Book Review ~ Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert @KCoatesGilbert





Kellie Coates Gilbert
Fiction/Christian/General

Back of the book:

How far would you go for your child?

Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed and lashes out.

Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail, and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when Barrie discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.



About the author:

Twitter: @KCoatesGilbert

Kellie Coates Gilbert walked a unique path to becoming a novelist. Her thirty years as a legal investigator and trial paralegal led her to courtrooms big and small, working on cases that often made the evening news. Working directly with survivors of unspeakable tragedies, Kellie learned the most compelling stories don’t show up in the legal aspects of a case, but in the lives of the people involved.




My thoughts:

You are going to want to remember the name Kellie Coates Gilbert. In the back of her debut novel, Mother of Pearl, she says that she writes stories about messy lives and eternal hope. She has definitely done that with this book.

At one point the main character, Barrie Graeber, says that mothering isn’t for cowards. Little does she know how true that statement is going to become. She and her beloved family are busy living the good life when an unexpected turn of events changes everything. It really is every mom’s worst nightmare. Everything that Barrie thought to be true about her family seems to have been turned on end.

Barrie finds out devastating facts about her daughter after it is too late to do anything about it. She learns that her supposedly rock solid relationship with her husband has some cracks. She also learns that everything isn’t always as it appears to be. Sometimes friends come from unexpected places and loved ones have motives that you don’t understand until you’ve walked their path.

If you are a momma, I can guarantee that this book is going to stir you up. Once you start reading this your eyes are going to be opened and self-evaluation will begin. It has been a while since a book has stirred such righteous indignation in me . . . but this one has done it!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


J is for Jeep® Wrangler Sport Jogger ~ Review & Giveaway #JisJeep @Kolcraft











Whether you want to jog or walk, you can easily do both with the J is for Jeep® Wrangler Sport Jogger - with a simple click, you can swivel or lock the front wheel in place! And you and baby can listen to your favorite tunes with the iBaby® sound system. Simply attach your own portable audio electronics, like an iPod®, and go!



Features:

  • Compatible with many popular infant car seats (no adapter required) including: Baby Trend, Britax, Chicco, Cosco, Graco, Peg Perego and Safety 1st.
  • iBaby® sound system connects to your iPod® or MP3 player
  • 16 inch rear air-filled tires for jogging comfort and increased performance on uneven surfaces
  • Forward-locking front wheel provides increased wheel base and stability while jogging; swivels for everyday use
  • Shock-absorbing suspension system keeps the ride smooth
  • Smart Handle® adjusts to multiple heights
  • Multi-position reclining seat
  • Large underseat storage basket can be accessed from the front or back of the stroller
  • Convenient Free-Stand® design stands upright when folded
  • Child cup holder for easy access to cup/bottle
  • Adjustable 5-point harness & safety tether for safety
  • 60 lbs. child weight capacity
  • JPMA Certified
  • One-year manufacturer warranty 


My thoughts:

There is so much to love about this stroller that I don’t know where to start!

I guess we can start with what I first noticed about this stroller which was the fabric and how bright the colors are. I love how the fabric is made to hold up against the elements. There is nothing more disappointing than getting an all-terrain jogger stroller with fabric that is not made for it.  

I love how versatile this stroller is. It will take you from birth to a sixty pound child! I love having a product that grows with my family leaving me feeling like I got my monies worth.  I think it’s great that I can take this stroller to the mall and then out for a jog and never have to switch strollers.



The shocks on this stroller make it a smooth ride for baby.  Little H loves going for a jog and will usually fall asleep in the stroller. Installing the car seat is easy just line up the car seat, then snap and tighten the red straps. I LOVE that there are no adapters to use. It makes it very easy to switch back and forth!

I love that this seat is wide! Often strollers are very narrow and not comfortable for older kids. My nearly 4 year old has plenty of room and as you can tell from the photos he has a lot of leg room.  The only thing I dislike is that he can put his feet in the basket and sometimes steps down into it. It’s not a problem now but I wonder if he continues will the basket eventually touch the ground.

