tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17615564593537943402024-03-14T05:48:44.256-05:00Joyful Days Reviews & RecipesA house without books is like a home without windows. –Horace MannJoyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-61544650157522775942014-04-03T13:36:00.000-05:002014-04-03T13:41:46.971-05:00The Big Picture Interactive Bible<a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-big-picture-interactive-bible-for-kids-purple-pink-polka-dot-leathertouch-p005631847"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTANy6Vzd5T3AuVXH5Eu_6LPNYqy_oBeHSHTEss_9G8IT5Tx2fAcm97RmmbJ2fsvqZPLXe5Y9pTO0wvIqai56aE4iQBxyaOfAqI5s5Cjcl47AgXocxM_7TUVdKiSaEUgUWAK6fpXahJK3h/s1600/Big+bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTANy6Vzd5T3AuVXH5Eu_6LPNYqy_oBeHSHTEss_9G8IT5Tx2fAcm97RmmbJ2fsvqZPLXe5Y9pTO0wvIqai56aE4iQBxyaOfAqI5s5Cjcl47AgXocxM_7TUVdKiSaEUgUWAK6fpXahJK3h/s1600/Big+bible.jpg" height="400" width="273" /></a></div>
I received a copy of the <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-big-picture-interactive-bible-for-kids-purple-pink-polka-dot-leathertouch-p005631847" target="_blank">Big Picture Interactive Bible</a> to review. My first thought when the Bible came was "Wow!"<br />
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Not sure what I was expecting when I agreed to review, but it was certainly not a full-sized Bible with a sturdy and very eye-catching cover. So out of the box (or mail bag, as it were) the quality was impressive. I was not familiar with the Holman Christian Standard translation, but some research allowed me to get acquainted and I must say the translation is one that I am very comfortable with--very easy to read, and yet with the impression that there are not "additions" to the Word.
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From the publisher:<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> <span style="background-color: white; color: #666766; font-size: 13px;">Are our children really getting the full meaning of the stories as we read the Bible to them? When we read the Bible to our children, the stories are often in bits and pieces and focus on "being good." But children should get the message of "being saved" from reading the Bible instead.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666766; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="color: #666766; font-size: 13px;">The Big Picture Interactive Bible</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666766; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666766; font-size: 13px;">(B&H Kids) is the first children's Bible of its kind-the Jesus story from start to finish, filled with features and interactive elements that capture the true meaning and significance behind all of the verses and stories.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Big Picture Interactive Bible has nearly a thousand features in full color throughout including pictures of key items so children can understand what they're reading. The B&H Kids Augmented Reality App (free and available for Android and iPhone) creates a digital pop-up book when used with full-color illustrations, bringing the Bible to life for each child. It features the full text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, a clear, contemporary English translation that's faithful to the original languages of the Bible. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Other features included are:</span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Big Words - Colorful Bible Dictionary entry with photos, maps, illustrations and descriptions of key terms, right in the Bible text.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Big Questions/Big Answers - Kids always want to know why. This feature asks and then answers many of the common "big questions" throughout the Bible.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christ Connection - This feature can be found from Genesis to Revelation and will help kids understand how each story points us to Christ and His work for us.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Introductions - Basic information about the books of the Bible will give kids perspective on the who, what and when for each book as well as "the Big Picture" from that book and key stories it contains.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Icons - Special icons are placed throughout the Bible to connect to the Gospel Project for Kids curriculum.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Memory Verses - Scripture memorization is much more than "saying the words." When a child memorizes a Bible verse and puts it to practice in their daily life, that child begins to learn how God can lead his life. The top 100 verses to remember are highlighted throughout the Bible.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Parent Connection - This feature is designed to help parents be empowered to engage deeper in the story with their kids.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seeing the Big Picture - This feature digs into key Bible stories to help young hearts and minds grasp the meaning and provide parents with extra information to discuss the Bible with their kids.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZkHzPVZOv2uF80af4W2ni-Ahj2aUPBVI3am9dEWNT_pr2NjLxzoA_Z4Lw2xjDFtzn1DvQzWo4lBQBscMmnlo6uXa_1fJf22VqO-rG8ij2YdtZkZju3WX3Ctg2Ggh3PWG0121bJ__Gzqd/s1600/BIG+PICTURE.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZkHzPVZOv2uF80af4W2ni-Ahj2aUPBVI3am9dEWNT_pr2NjLxzoA_Z4Lw2xjDFtzn1DvQzWo4lBQBscMmnlo6uXa_1fJf22VqO-rG8ij2YdtZkZju3WX3Ctg2Ggh3PWG0121bJ__Gzqd/s400/BIG+PICTURE.png" /></a></div>
My husband and my sons commented on the Bible, noting the illustrations were very appealing to children, that it looked engaging and easy to read. Being the "tech-sters" in this house (I am not very tech-savy) they helped me upload the app for the pop-up and read aloud feature. I had some trouble with the app at first on my phone, but with a little patience could make it work. It was small, but the voice quality was nice. My small Android tablet was difficult to work with. I'm going to chalk that up to the equipment and not the Bible.<br />
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I think if someone had an I-Pad or other nice tablet it would be a very "cool" gadget. Truthfully, I don't know that the gadget is necessary. This is a very nice Bible and a loving parent reading with their children will make it a success.<br />
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This would be a great gift for an older adolescent, a tween or young teen.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/category/kids/" target="_blank">B&H Publishing Group</a> for the Bible and the chance to review <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Interactive-Bible-Kids-Hardcover/dp/1433605023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396549864&sr=8-1&keywords=big+picture+interactive+bible" target="_blank">The Big Picture Interactive Bible.</a><br />
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<br />Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-14307308053463223302010-12-21T11:31:00.004-06:002010-12-21T12:09:16.864-06:00Allon: Book 2-Insurrection<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Allon-%7E-Book-Insurrection/dp/0982920407">Allon: Book 2-Insurrection</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><a href="http://www.allonbooks.com/">by Shawn Lamb</a></i><br /></span><br />Back in April I had the pleasure of <a href="http://joyfulreviewsnrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-book-tour-allon.html">reading and reviewing Allon</a>. Recently the author, Shawn Lamb asked me if I was interested in the latest edition to the Allon series, Insurrection. How could I refuse?<br /><br /><i>Insurrection picks up four years after Book 1 ends. Ellis is king, Shannan is queen. An heir to the throne is on the way. <a href="http://www.allonbooks.com/">Allon</a> is at peace. But the Dark Way does not give up easily. Whisperings of conflict and discontent give way to danger.</i><br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BHD41PpbH9E?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BHD41PpbH9E?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Without giving the story away, I will say <u>Allon</u> is a wonderful novel that offers strong characters who give examples of honor, faith, devotion, heroism, gentle mercy and wisdom. These characters are at odds enemies exhibiting greed, pride, sin, and destruction. Ms. Lamb manages to combine action and adventure with a focus on faith and serving the Lord. I know my both my boys will enjoy this book and gain some good lessons along the way. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Allon-%7E-Book-Insurrection/dp/0982920407">Allon: Book 2-Insurrection</a> would be a great last minute Christmas gift for a young adult or an advanced young reader who loves fantasy and action. Or, since I am tardy in getting my review out if there are any young readers out there with a few holiday dollars they want to spend on a new book they would find an exciting read in this second book of the Allon series.<br /><br />There is a <a href="http://www.allonbooks.com/">website</a> featuring a blog, an interactive map, photos and more that many will also enjoy. <br /><br />My thanks to Ms. Lamb for the delightful read.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-20020388673092511352010-05-13T05:55:00.002-05:002010-05-13T06:44:26.471-05:00Blog Book Tour--It Had to Be You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.christianbook.com/had-be-you-weddings-by-bella/janice-thompson/9780800733445/pd/733445"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioE2w0pazQSIIQOyjAWARTEPEbXJiWUF5ISSvaiJnYBxmHxaG2_eZoeR8gEYcIQm82lbvyleEIKlWdnfDOJqd4MhJv8jhLFcqV6drSUvHolYOTve5zL7WqwT3ZXcPAgZgI5VschUztI8/s200/it+had+to+be+you.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440331680506016050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>by Janice Thompson</i></span><br /><br />I have several complaints to lodge with <a href="http://janiceathompson.com/blog/">Janice Thompson</a>!<br /><br />1) Reading her books make me want to dance! While I'm reading! I've wanted to boot scoot, do a courtly dance and now...NOW...I'm swingin'! It's hard to read when you're dancing. Seriously!!<br /><br />2) Reading her books make me hungry!! I want pizza! I want Alfredo! I want Tiramisu!! These books are not good for a gal trying to lose more weight. You'd think with all the dancing I might shed a few pounds, but the food's just too good. I can smell Aunt Rosa's cooking coming off the pages.<br /><br />3)And my biggest complaint...<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/had-be-you-weddings-by-bella/janice-thompson/9780800733445/pd/733445">Is that It Had to Be You</a> is the last installment in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fools-Rush-Weddings-Bella-1/dp/0800733428">Weddings by Bella series</a>. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Insert a pout and a stomped foot here.)</span> I was really not ready to be done. <i>Sigh...</i><br /><br />I fell for Bella Rossi's quirky Italian family a few books back. Specifically when I read <a href="http://joyfulreviewsnrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-book-tour-fools-rush-in.html">Fools Rush In</a>. The food was good, the conversation was loud, and my dearest Dean Martin was always singing in the background. Well...unless Frank Sinatra got in the way. And everyone loved the L<span style="font-size:78%;">ORD</span>.<br /><br />When I read <a href="http://joyfulreviewsnrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/02/blog-book-tour-swinging-on-star.html">Swinging On a Star</a> I almost hopped on a plane to Galveston to go visit Bella and her clan.<br /><br />And Ms. Thompson's finale <u>It Had to Be You</u> just made me all the more sure that I had long-lost family somewhere down in Texas.<br /><br />Bella may have been busy in the first two books, but is she in over her head this time? Aunt Rosa and Uncle Laz have buried the hatchet for good. They are getting married!! Family and friends are coming in for the wedding from as far as Italia! Everyone is thrilled for them. Or is there someone who could ruin this match made in culinary heaven? Will the bride and groom swing off into the sunset?<br /><br />And what about D.J. Neeley? The hunky carpenter-deejay who swept Bella off her boots. Can he get Bella down their own aisle and into a happily-ever-after of their own?