Book Review and Giveaway: Once Upon a Prince

Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.

One "royal" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

About Once Upon A Prince:

The Royal Wedding Series Book One

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation.

It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kFb0Y

Watch the Trailer:

Once Upon a Prince, Book Trailer - Rachel Hauck

Meet Rachel:

Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner "Sweet Caroline", and RITA Finalist "Love Starts With Elle", and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, "The Songbird Novels". She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets. Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor.

Find out more about Rachel at: http://RachelHauck.com

My Review: 

This book starts out with a break-up, which is not the way you expect and I liked that.  It immediately catches your attention and makes you want to keep reading.  This story is basically every little girls' dream.... meeting a prince and falling in love.  This book is filled with romance, drama and a little heartbreak.  Hauck is a great writer and the characters are so relatable and enjoyable. 

I definitely recommend this book to women who love a great modern day romance.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Pastors' Wives

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Pastors' Wives, with an iPad Mini Giveaway and connecting with readers on Facebook on May 23rd!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Pastors' Wives" Author Chat Party on May 23rd. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Lisa will also be giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Pastors' Wives and join Lisa on the evening of May 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

 

About Pastors' Wives:

What's it like when the man you married is already married to God? asks Pastors' Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen's debut novel Pastors' Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith---in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf's "First Lady," a force of nature who'll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace's son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen's reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine, Pastors' Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors' wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/klK8c

Meet Lisa:

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen was a longtime staff writer for TIME magazine. She now develops TV pilots for production companies and recently sold her first pilot for "The Ordained" to CBS. Born in Japan, Cullen lives in New Jersey with family.

Find out more about Lisa at http://lisacullen.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review:

This book weaves together three womens' lives around a church.  They each tell a different story.  They each have differences in their marriages, with children, in their personalities and in their walks with God.  We can each relate to one of them or some parts of each of them.  That makes this story so relatable.  There is drama, love, romance, Christianity and life in general.  The way we perceive women to be-having it all together, living the perfect life, etc. is not always or even usually how it is.  This book shows the other sides... the real sides to the story and examples of women who surround us.  This book would make a great "beach read" and is easily put down and picked right back up. 

I recommend this book to any women who enjoy easy reads about the ups and downs of life and the struggles we all face as women in today's world. 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. 

My Husband Doesn't Want Me To Work

I've finally come to that conclusion. 

 

He doesn't want me to work.

 

Oh, he likes to mention job opportunities to me... usually ones that I am not qualified for, but he really wants me home. 

 

I've nannied before and that seems to work out the best for me, but now being pregnant and having Kassidy also I don't seem to be a super attractive potential nanny, which I understand.

 

Anddd.... really Mike has been ok with me nannying because 1) the money is pretty good 2) the hours have worked out well 3) we were either at my house and/or their house was close-by and 4) we have been blessed with some pretty good "employers" (and then there were the craaazzy ones).

 

I just recently quit my awful job about 2 months ago and while I miss the money tremendously, I am so happy to be back home when I should be as that job was in the evenings.

 

I don't really know if Mike would completely admit that he wants me home, but I know it.

 

He likes me home during the day since we homeschool and are adding a baby to the family that will not be going to any childcare places.

He likes me home during the day also because it makes our evenings (usually) less chaotic.

 

He likes me home at night because he likes me home.  Hahaha.  He loves to watch tv together, eat together and just be together.  Plus, we have activities in the evening like sports, etc. 

 

So although we would absolutely love and really do need the income, my being home is more important. 

I've looked for jobs and been offered jobs in the past year or so and it does nothing but create fights between us.  Either it's too far, it's not enough money to be worth it, it's a "strange" job, it's hours he doesn't like, etc. etc. etc. 

 

Being home is where I feel I should be and if something comes up to make some money in a way that we both agree on that would be a huge blessing, but I really feel like being home is the biggest blessing ever.  :)

 

What about you?  Do you work outside the home?  How does your husband feel about it?

Book Review and Giveaway: The Face of the Earth

Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}

   One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

About The Face of the Earth:When Mitchell Brannon's beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill's car isn't in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours' drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. "Hey, babe, I'm just now checking out of the hotel, but I'll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you."

Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.

But at eight o'clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn't shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven't heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch's irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they've found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid's possession.

Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill's best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill's disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley's friendship grows ever closer--and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill's whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kFdwM

Meet Deb:

Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including "A Nest of Sparrows" and the RITA award winning "Beneath a Southern Sky" and its sequel, "After the Rains". Deborah's first novel, "A Vow to Cherish", was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures' highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, "Playing by Heart", was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, "Yesterday's Embers", appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas.

