Blog Tour for Lucy Come Home by Dave and Neta Jackson

Lucy Come Home

Dave and Neta Jackson

Fiction/Christian/General

Back of the book:

Fifteen-year old Cindy worked long days beside her migrant worker family in Michigan’s sugar beet fields in the early 1940s—the “war years”—until she met a dashing young man from a traveling carnival, bringing some joy and fun into her hard-scrabble life. But a tragic twist of fate—and a dead field boss—sent the two young people on the run, leaving behind a family and everything she’d ever known.

Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of the Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80^th birthday. Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle ageing mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her—unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn’t let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold … Lucy disappears again.

How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy’s murky past. But … why won’t Lucy come home?

About Dave and Neta: 

Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.

As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.

Visit http://www.daveneta.com for more info.

My thoughts:

For fans of the Yada Yada series and its spin offs you are in for a complete treat with this one! If you’ve not read that series don’t worry, you can still enjoy this story as a stand-alone.  You won’t have all the background that will make the story richer, but it will still be an excellent read. If I could make the decision for you I’d say read them all in order. Dave and Neta Jackson are master storytellers and you won’t be disappointed you took the time to meet all of the characters.

We met Lucy for the first time in Where Do I Go? She shows up as a homeless bag lady that is ill and in need of attention. She’s feisty, fearless and determined. From that time on I began to wonder just how she wound up on the streets. The answer to that is found in the pages of Lucy Come Home.

Lucy starts out as Lucinda Tucker, the daughter of migrant workers. While her family is in Michigan picking sugar beets she meets James Bodeen, also known as Bo. A sudden death changes her world completely. At fifteen years of age she is on the run with Bo just trying to eke out a meager existence.

Lucy’s story flashes back and forth from the present day to the past. It is a story full of lessons about faith, love and hope. We also learn about the cost of carrying burdens that are too big for us to bear. Through Lucy we are taught that the Truth really can set you free.

Follow the Blog Tour

“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 for Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt @angiehunt

Five Miles South of Peculiar

Angela Hunt

Fiction/Christian/General

Buy the book on Amazon 

Back of the book:

Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather’s legacy, and she enjoys being a pillar of the community. Sycamores is the kingdom where she reigns as queen . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns.

Carlene Caldwell, veteran of the Broadway stage, is devastated when she realizes that an unsuccessful throat surgery has spelled the end of her musical career. Searching for a new purpose in life, she retreats to Sycamores, her childhood home. She may not be able to sing, but she hopes to use her knowledge and experience to fashion a new life in Peculiar, the little town she left behind.

Haunted by a tragic romance, Magnolia Caldwell is the youngest of the Caldwell girls. Nolie has never wanted to live anywhere but Sycamores. She spends her days caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she’s created on the estate, but when she meets a man haunted by his own tragedy, she must find the courage to either deny her heart or cut the apron strings that tie her to a dear and familiar place.

Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour? In a season of destiny, three unique women reunite and take unexpected journeys of the heart.

About the author:

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly four million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books to nonfiction books to novels.

Now that her two children have reached their twenties, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in 2008 and was accepted into a Th.D. program in 2009. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

My thoughts:

If you’ve ever read any of Angela Hunt’s books you already know she is a master storyteller when it comes to human relationships. She has an uncanny way of capturing the true emotions involved in complex associations of the heart.

She has done it once again in Five Miles South of Peculiar. In this new body of work she takes us inside the world of sisters. Being a sister is complicated. One moment you adore your sibling and the next you would like to pull her hair out. In different ways this plays out even into adulthood.

From the beginning of the book I was frustrated with Darly. In fact even after turning the last page I remained frustrated with Darly. But the author used her as a great example of what happens to a person that harbors a deep seeded resentment towards someone. Add to that a life altering secret and you can see how bitterness and distrust of everyone (herself included) came about.

Carly was the sister that I most related to. She proved to be a great example of pride coming before a fall. She wound up paying a very high price for her dream. She lost her dreams in many ways and instead of moving on she began to wall herself off. It helps in keeping yourself from being hurt again and again…but it is also a very lonely existence.

Poor Nolie. She’s the perfect example of how the actions of others can leave deep scars in your life. I loved watching her blossom. She did it in very tiny baby steps. But those steps just kept moving forward.

For all the sisters out there, this is a great read to ponder your relationships. It is going to cause you to reevaluate how you interact with your sisters. It would be interesting to use the discussion questions with a group of sisters.