<br /><br />The timing of this book was perfect for me. There were some life-lessons that almost all of the characters were in need of. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say I needed to be reminded of what Bella had to learn.<br /><br />The music in <u>It Had to Be You</u> will take you swinging down the aisle, across the dance floor and off into the sunset. There were many great songs to keep my toes tapping. But I will always associate the Rossi clan with Dean Martin's songs most of all. Here's a favorite: <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rtmsIq0-T54&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rtmsIq0-T54&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Thank you, Janice Thompson for such a fun series. I enjoyed <u>Weddings by Bella</u> so much! Thank you Revel/Baker Publishing Group for the copy to review. Thank you Bella and the whole Rossi clan for such a good time.<br /><br /><u>It Had to Be You</u> is vailable May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing GroupJoyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-62294539455992614782010-04-30T01:56:00.001-05:002010-04-30T01:56:00.277-05:00Blog Book Tour--Allon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcDJABt9juIgD7WTLJ_8-vk0Bsj_9_m0fmgmW21FzB5412uZkhUB-khA4jhAZaeMU6Mxpk9gTueXFUEoQ2zgoV9wQS-xAIGDX3WeRxQJIe1e5bGWxzYCrnC3Mlb4uw-EvNed1hBul-oc/s1600/allon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcDJABt9juIgD7WTLJ_8-vk0Bsj_9_m0fmgmW21FzB5412uZkhUB-khA4jhAZaeMU6Mxpk9gTueXFUEoQ2zgoV9wQS-xAIGDX3WeRxQJIe1e5bGWxzYCrnC3Mlb4uw-EvNed1hBul-oc/s200/allon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462613576844632226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.christianbook.com/allon-shawn-lamb/9781599798912/pd/798912#curr">Allon</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.allonbooks.com/">by Shawn Lamb</a></span><br /><br />I am always looking for good books for my sons to read. There is a lot of fiction out there these days. There is a lot of "Christian" fiction out there. I cannot always say that the secular fiction is "good" and I cannot always say that the Christian fiction is "exciting." But when Glass Road Public Relations offered me a chance to read <u>Allon</u> by Shawn Lamb, I thought it would be worth taking a look. <br /><br />I am so glad that I did. <br /><br />Enter the <a href="http://www.allonbooks.com/AllonMap.html">world of Allon</a>. Once a beautiful land, now a battle between good and evil rages on. The hope for Allon's future lies in a prophecy that a new king will come and defeat the powers of darkness that are at work dividing the people, causing pain and suffering. He will have a queen who will unite the people with the Guardians, the care takers of Allon who have been limited and bound for a long time. <br /><br />There is a young man who the dark forces are trying to capture and destroy. There is a young woman who the Guardians are trying to protect. Are these these the promised heroes who will save Allon? <br /><br />Ms. Lamb wrote Allon for her daughter, Briana, who wanted a fantasy story. She uses metaphor and allegory quite liberally and with a wonderful result. The layers aren't too deep for a young reader to comprehend. <u>Allon</u> is a reminiscent blend of King Arthur, Narnia, Lord of the Rings and Bible history. But at the same time it is a new story, thoroughly enjoyable--a good read for both boys and girls. <br /><br />Read an excerpt of the book <a href="http://www.allonbooks.com/excerpt.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />Thank you to Glass Road Public Relations for offering me the opportunity to receive and read <u>Allon</u>. I enjoyed the journey!Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-83206592960232288382010-04-25T01:19:00.000-05:002010-04-25T01:19:00.620-05:00Blog Book Tour--How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDsxP0Y3s0Ab_UJGRSqSTk8nMO4w9NTq4-mQUiZdF3EcwW4qnpd4-LfOPTzn8bbkzH23q2trDey5_cYanA_M4gcp2xYl4xTGJfTFVzpoM0vZABvV-YKihEoqX_OAKyZ-JFz5AoTHynfo/s1600/balducci.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDsxP0Y3s0Ab_UJGRSqSTk8nMO4w9NTq4-mQUiZdF3EcwW4qnpd4-LfOPTzn8bbkzH23q2trDey5_cYanA_M4gcp2xYl4xTGJfTFVzpoM0vZABvV-YKihEoqX_OAKyZ-JFz5AoTHynfo/s200/balducci.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462651579471470722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-books/How-Do-You-Tuck-In-A-Superhero-/sku/22800">How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >by <a href="http://www.testosterhome.net/">Rachel Balducci</a></span><br /><br />My son stole my copy of this book! <br /><br />I had to hunt him down to get it back. It wasn't too hard to find him. All I had to do was follow the laughter. He snitched this a couple times from me and I found him either hiding behind a closed door or up on the top bunk under a mass of covers in hopes that I wouldn't want this back. Fat chance. <br /><br />What book is so funny that it has a 46 year old woman and a 12 year old boy in a tug-of-war over it? Well...a book about boys. Five boys to be precise. Rachel Balducci of <a href="http://www.testosterhome.net/">Testosterhome</a> fame published this book chronicling the adventures of a mom of five. Five boys. <br /><br />Now I only have two, and two with some unusual pursuits, it is true. But <u>How Do You Tuck in a Superhero</u> speaks to moms of sons, be it a single son to a tribe of ten. From discussing food--there is never enough, to discussing attire--there is rarely agreement between parent and child, to things you never thought you'd hear yourself say; Rachel's been there, done that and has a few t-shirts as souvenirs. <br /><br />I love Rachel's matter-of-fact, conversational tone. She tells the tales, much like my friends and I swap "Can you believe______" stories of our children. I'd love for her to be my neighbor. I might send my boys down there for a bit...she might not notice! <br /><br />This is a laugh-out-loud book that you might want to hide from your family if you want a chance to read it. Also checkout the blog that inspired it all. And recently the Testosterhome family <a href="http://www.testosterhome.net/2010/04/like-mother-like-daughter.html">welcomed a new addition</a>--number 6!! to the family. And what do you know?? They need to get some pink paint! <br /><br />As always, I am appreciative to Revell/Baker Publishing Group for the chance to read and review, yet another great book. <u>How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?</u> is available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-32585238944835853932010-04-21T10:17:00.002-05:002010-04-21T10:58:15.998-05:00Blog Book Tour--In Harm's Way<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Heroes-Quantico/dp/0800733126"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8dGzCImgje8y-W9Q93adD8nha31g0fhIBLvE0dlEgAF42epUu_KMU-ekDB28TwRymgls7cPBYAb_c4vA60owem5Z7OemxSZMnAb3Z1wNaFzTqESY2G_AJGQuE6Qu9alL3iWbd5V8Kb4/s200/n327113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462599599258341282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Heroes-Quantico/dp/0800733126">In Harm's Way</a> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >by <a href="http://www.irenehannon.com/">Irene Hannon</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br />Last fall I had a chance to review <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-book-tour-eye-for-eye.html">An Eye for an Eye</a>, the second book in Irene Hannon's romantic suspense <u>Heroes of Quantico</u> series and enjoyed it immensely. So when Revell/Baker Publishing offered the chance to review the third book in the series--<u>In Harm's Way</u>, how could I pass it up?<br /><br />Once again Irene Hannon creates characters that made me care and drew me into the story quickly. Rachel Sutton, a music teacher, a child of the foster care system is lead, inexplicably, to a Raggedy Ann doll stuck in a pile of ice in a parking lot. Touching the doll evokes fear and terror from Rachel, emotions so deep that she cannot just toss the doll aside. She ends up taking Raggedy Ann to the FBI and risks looking like a fool or worse.<br /><br />Fortunately she ends up in the office of Agent Nick Bradley. Nick, who also grew up an orphan, just can't seem to write Rachel off as crazy or worse. Is the child who the doll belongs to in danger? Why can't he do what his co-workers say and toss the doll in the trash and forget about Rachel? The story is fast-paced with several unexpected twists and turns that kept me up late turning the pages so I could finish.<br /><br />I appreciate that once again Ms. Hannon intertwines faith in the L<span style="font-size:78%;">ORD</span> into her story. She allows her characters to be human and have real doubts and questions. Both Nick and Rachel have very different faith journeys.<br /><br />Read an excerpt of the book <a href="http://www.irenehannon.com/excerpt-harm.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />A hearty, "Thank you!" to Revell/Baker Publishing for furnishing me with a copy of this book for review. <u>In Harm's Way</u> is available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-66301990966031265442010-03-09T21:33:00.009-06:002010-04-18T12:18:58.083-05:00Speak--A Book & Movie Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Speak-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/014131088X"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX8IupXCLs9XDhkylKi23FnFKOz5hTxlSt2VG3xcf4F6VWbWfyLyw2zVISwFUkOEs1cHIjGRfnHt-y3gl3bBltDxFniNJD3Oxt8TsBo93bVNL-geKlonOXwEl-76IOX2jozCfuFri51Je/s200/speak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446843732197229842" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Speak-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/014131088X">Speak</a></span> by <span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.writerlady.com/">Laurie Halse Anderson</a></span><br /><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">"When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time."<br />— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak) </i><br /><br />On one of those random strokes of chance I ran across a trailer for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378793/">Speak (2004)</a> and it caught my attention. I dug a little and sure enough there was a book written first. I always hate to see a movie before I read the book because, as a rule the movies never get the story right and I end up with a visual in my head that affects my reading of the story. So I hit the library website and ordered the novel, Laurie Halse Anderson's first.<br /><br />I read it in two sittings.<br /><br /><i>(I could have read it in one, but you see, there are these short people, they keep calling me, "Mom" and demanding food and attention...I digress...)</i><br /><br />Freshman, Melinda Sordino, narrates her way through Merryweather High as a social outcast. High school is bad enough to try to navigate, but Melinda is taunted by those who were her closest friends in eighth grade. She is haunted by the party she attended with those former friends just a few months prior. A party that was ended because she called the cops.<br /><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">"It's easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it. All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say. "<br />— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak) </i><br /><br />Talking become more and more difficult to the point where Melinda shuts down and doesn't speak at all. Her once above average grades nosedive and her attendance becomes erratic.<br /><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">"CONJUGATE THIS<br /><br />I cut class, you cut class, he, she, it cuts class. We cut class, they cut class. We all cut class. I cannot say this in Spanish because I did not go to Spanish today. Gracias a dios. Hasta luego."<br />— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak) </i><br /><br />The only class she doesn't ditch on a regular basis is art, where the unique Mr. Freeman rails against "the system." Mr. Freeman offers art as "the only class that will teach you how to survive." Each student is assigned a subject for the whole year to explore. Melinda's subject is "Tree."<br /><br />Melinda's parents are so involved in trying to keep themselves moving forward that they fail to notice Melinda's slow withdrawal until grade cards arrive. They make clumsy attempts to reach her, but it is not enough.<br /><br />Anderson captures the tone I remember from high school, she paints the picture of clans and cliques and examines the difficulty of navigating the jungle of the high school halls. The tone is ironic, sad and entirely quotable.