Archive for the ‘Giveways’ Category

Winner: Beccy

Book Description:

In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising “prime homesteads” in a “booming community.” Unbeknownst to them, the speculator’s true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledging community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival!

Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them. These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances–especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

Rachel’s Review:

When I first read the title I wondered how this one book could possibly tell the stories of sixteen different brides. It was really interesting the way things turned out.

Sixteen women gladly escaped their pasts to begin a new life when Hamilton Drake promised them their own homestead to farm. So when Drake turned out to be a fraud and liar, not even half of these woman were strong and brave enough to stay in the wild west and brave it on there own. These women built a farm almost from scratch and from the generous hands of their admirers. They were determined to make it no matter what and stood by each other despite their different pasts.

The ladies found love in unexpected places and made a home for themselves in the rapidly growing town of Plum Grove. A charming story of how five different woman found love again and made themselves a place to call home. I enjoyed it.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishing. Purchasing info. here.

****I have an additional copy of this book that would like a new home. Enter your name and contact info under comments if you are interested in winning. Just drop me a line that you’d like to entered into the drawing. Contest will run thru the month of June.

Winner: Kate!

 Book Description:

It Only Takes an Instant for Love to Strike

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.
 
Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.
 
Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.
 
Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.

 Rachel’s Thoughts:

It was interesting the way the Bridegrooms reminded me of me and my 3 sisters. Like Vada, Hazel, Althea and Lisette Allenhouse we all have quite different personalities and interests; which makes life interesting.

 I loved the way Vada, the oldest, watched out for her sisters and stood up for them. Vada was a mature and responsible young woman who had been a mother to her sisters since she was 8. She was always there for them. Vada stayed true to her long-time beau, Garrison, even when she was tempted by a much handsomer and stronger man.

 Hazel, the insecure one, was always sticking up for another cause and trying to find someone to marry her and give her the adventure she craved. After all the heartaches she went through, I was glad for her when she found the man of her dreams who loved her for who she was.   

 Althea hadn’t spoken since their mother walked out on them when they were little girls. She had a quite, gentle nature and took comfort in her poetry and taking care of the mysterious man who had been brought to them for doctoring.

Lisette was the wild and irresponsible one. She thought of no one but herself and was always surrounded by wannabe beaus. But she surprised me when she settled for someone who was “beneath her”…or so she thought.

All four girls’ lives were changed when the “Bridegrooms”…a baseball team…came to town. The girls had to search deep in their hearts and realize that sometimes love comes softly; it doesn’t always strike at once. It was a book that definitely got better the more I read.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Purchasing info. here!

You have a chance to win this book! Please comment for your name to make it into the hat! US and Canadian residents only…Contest will run thru the remaining month of April, and by the time I get to picking a winner, I’m sure it’ll be May!

Winner: Marlene!

Here’s a chance for you to win a bedtime story for your children!They’ll love the colorful illustrations and easy rhythm. Simply comment for a chance to win this hardcover book! US and Canadian residents only. Contest runs thru the month of April.

I’ll label this book cute. I can’t say it was great. The art was stunning and it rhymed in all the right places. But you know how much inspirational children’s stories leave you with goose bumps…? This didn’t strike me as extra-special. But I can can see how it could become a child’s favorite. Please enter for a chance to win!

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Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging  rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always  just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Author Bio:

Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Available for purchasing here!

Book Description:

Have you ever loved something so much that it became more important than anything else in your life? If so, you’ll want to read this tale about a farmer in a faraway valley. Every spring, Baldrik spent his time caring for a rosebush that was known for growing the most perfect blossoms in the whole kingdom. Then the unthinkable happens.the rosebud refuses to bloom. But as Baldrik pours all his time and energy into waking the sleeping rose, will he turn away the only person who knows the answer? With its unique surprise ending and breathtaking art, The Sleeping Rose is a timeless tale that shows the importance of being kind to others and assisting those in need.
 
My thoughts:
I’ve loved and read this book to my kids for many years now. I recently attained another, almost brand new, copy and wanted to pass it on to other teachers or parents to share with the children in their care. It’s a very sweet parable/analogy story about compassion. If you want to be entered in my February giveaway, drop me a line/comment. U.S./ Canadian residents only (Sorry, international readers, it costs too much to ship abroad)! Please include a contact name. The giveaway for this beautiful, hardcover book will run thru the month of February.

#2 The Moon and the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen

Ruthie!

#6 God Gave us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Susie!

#7 The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado

Rachel W.

#8 William Tyndale and other missionary stories (part of the popular Trailblazer series by Dave and Neta Jackson-wonderful additions for homeschool and school libraries).

Marlene!

#9 Three Heroes of Faith books (We have this series in our school library and they have been enjoyed many times).

Rachel D.!

RULES for entering:
~Must leave me a way to contact you. (example at gmail dot com)
~I have all books numbered. Tell me which numbers you’re interested in winnin
g. This can be one book or all. (example: Please enter me for #’s 1, 2, and 3).
~I would also like to know how long you’ve been reading my blog. You’re also welcome to share your thoughts on it!
~Contest eligible for U.S. and Canadian residents only.

That’s it! Easy and convenient! Giveaway will run thru the month of December so you have lots of time to enter. Please remember that books aren’t necessarily new. Also I want to mention that if any of my Hutterite friends win I’ll wait for an opportunity to send you the books. They likely won’t be coming to you in the mail.

Have a blessed Christmas seasons everyone. I’m afraid time for blogging will be limited.

What’s your first stop in any store you visit? Where do you hurry to when you take the afternoon off to browse the local thrift store? And what makes you suddenly stop at a garage sale? If you’re like me your answer is books.

I like to believe that there’s a part of us that never grows up. That deep within the heart of hearts we are still children. Isn’t it true for all of us that something indescribable happens when your child, your nieces or nephews, walks into your classroom each morning and make a bee-line for your desk to wrap their warm arms around you? They tell you smell nice, look pretty and that they love you. No money in the world will buy that, folks. And I think those of us who can identify with me wouldn’t replace it for Bill Gates purse…(great temptation though).

These were my thoughts after reading The I Believe Bunny. There was something about the magical rhythm and rhyme of the words that made me wish children were snuggled up beside me when I read it the first time. So much so, that I told my brother Thomas to read it to AJ so I could video tape it and use that for my review, but AJ didn’t cooperate for more than twenty seconds!

This impossibly cute book starts out with a Philippians 4:13, a verse that coincides with the story. Bunny is a friendly, kind rabbit who strives to make the best of any situation in life. He didn’t quite count on rescuing a small mouse from drowning though, nor does he believe he bears the strength to save him. But Bunny knows that Mouse’s life depends on him. Whispering a prayer, he gatherings his courage and in true little David style slays the fear the size of Goliath building inside his heart and helps his friend. And his prayers got answered too!

“Then he heard someone calling,
We’re coming! Hold on tight!”
And he knew in his heart,
Everything would be all right.

Bunny turns around to see his other furry friends running to his aid. Together they pull little mouse out of the stream to safely. Bunny learns that no matter you size you can make a difference…

Coveted for any child’s book collection this first volume in a series called I Believe Bunny by Tish Gabe is a delightful, charming story not just for kids, but for those of us to are still children at heart!

If you want this sweet story for your family/school library please leave a comment telling me your favorite childhood book. The one mom or dad had to read over and over to you till you could recite it by heart. Or if your memory doesn’t reach back that far, what book are you now reading over and over to your child/students? Remember that when you comment you must leave me an email address to contact you. Canadian entries are welcome as well! Contest runs thru the 15th of Aug.

I have the names drawn for the books I wanted to giveaway. I wish I could give you all a book but it doesn’t work that way!! I’m sure I’ll have more in the future so don’t be disappointed.

Lady of the Milkweed Manor goes to RAQUEL (Seattle, or Africa, Rachel)!!

The Heavenly Man goes to the one and only Janice on the planet!!

Remembered will go to Laura (you’ll love it)!

When the Soul Mends will get a new home with Christine!

I’ll try get the books to you as soon as opportunity permits. I have all your contact information on hand. For those of you who’ll be getting them in the mail, you might have to wait awhile longer, as I’m not going to be home into the New Year.

Thanks to all those who participated. I hope you had a blessed Christmas with your families and a wonderful start into the New Year.

May the LORD keep you all in His care.

I have about a half dozen books that I have doubles of and thought I would offer them to you, my faithful readers –and commenter’s!!– to win as a Christmas present to you from me!

I will post all books here and you can tell me which ones you are interested in. You may enter for a many as you like, or for just one. But to be fair, you can win only one.

Since it’s fairly easy for me to send packages to Canada without spending money, Canadian entries are welcome. Though you might have to wait a bit longer if you win.

I have a bit of a problem though. After checking with my local post office I found it costs a fortune to mail packages overseas. I really can’t justify that. That was a very big disappointment to me, cause I was planning on entering all the people who take the time to comment on my blog twice. Rachel, the Seattle Rachel and Lucy–who happens to live in Ireland. I’m still going to enter the Rachel’s’ twice but I’ll have to make it up to Lucy some other way. So folks, it pays to comment on my blog! A very heartfelt “thank you” to those who do!!

To win any of the following books, please comment telling me which books you want, leave your name and a way to contact you (ex. ldneuhof at hotmail dot com). I will draw names before the dawn of the new year, probably sometime during the Christmas holidays. You also have to tell me how you’re gonna spend your Christmas holidays. It doesn’t have to be complicated, simple will suffice. I’ll even break the ice and start!

So here goes! All books up for grabs are listed below with a brief description. Be sure to read my description first, for not all books are new.

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Tamera Alexander makes the top five list as one of my favorite authors. Her books are excellent–that’s the long and short of it. She writes very, very well. Her books spell-bound me.

Y’all know Francine Rivers so I’ll spare the exercise of my fingers on this one.

These next two books are about Christians being persecuted where the message of Jesus Christ is forbidden. Reading testimonies where people suffer for Christ really shakes up my world. The Voice of the Martyrs magazine always rocks my world out of the “comfort zone” axle.

Both of these books are keepers. I’ve found quite a few Jesus Freaks books in thrift stores.

The Heavenly Man is harder to find. China is a very dangerous place for Christians, but they aren’t hindered by what they know awaits them should they be captured…once they’ve accepted Jesus they are an unstoppable force!