Favorite quotes:

Southern families associate their homes with their loved ones, and no room is more family friendly than the kitchen. Clutter is allowed here, scuff marks on the wall are perfectly presentable, and no one minds if a few dirty dishes wait in the sink. Children are encouraged to cook with their parents (and allowed to lick the mixing spoon); parents pretend not to notice when kids drop bits of their dinner for the family pet, and the pot for making sweet tea resides permanently on the stove.

“But if you spend all your time missing what’s missing, you’ll miss all the good things you could be enjoying” ~ Carly

“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 for Peg Perego Pliko Four Stroller @PegPeregoUSA

THE COMPLETE,LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER:

The Pliko Four is the ultimate, complete stroller. Parents will love how the Pliko Four combines all the best features of a full-sized stroller (multi-position recline, large canopy, Easy Drive system) with the convenience of a lightweight design that offers quick, easy and compact folding.

PLIKO FOUR FEATURES:

·         Travel System Travel System compatible with the Primo Viaggio SIP 30-30. Car seat attaches directly to the stroller's retractable anchors.

·         Easy Close One-hand fold design allows for quick, easy and compact folding.

·         Easy Drive Wheels with ball bearings and suspension allow for 360-degree agility and require less effort in pushing.

·         Smooth Ride Lockable front swivel wheels with independent "one-step" rear wheel brakes.

·         Aluminum Strong, lightweight aluminum chassis.

·         Telescoping Handles Adjustable, telescoping handles for each parent's height preferences.

·         Recline Deep, four-position recline with two-position footrest.

·         For Two Built-in rear footboard provides a safe ride for a second passenger.

·         Basket Large, handy storage basket holds all the necessities.

·         Large Hood Large hood with window and pocket unzips to become a sun canopy.

·         Fashion Forward Available in a variety of fashionable color collections and materials that will keep child comfortable.

·         Made in Italy

Our thoughts:

When I first heard about the Pliko Four I knew I wanted to try it out since it came with a built-in footboard. I am a mother of two and this summer I wanted to be able to get around with both boys in a quick manner. Little did I know how much the Peg Perego would fulfill this need.

I have had this stroller for a month now and it has become what I refer to as my in and out stroller.  The best example I can give of this is going to the mall. When I need to make a quick trip to the mall the last thing I want to do is push my double through tiny stores or park it in the play place. With the Pliko Four I can strap in my 4 month old and then have my 3 year old hop on the footboard. I cannot express how much I love this feature especially in a parking lot.

I love how compact this stroller is. I can easily take it into restaurants giving little H a place to nap and sit since he is not old enough for a high chair. Since it is compact I can fit both my double stroller and the Pliko Four in my van. I can also get the stroller in and out by myself with little effort. I have even folded it while still holding little H.

The design of this stroller is very user friendly. Easy push, fold, and the brakes are great. The adjustable handles have been nice since I am barely five foot and hubby is closer to six. I really love how the handles fit my hands. Also the one handed recline is very nice since I am usually holding little H when I want to recline the seat.

Things I would like to see are for the built-in footboard to stick out more. How it is designed now if little H is reclined the footboard is underneath and little M leans back into me. The other thing I would like to change is for the pocket to be on the back of the stroller. As it is right now you can only use the pocket if you do not want to see your baby through the peekaboo window. I made the mistake of peeking on little H and all the stuff in the pocket fell out onto the floor.

Overall I would recommend this stroller for families who plan on having more kids and especially if there is an age gap between the kids. I wish I had this for my first baby and then I would have been able to keep it for my second baby getting double use out of it.

If you are looking for a deluxe lightweight stroller with an option for an older child to hop on then the Pliko Four is your dream stroller. I know no one can pry my fingers from it and sometimes hubby and I argue who gets to push! I highly recommend the sleek, lightweight Peg Perego Pliko Four stroller!

“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.”

Wordless Wednesday ~ Doughnuts and Children @krispykreme

Before Children hubby and I rarely ate doughnuts. Now that our oldest is 3 anytime we pass Krispy Kreme Doughnuts my son yells doughnut, DOUGHNUT, DOUGHNUTS!!! Well, the other night we gave in since it was family night. He seriously is a doughnut monster!

Blog Tour For Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T Bergren

Glamorous Illusions

Lisa T. Bergren

The Grand Tour Series, Book 1

Historical Fiction

Back of the book:

It’s the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, but someone dear to Cora is failing as well.

One fateful afternoon, a stranger comes to call, and Cora discovers a terrible secret about her past . . . a secret that will radically change her future.

Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a trip intended to finish a person’s education and solidify an understanding of refinement and ancient culture. As she travels from England to France with kin she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of a family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes there are far greater challenges ahead . . .