<br /><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL<br /><br />1. We are here to help you.<br />2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings.<br />3. The dress code will be enforced.<br />4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.<br />5. Our football team will win the championship this year.<br />6. We expect more of you here.<br />7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen.<br />8. Your schedule was created with you in mind.<br />9. Your locker combination is private.<br />10. These will be the years you look back on fondly.<br /><br />TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL<br /><br />1. You will use algebra in your adult lives.<br />2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away.<br />3. Students must stay on campus during lunch.<br />4. The new text books will arrive any day now.<br />5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores.<br />6. We are enforcing the dress code.<br />7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon.<br />8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals.<br />9. There is nothing wrong with summer school.<br />10. We want to hear what you have to say."<br />— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak) </i><br /><br />Once done with the book, I had my husband put <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378793/">Speak</a> in the Netflix queue, wondering just how well a movie could capture this poignant book. I was pleased that not only did the movie follow the story line quite well, screenwriter, Jessica Sharzer was brave enough to take much of the dialog directly out of Anderson's book and put it precisely in the movie in exactly the places it belonged. There were a few scenes from the book that were left out of the movie, but I would not be able to tell you how they could have been added without being awkward to film. Only a few situations were marginally changed and I think they were done well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378793/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVE0njFIdCo-x68t0ZmfsKlkO_8AjmzDT30OT3C4Q24PVhpRGiQlvML56AMOiN0t9jAMeQJh0gvy6iXxa2gDKw4MtOA_-iy2rIporvG15Eg8l2n2ZLfODAD6izlhCMnBrUgt38nMYm1aH/s200/speak1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446846662871790578" border="0" /></a>Melinda is played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0829576/">Kristen Stewart</a> (yes, of <a href="http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_forks.html">Forks</a> fame--but don't let that predispose you to <b><i>this</i></b> movie) who was fourteen at the time the movie was filmed. She did an amazing job, she was at once fragile and damaged, and yet displayed the strength of the symbolic tree assigned in the art class.<br /><br />Mr. Freeman, the quirky art teacher is played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001872/">Steve Zahn</a>. Initially, he didn't fit my image of Mr. Freeman, but did a fabulous job of capturing the spirit of the teacher in the story.<br /><br />Elizabeth Perkins and D.B. Sweeney are Melinda's clueless parents. They portrayed the parents Anderson portrays in the book really well.<br /><br />The movie was aptly rated PG-13 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378793/parentalguide">(see IMDb Parents' Guide).</a> I found the book in the Young Adult section of the library. Both book and movie deal with the subject of rape and the aftermath of a teenager who did not seek help immediately after the attack. Obviously this is an emotional and traumatic subject and not appropriate for everyone. Parents should read this book before handing it to their children and talk to them about it.<br /><br />Both book and movie were well done and I highly recommend them.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K5h2wg4-jWA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K5h2wg4-jWA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-3217929693592458592010-02-20T08:56:00.002-06:002010-05-13T05:58:50.183-05:00Blog Book Tour--Swinging on a Star<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IYDV05AUaRQZAv-Jg7Acv0rFylxi96RR4H26gxSWkONz_iw9l69Mdlrr8zEAUMfPn2Ch-2ktgJ4PBDuliCq8RXv5KUjbPs7sWld_biGaSb3nHV_LjmZuxXy5I0wM-LnLNt1EUgMDsS0/s1600-h/soas_med.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IYDV05AUaRQZAv-Jg7Acv0rFylxi96RR4H26gxSWkONz_iw9l69Mdlrr8zEAUMfPn2Ch-2ktgJ4PBDuliCq8RXv5KUjbPs7sWld_biGaSb3nHV_LjmZuxXy5I0wM-LnLNt1EUgMDsS0/s200/soas_med.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440176796531329698" border="0" /></a><ahref="http: com="" bella="" thompson="" 9780800733438="" pd="" 733438=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Swinging on a Star</span></span> <span style="font-size:78%;">by</span> <a href="http://www.janiceathompson.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>Janice Thompson</i></span></a><br /><br />Ever since I finished <a href="http://joyfulreviewsnrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-book-tour-fools-rush-in.html">Fools Rush In</a> by Ms. Thompson, I've been waiting to go back to <i>Parma Johns</i> to dine on themed pizza, listen to <i>Mambo Italiano</i> and catch up with Bella Rossi and her cowboy knight in shining armor, D.J. Neeley. I felt so at home and had so much fun with Italian wedding coordinator, Bella and her carpenter <i>cum</i> deejay, D.J. that I wanted to find out more about their opposites-attract relationship.<br /><br />When I got a chance to review <u>Swinging on a Star</u> I didn't realize that D.J. would have a few more knights, also in shining armor, to contend with. Bella is working on a new themed wedding, even bigger than the last hoedown she engineered. The bride and groom to be want a med</ahref="http:><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Fools-Rush-Novel-Weddings-Bella/dp/0800733428/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251778003&sr=8-1"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINztGmFTSkYpI6mrwZEDPYvMUlkk4dBltms87QIQJPgKI9UA6wnqjKfj4ZuS9OqRYTME7EAfDlt28ya2LTtCumdJNZik1OXkJuO6zzrnLta-hzIylhJgM2Eq-XbZai7GIkSIBtvCVYf0/s320/n314386.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376331818315328178" border="0" /></a><ahref="http: com="" bella="" thompson="" 9780800733438="" pd="" 733438="">ieval wedding complete with a castle, a moat, madrigal music and horse-drawn carriages.<br /></ahref="http:><br /><ahref="http: com="" bella="" thompson="" 9780800733438="" pd="" 733438="">Ms. Thompson fills her book with complications for a renaissance wedding from the very first chapter. Bella's life seems like it cannot get m</ahref="http:><ahref="http: com="" bella="" thompson="" 9780800733438="" pd="" 733438="">ore complicated--oh, but it does!! With wayward actors, Food Network filming her aunt, complicated relationships, a night in jail (really!) and much hilarity, Swinging on a Star kept me turning the page, <i>"Just one more!"</i> until the wee hours of the night. I just had to finish.<br /><br /></ahref="http:><ahref="http: com="" bella="" thompson="" 9780800733438="" pd="" 733438="">The soundtrack to this guaranteed-to-make-you-smile novel is, once again, my favorite Dean Martin. Oh, and she lets Ole Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra sing a few too.</ahref="http:><ahref="http: com="" bella="" thompson="" 9780800733438="" pd="" 733438=""><br /><br /></ahref="http:><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.christianbook.com/had-be-you-weddings-by-bella/janice-thompson/9780800733445/pd/733445"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioE2w0pazQSIIQOyjAWARTEPEbXJiWUF5ISSvaiJnYBxmHxaG2_eZoeR8gEYcIQm82lbvyleEIKlWdnfDOJqd4MhJv8jhLFcqV6drSUvHolYOTve5zL7WqwT3ZXcPAgZgI5VschUztI8/s200/it+had+to+be+you.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440331680506016050" border="0" /></a><u>Swinging on A Star</u> is available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. And if you enjoy it as much as I do, be on the lookout for <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/had-be-you-weddings-by-bella/janice-thompson/9780800733445/pd/733445">It Had to Be You</a>, Janice Thompson's third installment of her<u><i>Weddings by Bella</i></u> series. I can't wait!!<br /><br />Until then I will just have to listen to Dean Martin and dream!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6S-7Ap6J_FU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6S-7Ap6J_FU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Many thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing from whom I received <u>Swinging on a Star</u>.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-58261727292624565942009-11-14T09:22:00.004-06:002009-11-14T10:08:42.946-06:00Blog Book Tour--The Swiss Courier<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs5-fdzB8Vr0MmzwDV3Kgc0vWm68AARkBUuf04NP69FudOherpZVqDPkB8gm9Apx7EuslBaRP-Yh8eMW2FedqHdVZ6WS4ZfYO9SR1mjV5zHmRgetHVn3TbGxQAJUdTmVlmgp5_8xI4N5t/s1600-h/swiss-courier-662x1024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs5-fdzB8Vr0MmzwDV3Kgc0vWm68AARkBUuf04NP69FudOherpZVqDPkB8gm9Apx7EuslBaRP-Yh8eMW2FedqHdVZ6WS4ZfYO9SR1mjV5zHmRgetHVn3TbGxQAJUdTmVlmgp5_8xI4N5t/s200/swiss-courier-662x1024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403981146236497474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey</i></span><br /><br />I received an offer from Revell/Baker Publishing Group to join the blog book tour for<u>The Swiss Courier</u> a while back. There were a lot of very positive reviews out there. Since I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this was an era that I didn't have fiction from, I agreed and looked forward to reading the book.<br /><br /><br /><i><b>From the publishers:</b> Award-winning authors Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey join forces for the first time with the release of their thrilling World War II-era fiction novel, The Swiss Courier.<br /><br />Set in Switzerland during August 1944, The Swiss Courier whisks readers into the height of World War II as Nazi threats mount and governments race to develop the world’s first atomic bomb.<br /><br />Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working as a spy for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. She is asked to put her life on the line to safely “courier” a defecting German nuclear physicist—who’s working on the atomic bomb project—out of Germany and into Switzerland, sending her into enemy territory to keep him (and his secrets) safe from the hands of the Gestapo.<br /><br />As Gabi takes on this do-or-die mission, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way?<br /><br />This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating—and deadly—time in history. Well-researched, The Swiss Courier includes true historical events to give the story greater authenticity. Danger, suspense and romance abound in this engaging page-turner. </i><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lkJbmqDqVLs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lkJbmqDqVLs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Revell/Baker Publishing asks that as a member of the book tour I post my own review and I've had little problem with enthusiastic endorsements about the books I've read prior. This review has been a little harder; maybe given the seriousness of the subject matter and the era that it addresses I had higher expectations. While I thought <u>The Swiss Courier</u> was a good book, I'm not sure it lives up to the kudos I had read about it. Perhaps it is the limited size that limited the detail of the book. <br /><br />It was pretty fast paced, but the characters were lacking in dimension. The main character Gabi Mueller is definitely sweet and likable. She is certainly a naïve young woman with limited vision. There were some rather stereotypical descriptions of secondary characters that included barmaids' bosoms and paramours that seemed unnecessary and interrupted the flow. If one were to only read this book as an account of the underground movement that defied Hitler, the reader might believe that only non-denominational Christians were the only members of the brave people who rescued, hid and transported to safety, the Jews who were brutally annihilated by the Nazi regime. <br /><br />All in all it was a good book. If I were given to "stars" or "bookmark" ranking systems, I would give it a three and a half out of five. There are definitely some surprising twists and if you are looking for a Christian romance this would be a book you would enjoy. <br /><br /><i>Thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing for the copy of <u>The Swiss Courier</u>. Available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</i>Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-75931127523919787412009-10-31T21:54:00.000-05:002009-10-31T21:55:38.166-05:00Blog Book Tour--The Y Factor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.christianbook.com/y-factor-liam-roberts/9781599796239/pd/796239?item_code=WW&netp_id=607702&event=ESRCN&view=covers"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKasWfmoKj-LCE9b6osxPUFzZKe7rZcsvcjyXgvdBt4Y41sza5nHB1MhHGxZ29rsAybypv4RrKzWU3KlZofgVXqqDUipHic7fAEXiXlrocHZUtxIm2aGhEW0SCDMmMa-BuCBnV8lZIht0/s200/9781599796239.