I love the ability to listen to music as I jog. Music is a must for me when exercising and this feature is awesome! I think it also relaxes baby allowing me a complete exercise routine.



The removable cup holder is great since Little H doesn’t need it but Little M loves to have his cup nearby.  The cup holder easily snaps on and off. This comes in handy when needing to remove it for the car seat.

The standing fold is great since I have to put kids in the car then put the stroller in. You can also pull the stroller behind you when folded. This feature is essential since I find the stroller a little heavy to lift.

Overall this stroller is designed very well. It’s affordable especially since it can be used from birth to sixty pounds! It can be used for everyday errands and also for a jog. The compact fold makes it a logical fit for small trunks. Then lastly the stroller is nice to look at!



I would highly recommend purchasing this stroller especially if you are a first time parents since you will get so much use out of it! Even if you are not a first time parent you’re going to love this stroller and chances are your kids will outgrow this stroller before they ever outweigh it!

Now for the best part!!! Kolcraft is letting my readers have a chance to win their own J is for Jeep Jogging Stroller!J

Giveaway:

One winner will receive their own J is for Jeep Wrangler Sport Jogger Stroller ARV. $299.99! Open to US only 18+. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered! Giveaway will end on 10/15/2012 at 12:01am EST.


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a Kindle Fire from Tracie Peterson

Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!


One winner will receive:
  • A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
  • The entire Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson
Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie's "Taming the Wind" Author Chat Party on 9/26Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN, RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK or TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 26TH!

Book Review ~ Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson





Tracie Peterson
Land of the Lone Star, Book 3

Back of the book:

A young widow nursing the wounds of her past . . . a cowboy with demons of his own . . .

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?



About the author:

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com





My thoughts:

I was reading Tracie Peterson’s bio and it said that she has written over 95 books. To me that is an amazing accomplishment. I am of the opinion that her writing just continues to get better and better.

This new series, Land of the Lonestar, is set during the Civil War. The third book, Taming the Wind, picks the story up about three years after Lee has surrendered. The story has all the elements of a great western romance. There is a cattle drive through hostile Indian Territory, a renegade bad guy that kidnaps the damsel, the stolen land that is somehow redeemed, and of course the tension filled budding romance. What’s not to like?!!

A wonderful thing about this series is that it is designed for anyone to read. The storyline continues throughout all three books, but if you only pick up this third one it will be okay. Tracie cleverly fills in the blanks of background information without boring previous readers. I usually don’t like books that go back over past material, but this book does it in a way that seems natural rather than redundant.

The order of the series is: Chasing the Sun, Touching the Sky, and Taming the Wind. Grab them all and enjoy several hours in the untamed “Land of the Lonestar.”


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review ~ Nuby No-Spill Insulated Cool Sipper @NubyUSA





The easy to use Cool Sips spout is perfect for toddlers with newly formed sharp teeth. The Cool Sips is perfect for children on the go! Nûby™ Cool Sips fun designs make cup drinking more fun for your little one.



My thoughts:

When we first got the No-Spill Insulated Cool Sipper my almost four year old snatched onto it. He really doesn’t use Sippy cups much except for travel. He loved it and it kept his drink cold while we were out.

Then a week later little H ended up getting this sippy cup at lunch and did really well with it. Since he has two bottom teeth this cup is perfect for him to bite without tearing the spout.  

Since little H is in the process of learning to drink from a sippy cups at meal times we have tried a lot of different sippy cups lately. 



What has sold me with Nuby over the other soft spout cups is that Nuby does not leak! It is really hard to find a sippy cup that has a soft spout and not leak. Of course the hard plastic ones are easier to find that won’t leak since they come with stoppers.

Here are my final thoughts. If you are looking for a soft spout sippy cup that won’t leak of tear when baby/toddler bites it then I highly recommend this cup. I love the designs and that there is a place to write your child’s name for nursery/preschool.