The first book in the Grand Tour series will take you on a journey of cultural refinement—but, moreover, on an inner journey of self-discovery.

About the Author:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (the first book,Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time.

Lisa's time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She's married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids-Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7).

All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website: http://lisatawnbergren.com

My thoughts:

Can you imagine waking up one day and finding out that everything that you thought you knew about your past was false? This is what happens to Cora Diehl. It’s not bad enough that her father has had a stroke and the crops on the family farm are failing, but now a stranger appears and turns Cora’s world upside down.

Through Cora’s story we are taken from a hard scrabble existence into unbelievable opulence. One day she is worried about how they will survive tomorrow and the next she has more than she can ever imagine at her fingertips.

This is a wonderful story about the gritty dynamics of blended families. Some days you stick together like glue because you share a common bond and other days you tear each other apart in order to keep what you perceive as rightfully yours. Add all of that to the glamorous backdrop of a European tour and you have the makings of a powerful story full of intrigue, romance and the search for significance.

Lisa Bergren does historical fiction well. Through her characters’ dialogs and descriptions you are transported into the past where you can practically see, hear, taste and smell the essence of all that surrounds the scene. My only complaint is that there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good thing…I just need the next installment to come quickly!

Follow the Blog Tour

“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 and Giveaway for Kutless new CD Believer @kutless

Believer

Believer continues the journey of Kutless with 13 spiritual tracks that guide you to explore "what it really means to surrender to Christ."

Songs:

1. If It Ends Today

2. Carry On

3. All Yours

4. Even If The Healing Doesn't Come

5. Hero

6. Identity

7. Need

8. Come Back Home

9. This Is Love

10. Gravity

11. I'm With You

12. Believer

13. Carry Me To The Cross

My thoughts:

I must first admit that I have loved the band Kutless since JR. High! So when BEC Recording contacted me  to review and giveaway their new CD Believer I was beyond thrilled.

The CD did not disappoint. I love listening to this CD while cleaning my house. Believer is a great motivational CD. I would highly recommend this to preteens and young adults.

If I had to choose one song that was my favorite it would be hands down “Even If The Healing Doesn’t Come”. I found this song to be true and it would be a great song for someone who may be losing a loved one.

I am very excited that BEC Recordings is giving one of my readers a chance to win a copy!

Giveaway:

One reader will win The Believer CD from Kutless. Open to US &CA  18+. Giveaway ends 07/09/2012 at 12:01 am EST! Fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a $350 “Glam” Visa Card Prize Pack from @LisaTBegren & RSVP for 6/27 Facebook party!

What is our "true" identity? Join the conversation at Lisa Tawn Begren's Glamorous Illusions Author Chat Facebook Event Page. On the evening of 6/27 we'll gather to talk about our spiritual journey, share our stories and a few laughs.

In the meantime, celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions Giveaway!

One "glamorous" winner will receive a "Glam Prize Pack":

• A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh ... think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a two-night escape in a lovely hotel - you're only limited by your imagination!)
• Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 6/26/12. Winner will be announced at Lisa's "Glamorous Illusions" Facebook Party on  6/27 {Fun begins at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT}. Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)

So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

Book Review for Shame Interrupted by Edward T. Welch @newgrowthpress

Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness & Rejection

Edward T. Welch

Non-Fiction

Back of the book:

Shame controls far too many of us. Worthless, inferior, rejected, weak, humiliated, failure…it all adds up to wishing we could get away from others and hide. We know what shame feels like. The way out is harder to find. Time doesn’t help; neither does confession, because shame is just as often from what others do to you as it is from what you have done. But the Bible is about shame from start to finish, and, if we are willing, God’s beautiful words break through. Look at Jesus through the lens of shame and see how the marginalized and worthless are his favorites and become his people. God cares for the shamed. Through Jesus you are covered, adopted, cleansed, and healed.

About the author:

Edward T. Welch, MDiv, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for over thirty years and is the best-selling author of many books including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions; Depression; Running Scared; and What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? He and his wife Sheri have two married daughters and four grandchildren.

My thoughts:

I don’t review many non-fiction books. Not because I don’t like them or because I don’t read them. It is because they take me so much longer to read and ponder my thoughts before I put them on paper.

Shame Interrupted took me an extra amount of time. I found myself reading a portion and then needing to put the book down and spend some time thinking and absorbing what I had just ingested. My copy of the book is so marked up and filled with sticky notes that I’m going to have to buy other copies to pass along. This one isn’t leaving my grasp!