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398958090038486882" border="0" /></a><i>by <a href="http://y-factor.net/folder/">Liam Roberts</a></i><br /><br />Glass Road Public Relations asked if I would be interested in a book described as a <i>"Medical AND political thriller? You bet! Liam Roberts is a debut novelist with characters who are bent on unraveling the genetic code...and applying it to the simmering situation between Christians and Muslims."</i> That caught my attention!!<br /><br />How could I turn it down? <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/y-factor-liam-roberts/9781599796239/pd/796239?item_code=WW&netp_id=607702&event=ESRCN&view=covers"><u>The Y Factor</u></a> was a sprint race read--a book that kept me turning the pages and comparing it to the headlines. Mr. Roberts has been compared to one of my favorite authors--Tom Clancy. And I would say for a first published novel that was close to the mark. But as a Christian writer, Mr. Roberts offers a unique perspective; not only politically astute, but also with an eye on eternity.<br /><br />The characters were young and enthusiastic, fresh out of university and ready to change the world. Little did Eric Colbern and Alana McKinsey realize that their first "real jobs" might be their last.<br /><br /><u>The Y Factor</u> will take you around the world and back. You will be immersed in technology, history and human intrigue. There's even a little romantic intrigue to top it off. <br /><br />Look for <u>The Y Factor</u> by Liam Roberts. Definitely a gripping read. <br /><br /><i>Thanks to Glass Road Public Relations for the copy of The Y Factor for review.</i>Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-36429850798166146432009-10-02T23:52:00.001-05:002009-10-03T00:32:37.080-05:00Blog Book Tour--Intimate Conversations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PWV_TRX8iQBcctt91R2TnknwUSaz-eRzpLRo0CPMZmq_aAVh5KBseXOPxhcX6CXY04ay0j_DIFsX8lW5pS-m_XgItv-t2XQpMhBa0z8PWeHrPoWtCm5XoB2PeRh_bjR28FnQ2gBWzs8/s1600-h/intimateconversations.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PWV_TRX8iQBcctt91R2TnknwUSaz-eRzpLRo0CPMZmq_aAVh5KBseXOPxhcX6CXY04ay0j_DIFsX8lW5pS-m_XgItv-t2XQpMhBa0z8PWeHrPoWtCm5XoB2PeRh_bjR28FnQ2gBWzs8/s200/intimateconversations.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388223372636940066" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=732899">Intimate Conversations: Devotions to Nurture a Woman's Soul</a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><i>by Alicia Britt Chole</i></span><br /><br />In the middle of interrupted sentences, suffering, making breakfast for your child, fear, during the storms of life and in the car; <u>Intimate Conversations</u> by Alicia Britt Chole will provide a dose of reality that points you to closer communication with your Heavenly Father.<br /><br />Chole's kind and familiar tone make each of the 52 devotions like talking to a friend. And more importantly give you ideas to get you talking to God.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oZgEBu_llPQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oZgEBu_llPQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><b>From the Press Releases:</b><br /><br /><i>Relief for Busy Women and Moms</i><br /><br />To Draw Closer to God—During All of Life’s Busy Moments<br /><br />Author Alicia Britt Chole shows women how to rejuvenate their spiritual lives with this collection of short yet deeply thought-provoking meditations.<br /><br />Women spend a large portion of their lives serving everyone around them—making sure the kids are fed and to school on time, the house is in working order, the to-do list is full of checkmarks and they’re volunteering on Sunday mornings at church. After pouring into everyone and everything else, it’s a struggle to have any time or energy left over at all—not even when it comes to cultivating their relationship with God.<br /><br />Author and seasoned mentor Alicia Britt Chole offers relief. In her latest book, Intimate Conversations: Devotions to Nurture a Woman’s Soul, she shows women how every season—even those marked by hectic schedules and overwhelming responsibilities—can offer unprecedented opportunities to actually deepen your faith without having to put God on hold.<br /><br />She reveals how that’s possible through this set of 52 daily readings. Each takes only moments to read, yet these poignant meditations will bring a refreshing perspective to a reader’s entire day.<br /><br />Rather than ignore the daunting real-life issues and faith struggles that complicate your connection with God, Chole addresses them with grace and understanding. Whether it’s yearning to love God more, to learn to listen, to not give up or to overcome fear, she helps women understand how they can develop a more intimate and satisfying relationship with God in the midst of everyday challenges.<br /><br />“I want to show women how each minute of every loud, distracting day is pregnant with potential for intimacy if we can learn how to simply and intentionally live it with God,” Chole says.<br /><br />She draws from her experience as a mentor, daughter, wife and mother to weave personal stories of laughter and tears alongside Scripture in these meditations. Paired with thought-provoking questions for reflection or group discussion, Chole’s insightful writing will be cathartic for any woman who is hungering for a more intimate connection with God, no matter how crazy life gets.<br /><br />Alicia Britt Chole speaks nationally and internationally to leaders, pastors, professionals, students, women, and churches. She has been a mentor for students and women for more than twenty years. She is the author of Anonymous and Finding the Unseen God. Chole lives in Missouri.</span><br /><br />You can also visit Ms. Chole's blog <a href="http://www.truthportraits.com/blog/">Truthportraits</a>.<br /><br />“Intimate Conversations: Devotions to Nurture a Woman's Soul--available September 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-11536821561216023882009-09-25T00:08:00.000-05:002009-09-25T00:09:41.799-05:00Blog Book Tour--An Eye for an Eye<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Novel-Heroes-Quantico/dp/0800733118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253852992&sr=8-1"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXRzRdCk7JbbmA1yUuWCeYoFqKnBKz_-QTRTIZkq0N7ZO-1l9TJgfGEhvRgbU19876fx7SH6cLYvOQ83PVxwHeiDQsx64iyC0Y0PeOIfl5EsxKTTJAlMcN_qqVM1Rm73A_FE1fCLNRn8/s200/eye+for+an+eye.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385257965043814834" border="0" /></a><i>by Irene Hannon</i><br /><br />Take a handsome FBI agent re-introduce him to the still beautiful woman he fell for twenty years ago, add the bumps and bruises and scars that come with maturing and living full lives and you have a wonderful romance. Add an atypical sniper after one of them and you have great suspense.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Novel-Heroes-Quantico/dp/0800733118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253852992&sr=8-1"><br />An Eye for an Eye</a> was a marvelous blend of fast-paced action and a quiet and mature romance. Romantic suspense--an interesting blend. Just right for keeping me awake later than I needed to be more than a few nights because I couldn't leave the characters (really me) hanging.<br /><br />Emily Lawson is the beautiful psychiatrist; a young widow with a lonely and broken heart. Mark Sanders is the rugged FBI agent recovering from a hostage incident where he was injured and a teen was killed. An unexpected meeting reunites them and the sparks they knew as teens still smolder.<br /><br />Then there is the less than average attempted murderer who wants to kill one of them. But the question is which one? Irene Hannon leads the reader on a roller-coaster chase to catch the killer and keep both Jack and Emily alive.<br /><br />Thoughtfully researched and written, Ms. Hannon gives the reader characters that are easy to become attached to. The characters journeys of faith are also interesting. Fear of loss, choosing forgiveness, and accepting personal weakness were all dealt with. Most touching to me were the reminders that no one can totally control life and the circumstances we find ourselves in. A strong faith in God can create peace even in the darkest moments.<br /><br />An Eye for an Eye, book two in The Heroes of Quantico series is a great stand alone read--no need for reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Against-Odds-Heroes-Quantico-Book/dp/080073310X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b">Book One, Against All Odds</a>--but I'm off to look for it! (Ms. Hannon actually notes in the Acknowledgments that <u>An Eye for an Eye</u> was written first.) The book is available from booksellers and Revell/Baker Publishing, who kindly provide me with the opportunity to read it. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Heroes-Quantico/dp/0800733126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253855116&sr=1-1">Book Three, In Harm's Way</a> in on the horizon.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-62738248649288384412009-09-23T00:24:00.001-05:002009-09-23T00:28:02.281-05:00Fall Into Reading 2009--At the Goal Post<a href="http://callapidderdays.com/2009/09/fall-into-reading-2009-time-to-start-reading.html"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRlie-dM18INSm1volmqnd553cpXDC3BewCN29jqX72Hd1wNoNK0x2HbINd2s9uOSOGdgGYCSX3Sb0LCHbx8lCZktQzubIMJiLPqpgZIMibZ3hAyRfWRQzFfRQCSxQQUlgsUCfIZlc3E/s1600-h/FIR09Large-300x283.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRlie-dM18INSm1volmqnd553cpXDC3BewCN29jqX72Hd1wNoNK0x2HbINd2s9uOSOGdgGYCSX3Sb0LCHbx8lCZktQzubIMJiLPqpgZIMibZ3hAyRfWRQzFfRQCSxQQUlgsUCfIZlc3E/s200/FIR09Large-300x283.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384510521806551122" border="0" /></a>My favorite season is autumn, time for turning leaves, turning the air conditioner off, turning a few pages of some wonderful books. Time for Katrina's <a href="http://callapidderdays.com/2009/09/fall-into-reading-2009-time-to-start-reading.html">Fall Into Reading 2009</a>.<br /><br />I've done this with varying success twice before in <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%20Into%20Reading%202007">2007</a> and <a href="http://joyfulreviewsnrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%20into%20Reading%202008">2008</a> and had a blast. There's something about having a goal and at least attaining part of it. Being a <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/2007/04/because-there-just-werent-enough-books.html">book addict</a> is consuming sometimes. I have a habit of getting distracted from my original list.<br /><br />This year I thought I might pick a limited list and just add to it as the days go on. As I stood in front of my burgeoning "To Be Read" SHELF I had to fight the urge to list all the books on there. I see & smell books and reason just flies out the window. What can I say?<br /><br />So this is my "limited list" for 2009:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMa2jyXkl2KINZsadfx4cxh9NyZOQ1gBoC2hw2jNv2RblmllWVNuAGr6v4RQvW5tnfjf2PM_kw4FrkoBAg1mpHE5dYTLtgjB_V0A-_5kwabB6eei_6yLZoEubxgbAfCJFYHUaiL5279Y/s1600-h/outtocanaan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMa2jyXkl2KINZsadfx4cxh9NyZOQ1gBoC2hw2jNv2RblmllWVNuAGr6v4RQvW5tnfjf2PM_kw4FrkoBAg1mpHE5dYTLtgjB_V0A-_5kwabB6eei_6yLZoEubxgbAfCJFYHUaiL5279Y/s200/outtocanaan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384518531383633026" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Out-Canaan-Mitford-Years-Book/dp/0140265686">Out to Canaan</a> by Jan Karon<br /><br />Karon's books are always fresh and like a vacation in the town I've wanted to visit since I read her first book--At Home in Mitford. I'm sure I'll fly through this one, just as I've done with the predecessors.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgtSHfI3czsW7Cp6ZeCVSVwivarF5H6p_g0fgDKklWXcMmG6DWOossK3D1qUFTHreQmIfhhvTOFowj3aogdAwD4rqgz4vREIC8yx__zRxkUIiKJsYbaeQoWAQLDoJiGMa96MznjZpOcQ/s1600-h/herbs+and+apples.