PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket

Friday, November 30, 2012

Giveaway Goodies: Fall Book Exchange 2.0 - Wrap-up Post


Just wanted to add my thanks to the ladies at Ruby’s Reads Book Exchanges and Letters Inside Out for hosting a lovely little event! This was my first Fall Book Exchange (FBE) and it was a complete blast! I had some complications aka being-silly-me but solved it just the same, in time too!

My wonderful Santa was Laurie! She doesn't have a blog though. *sob* She sent me 2 GREAT BOOKS!




Thanks so much to Laurie for Iron King which I just devoured the moment it got here and Anna and the French Kiss, which Laurie recommends!


AND I played Santa to Christen from Goldilox and the Three Weres. 




 To Christen, I hope you'll enjoy reading your new books! I had fun picking them!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Bookworm: Book Blast - First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch by Samuel Ben White




First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?



Purchase



Praise:


"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."
~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."
~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."
~Scott, Saudi Arabia


Also Part of the Series:


Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?





Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told-will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.





Purchase



Author Samuel Ben White

Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.





Links








Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Sam then you can leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


Saturday, November 10, 2012

The Bookworm: The Tree With No Branches


  • Title: The Tree With No Branches
  • Author: Johnny Knew
  • Illustrations: K. Von Ward
  • Format: Hardcover 37 pages
  • Publisher: CutiePie Publishing
  • Published: 2012
  • Genre: Children's Fiction
  • ISBN 13: 978-0984173945
  • ISBN 10: 0984173943
  • Source: PDF courtesy of author



In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)
A lovely little read the kids will adore and parents can appreciate.


Summary
A simple tree is mocked and bullied by all the other trees in the forest for being different. When a storm rages through the land, the tree baring no branches anchors itself deeper into the ground. It values the importance of having strong roots, courage and inner strength to weather the most challenging of storms. 
 
My Thoughts
I really adored this book. The writing is so much fun even though some of the rhymes didn't rhyme very well. I loved the illustrations by K. Von Ward, they are so vibrant and glorious and just fill every page with joy and happiness. Even though some of the trees had scary faces, it was done just right, like Halloween costumes.

The central tree was very lovely. Short and stout. It teaches people never to judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, never to judge a tree by its appearance alone. What is inside is so much more important and this is a message children and adults can learn from and carry with them throughout their lives.

And here's my meager rhythmic offering:

Shunned by others in a forest,
Just because you're not the tallest,
You've got to think hard about what you want,
And not think about what you aren't,
If you can learn from a little tree,
How hard can it really be?


Before I end this review, I just want to share a story with you.

When I was a young one, we used to play a game with my Disney picture storybooks where we tried to spot little details. Like, "Can you spot the frog? Or the worm?" This book only took me about 5 minutes to read and parents will be happy to know that they can play that game with their children as this book has lots of little added details worth taking the time to explore!

All in all, this is a great little book for the young ones. Even though I have no children of my own yet, I loved the book and it's message. The lessons in this book are so simple the young ones can pick up on it as well and they will be happy to read this book over and over again.


Purchase the book at Amazon. ADD Amazon affiliate link.

Do stop by Johnny's website, Knewville! It's really fun.




If you'd like more information, you can drop by Johnny's website or social media pages:
Twitter: Johnny@Knewvillebooks







The Tree With No Branches is the first of 6 books by Johnny Knew. His second book, Phoebe The Swimlazy Fish will be released around Dec 2012, just in time for Christmas! His third book, The No Fuzzy Bunny will be released next spring (Mar-Apr) 2013.


Disclosure: I received a free PDF copy of the book for review. I was not financially compensated for this review. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience. 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Giveaway Goodies: World Vision Holiday Event



World Vision Holiday Event


Sponsored by World Vision and hosted by Mom Powered Media

Prizes: 2 Artisan Beaded Necklaces, 2 Eco Cold Cups, 2 Veggie Tales "Incredible Vegetables" DVD and 2 sets of plush  toys including Gertie Goat, Chuma Chick and Pallu Pig.

Most importantly, we are part of the bloggers united team at Mom Powered Media doing work for a good cause!

Event dates: 11/18 - 12/9

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED



Thursday, November 8, 2012

Giveaway Goodies: Worthy Book's Contest



Are YOU interested in winning a brand new camera? How about some GSC vouchers to watch that new movie (psst...Skyfall anyone?). Or even some yummy Chatime vouchers! What about Meal Vouchers for that dinner you've been planning?


Caught your attention yet? 


It's as easy as 1,2,3!


Worthy Books is giving you that chance. All you have to do is take a picture of your FAVE female brand outlet (products/services) and include a short reason why you picked that one and you're set to go!

OR

You can just exercise your right to vote and pick the one you like best.


Remember, contest ends 30th November 2012 so get your entries in. You won't regret it!




If you're interested in winning those lovely goodies, just click HERE to go to their Contest Page!

For more information, check out:

Their Homepage: www.worthybook.my 
Their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/worthybook

Friday, November 2, 2012

Random Thoughts: RAK October 2012 Wrap Up & November RAK Sign-Up

Book Soulmates  


October was a horrid month, with Hurricane Sandy (hope everyone there is all right!) and lots of rain and flooding even here. But apart from that, there is always time to show some kindness to others. And that's the main lesson we learn from Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)

I managed to send out one book this time. Really wet month so going to the post office was harder than I though.

Anyway, I sent out:

to Liliana @ Lili Lost in A Book from USA (her bday is in Dec!)


AND I am getting some bookish swag (very exciting) from Jana @ Infinity from the Czech Republic! How wonderful is she? She sent out some RAKs during her own bday month!



Well I am sure everyone is gearing up for the holiday and Christmas but don't forget to send a RAK! And have fun doing it!


All this is possible with the gracious help of the gals over at Book Soulmates. So please thank them for hosting this great monthly event too!




As usual here's what you need to know!

COMPLETE RAK RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully &  follow all rules!  Thank you!



  • Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
  • Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
  • Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
  • If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
  • Once you receive a RAK, send an email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that they can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
  • E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
  • At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post.  This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)
OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!



Here's my Wishlist if you'd like to share the book love with me! THANKS.


Here are a few of my top wishlist books for this month:
The Goddess Legacy
Rapture and Ceremony in Death Bundle
Crossed
JD Robb books
Breathe
*I'd love anything from my wishlist really*

Links you will need:
  • Sign up for November [HERE]
  • See who else is participating [HERE]
  • If you have any questions regarding RAK, please contact them via the following: rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Bookworm: Book Blast - Lauren by Julia Crane

Description:
A girl with a second chance. A boy with a terrible secret. When the truth is revealed, Lauren's world comes crashing down.
For once, seventeen-year old Lauren’s life is going right. She's attending college attending the college of her dreams, has what appears to be the perfect boyfriend, and is surrounded by her childhood friends.
But her boyfriend, Tristan, grows more possessive by the day, and his temper is getting harder to keep in check. When Lauren realizes Tristan is using her for her power, she has to make a choice: Tristan or her world.
*Lauren is a spin-off from Keegan's Chronicles




If you're interested to buy this great book, here are the links you need:







Author Bio:
Julia Crane is the author of the Coexist: Keegan’s Chronicles. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination. Although she’s spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.
~Julia Crane





Visit her at: