years younger or older.
I highly recommend this book and would love to give it more than 5 stars. It is a book that won’t gather dust on your bookshelf. It will be read again and again.



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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Double Take by Melody Carlson

It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Bronner wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.

Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.


Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 273 pages
Publisher: Revell; Original edition (June 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719646
ISBN-13: 978-0800719647
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com

MY REVIEW
Double Take by Melody Carlson is a fantastic, fun read. I love the switching that the girls did and thought it would be a dream come true for both of the girls, but then problems arise and they miss their own lives, but each of the girls have learned so very much. This book reminds me of the story of The Prince and The Pauper. You always think the grass is greener in the other person’s life until you get there and live their life for a few days.
This book is intended for the young adult, but can be enjoyed by all.
You will see what happens for the Amish girl switches and lives in one of the richest, best parts of New York. How will she fit in? Will she change and want the English life now that she has tasted all that it can offer? What of the rich girl who goes to live with the Amish? Will she hate the primitive living and all of the hard work? Will she think the Amish are simple and not very intellent?
I like Double Take for the lessons it teaches and how you can be a Christian in any life, if you put God first. Just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you can’t follow the Lord. In the same vein just because you’re Amish doesn’t mean you are closer to the Lord and are living the right life.
I think this is a really sweet book that will keep you interested and you won’t be able to put it down until the end. You just can’t wait to find out what happens to Madison and Anna. I highly recommend Double Take.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255