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgtSHfI3czsW7Cp6ZeCVSVwivarF5H6p_g0fgDKklWXcMmG6DWOossK3D1qUFTHreQmIfhhvTOFowj3aogdAwD4rqgz4vREIC8yx__zRxkUIiKJsYbaeQoWAQLDoJiGMa96MznjZpOcQ/s200/herbs+and+apples.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384518518436742882" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Herbs-Apples-Helen-Hooven-Santmyer/dp/0312906013">Herbs and Apples</a> by Helen Hooven Santmeyer<br /><br />Santmeyer became one of my favorite authors nearly twenty years ago when I found her huge novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladies-Club-Helen-Hooven-Santmyer/dp/0425174409/ref=pd_sim_b_2">"...And Ladies of the Club."</a> Within the last year, I've run across a couple more of her less published books and am glad for the chance to read more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAdoFMJ-6cbvXPYxKzFNmD7kGNhyphenhyphenew1ShWWkXtVP1QhyphenhyphenbZac6I6lhulTjLpLj88dd-m__OKXhjhOZ7XDg48TdeWr_Koze4-77Uryy8OALSYvZ6KBH2rnDjc9BdThB1f-5whqnfhDZN2g/s1600-h/bygones.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAdoFMJ-6cbvXPYxKzFNmD7kGNhyphenhyphenew1ShWWkXtVP1QhyphenhyphenbZac6I6lhulTjLpLj88dd-m__OKXhjhOZ7XDg48TdeWr_Koze4-77Uryy8OALSYvZ6KBH2rnDjc9BdThB1f-5whqnfhDZN2g/s200/bygones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384518271135719858" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/bygones-sommerfeld-trilogy-kim-sawyer/9781597894043/pd/894044">Bygones</a> by Kim Vogel Sawyer<br /><br />Stories of the Amish--the "Plain Folk" always interest me. I received this book a long time ago, read a few very interesting chapters and then for some reason got sidetracked. Time to pick it up again and finish it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuup3T8BkGD7RqWKDUrybgmE3NO24uA3NCC1oOQb-zIrfx3ILgy54m5G4t2sJ89G3ghjZCg8JcjpJn2CH4WLygDWRCOcOqgzCjfyMB-reB1oDGRtOvQMt9BUpvjdaxtsInijZCwaGqm-c/s1600-h/armageddon-summer-jane-yolen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuup3T8BkGD7RqWKDUrybgmE3NO24uA3NCC1oOQb-zIrfx3ILgy54m5G4t2sJ89G3ghjZCg8JcjpJn2CH4WLygDWRCOcOqgzCjfyMB-reB1oDGRtOvQMt9BUpvjdaxtsInijZCwaGqm-c/s200/armageddon-summer-jane-yolen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384518260195741058" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Armageddon-Summer-Jane-Yolen/dp/0152022686">Armageddon Summer</a> by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville<br /><br />Roo and I are <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/2009/09/notes-from-sofa.html">reading books</a> with themes including: futuristic projections, overpopulation, post-apocalyptic societies, dystopian/utopian societies. This caught my eye and I wanted to pre-read it before I handed it off to him. I've always been a fan of Jane Yolen's varied work and look forward to seeing how this story is handled.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichciBzon9pNg9ukDH69k98ohLy5S2e56kY8g7NFR04_x2MUyATPR6jKlszooqv9XtcKVEmuHzmxJqkt3x6_fPZB__m0cXuKawGzfqk-7Q3RJZKGHuFPsP2HPHLyzFEcqRVQ8Xcjjw9Yw/s1600-h/Beetles+and+Angels+cover+for+brochure.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichciBzon9pNg9ukDH69k98ohLy5S2e56kY8g7NFR04_x2MUyATPR6jKlszooqv9XtcKVEmuHzmxJqkt3x6_fPZB__m0cXuKawGzfqk-7Q3RJZKGHuFPsP2HPHLyzFEcqRVQ8Xcjjw9Yw/s200/Beetles+and+Angels+cover+for+brochure.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384518251323237698" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beetles-Angels-Remarkable-Journey-Refugee/dp/0316826200">Of Beetles & Angels</a> by Mawi Asgedom<br /><br />My sister gave me this book quite a while back with high recommendations. The story of this man's journey as a child from war torn east Africa to a Harvard scholar sounds remarkable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7qWyXlfcMjmMpZaJCNtqRtG8v5dN1zQ4lEov__lPUdRgWdY59XNIi0BIMGBLKz07SoevuJikdsxuz4s2pLE4lGGo14ZWc8eR2WBIOLUkDL4jo9Ju5d4QOhuBoLoK-6D76BpPBE4YmW8/s1600-h/mchiggins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7qWyXlfcMjmMpZaJCNtqRtG8v5dN1zQ4lEov__lPUdRgWdY59XNIi0BIMGBLKz07SoevuJikdsxuz4s2pLE4lGGo14ZWc8eR2WBIOLUkDL4jo9Ju5d4QOhuBoLoK-6D76BpPBE4YmW8/s200/mchiggins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384518733716372802" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/M-Higgins-Great-Virginia-Hamilton/dp/068971694X">M.C. Higgins, the Great</a>by Virginia Hamilton<br /><br />It's hard to go wrong with a Newbery Medal book, although some of the Amazon reviews weren't terrible flattering. I'll reserve judgment until I read this children's literature myself<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTcbAULDUp5YfHyKAfJOV9Y5RRIXlK-F6-izsW8YCzCb7kLT5zFi5CKipKIxR9gfdcWaWLbEfB7xFSDfii_XmPBjeko3qM9GrrDatO0_e3QP_svsqtM5UMbV4KqAS3LNCO4TTE9THcyQ/s1600-h/waterascension.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTcbAULDUp5YfHyKAfJOV9Y5RRIXlK-F6-izsW8YCzCb7kLT5zFi5CKipKIxR9gfdcWaWLbEfB7xFSDfii_XmPBjeko3qM9GrrDatO0_e3QP_svsqtM5UMbV4KqAS3LNCO4TTE9THcyQ/s200/waterascension.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384518522105958722" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ascension-Water-Trilogy-Book-1/dp/0064408086">Ascension (Water Trilogy, Book 1)</a>by Kara Dalkey<br /><br />Honestly, the beautiful cover art on this book caught my eye. I have the trilogy and am looking forward to this young adult fantasy.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks again to Katrina for her lovely challenge. Check out all the readers, and she has giveaways!! Always a fun thing.<br /><br />Time to cozy up with tea or coffee and a good book.<br /><br />I'm double posting my first Fall Into Reading 2009 post on both my blogs, the reviews will be here at Joyful Days Reviews & Recipes. <br /><br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Fall Into Reading past;<br /><br /><a href="http://joyfulreviewsnrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%20into%20Reading%202008">Fall Into Reading 2008</a><br /><br /></span><a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%20Into%20Reading%202007"><span style="font-size:85%;">Fall Into Reading 2007</span><br /></a></i>Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-53963989937852791432009-09-18T00:41:00.002-05:002009-09-18T00:48:36.688-05:00Fall Into Reading 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://callapidderdays.com/">Katrina</a> is hostessing<br /><br /><a href="http://callapidderdays.com/category/reading-challenges/fall-into-reading-2009"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9BFq8vsEufPNwqCngNQ-2v01yh6SDwPrXqckolEjpsUXeVAGTv5uZjcmO3AsQ3v7s1KObpyljKefGdyZwub5tHFidwTotqPqDdyngO9tMg-EGShTln8XDvctbc28r1zQ-TLFsOWT0KPs/s1600-h/FIR09Large-300x283.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9BFq8vsEufPNwqCngNQ-2v01yh6SDwPrXqckolEjpsUXeVAGTv5uZjcmO3AsQ3v7s1KObpyljKefGdyZwub5tHFidwTotqPqDdyngO9tMg-EGShTln8XDvctbc28r1zQ-TLFsOWT0KPs/s200/FIR09Large-300x283.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382678475276069490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />once again!!<br /><br />Can you believe it's time for Fall already?<br /><br />Getting my book list ready. And my computer.<br /><br />OH!! And of course my BOOKS!!</div>Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-58624067139951467502009-09-18T00:13:00.001-05:002009-09-18T00:17:14.634-05:00Blog Book Tour--Silent Savior<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11zseeWLriw6pjn_RCbBRSMhxclNj-Q4KcFDS_9-LlxXNEzjm_-nw73PbOh3kM8s8pQ_QIoqPaoFyy_SsWdGMVRMm8dCfBjuH7UFQFhGPOK_2nQKJ_KSzszyM-E2RqjgfKDpLhT4tGBc/s1600-h/Image.asp.jpg"><img style="margin: 10pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11zseeWLriw6pjn_RCbBRSMhxclNj-Q4KcFDS_9-LlxXNEzjm_-nw73PbOh3kM8s8pQ_QIoqPaoFyy_SsWdGMVRMm8dCfBjuH7UFQFhGPOK_2nQKJ_KSzszyM-E2RqjgfKDpLhT4tGBc/s200/Image.asp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382662138432697058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>by A.J. Gregory</i><br /></span><br />For when you are dry in the desert, for when the flood waters are up to you ears, for when you can't seem to find your candle to light in the darkness...for when God seems silent.<br /><br />A.J. Gregory says the things you are afraid to say when you go to church, when you talk to your brothers and sisters in Christ over doughnuts in the fellowship hall, when you sit in Bible study, when you confess your sins. Many are able to admit to sin, but few want to admit to wavering faith, to doubt and questions when your heart is raw and you haven't heard a word from the LORD lately.<br /><br />Have you been told you, "Just don't have enough faith about_____" or there's some "hidden sin" you haven't confessed, or that if you pray this or that prayer or follow just the right doctrine, your prayer request would be answered.<br /><br />Society has convinced us that we can have it all and it all can be put together packaged and wrapped with a pretty bow and that message has seeped into our "church lives." Do you put on a happy face and answer, "Fine!" when asked how you are? Because a Christian should be happy and fine. But are you?<br /><br />Gregory's book isn't going to tell you the magic answer to have your prayers all answered by the LORD. <u>Silent Savior</u> isn't going to tell you <b>why</b> you have prayers that haven't been answered. This refreshing and real book will let you know that <i>it is okay to have questions</i>, to ask them out loud and to hang on to the threads of faith when threads are all you have.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;">From reviews and the publisher:</span></b><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family:arial;">What do you do when there's not even a still, small voice?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There are times in our lives when it's not just hard to hear God--it's impossible. We've all been there. Knowing on some deeper level that God is present no matter how things look, but still feeling the trickle of doubt. And wondering why the God whose faithfulness is never supposed to fail seems to be turning a giant deaf ear toward us. It's not always like this, but silent seasons are common in the life of any believer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In Silent Savior, A. J. Gregory navigates that labyrinth of sorrow, pain, angst, and doubt on the way to a soul-deep recognition of God's infinite faithfulness and perpetual, if sometimes silent, presence. And she encourages you to keep believing he's there even when that silence seems deafening.</span></i><br />Endorsements<br /><br />"Many of us tiptoe around the eggshells of the doubts and questions surrounding an intangible God. Gregory doesn't. And after reading this book, hopefully you won't either, but instead rest in a haven of depth and holy wonder."--Chris Seay, author<br /><br /><i><span style="font-family:verdana;">"In a beautiful and reflective way, Gregory reminds us we don't have to be embarrassed, afraid, or shocked to find the presence of God's silence in our lives."--Ron Martoia, author</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"If you're looking for a book to move your stagnant faith, to stir the dry bones, and to bring truth to your life, you've got the right book."--Michael Franzese, author</span><br /></i><br /><br />Thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing and A.J. Gregory for the opportunity to read this thoughtful book.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-75593313400915900932009-09-11T21:56:00.001-05:002010-02-19T22:28:12.416-06:00Blog Book Tour--Fools Rush In<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Fools-Rush-Novel-Weddings-Bella/dp/0800733428/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251778003&sr=8-1"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINztGmFTSkYpI6mrwZEDPYvMUlkk4dBltms87QIQJPgKI9UA6wnqjKfj4ZuS9OqRYTME7EAfDlt28ya2LTtCumdJNZik1OXkJuO6zzrnLta-hzIylhJgM2Eq-XbZai7GIkSIBtvCVYf0/s320/n314386.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376331818315328178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>by Janice Thompson</i></span><br /><br />Janice Thompson certainly likes her weddings! Yes indeed, she does. The first Thompson wedding tale I read was back in 2007, <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-with-groom.html">Gone With the Groom</a>, a wedding mystery with a missing groom. Her suspense filled Christian fiction was full of adventure and mayhem.<br /><br />But Ms. Thompson really caught one of my weaknesses this time, she knows her Dean Martin. Oh yes indeed, she does! And one of my secret weaknesses is Dean Martin's singing. Dino croons the soundtrack of her latest novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fools-Rush-Novel-Weddings-Bella/dp/0800733428/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251778003&sr=8-1"><u>Fools Rush In: Weddings by Bella</u></a>. Well...I suppose Ol' Blue Eyes sings a supporting backup, but it's Dean who leads the show.<br /><br />Really, the story is about the very Itallian Bella Rossi and her search for the perfect country and western deejay. Because, you know, Italians and Texas have a lot in common...ummm, do they? Really? Well, maybe more than you'd think.<br /><br />Bella has inherited the family business...ahem...the family wedding business, that is, and she intends on making it successful. Can a wedding planner who's never had her own wedding make it big designing others' happily ever after dreams? What about Bella's dreams? Will there ever be a wedding bell in her future? What happens when Bella's East-coast family meets the downhome Texas family of D.J, who may or may not be the deejay she's looking for.<br /><br />Janice Thompson's quirky characters create madcap situations and manage to rely on the L<span style="font-size:78%;">ORD</span> at the same time. They are unapologetically Christian and are always ready to share what the L<span style="font-size:78%;">ORD</span> has done for them.<br /><br />My only complaint with the book? Well, Ms. Thompson didn't work in my all time favorite Dean Martin song--Georgia Sunshine. I suppose given the book is about TEXAS and all I can understand. Book One of the Weddings by Bella series was so fun, I'll be on the lookout for Book Two, Swinging on a Star.<br /><br />My thanks to Ms. Thompson and Revell Books/Baker Publishing for the great time I had with this fun, fast-paced read. <u>Fools Rush</u> In was just released and is available at your favorite bookseller, from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing group.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-26840400925758596602009-08-30T17:00:00.001-05:002009-08-30T17:00:04.138-05:00The Frontiersman's Daughter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTRDvJj57qEjIeoKUEQdCEc8g2Vfp85Y09UpWPXIFSYQmiBkb_YmI_D9ZcPHGsG0J5rjeAv1m1yv6nMJ98l_fCxN7QwMq7ote6gdFk-8iK07HVzbPdEEKJS1BryvPLf3uKmmvBLQURtA/s1600-h/Image.asp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTRDvJj57qEjIeoKUEQdCEc8g2Vfp85Y09UpWPXIFSYQmiBkb_YmI_D9ZcPHGsG0J5rjeAv1m1yv6nMJ98l_fCxN7QwMq7ote6gdFk-8iK07HVzbPdEEKJS1BryvPLf3uKmmvBLQURtA/s320/Image.asp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373381984279138770" border="0" /></a><i>by Laura Frantz</i><br /><br />Blond and young, energetic and bold, Lael Click is a girl growing up fast in Kentucke, the territory destined to become the state of Kentucky. What is the destiny of the daughter of Ezekial Click? Will she remain barefooted and free living outside the fort named for her father? Will she become the young wife of her best friend's brother, Simon--an albeit charming boy, but harboring some troubling qualities? Will Lael turn to teaching inside the walls of the fort, feeling the walls containing her? Limiting her freedom?<br /><br />This beautiful story set in the late 1700s is more than just a piece of historical fiction, it is an intensely personal glimpse at frontier life, the beauty and the raw realities of limited water, limited food, challenging weather and always close by, Indians.<br /><br />Laura Frantz offers characters with many faceted personalities, many secrets shut away that come back to haunt, not only the secret bearer, but their children. The gritty everyday work of just surviving speaks from every page, but Frantz writes in such a way that the reader can catch a glimpse of the call that challenged so many to leave civilized life and endure many trials in the quest for "a new life."<br /><br />The Frontiersman's Daughter was hard to put down. I must admit to a couple of nights lost sleep because I just wanted to finish "one more chapter." There was a little housework undone also. It was the perfect summer read for out on the patio.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><b>Love, Loss and Forgiveness on the Kentucky Frontier</b><br /><br />Stunning debut novel will delight historical fiction fans of Lynn Austin<br />in this story of romance and adventure during one of America’s most exciting eras<br /><br />In The Frontiersman’s Daughter, debut novelist Laura Frantz plants readers into the demanding realities of frontier life during the time in American history when Daniel Boone was settling Kentucky. This story has personal significance to Frantz, because her ancestors were among those settlers who journeyed with Boone—and many remain in those original areas of Kentucky.<br /><br />Drawing from cherished family lore as well as in-depth research in her writing, Frantz is able to paint a story with a distinct, captivating authenticity.<br /><br />Frantz introduces readers to Lael Click, who is lovely but tough as nails and coming of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement that her father—a celebrated frontiersman—founded. Life as a pioneer isn’t easy, and it’s more than just the hardships of living in the wilderness that Lael must contend with: The arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself—as well as the power of grace and redemption.<br /><br />In the midst of this, Lael must also face the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, the affection of a Shawnee warrior and the secret sins of her family’s past. Rather than give up, this strong woman draws strength from the rugged land she calls home. This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman.<br /><br /><br /><i>Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County where her family still resides. Frantz is a former schoolteacher and social worker who currently lives in Port Angeles, Washington, with her husband and two sons, whom she homeschools.</i></span>Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-23475673604504844672009-08-24T22:00:00.002-05:002009-08-24T22:00:00.556-05:00A Different Kind of Wild--Blog Book Tour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSd2l2svwvbnLoflq-hnWC0Ir2IjApsEGzeRXy2JROUpSuKENjWGs3UfCJTGXbXTSAXRLvd0w5kFo1lbSJ5T0oiBcWVLyi5iobAnXtlxC_x1pU6HTVQFuK8Q0sXwsHI2_0xkjmJ3JgQE/s1600-h/51YXGjJAIsL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSd2l2svwvbnLoflq-hnWC0Ir2IjApsEGzeRXy2JROUpSuKENjWGs3UfCJTGXbXTSAXRLvd0w5kFo1lbSJ5T0oiBcWVLyi5iobAnXtlxC_x1pU6HTVQFuK8Q0sXwsHI2_0xkjmJ3JgQE/s320/51YXGjJAIsL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371134336751867634" border="0" /></a>God's timing is perfect and this book--<u>A Different Kind of Wild: Is Your Faith Too Tame?</u> by Debbie Alsdorf was just what I needed to read right now. You know those little sticky tabs you can use to highlight a good part in a book? My copy of this is covered in stickies!<br /><br />Debbie Alsdorf is not afraid to show the gritty realities of humanity and share the struggles to walk away from a listless life to a life that is untamed and, yes, wild for GOD.<br /><br /><i>"Many of us have learned to live like we are dead. Here's a news flash: dead girls aren't wild; they're lifeless, useless, and buried in self. But women who are alive in Christ and actively living up in the truth of GOD's Word are passionate, free, unconventional, and courageous." <span style="font-size:78%;">p. 23</span>. </i><br /><br />WOW. What do you say to that? How do you respond? The gauntlet was thrown just daring me to stay rooted in a stale state of selfishness.<br /><br />Ms. Alsdorf address wild living in the forms of not conforming to culture, not waiting to be perfect, forgiveness, refusing to worry, making the decision to love and so many other areas.<br /><br />No sweet sounding, but unattainable dreams in this book; Alsdorf offers real choices we all can make, if only we are brave enough to be seen as different. As WILD.<br /><br />This would be a fabulous book for anyone as a personal devotional, but I am sure it would be a wonderful study for a women's group, offering a chance to grow together and upwards in relationship with GOD.<br /><br /><u>A Different Kind of Wild: Is Your Faith Too Tame</u> by Debbie Alsdorf from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is available now for purchase in stores and online. Many thanks to Baker Publishing for allowing me to review this blessing of a book.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the publisher:</span><br />Time to Leave Tame Faith Behind<br /><br />Get ready to experience the adventurous spiritual life God has for you<br /><br />When Debbie Alsdorf speaks to Christian women, she has a message for them: “Go wild.” And she means it—but she’s talking about a different kind of wild living than the image we’re most familiar with.<br /><br />“This new wild is about taking our lives back,” she says. “It’s about becoming women who dare to live differently—wild in surrender, wild in devotion, wild in service, and wild in following what God calls us to.”<br /><br />She encourages women to embrace the adventure God has for them, and watch their faith flourish like never before. She looks at how women can be risk-takers for Christ, stand firm in crises, confront fear with truth, dare to live by a different standard and find courage to follow a new life path.<br /><br />Alsdorf explains this call to becoming wild: “’Wild’ stands for ‘women in lifelong development.’” While this might sound intimidating and out-of-reach to some women, she points out that it is a process. “The key is understanding that it’s a lifelong development. There are no overnight spiritual success stories. We are on a journey with God: Each day the pages of life are turned, and line by line our story unfolds. It is a process.”<br /><br />With passion and deep, Scriptural insights, Alsdorf—an exciting conference speaker, women’s ministry leader and Bible teacher—helps women live transformed lives with untamed faith and courageous obedience to God’s leading. Reflection questions are included, making this book an ideal resource for personal study or small-group use.<br /><br />Debbie Alsdorf is the author of Deeper. As the founder of Design4Living Ministries, she seeks to encourage women to Live Up! in the truth of God’s Word. Since 1997, she has been the director of women’s ministries at Cornerstone Fellowship, where she and her team lead a vibrant women’s ministry. Debbie is a biblical lay counselor and a member of the Association of Christian Counselors. She lives in Northern California.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Wow! This book is a must read for everyone who desires to live life wildly different. Instead of being led by our emotions and ever changing circumstances, Debbie shows how to live a life of confident faith in God’s truth. Her honest reflections, practical advice, and God inspired insights show us a radically different way to live. I’m encouraging every woman at our church to get a copy."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">— Rachel Johnston, pastor of women's ministry, Bayside Church, Granite Bay,California</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"A Different Kind of Wild is Debbie Alsdorf's best work yet … and it's no doubt the result of its message being lived and proved out in her own life. Now that's the kind of book I want to read; as well as the only kind of book I'll recommend." </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">— Julie Barnhill, author of One Tough Mother</span></span>Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-50705618801422099102009-08-24T00:04:00.005-05:002009-08-24T00:23:14.255-05:00Hello Cupcake!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hello-Cupcake-Irresistibly-Playful-Creations/dp/0618829253"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiMQyBxhYhsw5SV15l7iY-pusOOTaM3M701E13iTAr6aeFgchlC-Bu1uKva-cZ_LMKR_JKSTfjGGo1QSFBORcfctnruLw_-MKJvXBfUqx3hdTeMtDfYAFYE_EOdPw2nP3dIHtjhunJ6No/s320/tack_cupcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373392708929858610" border="0" /></a><i>by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson</i><br /><br />Looking for a fun way to dress up cupcakes? Look no further than this sweet book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hello-Cupcake-Irresistibly-Playful-Creations/dp/0618829253"><u>Hello Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make</u></a> An unbelievable number of fantastic ideas that will make you the hero when you deliver the goodies.<br /><br />Part of this book's appeal is the lack of special cake decorating tools that are needed. Plastic sandwich bags, tubs of premade frosting and a couple boxes of cake mix and the ability to read and follow directions are all that is required.