The insulated part came in handy the other day when we were at a theme park. The drink was still cold after several hours out. Also this Sippy cup is very easy to clean. There are only three parts, the lid, the soft spout, and cup. I have washed it by hand and the dishwasher. Both ways have worked.



I would give the Nuby No-Spill Insulated Cool Sipper five stars! I have nothing bad to say about this Sippy cup. You can purchase your own No-Spill Insulated Cool Sipper in stores or online at Buy Baby Direct.













Connect with Nuby:

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




Book Review & Giveaway ~ The Deliverer Kathi Macias @alandkathi


Freedom Series, Book 3
Fiction/Christian/General

Back of the book:

Will she make the right choice? Will she find her ultimate freedom? And what about Jonathan—what will become of their relationship?

Mara, a young woman who has spent the majority of her life as a sex slave is now faced with her ultimate challenge. Who can she trust? Does she risk her freedom to return to Mexico and find her family? As she struggles against the One who can give her ultimate freedom, she must also decide if she can trust her ultimate freedom, she must also decide if she can trust her feelings for Jonathan, a Bible college student. Her choice to forgive is the only thing that can enable her to stop living under the shadow of her name’s meaning (“bitter”) and move into a life filled with true joy. Will she make the right choice? Will she be able to let go of her past life and all the fears and scars that go with it?





About the author:





Bestselling and multi-award-winning author of 35 books, plus popular speaker and Bible teacher, I am also a wife, mother, and grandmother!








My thoughts:

One of my favorite things about Kathi Macias’ stories is that she consistently makes sure that the hope of Christ shines through. She takes situations that we see as impossible with our earthly eyes and allows us to watch the characters struggle while finding their way to the Truth.

This series takes on the difficult topic of sex trafficking, especially involving children. It isn’t a pretty story in fact at times it is downright ugly. But sin itself is ugly. What this story contains is hope and redemption. Does everyone live happily ever after? Unfortunately not. Is every sex slave rescued? Unfortunately not. But some are…and that is where the hope lies. It starts with getting one out and then spreads to two and goes from there.

The first book in the series is called Deliver Me from Evil. The second book is Special Delivery. This is the third and final installment in this series. The storyline of Mara and Jonathan carry through each book with additional characters interwoven in the separate books. I would highly recommend reading this series in order if you haven’t started it yet.

You won’t be able to walk away from this series without your heart being broken for those that are held in such despicable bondage. There are listings in the back of the book of agencies that are in the business of making a difference in the lives of these that have been exploited. I urge you to get involved. Join Kathi in shouting Abolition! This must end!

Giveaway:

One reader will win a copy of The Deliverer. Open to US only 18+. Giveaway will end on 10/08/2012 at 12:01 am EST. Fill out the rafflecopter form below to be entered.


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review ~ With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin @SarahSundin





Sarah Sundin
Wings of the Nightingale, Book 1
Fiction /Historical Romance

Back of the book:

They know everything about each other—except their real names.

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met—even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence—he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combing a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing—and true love.

About the author:



Twitter: @SarahSundin






My thoughts:

After finishing With Every Letter I got to thinking that if history textbook authors had the skills that Sarah Sundin does we’d all know our history better. She has a way of describing the scene in detail without losing your interest even if you aren’t a history buff. Am I suggesting that Sarah quit writing historical romances and switch to textbooks? I shout an emphatic NO! Keep writing what you do best…you are educating an unsuspecting group of us.

Do you remember writing letters? Or better yet, receiving letters in the mail? There is just something about holding a missive from someone dear in your hand. You can see their personality in the handwriting (not to mention the doodles along the sidelines). Maybe even get a whiff of their scent. I love the instant communication in our day but I miss the personal touch of correspondence by mail.

I really think that my favorite part of this book is the letters that go back and forth between “Annie” and “Ernest”. It was quite enjoyable to read about their budding friendship. They were able to reveal so much more about themselves through their correspondence than they ever would have if they had immediately met in person.