Dr. Welch begins the book at the very beginning. He unveils what shame really is and where it came from. We start the journey with the very first humans in the garden before shame descended. Through the use of conversational narrative we are made to see that we all suffer from it in one form or another because we come from a fallen state.

This book is a journey through scripture and modern day life that explores how we try to cover, overcome and move beyond shame. The truth is that there is no escaping it except the power of Christ’s atonement for us. By the time I reached the final chapter Brides and Banquets I alternately wanted to weep and cheer.

I recommend this to anyone…because we all suffer from shame of some sort. We are ashamed of things we have done. We are ashamed of things that have been done to us. But in the pages of this book lie the answer to overcoming that shame. Pick it up and prepare to let the burden go.

Favorite quotes:

“Try changing the subject so it is more about God than about your shame. The basic idea is to focus on the matchless worth of the Lord God and then get connected to him.”

“Identify shame, hear God’s words and believe them, take a journey past death into eternity itself until your soul is full and you are confident that joy has the last word. Then come back to the challenges of today. It sounds like one big loop, but once you get back to everyday life, everything looks different after you’ve had a glimpse of heaven. You know who wins.”

“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 and Giveaway for Tiny Love 3in1 Rocker Napper @TinyLove_USA

About the Tiny Love 3in1 Rocker Napper:

This innovative Tiny Love® product features a fun seat fitted with an engaging toy, a rocker that soothes baby with gentle rocking movements, and a flat pad (180 °) with raised borders, which makes for a safe and cozy sleeping environment. Three uses in one product! 

• ·         Rocker easily converts from seat to comfy napper. 
• ·         Soothing movements rock your baby at all 3 reclining positions. 
• ·         Flat pad with raised borders offers a safe & cozy napper environment. 
• ·         Cute electronic toy dangles on an adjustable arm. 

My thoughts:

We have had the 3 in 1 Rocker Napper for about a month now and it’s safe to say we love it! One of the first features I would like to point out is that all of the fabric can be washed! Having two boys this feature is what sold me right away. 

The 3in1 Rocker Napper was actually put together by me! At first I was having a hard time but then I watch the how to assemble video and I was done in five minutes.

My three month old loved it right away and now he is working on being five months and he still likes to play in it. My almost five months old is 17lbs so I really like that the weight limit is 30lbs!

When it first came I was curious to see if my little one would sleep in it. He did! In fact he took a lot of naps and we have also used it for him to sleep when we travel.

I love that there is a soothing vibration and that the toys can be moved for when baby falls asleep.

Two things I would like to see are: for it to have more of a rocking motion and more of a compact fold.

Bottom line I would recommend buying the 3in1 Rocker Napper. I love how it combines a bassinet, feeding chair, and bouncy seat for only $99.00!

Giveaway:

One reader will win a 3in1 Rocker Napper from Tiny Love. Open to US & CA 18+. Giveaway will end at 12:01 am on July 9^th 2012 at 12:01 EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've been Punk'd!

Have you ever been punk’d or maybe in another term, played the fool?

This past week I was completely punk’d by a poser. I love to read other blogs and  I came across a blog called “Other Side of the Rainbow”. This blog told a personal story of losing two babies. The first baby was lost late in a pregnancy and the second baby was killed in a recent car accident.

I was in tears after reading this woman’s story.  I even posted it to my facebook and twitter accounts requesting prayers for this sweet family. Then on Thursday night I found out that these stories were not true. They had been completely fabricated by the blog owner. You can read the complete story here: 

It is such a humbling situation to know that you completely fell for a lie, hook, line and sinker. So, what’s a girl to do once she’s been punk’d? Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and learn from the situation! Here are some new rules for me and some tips for you on how to protect yourself from internet posers:

1)    When coming across a blog be as guarded as you would be when coming across a stranger in person.

2)    Ask yourself…Is the blog credible?

3)    Where is the evidence, such as photos, to back the story up?

4)    Remember to take a step back and assess the story as a whole. Don’t get caught up in the emotion of the situation.

5)    Lastly, if the story sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Go with your gut!

The bottom line is that I am responsible for what I share with my readers and I am sorry for not looking into this blog before sharing it with you. Also please pray for this woman she must have a sad life to do something like this.

Best,

RambleSAHM

Wordless Wednesday ~ I'm 3!

I just want one nice picture of my three year old! Just ONE! Is that too much to ask?? Well yes! These are the best shots I got of Little M when I asked for a photo. You should see the ones that didn’t make the cut, they are what I will just call unique! ;) I love him very much silly faces and all! 

Best,

RambleSAHM