<br /><br />What fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhienoN9iwd2uBR8WkUyRv8FUIswrcOkpH_VzWVmlN7HBKhGMUbXeXefTCrNyIbM9S9X9lvSlcMEPz0r5FL6TqdjwP7LGdhmsOeqo1PTCp4ugMeIrjJ4HqFLGoau8kEeRFZ0PXBiLMgExJP/s1600-h/Connor+bdayetc+112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhienoN9iwd2uBR8WkUyRv8FUIswrcOkpH_VzWVmlN7HBKhGMUbXeXefTCrNyIbM9S9X9lvSlcMEPz0r5FL6TqdjwP7LGdhmsOeqo1PTCp4ugMeIrjJ4HqFLGoau8kEeRFZ0PXBiLMgExJP/s200/Connor+bdayetc+112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373396071231029874" border="0" /></a>I have to admit I bought the book solely for the Pup Cakes to delight my sometimes hard to impress newly nine year old. <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/2009/08/pup-cakes.html">More results</a> can be seen at my <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/">Joyful Days blog</a>. But there are so many great ideas in this book, we will be using it again and again.<br /><br />For the cupcake enthusiasts, there is <a href="http://www.hellocupcakebook.com/">a website </a>and <a href="http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/">a blog</a> to further the cupcake cuteness.<br /><br />Too sweet! Literally!Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-72206612695378300372009-08-23T23:00:00.000-05:002009-08-23T23:04:47.886-05:00Blog Book Tour--The Knight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfVDC1oHtL_JugRfBiCo5t0pgfuHVzMMWoVwUn7BrrGBDebS6jpKDGwMK4107SXsOQhxxPL4CLwoBw-Qs5sMVEYQNpyjbY7eG3u-LjYPHo-x69lmgaYD28qMc0oMK8T1Jx44d8JehtwU/s1600-h/the-knight.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfVDC1oHtL_JugRfBiCo5t0pgfuHVzMMWoVwUn7BrrGBDebS6jpKDGwMK4107SXsOQhxxPL4CLwoBw-Qs5sMVEYQNpyjbY7eG3u-LjYPHo-x69lmgaYD28qMc0oMK8T1Jx44d8JehtwU/s320/the-knight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370685732046234466" border="0" /></a>Doctor Patrick Bowers, FBI agent and geoprofiler is facing off with yet another serial killer. This killer is unlike any other he's seen before. One of the victims? A murderer on the FBI's Most Wanted List, a man stalking Agent Bowers and his stepdaughter Tessa. Why? Has a serial killer saved Patrick Bowers?<br /><br />The victims are killed in pairs. The death scenes are nearly works of art--almost poetic...almost? What or who has inspired these brutal homicides? <i>How many more</i> people are on the grizzly list? Just as important might be <b>who</b> else is on the list?<br /><br />And this latest killer is not Bowers' only concern. A convicted cannibal Bowers helped put away thirteen years ago is being considered for release. How much of the truth will Patrick be willing to share in the name of justice. Agent Bowers wrestles with himself to see where the line is between himself and the criminals he tracks down.<br /><br />Author Steven James weaves the twisted and sinister tale magnificently. This master storyteller's web is deathly and disturbing. It is hard to comprehend how he can look repeatedly into the minds of ruthless killers and share their manipulative methods.<br /><br />As in <a href="http://joyfulreviewsnrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/10/pawn.html">The Pawn</a> and <a href="http://ourjoyfuldays.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-book-tour-rook.html">The Rook</a>, Mr. James style is rapid fire and unrelenting, leading the reader on a frantic chase with Bowers where time has already run out for so many victims. How many more people will succumb to the terror of this madman?<br /><br />Mr. James subtly injects a strong Christian message into his writing. I was deeply touched by the pro-life theme he included in this novel. But a serious note of caution: <u>The Knight</u> is graphic and not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to lose a little sleep if reading into the wee hours.<br /><br />The Knight is available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Many thanks to Baker Publishing for providing this chilling read.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >From the publisher, reviews for The Knight and Steven James:</span><br /></span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;">Killer is on the Loose with an Ancient Manuscript as His Guide</b><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">New thriller from critically acclaimed novelist takes readers on a shocking rollercoaster ride to stop this violent killer before it’s too late.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Steven James is one of the nation’s most innovative storytellers—with a Master of Arts in Storytelling degree to prove it. For the past decade, he has been crafting compelling and evocative stories that pull readers into the thick of his brilliant, mind-bending plots, and his latest creative endeavor is no different: The Knight, the third installment in his bestselling series of thrillers, is full of the chilling twists and adrenaline-laced action that readers have come to expect from James.<br /><br />The Knight picks up in The Bowers Files series, starring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, who is assigned to tracking the country’s most dangerous killers. But when he is called to his most disturbing crime scene yet, Bowers begins to realize that this criminal mastermind has actually been tracking him.<br /><br />To get to the bottom of this cold-blooded case, Bowers uses his cutting-edge investigative techniques to decipher the evidence and Your browser may not support display of this image. discovers that the murderer has been using an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes. This sends Bowers on a race against time to stop the killer before he takes his next victim in another grisly crime.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">But even as he is working to crack the clues of this bloody trail, Bowers finds himself stumped by another matter: An old murder case haunts him, causing him to question himself and wonder which is more important—truth or justice. The answer might set a killer free or change Bowers into a criminal himself.<br /><br />Keeping readers guessing until the very end, James has earned rave reviews from the likes of Publishers Weekly, which called his thrillers “a wild ride with a shocking conclusion.” The Knight offers readers more of the same, as the satisfying follow-up to his previous bestselling psychological thrillers in The Bowers Files series, The Pawn and The Rook.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Praise from real-life investigators</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">"Steven James's ability to use modern, up-to-date investigative</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">techniques to solve his criminal mysteries places him</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">at the forefront of current mystery writers."</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">— E. Cleon Glaze, retired FBI agent, Alaska</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"Steven James combines 21st-century high-tech law enforcement</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">techniques with 18th-century Sherlockian deduction</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">to craft an exciting, suspense-filled story."</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">— Dr. Kim Rossmo,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, Texas State University<br /><br /></span></span></span>The Knight is available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Many thanks to Baker Publishing for providing this chilling read.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-16543486425743038582009-08-17T17:12:00.006-05:002009-08-17T21:27:00.716-05:00Romancing Hollywood Noboday--Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Romancing-Hollywood-Nobody-Book/dp/1600062210"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bB8QvkYmiMpmBmz59Z5wWFOn16JTJlAOiY_G29z6y36T3NSSkEYZBgI-yPgxP-L5FamHHAUNyHZ3FXT2sUYAh8DzWOPKbETt1sWXa-7eAhMs5Y6MntZ5Nc82WmDp67skF2rVQQwpyQOd/s320/9781600062216lrg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371119923340439394" border="0" /></a>I finally caught up with the Hollywood Nobody, aka Scotty Dawn, a little later than I would have liked. But I was glad I did. Scotty is back in Lisa Samson's third book of the series. She is on the road with her grandmother and, hallelujah!--with her father and they are on the set of another movie where Scotty is growing in her faith and as a young woman.<br /><br />Just like the previous Hollywood Nobody books, Samson's uses a fresh and open approach having her characters deal with relevant teen issues such as dealing with family, serious illness, dating, alcohol, celebrity idols, making a difference in the world around oneself and most importantly growing in a relationship with the L<span style="font-size:78%;">ORD</span>.<br /><br />Familiar faces such as Seth Haas, Scotty's celebrity crush that she's actually friends with, Seth's parents, and Jeremy the indie film director, make appearances. New characters have a Scottish appeal. Will Scotty forget about Seth for a bagpiper who looks good in a kilt?<br /><br />The first three Hollywood Nobody books are fun fast reads. I highly recommend them for the fourteen and older set and any moms out there that want an enjoyable positive treat. I'll be off to get Nobody book #4--<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" com="" samson="" dp="" 1600062229="" ref="pd_bxgy_b_img_b"">Goodbye, Hollywood Nobody</a> already out.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-74487051382303878222009-08-16T21:18:00.005-05:002009-08-16T21:52:47.712-05:00Vacationing on Blossom Street<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQBQXOUVhLTyBNg3hOh-cFF3IKVIh1L7UIgi3L13jN_CVam99HBU5-c6j26O6ndNY-TASDtLWY4fhKx6wt-i7soQ69khc9gRQReaXfqsnMsXofu_jgw40boRitsxAPBOtmMq1ZHX9tfFQ/s1600-h/summer_on_blossom_street.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQBQXOUVhLTyBNg3hOh-cFF3IKVIh1L7UIgi3L13jN_CVam99HBU5-c6j26O6ndNY-TASDtLWY4fhKx6wt-i7soQ69khc9gRQReaXfqsnMsXofu_jgw40boRitsxAPBOtmMq1ZHX9tfFQ/s320/summer_on_blossom_street.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370754524527141122" border="0" /></a>A while back I won <a href="http://rmboys2.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/book-give-away-3/">Debbie Macomber's Summer on Blossom Street</a> at my sweet friend Renee's blog. (Renee is now posting mainly at her new blog--<a href="http://renee1-blog.blogspot.com/">A Path of Joy</a>, you should visit her!) I've been wanting to read Debbie Macomber's stories since I heard about her and this seemed like a great introduction.<br /><br />But in true Julie fashion, after realizing <u>Summer on Blossom Street</u> wasn't the first of the Blossom Street books, I had to see if I could find the start of the story. And I did!! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shop-Blossom-Street-No/dp/0778320448"><u>The Shop on Blossom Street</u></a> was available at my library branch and I grabbed that and put the other stories on hold. Somehow I didn't realize that they arrived out of order and after flying through the first (in a day and a half) I jumped into <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Back-Blossom-Street-No/dp/0778325350/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1250476342&sr=8-1"><u>Back on Blossom Street</u></a>, which is the third book. And in a couple more days I had finished <u>Summer on Blossom Street</u>.<br /><br />Five days on Blossom Street (amidst travel and restarting school for the boys and just general life) was awesome!! As a relatively new and very obsessed knitter, I was charmed by Lydia Hoffman's store. I love that Debbie includes a knitting project in each of her books. I think I need to start listening to audiobooks, though, because the only problem I've found with knitting, besides storing my yarn stash, is that you cannot knit and read at the same time!!<br /><br />Debbie Macomber's characters are varied and vulnerable, each in their own unique way. The common thread that connects them all is Lydia Hoffman--a young, two time cancer survivor, who recently lost her father. Lydia is stepping out in faith, believing that she will meet life head on and enjoy it the way her father would have approved of.