By the time they met in person I was just on pins and needles cheering them on! You are going to love the way this friendship turned romance builds to a dynamic ending. I am eagerly waiting for book two in this series. If it is anything like this one it is going to be amazing.



“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Win a Kindle or Nook from @SarahSundin and RSVP for “With Every Letter” Facebook Party on 9/27!


Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win a eReader 
(winner's choice of Kindle Fire or Nook Color)!





One fortunate winner will receive:


  • A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)
  • Handmade With Every Letter First Aid Kit
  • With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.

But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. 
(If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!


Book Review ~ Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn @clairefdunn




C.F. Dunn
The Secret of the Journal, Book 1
Fiction/Suspense

Back of the book:

Emma, a young and self-contained professor of history, leaves Cambridge for a post in an exclusive university in the USA, intent on finding a long-overlooked seventeenth-century journal. Bound within its pages are secrets that threaten to bring Emma into conflict with the present; but can she discover the truth—and will she believe it?



About the author:

Website: cfdunn.co.uk
Twitter: @clairefdunn






Always on the move with my Air Force family, I spent a peripatetic but happy childhood in my book-lined imagination fuelled by tales from the past.

I ached to tell stories but struggled to read and write, and it wasn’t until the age of nine when living in Norway that I broke through the barriers, (thank you Ladybird books).

And, when I did, I spent every spare minute reading everything and anything I could. I loved CS Lewis, Arthur Ransome, the Bronte sisters, and Tolkien.

Without the distraction of television, and beguiled by the wide, wild landscapes that surrounded me, I lived in a demi-world between the real world and that conjured in my head. Hooked on history and literature, I returned to England, and a bleak period of secondary schooling. New-found faith provided a context for my life, followed shortly after by a diagnosis of dyslexia, and the previous years of struggle suddenly made sense.

University gave me the opportunity to indulge my love of history and it was where I met my future husband. Together with our friends, a couple of Siamese cats, and a ghost, we shared a cottage in the grounds of a castle between the confluences of two rivers, and dreamed of setting up a school.

Now I divide my time between running our specialist dyslexia and autism school in the South-East, and writing in the South-West, best described as living between the here and now and the never-never. They say God works in mysterious ways. He also has a sense of humor.

My thoughts:

From the opening of the book there is a tension that emanates through the entire story. Some of the mysteriousness is apparent. Professor Staahl had a creep factor that was off the charts. He didn’t just scare the living daylights out of Emma…he scared me! But then there were other elements that remained just out of reach. By the end of the book there were still a couple of areas that I just couldn’t quite put my finger on. What secrets does that journal contain? And who is Dr. Lynes really?

When you come to the end of this book you are going to be saying, wait a minute…what about…? Guess what, it gets worse! The author has included chapter one of Death Be Not Proud which is book two in the series. Brilliant marketing idea but total torture for the reader!

Her byline really does say it all…Romantic thrillers ~ with a twist. I enjoyed all the twists involved and look forward to delving into the next installment. This was a great first novel.

I must say that it wasn’t all deep dark mystery. There were lighter points that did make me smile, however I’m not sure the author intended them to be that way. Claire Dunn is from England so she used words like boot to describe the trunk of a car and jumper in place of sweater. When I think of jumper it is a sleeveless dress worn over a blouse. Needless to say the thought of the dashingly handsome Dr. Lynes wearing a jumper was humorous to me.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Book Review & Giveaway ~ Still Life in Shadows by Alice J. Wisler @AliceWisler




Alice J. Wisler
Fiction/General

Back of the book:

To be accepted, to find home, to belong.

Fifteen years ago Gideon Miller ran away from an Amish life that seemed perfect. But it held a childhood secret he could not leave behind.

