Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
“The Garden” is a Christ-centered children’s cartoon series aimed at teaching your kids the Gospel in a way they can understand. It features LENNY THE LION and LUCY THE LAMB—two best friends who work inside a magical garden where ANYTHING can grow! Each story revolves around them having to accomplish their goals by learning a Bible story or an original song. “The Garden” will take your kids right along on these adventures, too!
I just watched the move trailer for The Garden streaming series. I love love this cute show for children. The characters are so very adorable! I love LENNY THE LION and LUCY THE LAMB!! We need more faith based programs for Littles ones and this will be a good fit. I am anxious for my 21 month old grandaughter to watch it. I encourage you to check watch the trailer and don’t forget to check this series out January 1, 2023 on pureflix or Yippee.
Join us for this tour from Nov 21 to Dec 16, 2022!
Book Details:
Book Title: PROGNOSIS CRITICAL by Gary Birken MD
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 258 pages
Genre: Medical Thriller
Publisher: Erupen Titles
Release date: August 2022
Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA), and ebook (GIFTED KINDLE, MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB ).
Tour dates: Nov 21 to Dec 16, 2022
Content Rating: PG. Gary Birken’s books can be read by his kids. He says it’s between a PG.
Book Description:
WHERE DEADLY SECRETS ARE THE NORM. . .
Three weeks after completing her residency in pediatric cardiology, Dr. Jacey Flanigan moves from the Pacific Northwest to Manhattan to begin her career at the prestigious Children’s Heart Hospital. But after an unpleasant encounter with an arrogant heart surgeon on her first day, Jacey begins to realize that the medical profession is not what she expected. She learns that enigmatic physician behavior and questionable cardiac surgical practices are cloaked in secrecy—and she is expected to follow suit. . . .EVEN FOR THOSE WHO’VE SWORN TO HELP. Jacey soon finds herself facing the difficult moral dilemma: turn a blind eye to malpractice and protect her fledgling career, or dig deeper into suspicious activity and face the consequences?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is a really awesome read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I always love a good medical thriller and this one did not disappoint. After her residency, Dr. Jacey Flanigan moves to Manhattan to begin her career at the Children’s Heart Hospital. But it was nothing as she expected. But what was she to do? Her choices wasn’t that good.
Oh my goodness. My head my spinning all over the place after I finished this one. There were Mysteries that just didn’t pan out. Something was wrong, but what was it? There are so many things happening. What was Dr. Jacey’s involvment. So many twists and turns that it’s difficult to keep up with what is going on. If I did have to put this book down, all I could think about was picking it back up again and finding out the next mystery.
Author Gary Birken MD’s writing is phenomenal! I like how the plot flows so well and the character development played well with everything going on in the story. I really liked the characters and I could connect with some of them, which I like. It’s not easy to find out information, such as who is doing what with all of these mysteries. But it all pans out in the end. If you enjoy medical fiction, and especially ially the thriller types, this is your book! Check it out. I can’t wait for another Gary Birken MD book to come up for review.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Dr. Gary Birken is a pediatric surgeon living in South Florida. He is the author of seven novels of medical suspense, five of which were originally published by Penguin Random House. They include: FINAL DIAGNOSIS, EMBOLUS, PLAGUE, and CODE 15. He is also the author of ERROR IN DIAGNOSIS, which was published under the name of Mason Lucas. His two passions in life are medicine and story writing. He spends whatever leisure time remains playing tennis, golf, and spending as much time as possible with his ten grandchildren. He also holds a black belt in martial arts, teaches women’s self-defense, and is a certified private pilot.
Book Details: Book Title: On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety by Kimberly Kearns Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 252 pages Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Self-Help Publisher: Glass Spider Publishing Release date: November 2022 Rating: PG-13 + M: Intended for adults only, contains information on alcoholism Book Description:Before she stopped drinking for good, Kim was lying to herself and everyone she knew about her daily habit—sneaking morning sips of vodka behind her husband’s back, emptying bottles of wine and hiding the evidence from her family, and convincing herself that nothing was wrong and everything was under control. Until she realized that it wasn’t, and that her dishonesty could cost her everything she loved. What would happen to her marriage if things continued in this way? And how could she be a mother to her young children if she remained trapped in this cycle of abuse? Deciding she had to make a change, Kim threw herself into a new life of sobriety seven months into the Covid-19 pandemic. But only after severing the chains of bondage did she realize how much work there was still to do. Opening the doors to buried memories and past traumas was only the beginning. Throughout her journey to sobriety, Kim would come to terms with the secrets and lies told by her parents and loved ones, allowing her a clarity and freedom she never before thought possible. MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK On the Edge of Shattered is Kimberly Kearns’ story of her own alcohol addiction. Kearns doesn’t sugarcoat anything, you will get the raw truth of what her life was like as an alcoholic. And it sure wasn’t the pretty picture Hollywood gives us. They make it look as though everyone is doing it, why not me. I’m thankful that Kearns was willing to put her story out there for all to see, not for people to bash her about it, but for those in the same place she was to be able to find help as well. It’s not easy to read parts of the book, but they are important so readers can see the whole picture. Thank you goes to this author. I pray that everyone seeing or reading her story will find the hope Kearns found. If this is something you need help with, please follow her advice. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. BUY THE BOOK: Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM Indiebound ~ Bookshop.org Bookbub Add to goodreads Meet the Author:Kimberly Kearns is a wife to an incredible husband and a mother to three beautiful children. She currently lives in Need-ham, Massachusetts. She continues to tell her story of sobriety and inspire others every day on her blog at kimberlykearns.com, and through her Instagram account @asoberandstrongmom. Kimberly co-hosts the podcast The Weekend Sober and is a writer for the Webby Award-winning narrative podcast F*cking Sober: The First 90 Days. Writing has always been an escape for Kimberly, even as a little girl. Being able to express herself in words and getting lost in her imagination has served as a source of comfort to her as far back as she can remember. connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads Tour Schedule: Nov 1 – Book Reviews by Linda Moore – book spotlight / giveaway Nov 1 -Books are a Blessing– book review / giveaway Nov 2 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway Nov 2 – Leanne bookstagram – book review Nov 3 – Stephanie Jane – book review / author interview / giveaway Nov 4 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway Nov 7 – Just Another Mother With Books – book review Nov 8 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight Nov 9 – Novels Alive– book review / giveaway Nov 9 – Novels Alive – book spotlight / giveaway Nov 10 – Books for Books– book spotlight Nov 10- Welcome To MLMOpinion’s Reviews – book review Nov 14 – Jazzy Book Reviews– book spotlight / guest post / giveaway Nov 15 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway Nov 16 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway Nov 17 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway Nov 18 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway Nov 18 – Faith and Books – book review / giveaway Nov 21 – Gina Rae Mitchell– book spotlight / guest post / giveaway Nov 21 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / guest post giveaway Nov 22 – Paws.Read.Repeat– book review / giveaway Nov 22 – @allbookedupwithcyn – book review Nov 23 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway Nov 25 – fundinmental– book spotlight / giveaway Nov 25 – @twilight_reader – book review / giveaway Nov 25- Women Connect Online – book spotlight / giveaway Nov 28 – Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway Nov 28 – Olio by Marilyn– book review / giveaway Nov 28 – Authors on iTours Book Reviews – book review Nov 29 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway Nov 29 – Women Connect Online – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
A historic government office and police station in Niagara Falls, Ontario is redeveloped into seven condominiums. Some new residents have ties to its cultural heritage, while others bring secrets to keep there.
Siblings Lily and Rose must cohabit for one year or lose their inheritance, despite their animosity toward each other. Gracie Sheehan is determined to make a fresh start after many unexpected events force her to question her values and life goals. Young lovers move down the hall from a self-serving customs broker who always gets whom and what he wants.
Mix these unique characters with a medley of others, add a building manager with secrets of his own, and discover how Park Street becomes a chaotic blend of love, betrayal and the need for human connection.
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EXCERPTS (Exclusive Excerpt)
September 12th
Weather forecast: unseasonably warm
Suite 1B: Marcello Portobello
“Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.”
Anonymous
Marcello’s dinner for one consisted of pasta al dente with marinara sauce that simmered all afternoon on the stove, followed by a tossed salad with a fresh herb vinaigrette. The sun faded peacefully, as did Marcello in his favourite chair, listening to an Italian symphony with a second glass of red wine in his hand and Mona Lisa on his lap. A warm breeze circulated through the open windows as he heard a fading siren responding to someone’s emergency. Michelangelo, soaking up the remaining warmth on the window ledge, popped his head up suddenly, then sat up. Mona Lisa shifted her position in Marcello’s lap. Marcello checked his feline family with heavy eyelids, murmuring comforting Italian words. A faint wail came from somewhere, possibly down the street.
He leaned back lazily in his chair. It came again, with the same level of intensity. He finished the last sip of wine, gently moved Mona Lisa to the warm spot where his bottom had been and walked to the window. The wail returned, followed by a retching sound. No one was visible on the street below. He waited, and hearing it again, linked the noise to the condo next door. It must be the old woman. She might be sick or crying. Not one to meddle in another’s business, he returned to his chair, but the next cry overshadowed any desire for sleep or privacy.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Yvonne Van Lankveld’s love of words began in childhood. As a nurse, her writing skills earned her acclaim in many clinical settings, however she never lost her desire to become an author.
The Park Street Secrets is her second novel, which she wrote during the pandemic. Her first book, The Road to Alright was originally published in 2019. She is working on her third fiction novel, Follow Polly’s Lane. Yvonne lives in Ridgeville, Ontario with her husband.
Authors: Chautona Havig, Tabitha Bouldin, Susan K. Beatty, Jennifer Sienes, Melissa Wardwell, and Stacy T. Simmons.
Genre: Christian Christmas Romance
Release date: October 18, 2022
MY RATING: Five Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In castles far and near, long ago and yesterday, find happily-ever-afters wrapped in love and tied with Christmas joy.
Escape to Greenaway (by Chautona Havig): She just wanted to escape another holly, jolly family holiday. Because snowbound in a castle B&B with one of Santa’s elves (or as good as) is so much better. With the help of the castle’s owner, Tonya plays matchmaker in a bid to get that Christmas-loving girl out of her hair.
The King’s Promise (by Tabitha Bouldin): In a world of airships and kings, a prince makes a promise that tears him away from his love. An ordinary baker’s daughter finds herself caught in the middle of a game where the winner earns the queen’s crown. They both want what they can’t have as they struggle toward a seemingly impossible happily ever after.
A Castle for Christmas (by Susan K. Beatty): Sadie Foster abhors wealth. Will Randolph, on the other hand, works for the uber-wealthy owner of an over-the-top castle on the California coast–Sadie’s father. When Christopher Foster leaves the castle to her, Sadie doesn’t want anything to do with it or his money. But what if Sadie and Will use the castle and her inheritance for the good of others—together?
An Irish Christmas Heart (by Jennifer Sienes): Will she choose love or an arranged marriage? In the midst of post-famine unrest, Eleanor Blake, daughter of an English nobleman, is thrown into a maelstrom of emotions. How will she escape the duty for which she was born and the confines of the ill-fated Menlo Castle of Galway, Ireland to find her true love?
Christmas at Curwood’s Castle (by Melissa Wardwell): A Christmas party at Curwood Castle should have been Angel Davis’ Cinderella moment. Especially when her dear friend Jimmy arrives. Instead, one obstacle after another threatens to break any chance at a happily-ever-after.
Christmas in the Cotswolds (by Stacy T. Simmons): She’s a paleontologist and ardent Jane Austen fan. He’s enmeshed in the exactitude of mathematics, can they find common ground? Do opposites attract, will the romantic castle, and dashing duke be the undoing of Victoria’s plans?
Grab a mug of something hot and delicious and curl up somewhere comfy. Your literary chariots await to take you on a journey from an early twentieth-century castle in the San Gabriel Mountains of California all the way across the pond to the beautiful Cotswolds of England. These six novellas, all set in castles real and fictional, celebrate the heart and joy of Christmas in this second volume of castle Christmas novellas.
Christmas at Curwood’s Castle (by Melissa Wardwell) Even though A Christmas party at Curwood Castle should have been Angel Davis’ Cinderella moment, it just didn’t happen.
A Castle for Christmas (by Susan K. Beatty) While Sadie Foster abhors wealth. Will Randolph works works for her wealthy father.
Christmas in the Cotswolds (by Stacy T. Simmons) Do opposites attract, will the romantic castle, and dashing duke be the undoing of Victoria’s plans?
These are the stories I read in this book so far. Each involves a castle, love and hopefully a happy ever after. I enjoyed these three stories so much and I plan to read the others during the Christmas season.
I loved these stories. Each story is different, yet they were alike. I enjoyed each journey and I loved the castles. And I was so nervous with the Happy ever afters for each of the couples. It just didn’t look like it would happen. None of them did. But they are all a sweet story that I will re-read again before Christmas because I love the sweet endings. If you are looking for a good Christmas read, this one is fabulous. With six short stories in one book, it makes it easy to read one story and stop. I love reading these kinds of books this time of year. This one is getting Five Stars from me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
About the Authors
USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education, but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing—and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies including several in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.
Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. Tabitha spent ten years working as a Medical Assistant before God opened the door which allowed her to become a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom and author.
Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband and three teen-aged children.She doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee. When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads. To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com
Who says you can’t begin a new career after middle age? Certainly not Susan K. Beatty. She is passionate about writing about finding courage through faith and grit, particularly through the trials of breast cancer and other life trials. Her daughter is a metastatic breast cancer “thriver” and has been an inspiration for her writing. Susan’s first novel, Faces of Courage, debuted May 2021, as part of the Faces of Courage series, including several novelettes. She is also the author of An Introduction to Home Education (AKA California Homeschool Manual). Susan is a professional writer/journalist and is active in the writer community. She is proof you can begin a fiction writing career at any age.
Stacy T. Simmons writes uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Thirty-four years of marital bliss is a great contributor. She is a mom of two grown children, and she and her family have a menagerie of pets she likes to call “Noah’s Ark.” You can find her working on her next manuscript with a piece of dark chocolate and a cup of coffee nearby. Connect with Stacy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and her blog, Fueled by Faith and Caffeine.
More from Tabitha
Castles near and far. Over time and across worlds both real and fictional. When it came time to write for Keeping Christmas, the world opened up to offer each of us a jewel for our stories. While I chose to base my castle off of a real castle in Romania, others chose a different route. Yet we all came together with a singular mission to write stories about Christmas and to bring the joy of Christ into each and every book. Keeping Christmas is about more than overseeing a holiday. It is looking back through the years of Christmases far and wide, from our real world through fantasy lands some of us dreamed up, and keeping the spirit of the season alive.
Come and keep Christmas with us as we journey across land and sea, through the skies on an airship, and deep into the contemporary halls and towering turrets. Here you’ll meet characters to fall in love with and read stories that span the ages, from a scribe in King Herod’s castle to a paleontologist in the Cotswolds.
Book Title: A Knock on the Door by Roberta K. Fernandez Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 392 pages Genre: Crime Fiction / Thriller Publisher: Subplot Publishing (Imprint of Amplify Publishing Group) Release date: October 2022 Content Rating: PG-13 + M. The book deals with heavy themes, murder, and violence
My Rating: Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Description: Lori Crawford’s world is turned upside down when her husband dies in a car accident. After twenty-five years of marriage, she thought she would forever live an uncomplicated, happy life with Jack. But just as Lori feels she’s coming out on the other side of her grief, Jack’s assistant at SpringWare, Rita Johnson, discovers information that convinces her that Jack was murdered.
The two women vow to bring the perpetrator to justice. But time is running out, and their names are on someone’s kill list. The truth takes them down a path they never could have suspected. They set out to bring down one of the most powerful men in the country: the director of the National Security Agency. But who will believe them? And how many more will die before they do? Now, they have to decide if they have the courage—and the ability—to finish what they started.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Lori Crawford’s life was shattered when her husband was killed in an auto accident. That is, everyone thought it was an accident, until Rita, her husbands assistant stumbled upon evidence that Jack was murdered. Then other murders happened. What was going on, and who was trying to silence people?
I enjoyed this first read for me from author Roberta K. Fernandez. There were lots of thrills and chills, and many twists and turns, which kept me turning the pages to quickly finish so I would know who this evil guy is. The character development is spot on. I like that Lori is such a strong and brave character, and was so adamant about finding her husband’s murderer. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see what these characters will get themselves into next. If you enjoy a good thriller, you will enjoy this one. A Knock on the Door by Roberta K. Fernandez is getting Five Stars from me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Book Title: A Measure of Serenity by Bryan Prosek Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 368 pages Genre: YA Science Fiction Publisher: CamCat Books Release date: November 2022 Formats Available for Review: print – softback (USA only), audiobook (Book Funnel download), and ebook (EPUB, PDF, Book Funnel download) Tour dates: Nov 21 to Dec 16, 2022 Content Rating: PG. There aren’t any graphic scenes, and no strong language.
Book Description:
A million thoughts, but only one right thing to do.
Eighteen-year-old Serenity Ashdown has a brilliant mind: she counts, calculates, and analyzes everything, all the time. Awkward. When her father suddenly disappears, Serenity follows his trail to a parallel dimension. The feds on the other side claim to want to help her go home, if she helps them reconstruct the right codes for the portal between worlds. But it’s soon clear they want something more: a gateway for invasion, because this version of Earth is dying.
When Serenity learns that her alter-ego was killed in battle, she assumes “the other Serenity’s” identity and uses her unique abilities to lead the resistance in a mortal fight against the tyrannical super-government that is poised to invade her universe. Serenity has no idea how to be someone she’s not, but she has to try—or she may not have a home to return to.
A really good YA sci-fi read, A Measure of Serenity will sure keep your attention throughout the book. Serenity is a character that’s hard not to like. A senior at Harvard at 18, her numerical genius is astounding. It was her genius ways with numbers, in every way and everything connected to her numerical genius mind is the reason she was given the opportunity to work in the same place as her dad. But being with him is not to be.
In a world simular to Serenity but yet different, I felt that the author realy does a great job creating this different world the story is about. The characters developed well and Serenity exceeds that development as she uses her brilliant mind and work with numbers to find the answers she seeks. It was fun following Serenity until the end. If you enjoy Sci fi and fantasy type books you will enjoy this one. I’m giving A Measure of Serenity by Bryan Prosek Four Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Meet the Author:
Bryan Prosek is a science fiction writer and business attorney. Along with his debut The Brighter the Stars and the forthcoming A Measure of Serenity, he has published books and articles in legal trade journals and magazines. When he isn’t writing or practicing law, you can probably find him watching science fiction movies or television shows. He loves the big screen and the small screen. There’s a good chance that he’ll be watching one of the numerous Star Trek movies or series, but he could be watching anything from Guardians of the Galaxy to The Conjuring.
Book Details:Book Title: Beyond Flight or Fight: A Compassionate Guide for Working with Fearful Dogs by Sunny Weber Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 186 pages Genre: Animals/Dogs/Training/Self-Help Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press Release date: September 2016 Content Rating: This non-fiction book is rated G.
MY RATING: Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Book Description:Is your dog afraid of noises, objects, or you? Whether you have taken a fearful dog into your home, or you work professionally to save lives, Beyond Flight or Fight is an indispensable tool. Discover how to help dogs that have been neglected, abused, or are genetically timid.Fearful, timid, and/or reactive dogs are the most commonly rejected and euthanized dog personality type. Shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries often do not have the financial resources, time, or qualified staff to help these dogs adapt to life with humans. By providing a concise, easy-to-understand guide for anyone who has chosen a fearful dog to adopt, foster, or rehabilitate for other potential owners, Beyond Flight or Fight will help many people save many innocent, confused, and overwhelmed dogs’ lives.
Unique points covered include:
How fear works: primary vs. secondary responses.
Why rescue programs may not work
Safe places, escape, and helping dogs think
Flooding, aggression, learned helplessness: what happens/fixing it
Importance of: a familiar handler, time, and leadership
Specialized training techniques
Developing dog self-confidence
How to use: voice, hands, body, correction cues, and dog psychology
Why some dogs do not respond
Maintenance, proofing, accepting optimal levels Learn to teach “special needs” pets how to fit into the human world.
Conquer brain-flooding stress hormones and help your dog move from knee-jerk, Amygdala-based fear responses to reasoned, calm, rational evaluation based in the prefrontal cortex of the dog mind. Fearful dogs can be saved and have quality lives free of anxiety.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I knew there were lots of things dog owners who have rescue dogs need to do, but when I listened to this book, I found I didn’t know much at all. In Beyond Flight or Fight: A Compassionate Guide for Working with Fearful Dogs, Sunny Weber gives dog owners a wealth of information about owning a dog. From the fears the dog faces, to gaining the trust between dog and owner. A family member of mine got a rescue dog about 8 months or so ago and there’s much of what Weber says about rescues that I can see in their little dog. Now I know a little bit better how to handle this sweet doggie. I will purchase a copy and gift it to them.
If you have a new dog or puppy, and especially if it is a rescue or it was adopted from a shelter, this book is a must read for you. In fact I think anyone adopting a dog should have this book on hand. And even if you have a puppy, there is so much in this book that can help you tremendously. It would be for your good as well as your new puppy or dog. This is one book I highly recommend.