Find out more at DeborahRaney.com

My Review:

  I think that I read the back cover of the book wrong so all along my reading I kept expecting something, that I thought I read, to happen. Haha. It never did. I definitely think my version would have been a little more exciting, but definitely would have added some probably not normally appreciated drama. The book was very well written, but did lack a little bit of excitement. It was a great story with a great plot line. I read the book cover to cover in one night so it definitely makes for a good read. Part of that, again, might be that I kept waiting for this dramatic twist that I thought was coming! I definitely recommend this book to women who like some romance, drama and mystery.

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Book Reviews and Giveaways: Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer

Guideposts Books is celebrating the release of their new Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a fun giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Nook HD
• Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!

So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

More about the books:

The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother's dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother's passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God's hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.

Seaside Harmony:

Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!

When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom's dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.

Sunflower Summer:

Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam's discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it --- and them --- to deepen relationships and transform lives.

Meet Evangeline Kelley: Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Andrews & Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

Find out more about Evangeline at http://amzn.to/10d3FZM.

My Review:

I am not a summer girl.  I love the fall and winter.  I guess I would take a month or two of very hot weather and then fall or winter would be awesome the other 10 months of the year.  These books did make me feel more summery.  The beauty in the books was great and the relationship between the sisters was wonderful.  I definitely can relate to that part of the books since I have three sisters.  The books would be great beach reads or just great for a day at the pool with the kids.  I prefer a little more romance in the books I read, but I still enjoyed reading them. 

I recommend these books to any woman looking for a great, easy summer beachy read. 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Book Review: For Women Only

Discover the Truth He Wants You to Know

The man in your life carries important feelings so deep inside he barely knows they’re there, much less how to talk about them. Yet your man genuinely wants you to “get” him—to understand his inner life, to know his fears and needs, to hear what he wishes he could tell you.

In her landmark bestseller, For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn reveals what every woman—single or married—needs to know. Based on rigorous research with thousands of men, Shaunti delivers one eye-opening revelation after another, including:
• Why your respect means more to him than your love.
• How he feels deep inside about his role as provider.
• What it means for a man to be so visually “wired.”
• Why sex for him is primarily emotional, not physical.
• What he most wishes he could say to you.

Now, in this expanded and updated edition, you’ll find insights from the latest brain research plus an all-new chapter that shows what’s really going on when he seems to “check out.” (You’ll be surprised and pleased.)

Millions worldwide have experienced dramatic change in their relationships because of the “aha” moments and practical ideas in this little book. Discover how to love your man for who he really is.

 

 

My Review:

I had heard many things about this book and it had been recommended to me several times so I was very excited when the opportunity came to reivew it.  I love that this book is short and sweet.  It is not a huge, daunting book.  I love that there are stats and polls in the book since I love that kind of thing.  This book is well written and full of useful information.  It is nice to read why and how most men think and feel about certain things.  Of course, my husband is the exception to at least one "rule" and that makes things interesting. 

Overall, I recommend this book to all women who want to further their knowledge about the men.

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review: When God Makes Lemonade

Book Description:

Do you know someone who needs some encouragement? Perhaps that someone is you.

In When God Makes Lemonade, author Don Jacobson has collected real-life stories from around the world that show everyday folks discovering unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances. Some are funny, others are sobering, and more than a few will bring tears of amazement. But these true stories all have one thing in common: hope.

There's no question that life gives us "lemons," like issues with health, employment, and relationships. But when those lemons become lemonade, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot summer day.

It's true that in life "stuff" happens, but as you'll see in these stories, Lemonade Happens too!

 

 

 

My Review:

This book is filled with stories about how God changes the situations we sometimes find ourselves in that seem hopeless to mold and impact our lives for the better.  There are some stories about a man shooting himself and almost dying, about a handicapped baby living a short life, and about a plane crash.  Those situations sound hopeless... like we were only given lemons.  But, God can make lemonade out of anything!  He works hard to make lemonade for all of us, every single day.  So often, we do not realize the beauty that has come from our pain and we miss an opportunity to see God's amazing work.  This book helps you see the lemonade in people's lives and hopefully will help you see the delicious, amazing, wonderful lemonade God has made and will continue to make in your life!

The stories are short and sweet at only a few pages each so you can always pick up and stop quickly.  I recommend this book to everyone. 

 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review and Giveaways: Darkness Before Dawn

In his latest novel, Darkness Before Dawn (Abingdon Press), Ace Collins leads readers on an emotionally charged ride from revenge to forgiveness.

Ace is celebrating the release of Darkness Before Dawn with a Retribution v. Redemption 12-Day Giveaway!

Go {HERE} or click the button for all the details. Follow along for a new giveaway each day. (Moleskin journal, books, Starbucks gift cards and so much more!)


 About Darkness Before Dawn: Will grief push Meg over the edge?

On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards's husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He's a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life---and Meg's future---forever.

Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court's decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jZlsf

Meet Ace: Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels "Swope's Ridge" and "Words of the Father," as well as the nonfiction "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas"; and "Lassie: A Dog's Life". His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Learn more about Ace at: http://AceCollins.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review:

This story makes us all consider what we would do if we were in the main character's position.  Meg is faced with an enormous trial in life and in the beginning she doesn't really do what we are called to do as Christians, but would we be able to act any differently?  This book is a good read and is not so easy to put down.  It challenges you to think about how you would react to losing a loved one and if revenge would follow.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a great "beachy" read.  It isn't an easy book to read in that it's not all rainbows and smiles, but it is a capturing book with real issues.

 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sharing the Kicks

Our little frog, aka Rylee, aka the baby in my tummy, is quite a mover and kicker.  I am not at all surprised as Kassidy was also.

 

I pretty much have this girl's schedule down.  I'm thinking she might, unfortunately, not be the amazing morning child that Kassidy is. 

 

She might be more like me... anything but a morning person.  :/

 

We will see. 

 

I first felt Rylee move around 14 weeks.

 

At our 22 week appointment, Mike barely felt her move in my belly.

 

The past 3 weeks have consisted of me constantly grabbing Mike's hand to try and feel her, with no success and to the point of Mike thinking I was crazy for thinking he could feel her kicks.... they could only be felt from inside.

 

Untilllll.... two nights ago, at 25 weeks.  He felt her kick a couple times and tonight he felt her give a few really great ones!!

 

She is a crazy mover!!

 

One minute she is bouncing on my bladder.  The next she is kicking my ribs.  After that she kicks some right in the middle of my belly.  And of course, there are those that can be felt on complete opposite ends.  I have no idea what she is doing in there!

 

Wouldn't it be cool if we had clear bellies?  Ok, maybe only during pregnancy.  And maybe only the ability to see our growing babies.  Not everything else.  :) 

 

 

When did your husband first feel your baby?

Book Review & Video: Lead Your Family Like Jesus

More about Lead Your Family Like Jesus:

Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families

(Focus on the Family/Tyndale) - Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light-as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book's practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jizhQ

Meet the Authors:

Tricia:

 Bestselling author of more than 30 novels, nine nonfiction books, and more than three hundred articles for national publications; 2003 "Writer of the Year" at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference; popular blog writer, speaker, and radio host

Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

Ken:

Leadership expert and author of over 50 books, including the New York Times bestseller, The One-Minute Manager; cofounder of Lead Like Jesus; and coauthor of Lead Like Jesus; Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time

Learn more about Ken at www.kenblanchard.com

Phil:

A human resource and industrial relations manager in corporate America for 36 years with Xerox Corporation and U.S. Steel, co- founder of Lead Like Jesus; co-author of five books, including The Servant Leader and Leadership by the Book with Bill Hybels.

 

Learn more about Phil at www.leadlikejesus.com

My Review:

Who doesn't want to lead their family like Jesus would?  I know that we do, as parents.  I loved this book!  And look at the authors!!  They are definitely leaders and people who I can learn alot from.  Of course, there were bigger issues that the book dealt with, but I think my favorite parts were when they discussed the little issues, that turn into big issues.  I really learned alot from this book and plan to read it over several more times.  It is definitely a great book for every single parent to read, whether you are Christian or not.  Every idea is great for every parent and does not all have to be taken from a religious point of view.  Excellent book for every parent!

 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Favorite Maternity and Newborn Pics

Absolutely love these photos!

http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2013/02/21/alisias-healing-hypnobirth-natural-hospital-vbac-in-australia/

Photo by Jane Gilbey Photography

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/39406565459324371

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/226657793718001310

 

http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2013/02/21/alisias-healing-hypnobirth-natural-hospital-vbac-in-australia/

Photos by Jane Gilbey Photography

http://pinterest.com/pin/128141551869838398

This one literally brought tears to my eyes, maybe because K will be about this age when little Rylee comes.

http://pinterest.com/pin/245446248413973064

I hope that I have given credit where credit is due have completely forgotten how to do it!!  Since only a week or so ago.  Yes, that is my brain especially my pregnant brain.