Gideon, now an auto mechanic in Twin Branches, North Carolina, helps Amish youth relocate to modern society, earning him the nickname the “Getaway Savior.” When Kiki, an autistic teen enters his shop wanting a job, Gideon struggles to accept her although he’s infatuated with her sister Mari. Furthermore, a surprise visit from his younger brother Moriah forces Gideon to realize that his need for God’s forgiveness is far greater than he anticipated.



About the author:

Born and raised in Japan, I love sushi! I also enjoyed walks to the stationer's store to purchase notebooks, scented erasers and pencils when I was in elementary school. With each purchase, I was sure I was going to write a bestseller!

Now I write, blog, and enjoy crafting fun characters in Durham, NC. All of my novels are set in some part of my state. Rain Song (Christy Finalist 2009) takes place in the little town of Mount Olive, home to Mount Olive Pickles and strong family ties. How Sweet It Is, also a Christy Finalist in 2010, takes places in the Smoky Mountains. 


Hatteras Girl made her debut October 2010. Of course, it is set in the lovely Outer Banks. A Wedding Invitation has flashbacks of settings in a refugee camp in the Philippines and also has scenes in Winston-Salem, NC. It arrived in October 2011. For me, this novel represents the need we all have to belong and be accepted; just like my Amerasian character feels. Still Life in Shadows, my fifth novel, and takes place in a small mountain town I created called Twin Branches. This is also a story of belonging as Gideon Miller helps dissatisfied Amish youth relocate and find their places in modern society.

In addition to speaking at conferences and retreats across the country, I teach online grief-writing classes---Writing the Heartache---and design and sell remembrance cards. Since my four-year-old son Daniel's death in 1997, I've written articles on coping with grief. Many of these can be read at the Open to Hope website at www.opentohope.com. Be sure to visit my website at www.alicewisler.com and my blog: www.alicewisler.blogspot.com also on Facebook and Twitter @AliceWisler.

My thoughts:

After watching the TV series, Amish: Out of Order, Alice Wisler was compelled to write this riveting story about Gideon Miller. Gideon came from an Amish family with an abusive father.

At the age of fifteen he makes his escape. Gideon finds his way to Twin Branches where he is taken under the wing of Ormond Russell. The story begins fifteen years later, where Gideon is now in charge of the auto repair shop that Ormond owns.

In the opening pages of the novel we meet Kiki, an autistic teenager trying her best to fit in with her peers. Kiki lives with her sister Mari because their mother can no longer care for Kiki. Kiki and Mari’s lives intertwine with Gideon’s after Kiki “accidentally” tears up a recently completed project of Gideon’s.

From the outset it just seems like all the problems in their lives are just too much to believe. But, isn’t that how real life is? Don’t we all harbor some form of resentment and disappointment? For most of us life hasn’t turned out the way we had planned. Ms. Wisler has lived through some very tough times in her life and the depth of emotion that those times brought forth show in her writing. She is very talented at shining the love of God in the most desperate and impossible situations.

“Still Life in Shadows” will take you on a journey that you won’t soon forget. It is about so much more than ex-Amish, autism or even hoarding…it’s about redemption and forgiveness and the healing that is brought about by it.

Giveaway:

One reader will win a Copy of Still Life in Shadows by Alice J. Wisler. Open to US & CA 18+. Giveaway will end on 10/01/2012 at 12:01 am EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered!


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway


“Unending Devotion” by Jody Hedlund | Nikon Camera Giveaway & 9/18 Facebook Party!


Celebrate with Jody by entering to win a Nikon Camera Prize Pack! See what folks are saying about Unending Devotion!


One “devoted” winner will receive:
  • A Nikon COOLPIX Digital Camera
  • $25 Shutterfly gift certficate
  • Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 17th.

Winner will be announced at the “Unending Deovtion” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/18. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Unending Devotion and join Jody on the evening of the September 18th for a chance to connect with Jody and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!


Book Review ~ Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund @JodyHedlund




Jody Hedlund
Historical Romance/Suspense

Back of the book:

In her darkest hours, is he the man she needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan—and into the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?

About the author:


Twitter: @JodyHedlund

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.





My thoughts:

From the opening pages of this book I was riveted to the story. It opens with Lily rescuing a prostitute out from under the nose of her nefarious keeper. Lily is on a mission to find her sister Daisy who has been forced into prostitution. She is traveling around central Michigan posing as a photographer’s assistant. In her spare time she has rescued girls out of brothels with the help of her boss Oren.

The next stop in their journey is Harrison, Michigan also affectionately known as “Hell’s Waiting Room”. Here we meet Connell who is so busy trying to build his father’s business that he turns a blind eye to all of the moral corruption that surrounds him. That soon changes for Connell. He is attracted to Lily and is drawn in to her schemes of righting all of the wrongs that she can.

The romance portion of this novel is fascinating, but the suspense of the storyline is what really held my attention. There are so many different little things that are going on and the journey to find out what is behind them is captivating.

The title of the book, Unending Devotion, is appropriate on so many levels. I think you will enjoy discovering the meaning. I couldn’t help but weep at the closing of the story. The culmination of God’s plan and His ultimate unending devotion is always overwhelming.


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

JJ Cole Collections ~ Review & Giveaway @TOMYNewsUS



The innovation and lifestyle behind JJ Cole was inspired by young parents over 14 years ago. Since that time, we have continued to create and design products with parents in mind – products that will make today simpler and tomorrow more memorable. We understand how challenging parenting can be, but also know how rewarding and satisfying it is to be called mom and dad. We strive to portray the enthusiasm we experience within our own families into the design of our products.

JJ Cole products are designed to fit the busy lifestyle of today’s parent. We look to the feedback of caring parents and our own personal experiences to create products that help solve your needs. You provide the inspiration that helps us create the products you know and love.





Now available in our new fabrics and colors! Make quick trips a breeze with just the bare necessities. Main pocket holds wipes and two or more diapers, plus the included coordinating changing pad.

• easy-to-clean laminated canvas
• changing pad included
• "attach-anywhere" handle




Insulate your bottle with style! Now available in new prints to coordinate with your pacifier pod or diapers and wipes pod.

• easy-to-clean laminated canvas
• stylish prints with coordinating trim




With our pocketed bib parents can be prepared with easy-to-clean protection for baby’s mealtime.

• three pack bib set
• wipeable fabrics for easy clean up
• convenient three-snap closure, adjustable fit
• catch-all pocket

My thoughts:

I am very familiar with JJ Cole. In fact my first diaper bag for little M was the System 180 bag. I loved it and got compliments on it all the time. I was thrilled to be asked to review their diapers and wipes pod, bottle pod, and bib set.

First I have to say I love how stylish JJ Cole Collections are. I prefer baby stuff to look stylish rather than cute since I will be the one toting it all around.  I love having the option of just carrying around a bottle pod and diapers and wipes pod instead of a full diaper bag. This comes in handy when I leave baby in the nursery and don’t want to leave my bag with my keys and wallet.



The bib set has become my favorite bib to take with me. I love that I can feed little H then use a wipe to wipe down the bib and put it right back in my diaper bag. Also the prints are so adorable and little H loves to look at his bib while I get his food ready. I holds up in the washer too.

What I LOVE about all the products is that they are pvc and phthalate free. This is very important to me since little H puts everything in his mouth. These products are very reasonably priced.





I would suggest purchasing these products for on the go. We use the bibs every day and I always keep one in my diaper bag. I also keep the diapers and wipes pod in the car for the nursery and quick visits that don’t require a full diaper bag.

Now the best part is that JJ Cole wants to make another mom’s life easier and is allowing us to host a giveaway! Thanks JJ Cole Collections.

Giveaway:

One reader will win a diaper and wipes pod, bottle pod, and bib set in winners’ choice of boy or girl! Open to US only 18+. The giveaway will end on October 1, 2012 at 12:01 am EST.  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered!


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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