I had the honor of listening to this book through Audible, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Richard Riema very much as her read this story. He did a nice job with the different voices as well. I look forward to listening to more books that he does the narration on. I’m giving Beyond Flight or Fight: A Compassionate Guide for Working with Fearful Dogs by Sunny Weber Five stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Book Title: City Dog Walking Safety & Etiquette by Sunny Weber Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 110 pages Genre: Animals/Dogs/Training/Self-Help Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press Release date: September 2018 Content Rating: This non-fiction book is rated G.
Book Description:
Think you need just a leash & a dog? So you think dog walking is a no-brainer, right?
Just snap on the old leash and head out the door, until. . .
• Your dog pulls you off your feet or jerks your arm out of its socket
• An off-leash dog races straight at you and your dog, in attack or play
• A speeding bicyclist barely misses hitting you
• Your dog jumps on a passer-by while you are distracted
• A panting, passing runner causes your dog to go ballistic from the aggressive, fast invasion of her space
• You encounter a coyote or snake
City Dog Walking Safety & Etiquette will cover all scenarios you and your dog can expect in urban and suburban environments. You will learn simple commands to help you understand each other, find the best fit of equipment, be aware of local hazards, and appreciate basic manners so you and your pup are welcome wherever you go. Sunny Weber will help you enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend—safely!
Sunny Weber has over 30 years in animal welfare advocacy. She has experience in rescue, fostering, medical care, service and therapy dog evaluation and training, shelter and sanctuary work and specializes in the rehabilitation of fearful animals. Sunny has rehabilitated then re-homed hundreds of dogs, cats and horses.
A powerful new film called 5,000 BLANKETS, a film inspired by a true story about a boy and his mom who, through challenging life circumstances, are inspired to care for the homeless people in their community. It releases in theaters on December 12th & 13th only.
#5000BlanketsMIN
Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 BLANKETS is filled with hope and highlights the power of family and faith. When her husband has a mental breakdown and goes missing, a woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city.
After watching this Movie Trailer several time. My heart went out to this young boy and his mom. It inspires me to try and help people in our community. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people in communities around our USA are inspired to do the same? I would love to see this movie to be what will speak to thousands of people to start something in their towns and communities, and even cities across this great nation to help those in need. I can’t wait to watch this wonderful movie.
Dont forget to check out show times in theaters near you. It will be in theaters December 12th & 13th only
A powerful new film called 5,000 BLANKETS, a film inspired by a true story about a boy and his mom who, through challenging life circumstances, are inspired to care for the homeless people in their community. It releases in theaters on December 12th & 13th only.
Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 BLANKETS is filled with hope and highlights the power of family and faith. When her husband has a mental breakdown and goes missing, a woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city.
The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.
The Abide Experience: 21 Days in John is a FREE Video Devotion featuring Dr. Phil Collins, general editor of the Abide Bible, a Bible designed around five methods of Scripture Engagement that will change the way you read Scripture. The 21 Days in John FREE Video Devotion also provides a free download of the book of John from the Abide Bible.
The pictures throughout this Bible are absolutely beautiful. This one is by one of my favorite artist Vincent Van Gogh
A Little more about this wonderful Bible!
1. Talking Points
Check out The Abide Experience: 21 Days in John, a FREE Video Devotion featuring Dr. Phil Collins, general editor of the Abide Bible, a Bible designed around five methods of Scripture Engagement that will change the way you read Scripture. The 21 Days in John FREE Video Devotion also provides a free download of the book of John from the Abide Bible.
The Abide Experience is FREE and includes 21 Video devotions delivered by email and a full download of the book of John from The Abide Bible!
Transform your personal Bible devotions into intimate, ongoing conversations with God with various Scripture engagement approaches that keep Bible reading fresh and new. “Abide in Me.” John 15:4 Do you yearn for life-giving, intimate communion with God? The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that comes from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.
Created in partnership with Bible Gateway and the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement, The Abide Bible’s features include articles, book introductions, and practical Scripture engagement prompts based on five ways of engaging deeply with the Bible:
Praying Scripture: Pattern your prayers after biblical texts, personalizing the prayer and gaining language for the thoughts and emotions you want to express.
Picture It: Place yourself in a biblical narrative as a bystander or participant in important events.
Journaling: Focus and reflect on Scripture and its meaning for your life, opening yourself to God’s voice as you ponder.
Engage Through Art: Consider a classic piece of art—photograph, sculpture, painting—and let it deepen your meditations on scriptural truths.
Contemplate: Follow the church’s longstanding practice of reading, meditating on, praying, and contemplating a passage of Scripture in order to experience God’s presence through the words of the Bible.
Features include:
Bible book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read
365 Day Bible Reading Plan guiding you through the entire Bible in a year
Line-matched, single-column Scripture text for improved readability
Smyth-sewn binding lays flat in your hand or on your desk
Two satin ribbon markers allows you to easily navigate and keep track of where you were reading
Easy-to-read 9-point NET Comfort Print
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BIBLE
I had never heard of the Abide Bible until I received this one from Momentum. To say I love it so much is really not adequate to describe it. It is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. I have been using this one for a while, and will continue to use it. It is the New English Translation from Thomas Nelson Publishers. This is the first Bible I have of the NET.
There are so many features in this study Bible to make studying the Bible so much easier because the plan is laid out one the pages throughout this Bible. I just love all of the features. This Bible has it all organized so beautifully that it will be easy to study a lot of different things.
A feature I found was amazing is the introduction to each Book of the Bible. I know all study Bibles have these, but this Bible went an extra mile and added more detail and of course it’s all different from other Bibles. I love that I have several pages to read before I read each Book, and these pages tell me so much about the Book and its history.
If you are looking for a new Bible, or maybe you want to try a new translation, Give this Abide Bible a try. This one is The New English Translation. I find this translation to be a little different, and I spent much time comparing verses. I enjoyed doing that because a gew words are changed, or maybe a new phrase, so it’s nice to have another translation to help understand what the Bible is saying. I’m giving The Abide Bible Five Stars, but it deserves so much more.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Bibles for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
I was just reading on the back of the box that said:
If you yearn for life-giving, intimate communion with God…
The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that comes from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.
If you head to the back of the Bible, you will find valuable information there as well. I love love this Bible. I have had so much fun with it and I want to soon get into a Bible study here since I can watch my relationship with the Lord grow.
Check out The Abide Experience: 21 Days in John, a FREE Video Devotion featuring Dr. Phil Collins, general editor of the Abide Bible, a Bible designed around five methods of Scripture Engagement that will change the way you read Scripture.
And here is the website for Thomas Nelson and you can find lots of info on this Bible there.
Formerly the wild child of three sisters, Emma Marano grew up to be a single mom working two jobs, estranged from her mother, and lying to her friends. She’d told everyone that her daughter’s father wanted nothing to do with his child, but in reality, her own inability to deal with her mistakes and shame led to the biggest lie of her life. But her daughter, Haley, is all Emma has in the world, so how can she regret keeping Haley to herself? Emma’s struggling, though, and her life is slowly imploding.
Right after high school, Justin Lee broke up with Emma Marano and joined the Army, leaving her and all her drama behind. Years later, he stumbles upon her and what turns out to be a daughter he never knew he had. Angry and confused, he insists on having a relationship with his daughter, but to do so, he’ll need to rebuild some sort of relationship with Emma, too. As he gets to know his daughter—and Emma again—he soon realizes that his biggest mistake was leaving her all those years ago. What he dismissed as drama turns out to be a serious mental health issue, and Emma needs help. Now, Justin has to decide if he can see past her flaws and forgive her lies, and together, they’ll have to work to reclaim their love and a faith in each other and in God, or they risk losing something precious in the process.