<br /><br />In The Shop on Blossom Street we meet Lydia's sister, Margaret in the first book, we also meet Alix Townsend, a tough young woman with community service hours to fill, Carol Girard who prays for a child, and wealthy Jacqueline Donovan who proves money doesn't buy happiness. These original characters remain friends with Lydia, some of them taking background roles, some remaining in the forefront of subsequent books. And in the following books of the series we continue to meet new knitters, all with stories that lead them to A Good Yarn, Lydia's shop.<br /><br />No one is perfect at A Good Yarn, and they certainly have mixed and sometimes questionable backgrounds, and yet they all charm their way into my heart. God's redeeming love is evident on Blossom Street and that is why I will be returning to visit there often.<br /><br />Thanks, Renee for getting me started on Blossom Street and Debbie Macomber. I can't wait to go back!Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-37688751210075880432009-06-29T00:05:00.000-05:002009-06-29T00:05:02.128-05:00Book Review--Mom Needs Chocolate by Debora Coty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TgK0ZBdz0NyYklWKDdvXOO69K9Td1kfRrj2ssn7f1uY7uTM1w4RnELa4ESROw8obdGy1RiswvVgg0LZyPH9kfAZonbg9SOgmskvnSGAI8YEzmiiTjTGfuqsNO-A4fKK73SwHdCstGYE/s1600-h/mom_needs_chocolate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TgK0ZBdz0NyYklWKDdvXOO69K9Td1kfRrj2ssn7f1uY7uTM1w4RnELa4ESROw8obdGy1RiswvVgg0LZyPH9kfAZonbg9SOgmskvnSGAI8YEzmiiTjTGfuqsNO-A4fKK73SwHdCstGYE/s200/mom_needs_chocolate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352569533340540322" border="0" /></a>When Glass Road Public Relations offered me a chance to read <a href="http://www.deboracoty.com/">Debora Coty</a>'s new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mom-Needs-Chocolate-Surviving-Motherhood/dp/0830745920"><u>Mom Needs Chocolate</u></a>, I thought, "That's the book for me!"<br /><br />Did the title catch my attention? You bet!<br /><br />Did the pages of the book live up to that title? Most certainly and then some!<br /><br />Debora Coty writes the conversations you can only have with a friend, and not just any friend. These are the conversations between moms who have <span style="font-style: italic;">"been there, done that and gotten the t-shirts."</span><br /><br />Part tea and sympathy (and a lot of laughs), part devotional-to-go, this small book has been my companion in waiting rooms and cars lately. To be quite honest, I'm not finished with it--I'm savoring it.<br /><br />This would be a great read for a mom's group. The chapters are short, sweet, sometimes sassy and the three questions at the end are thought provoking and would make for great conversation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWytdtueYyPoCbmXtFGdqeA1kTaka8J1MDtwOx50AE96_6LvS3trIoAAJXljH6KKFxKiZQ1nqjgvaXbiWDFLjTB6UBJha3kXiJAdo2R-yc4Th5qb2N57AJUnqNlwfe9vher_svr39sRcc/s1600-h/dcoty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 117px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWytdtueYyPoCbmXtFGdqeA1kTaka8J1MDtwOx50AE96_6LvS3trIoAAJXljH6KKFxKiZQ1nqjgvaXbiWDFLjTB6UBJha3kXiJAdo2R-yc4Th5qb2N57AJUnqNlwfe9vher_svr39sRcc/s200/dcoty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352569062562406578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the publisher:</span><i><br /><br />What’s a Rundown, Run-Ragged Mom to Do?!<br /><br />Your spirit yearns to soar, but your feet—and faith—are stuck in the diaper-by-diaper mud of everyday responsibilities. How can you de-muck when you’re chronically exhausted and relentlessly robbed of abundant life by the joy-sucking dully-funks? Mom Needs Chocolate will help you get back in touch with rejuvenating joy and empowering faith!<br /><br />In mom-to-mom, smile-provoking style, humorist Debora M. Coty paints her offbeat picture of reality with a tangy twist, and offers outrageous coping tips, off-the-wall insights, sisterly hugs and warm encouragement.<br /><br />With witty frankness and wild abandon, she tackles the highs and lows (and mediums) of marriage, the horror of embarrassing children, the defeat and (and re-defeat) of depression, aging grossfully (er, gracefully), and a veritable grocery list of other mud-between-your-toes issues.<br /><br />You will glimpse the all-too-familiar in these hilarious and heartwarming stories, and remember how to hear God's still, small voice above blathering kids, howling pets and snarling traffic!</i><br /><br />I can definitely recommend sneaking five minutes a day to enjoy this book--with chocolate, of course! You deserve the treat.Joyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-75311184677429796042009-04-23T00:15:00.009-05:002009-04-24T12:33:58.311-05:00Thoughts on Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJqc2K6CCKpYH_E8fKe4uw7884JuLmvBm-i3iOZEflP9ZRwbZp-vRPV8Kke7LE0gggmAsHRqhSh73PKfLwgH1HWGgEEMOmxLYKO9WSlqVvs4e21kB15mwR90V7AVQAvQttYhnMok9Fwvg/s1600-h/00222.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJqc2K6CCKpYH_E8fKe4uw7884JuLmvBm-i3iOZEflP9ZRwbZp-vRPV8Kke7LE0gggmAsHRqhSh73PKfLwgH1HWGgEEMOmxLYKO9WSlqVvs4e21kB15mwR90V7AVQAvQttYhnMok9Fwvg/s320/00222.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328273398143314146" border="0" /></a>So it's Thought's on Friday...but who's counting. Dollar short & a day late, isn't that how the saying goes?<br /><br /><b>Beauty and Loveliness</b><br /><br /><a href="http://salesianity.blogspot.com/2009/03/sister-prema-whose-name-means-love-is.html">Mother Teresa's successor</a> via Da Mihi Animas. She has some shoes to fill.<br /><br />Just to make you smile...at Sassy & Sweet Notes<a href="http://sweetmissdaisy.typepad.com/sassy_sweet_notes/2009/04/a-bouncing-baby-boy.html">a baby</a>...go take a peek, I'll wait.<br /><br />I didn't say what kind of baby!<br /><br /><br /><b>Recipes</b><br /><br /><a href="http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/2009/03/daring-bakers-challenge-lasagna-of.html">Lasagne of Emilia-Romagna</a> at Arabian Knits. This looks so yummy!<br /><a href="http://rmboys.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/alfredo-chicken-pizza/"><br />Alfredo Chicken Pizza</a> from Renee's Kitchen Comforts. I don't want to share this.<br /><a href="http://thehappybellybakery.blogspot.com/2008/10/ginger-grapefruit-bread.html"><br />Ginger Grapefruit Bread</a> at The Happy Belly Bakery. A new-to-me blog I found.<br /><br /><br /><b>Arts and Crafts</b><br /><br /><a href="http://hazel-butisitart.blogspot.com/2009/03/lots-to-do-challenge-wire-wrapped-heart.html">Gorgeous Heart Pendant</a> at But Is It Art?<br /><br />Check out this <a href="http://family-centered.com/needleworks/amish-dalia-square/">Amish Dalia Square</a> at On Pins and Needles.<br /><br /><a href="http://outtoimpress.blogspot.com/2009/03/chick-it-out.html">Spring box directions</a> at Out to Impress--it is for Easter, but could be modified the year through.<br /><br /><br /><b>Parenting and Homeschooling</b><br /><br /><a href="http://godsgraceinpractice.blogspot.com/2009/04/talking-to-your-child-about.html">Talking to your child about disabilities</a><br /><a href="http://www.prolifeblogs.com/articles/archives/2009/04/gardasil_moms_i.php"><br />Is Gardasil worth it?</a> via ProLifeBlogs.com.<br /><br /><br /><b>Politics</b><br /><a href="http://the-american-catholic.com/2009/04/22/debt-sun/"><br />A nice visual to demonstrate the size of the debt</a>--The American Catholic<br /><br /><a href="http://www.stoptheaclu.com/archives/2009/04/20/cheney-to-obama-release-all-the-memos/">Why weren't all the memos released?? </a>at Stop the ACLU<br /><br /><a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2009/04/is-quoting-scripture-hate-crime.html">Is Quoting Scripture a Hate Crime</a> by Jean at Catholic Fire<br /><br /><br /><b>Religion</b><br /><br /><a href="http://quitethenormallife.blogspot.com/2009/04/really.html">The Sacrament of Marriage</a> at Quite the Normal Life<br /><br /><a href="http://crossed-the-tiber.blogspot.com/2009/04/sacraments-we-dont-need-these-stinkin.html">Do we need Sacraments? </a>at Crossed the Tiber<br /><br />Bishop Finn says, <a href="http://catholickey.blogspot.com/2009/04/we-are-at-war-bishop-finns-gospel-of.html">"We are at war..."</a> I'm so glad he is our Bishop!<br /><br />I'd be happy to include a link if you want me to & it is family friendly.<br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><br />JulieJoyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761556459353794340.post-84446623360505509682009-04-16T00:59:00.007-05:002009-04-24T12:18:29.390-05:00Thoughts for Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFMVLIL4ZHCmPa-Tq3y5PbqT6mmlif11nsXsqHJ0gKNA0SqE83xwVQoycSfY-1faHJkjmKNJNYunYojs6gUEL36V3t27tRvZO53z8bKgRoNsfB8IQqfXPRtwxGmV8nZxu2QS2U6JrhMbV/s1600-h/java_2.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFMVLIL4ZHCmPa-Tq3y5PbqT6mmlif11nsXsqHJ0gKNA0SqE83xwVQoycSfY-1faHJkjmKNJNYunYojs6gUEL36V3t27tRvZO53z8bKgRoNsfB8IQqfXPRtwxGmV8nZxu2QS2U6JrhMbV/s320/java_2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324951433904988946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Beauty & Loveliness</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2009/04/how-to-display-kids-artwork-and-why.html">How to Display Kids' Artwork... and Why We're Wired to Create</a>from Holy Experience by Ann Voskamp<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY&feature=related">Susan Boyle</a> just gets more lovely <a href="http://theanchoressonline.com/2009/04/13/more-on-susan-boyle/">the more I learn about her</a>. Via The Anchoress<br /><br /><a href="http://primrosehillstudio.blogspot.com/2009/04/quilt-barns-part-1.html">Quilt Barns, Part 1 </a>at Prim Rose Hill Studio<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Recipes</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cs.cmu.edu/%7Emjw/recipes/meat/lamb/mp-leg-lamb-coll.html#3">Lamb Recipes</a> h/t <a href="http://macbethsopinion.blogspot.com/2009/04/amazing-lamb-recipes.html">MacBeth's Opinion</a><br /><br /><a href="http://justgivemestamps.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/04/a-couple-of-recipes.html">Pumpkin & Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> from Just Give Me Stamps<br /><a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2009/04/simple-lamb-cake-for-easter.html"><br />Lamb Shaped Cake</a> from Catholic Cuisine<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Arts & Crafts</b></span><br /><br />Easter eggs at <a href="http://tiredtwang.blogspot.com/2009/04/eggs-naturally.html">Waltzing Matilda</a> and <a href="http://fourfiftythree.blogspot.com/2009/04/dyed-brown-eggs.html">(4:53 am)</a><br /><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/04/make-sofa-table-for-under-20-for-real.html">Make a sofa table for under $20</a> from Thrifty Decor Chick<br /><br /><a href="http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2009/04/introducing-tea-for-two.html">Tea for Two</a> by Capture the Moment<br /><br /><a href="http://happyheartsathome.blogspot.com/2009/04/green-weaving-make-your-own-loom.html">Make Your Own Loom</a> at Happy Hearts At Home<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Parenting & Homeschooling</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=94543">Homeschoolers' greatest fear</a> from Patricia Lewis at WorldNet Daily<br /><br /><a href="http://fallingonhisgrace.blogspot.com/2009/03/are-we-too-busy.html">Are We too Busy?</a> by Falling on His Grace<br /><a href="http://mommylife.net/archives/2009/04/for_mothers_who.html"><br />For mothers who need a fresh start - Resurrection hope</a> from Barbara at Mommy Life<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Politics</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://michellemalkin.com/2009/04/15/you-might-be-a-radicalized-rightwing-extremist-if/">Are You</a> a <a href="http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=94799">Terrorist</a>?<br /><br /><a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2009/04/stop-spending-our-future.html">Stop Spending Our Future</a> from Catholic Fire<br /><br />Have you read the <a href="http://baracksteleprompter.blogspot.com/">Teleprompter's Blog/TOTUS</a>?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Religion</b></span><br /><br /><a href="http://revertconvert.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-cross-installed-at-holy-family.html">New Cross installed at Holy Family Shrine</a> from RECONnecting to the Truth<br /><br /><a href="http://scatteringflowers.com/2009/04/14/to-bead-or-not-to-bead-that-is-the-question/">To Bead or Not To Bead, That Is the Question</a> from Scattering the Flowers<br /><br /><a href="http://mikesamerica.blogspot.com/2009/04/todd-palin-esquire.html">Esquire's Man of the Year </a>from Mike's AmericaJoyful Dayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605433538598120854noreply@blogger.com0