Yes. I grew up in the backwoods of the Virginia mountains and there was no kindergarten. My parents didn’t send me to school ready to learn—I didn’t even know the alphabet when I went into first grade. But, somehow, by third grade, I was writing poetry. God equips you for His purpose.
2. How long did it take to publish your first novel.
I wrote my first novel in high school, but didn’t publish a novel until I was in my fifties. So, the answer is a very long time. Having said that, I went to college, graduate school, and became a tenure professor in between so I only count the summer months. 3. Do you like music or silence when you write?
If I am going to really concentrate, I need silence. The most important thing is nobody talking to me…which is hard since my home office is in the middle of the house with this rocking chair facing my desk. I should probably get rid of that chair. 4. Where do you get inspiration for your stories? Family? Friends? Yourself?
I find inspiration everywhere—my heroines sometimes have a bit of me in them, or maybe a friend from church or my sister or my daughter. I read the newspaper every day and the plot might thicken in its pages. And my hero will always have a little of my husband in him. 5. How did you go about developing the setting(s) for this story?
Why They Call It Falling got its start in Christmas Confusion. That book was written in three and a half weeks, in order to answer an email call for Christmas novellas. I built the story around a woman whose sister was a single mother so she helped out by watching her niece every other weekend. The sister, Emma, didn’t show up to retrieve her daughter one Sunday and no one knew where she was. A lot of my readers had a visceral dislike of Emma for doing this. Now, in this third book, Emma is redeemed.
Since I wrote that first book so quickly—I wrote about my hometown of Charleston, South Carolina and its suburbs of Summerville and Goose Creek (melded together in a mythical town called Summer Creek). 6. Tell us a little about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?
I will be retiring as a professor in a little over six years. So, I hope to retire into being a full-time writer. I want to write a book of devotions reflecting my expertise as a child psychologist. I want to continue to write Christian contemporary romance but branch out into speculative. There are so many stories percolating in this head of mine!
About the Author
A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christina Sinisi writes stories about families, both the broken and blessed. Her works include a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest and the American Title IV Contest where she appeared in the top ten in the Romantic Times magazine. Her published books include Christmas Confusion, Sweet Summer, and Christmas on Ocracoke. By day, she is a psychology professor and lives in the LowCountry of South Carolina with her husband, two children and her crazy cat Chessie Mae.
More from Christina
In Why They Call It Falling, the hero discovers he has a daughter he didn’t know existed when he sees his ex-girlfriend in a strawberry patch at Boone Hall Plantation (here in Charleston, South Carolina). In the book, the name of the plantation had to be changed to protect the innocent, but the recipe below doesn’t.
This recipe comes from a cookbook titled, Charleston Receipts Repeats. This book has modern recipes, as well as old-fashioned ones dating back through generations. It’s a perfect accompaniment to my Charleston-based romance.
Strawberry Pie I
1 9-inch pie shell, baked and cooled
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
Dash salt
1 3-ounce strawberry jello (delete 1 tablespoon)
1 pint strawberries
Whipped cream
In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, water, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and clear.
Add strawberry jello.
Pour half of mixture into pie shell.
Arrange strawberries in jello mixture.
Pour remaining mixture over strawberries.
Refrigerate until congealed.
Serve with whipping cream.
Serves 6 to 8. Chill 3 to 4 hours.
Enjoy, and think of the sweet taste of summer and the enduring love of fall. Second chances are often the most delicious!
Book Title: Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond Among the States by Dave Tabler
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 100 pages
Genre: American History, Colonial
Publisher: Dave Tabler
Publication Date:Nov 2022
Tour dates: Nov 25 to Dec 16
Content Rating: G. None needed. Works for all audiences.
“Tabler debuts with a visual feast introducing readers to the First State before the golden age of the railroad. Drawing on photographs of locations, reconstructions, and historical objects, together with brief captions and rigorous notes, Tabler weaves a rich tapestry of industry, politics, and faith. He organizes the photographs roughly chronologically, tracking Delaware’s development from Swedish settlers to American independence, and dedicates space to images that reflect Delaware’s Native American history, as well as tracing the impact that enslaved people had on the state’s historical development.”– Booklife
“If you think you know Delaware, think again. Pirates? Quakers fighting with Pennsylvania? Towns so ugly no one would settle there? With stunning pictures and straightforward storytelling, Dave Tabler opens hidden passages and describes defining moments in this founding American colony. Telling this small state’s story gives you a sense of the big picture in American history. Enjoy this fresh look at Delaware through Dave Tabler’s eyes.”— Wendy Welch, author The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap
“Whether discussing the colored spear tips that showed the community if a person had been found guilty or not, to the stones that identified the Mason-Dixon Line, Dave Tabler’s book on colonial Delaware offers the reader a smorgasbord of interesting stories and photos of its early years. This is another book to add to collections about the beginnings of our country.” –– Sheila Ingle, winner, South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution Historical Preservation Award for four of her young reader novels about South Carolina heroines during the Revolutionary War
“Thoroughly researched and well-written, Delaware before the Railroads offers a glimpse into the past through a present lens. Respected historian Dave Tabler utilizes colorful and intriguing photographs to tell Delaware’s foundational stories.”— Jan Loveday Dickens, Tennessee author and educator.
“Dave Tabler’s impeccable research and clearly written descriptives tell a truthful and provocative story for anyone interested in the subject or doing research for other works covering the same period. The colorful and informative photographs tell the story of not only Colonial Delaware residents from 1638-1832 but our American forefathers in general. We learn about every aspect of their way of life during the most critical time of our country’s history.” — Lisa Soland, author, and senior editor of Climbing Angel Publishing
“Dave Tabler has crafted a concise and fascinating photographic account of early Delaware. “Delaware Before The Railroads” is definitely a book that should be in the collection of anyone interested not only in the history of Delaware but also in the history of colonial America.”— Steve Gilly, “Stories, A History of Appalachia” podcast
“Beautifully illustrated and presented in a unique format, ‘Delaware Before the Railroads’ is an easy and informative read-sure to appeal to Early American and Delaware history buffs.”–Amelia E. Miller, Tennessee author and historian.
“Tabler’s purpose, indeed, his mission, is to create a tribute to the culture and history of Delaware before the coming of the railroad. Consequently, he not only rediscovers the past, he also preserves and celebrates it with a montage of vivid images and an insightful narrative.” — Gary Carden, author, storyteller, playwright.
Book Description:
Delaware before the railroads arrived in 1832 was hotly contested real estate. Circle back to 1610 for a ride that takes you through culture clashes, colonization, revolution and beyond.
Ten year old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the ‘R’ volume from the family’s World Book Encyclopedia set over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end. He did, however, become interested in Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and Run for the Roses.
Tabler’s father encouraged him to try his hand at taking pictures with the family camera. With visions of Rockwell dancing in his head, Tabler press-ganged his younger brother into wearing a straw hat and sitting next to a stream barefoot with a homemade fishing pole in his hand. The resulting image was terrible.
Dave Tabler went on to earn degrees in art history and photojournalism despite being told he needed a ‘Plan B.’
Fresh out of college, Tabler contributed the photography for “The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics,” which taught him how to work with museum curators, collectors, and white cotton gloves. He met a man in the Shenandoah Valley who played the musical saw, a Knoxville fellow who specialized in collecting barbed wire, and Tom Dickey, brother of the man who wrote ‘Deliverance.’
In 2006 Tabler circled back to these earlier encounters with Appalachian culture as an idea for a blog. AppalachianHistory.net today reaches 375,000 readers a year.
Dave Tabler moved to Delaware in 2010 and became smitten with its rich past. He no longer copies Norman Rockwell, but his experience working with curators and collectors came in handy when he got the urge to photograph a love letter to Delaware’s early heritage.
Book Title: Are You A Pineapple? by Kathryn A. Zolman Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Books Release date: May, 2022 Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
MY RATING: Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Description:
Kevin has a beautiful new puppy! But what should he name her? He wants to find a name that is unique, just like her. Kevin knows the puppy is special, but he’s about to find out just how smart she is when she helps Kevin choose her own name!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
#iReadBookTours
I have heard a lot of stories about a boy and his dog, both real and fictional, and this is book about Kevin and his special dog. The unique thing about this dog is that he helps Kevin in picking out his name. This was a fun and very cute way to name his dog, Pineapple.
Walter Policelli does a fabulous job with the beautiful illustrations in this book. The characters and the scenery fit the story so well and the pages are bright and colorful and just right. I love the interactions with the boy and his fur baby. It reminds me of my son with his animals when he was young.
This is the perfect book for elementary classrooms, and any school or local library as well. I’m giving Are You A Pineapple? by Kathryn A. Zolman Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Kathryn A. Zolman never expected to write a children’s book, but when Pineapple came into her life and she heard the story of how this sweet, smart dog got her name, she thought it would make a fun book for parents to read to their children. Pineapple is a Bull Mastiff, German Shepherd, Chow mix, and much like a real pineapple, she knows how to stand tall and is very sweet on the inside!
Kathryn is an avid dog lover. Along with her husband and daughter, they have raised three Doberman Pinschers, each with their own unique personality and character. Kathryn is an advocate for not only raising children to respect all animals, but also to be thankful for the pure joy that they bring to our lives. In writing this book, Kathryn seeks to spread a positive message and hopes it will help children express more gratitude in their lives.
Scroll down to see my review of City Dog Walking Safety & Etiquette by Sunny Weber
Please scroll down to read my review of City Dog Walking Safety & Etiquette by Sunny Weber
Book Details:
Book Title: Beyond Flight or Fight: A Compassionate Guide for Working with Fearful Dogs by Sunny Weber Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 186 pages Genre: Animals/Dogs/Training/Self-Help Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press Release date: September 2016 Content Rating: This non-fiction book is rated G.
Book Description:
Is your dog afraid of noises, objects, or you? Whether you have taken a fearful dog into your home, or you work professionally to save lives, Beyond Flight or Fight is an indispensable tool. Discover how to help dogs that have been neglected, abused, or are genetically timid.
Fearful, timid, and/or reactive dogs are the most commonly rejected and euthanized dog personality type. Shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries often do not have the financial resources, time, or qualified staff to help these dogs adapt to life with humans. By providing a concise, easy-to-understand guide for anyone who has chosen a fearful dog to adopt, foster, or rehabilitate for other potential owners, Beyond Flight or Fight will help many people save many innocent, confused, and overwhelmed dogs’ lives.
Unique points covered include:
How fear works: primary vs. secondary responses.
Why rescue programs may not work
Safe places, escape, and helping dogs think
Flooding, aggression, learned helplessness: what happens/fixing it
Importance of: a familiar handler, time, and leadership
Specialized training techniques
Developing dog self-confidence
How to use: voice, hands, body, correction cues, and dog psychology
Why some dogs do not respond
Maintenance, proofing, accepting optimal levels Learn to teach “special needs” pets how to fit into the human world.
Conquer brain-flooding stress hormones and help your dog move from knee-jerk, Amygdala-based fear responses to reasoned, calm, rational evaluation based in the prefrontal cortex of the dog mind. Fearful dogs can be saved and have quality lives free of anxiety.
Living in the country, I never think how it would be walking in the city and having to walk your dog, but it is completely different. Sunny Weberin does a fantastic job outlining different things you need to be aware of, for the safety of you dog and for yourself. Weberin gives detailed instructions of how you should walk your dog, telling how to watch out for yourself, watch your dog and always have him on a leash.
What happens when you encounter dangerous animals? Weberin give some tip to help keep the animals safe from each other. She really trains you to keep away from dangerous situations. This book is excellent for training you and you can use it as a guide for you and your dog. I like that she hits the busy city and also the smaller town around. I truly think this is a book for all dog lovers, and anyone having a dog. Even though most of this book is for the city people, I am going to keep this book for when we get another dog at our house. I need this guide, and so do you. Why not check ot out this book today.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Check Out Sunny Weber’s Other Dog Training Book
Book Details:
Book Title: City Dog Walking Safety & Etiquette by Sunny Weberin Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 110 pages Genre: Animals/Dogs/Training/Self-Help Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press Release date: September 2018 Content Rating: This non-fiction book is rated G.
Book Description:
Think you need just a leash & a dog? So you think dog walking is a no-brainer, right?
Just snap on the old leash and head out the door, until. . . • Your dog pulls you off your feet or jerks your arm out of its socket • An off-leash dog races straight at you and your dog, in attack or play • A speeding bicyclist barely misses hitting you • Your dog jumps on a passer-by while you are distracted • A panting, passing runner causes your dog to go ballistic from the aggressive, fast invasion of her space • You encounter a coyote or snake
City Dog Walking Safety & Etiquette will cover all scenarios you and your dog can expect in urban and suburban environments. You will learn simple commands to help you understand each other, find the best fit of equipment, be aware of local hazards, and appreciate basic manners so you and your pup are welcome wherever you go. Sunny Weber will help you enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend—safely!
Sunny Weber has over 30 years in animal welfare advocacy. She has experience in rescue, fostering, medical care, service and therapy dog evaluation and training, shelter and sanctuary work and specializes in the rehabilitation of fearful animals. Sunny has rehabilitated then re-homed hundreds of dogs, cats and horses.
Book Title: Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond Among the Statesby Dave Tabler Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 100 pages Genre: American History, Colonial Publisher: Dave Tabler Publication Date: Nov 2022 Tour dates: Nov 25 to Dec 16 Content Rating: G. None needed. Works for all audiences.
“Tabler debuts with a visual feast introducing readers to the First State before the golden age of the railroad. Drawing on photographs of locations, reconstructions, and historical objects, together with brief captions and rigorous notes, Tabler weaves a rich tapestry of industry, politics, and faith. He organizes the photographs roughly chronologically, tracking Delaware’s development from Swedish settlers to American independence, and dedicates space to images that reflect Delaware’s Native American history, as well as tracing the impact that enslaved people had on the state’s historical development.”– Booklife
“If you think you know Delaware, think again. Pirates? Quakers fighting with Pennsylvania? Towns so ugly no one would settle there? With stunning pictures and straightforward storytelling, Dave Tabler opens hidden passages and describes defining moments in this founding American colony. Telling this small state’s story gives you a sense of the big picture in American history. Enjoy this fresh look at Delaware through Dave Tabler’s eyes.”— Wendy Welch, author The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap “Whether discussing the colored spear tips that showed the community if a person had been found guilty or not, to the stones that identified the Mason-Dixon Line, Dave Tabler’s book on colonial Delaware offers the reader a smorgasbord of interesting stories and photos of its early years. This is another book to add to collections about the beginnings of our country.” –– Sheila Ingle, winner, South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution Historical Preservation Award for four of her young reader novels about South Carolina heroines during the Revolutionary War “Thoroughly researched and well-written, Delaware before the Railroads offers a glimpse into the past through a present lens. Respected historian Dave Tabler utilizes colorful and intriguing photographs to tell Delaware’s foundational stories.”— Jan Loveday Dickens, Tennessee author and educator “Dave Tabler’s impeccable research and clearly written descriptives tell a truthful and provocative story for anyone interested in the subject or doing research for other works covering the same period. The colorful and informative photographs tell the story of not only Colonial Delaware residents from 1638-1832 but our American forefathers in general. We learn about every aspect of their way of life during the most critical time of our country’s history.” — Lisa Soland, author, and senior editor of Climbing Angel Publishing
“Dave Tabler has crafted a concise and fascinating photographic account of early Delaware. “Delaware Before The Railroads” is definitely a book that should be in the collection of anyone interested not only in the history of Delaware but also in the history of colonial America.”— Steve Gilly, “Stories, A History of Appalachia” podcast “Beautifully illustrated and presented in a unique format, ‘Delaware Before the Railroads’ is an easy and informative read-sure to appeal to Early American and Delaware history buffs.” –-Amelia E. Miller, Tennessee author and historian
“Tabler’s purpose, indeed, his mission, is to create a tribute to the culture and history of Delaware before the coming of the railroad. Consequently, he not only rediscovers the past, he also preserves and celebrates it with a montage of vivid images and an insightful narrative.” –– Gary Carden, author, storyteller, playwright
Book Description:
Delaware before the railroads arrived in 1832 was hotly contested real estate. Circle back to 1610 for a ride that takes you through culture clashes, colonization, revolution and beyond.
Ten year old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the ‘R’ volume from the family’s World Book Encyclopedia set over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end. He did, however, become interested in Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and Run for the Roses.
Tabler’s father encouraged him to try his hand at taking pictures with the family camera. With visions of Rockwell dancing in his head, Tabler press-ganged his younger brother into wearing a straw hat and sitting next to a stream barefoot with a homemade fishing pole in his hand. The resulting image was terrible.
Dave Tabler went on to earn degrees in art history and photojournalism despite being told he needed a ‘Plan B.’
Fresh out of college, Tabler contributed the photography for “The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics,” which taught him how to work with museum curators, collectors, and white cotton gloves. He met a man in the Shenandoah Valley who played the musical saw, a Knoxville fellow who specialized in collecting barbed wire, and Tom Dickey, brother of the man who wrote ‘Deliverance.’
In 2006 Tabler circled back to these earlier encounters with Appalachian culture as an idea for a blog. AppalachianHistory.net today reaches 375,000 readers a year.
Dave Tabler moved to Delaware in 2010 and became smitten with its rich past. He no longer copies Norman Rockwell, but his experience working with curators and collectors came in handy when he got the urge to photograph a love letter to Delaware’s early heritage.
Victoria Randall has it all—a new job in an ideal locale and the eye of Chad, the hunkiest guy in her apartment building. Christmas is going to be great this year. But when a call from her best guy friend back in Bay Town tells her that her grandmother isn’t doing well, she decides to fly to Grandma’s rescue.
Art has loved Victoria since they were five, but after she returns and keeps him locked into total friend zone he decides to let his hopes go. Easier said than done when he spends so much time with her, making and delivering her grandmother’s fruitcakes. Add to that the legend of love surrounding them, and well… it’s tough.
A horrible accident puts things into perspective for both Art and Victoria, but Art decides it’s too late, and when some guy shows up acting like Victoria’s boyfriend, he’s sure of it. By the time she’s ready to head back to California, all hope of a romance between them seems lost—right up to the moment her grandmother thrusts a piece of fruitcake into her hands.
Are the matchmaking properties of Sally Trotman’s fruitcake their last chance at a happily-ever-after? Find out in Let Them Eat Fruitcake—a story of faith, romance, and of course, fruitcake.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I love a good clean romance I can read during the Christmas season, and Let Them Eat Fruitcake is one I enjoyed and had so much fun reading. Victoria Randall is doing well for herself, a good job, a good looking guy, and she’s happy. That is until she gets the call that her grandma isn’t doing well, and this sends her off the California to help. She knows her good friend Art will be there, but there’s nothing between them but friendship. Well, that is what she thinks. Art is different, he’s been in love with Victoria since they were five years old, and that love still shines.
Kathleen J. Robison writes an amazing Chtisymas read, with loveable characters that I grew to love immediately. Grandma is just adorable, and loves her fruitcakes. Art has already been helping her with delivery, but she still needs Valerie. I think it’s neat as well that the author’s mother in law also has s wonderful Fruitcake recipe, and ask Kathleen to help her make them. So now the recipe is will keep going in the family.
I enjoyed the scenes with Victoria and Art, and could see they were getting closer, even though they couldn’t. And it takes Grandma to get jump in and try her hand at matchmaking. What do you think? Did Grandma succeed? Or did Victoria go back to her happy little life and forget about her longtime friend, Art? This is a sweet book for anyone looking for that perfect Christmas story. This book gets Five Stars from me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Kathleen J. Robison is an Okinawan-American, born in Okinawa, and raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels and her family are the sources of her inspiration for her books. Kathleen and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with eighteen grandchildren and counting. Her ethnically diverse background extends to her family of currently thirty-five personalities which provide many opportunities to share God’s amazing love amidst the challenges of real life.
More from Kathleen
Writing this book has been a treasured time, and I’m so excited it’s released. Joining Miz Sally again (from previous Bay Town Books) and meeting her granddaughter, Victoria and love interest, Art, was a delightful journey of love and faith at Christmas. I hope you’ll feel the magic (God’s spirit) as much as I felt moved by Him to write it.
Although totally fictional, it’s personal, and close to my heart. My mother-in-law has baked fruitcakes forever. I even remember her mother, from Wales, baking fruitcakes over fifty years ago, but I wasn’t a fan of the sweet bread then. And I don’t remember how the story idea came about, but when it did, I knew I wanted to bake with my mother-in-law, red-haired Harriet…well, white-haired now. But still as feisty as the reputation of redheads, and so very generous.
My mother-in-law turned ninety-eight on this book’s release date, and she is still baking fruitcakes. Dozens of loaves. She continues to live in her own home, cooks, cleans, and drives to pick up great-grandchildren after school. Needless to say, she’s amazing. Two years ago, when I decided to write Let Them Eat Fruitcake, the first thing I wanted to do was ask if I could bake with her. I didn’t have to. She called my husband and said, “Let me talk to Kathy.” We were both quite shocked, as she’d never asked to talk to me before. Although I share a close relationship with her, her phone calls are reserved for mother-son conversations.
“Kathy, I was thinking…I want you to come make fruitcakes with me. No one else is interested in it, and I’d like to pass it down to you.” I almost cried. It definitely was a God-winked moment, and I told her so. And we did. We’ve baked and passed out the luscious cakes for two years in a row. My own grandmother also made fruitcakes, but all my family says Harriet’s is the best. So, I look forward to baking again with her this Christmas. I wish I could pass on the recipe, but it’s a mega batch! If you go on my FB Author Page and/or my blog at www.kathleenjrobison.com/blog, there’s a video that shows what I mean. I pray that Let Them Eat Fruitcake blesses the readers and points them to following the Spirit of God moving in their lives. Whether it’s through fruitcake or anything else! I hope you enjoy this fun Christmas romance.
Two families, worlds apart. Can they each find hope in the crucible of suffering?
All Lynnie Min ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. But when tragedy strikes her family, she’s left with nothing but her faith to begin life again. While pursuing a career she never wanted, can the precious faith she was raised on withstand betrayal by a hostile former friend, now a professor whose ideologies conflict with her own? And why do her puzzling dreams feature only one of her daughters, not both?
Out of a smoking ruin in northern Nigeria, Ihsan bin Ibrahim stumbles upon the solution to his wife’s barrenness and longing. But family ties have a long reach. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice to follow his conscience, even if it means losing the child he loves?
Wow! Flame of Mercy takes readers on a rollercoaster ride that last from beginning to end! Lynnie Min is happy with being a wife and mother, until tragedy strikes and her life is totally changed. Lynnie struggles with many emotions, including that of a former friend who decides to betray her. Lonnie moved back to Canada to start life over, but these weird but realistic dreams she is having about Nigeria just won’t leave her.
This is a wonderful story, but sometimes it was very difficult to read. The excruciating hurtful pain was so real I could feel it through the pages. The emotions were everywhere. What Lynnie Min endured was more than any human could handle, but she had the hand of God on her. And her very strong faith brought here through when it seemed there was no way to keep going. This is a book everyone should read. Even thought it is full of heartwrenching tragedy, it is also full of hope in the God Lynnie knew. The God she trusted was faithful. Readers will see the love and faithfulness of God. They will see God’s hand on this character as she puts her total faith in the God she loves and trust. There are so many twists and turns in this book, making it seem so realistic. I highly recommend this book. For me, this is a Five Star read.
About the Author
From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity.
She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of more than 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home. www.eleanorbertinauthor.com
More from Eleanor
If you’ve read any amount of secular fiction these days, you must be shuddering at the landscape of the family in the world today. Strife and resentment, rivalry and spite–seems there’s nothing but dysfunction as far as the eye can see. And while conflict is necessary to any novel’s plot, I wanted to write about a stable family, a loving family, one that, while imperfect, still nurtured and protected its members with acceptance and harmony.
On top of that, I wanted to depart from my previous novels where the main characters were not believers. In Flame of Mercy, Lynnie is the main character whose trust in Jesus stands firm despite going through the fires of adversity. Her family is one of the reasons for that strength.
But of course, even the best, most faithful families have their quirks. Enter the grandmothers. Grandma Hardy is stiff, stilted, and staunch in her Christian beliefs. Nanny Roundell is sugar-loving, jolly, and lets mentions of faith slide off her chubby body with a smile. Their beliefs do not align with their personae. This paradox was suggested to me by a friend as I described the contrast between two elderly relatives, sweet Christian and sour unbeliever.
“Aren’t you glad it’s not the other way around?” she asked.
Because we all know it can be. Sometimes Christians look nothing like their Lord. And non-Christians can live blissfully inconsistent with their evil master’s agenda.
And so, I had fun writing these two ladies! “The grandmothers sat next to each other, one short and round, one tall and skinny. The Ball and Bat, we used to call them when we were kids, and I’d never been able to see them differently ever since. Come to think of it, Nanny, the Ball, was like a baseball in other ways besides physical. She had always been reactionary, flung here and there with every wind of doctrine but without any viewpoint of her own. By contrast, Grandma Hardy was the Bat. She stood alone, stiff and sturdy, unwavering, and if necessary, could give you a good whack to get you moving in the right direction.
“My sister was what Grandma frowningly called ‘frivolous.’ And Lissa was mischievous enough to purposely do things that would get Grandma’s goat. I mean, deliberately cavorting through the sprinkler in a bikini directly in front of Grandma’s kitchen window was outright asking for a lecture. You couldn’t call it a scolding since Grandma never raised her voice, but it was always a one-way communication generously salted with Bible verses. Lissa told me Grandma even referred to hand-written notes a couple of times while talking to her. And Grandma’s tone carried the expectation that we would change our ways accordingly. We had been taught to respect our elders so there was no answering back. We only meekly listened.” With Grandma, there was no statute of limitations and past sins could receive present censure.
Nanny’s eyes twinkled. “I’m feeling better every day. It’s given me my life back. Why, with my dentures and glasses, a new knee, and a titanium hip, I’m eighty percent fake.” She cackled her infectious laugh and we joined in, exchanging glances. Being in Nanny’s presence infallibly lifted my spirits.
“This cheesecake is delicious, Sue,” Nanny chimed in. “I could keep on eating and eating if I weren’t already so full after an excellent meal.”
Grandma frowned at what she doubtless saw as gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. Thankfully she restrained herself this time…She set her fork down beside her plate that still held half her slice of cheesecake and taking her napkin, dabbed at her lips. “This is certainly a rich dessert.”
I hope you enjoy reading about the Hardy family’s faith and foibles as much as I have in writing them. Look for a bit of Grandma’s back story in my story in this year’s Mosaic Christmas anthology.
Book Title: The Darker the Skies by Bryan Prosek Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 292 pages Genre: YA Science Fiction Publisher: CamCat Books Release date: November 2022 Content Rating: PG. It’s very clean.
Book Description:
It only takes one to make a difference.
Just days before Jake Saunders plans on proposing to the love of his life, Jake is called upon once again to save his home, Earth. The Earthen Legion troops and its allies think they’re battling only pirates, but a new, more powerful foe from another galaxy flanks their forces and invades, in search of a weapon the planet didn’t even know it had.
When Jake learns that this new enemy was responsible for the death of his father many years ago, he realizes he can finally face his true nemesis. The odds are stacked against Jake, but with the help of his friends and allies he’s made along the way, he must rally the remaining Legion troops and retake Earth before it’s too late. The fate of Earth and the fate of his love, rest in the balance.
Still with the Earthen Legion troops, Jake Saunders was called upon again to save his home, Earth. But the untimely thing is, it’s just before Jake planned to propose to the love of his life. This story takes place during several decades, making the times longer that Jake and his love can see each other. Jake also stumbles upon a truth that causes him to be more determined to finish the job they were to do.
Again, author Bryan Prosek writes an exceptionally good book with lots of great characters and full of action around a fantasy world. There are many emotions flying around, some good, others not so good. My heart went out to Jake because of the heartaches he had to face. I really grew to really like this character. Life was not easy for him and even when he tried to prove himself as he tried to live up to the people who had raised him, times were hard. I’m sure glad this is a clean series because I finally have a series I can let my niece read. Thank you Bryan Prosek for that.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Book Title: Armadas in the Mist (Empire of the House of Thorns series – Book Three) by Christian Klaver Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 332 pages Genre: YA Fantasy Publisher: CamCat Books Release date: November 2022 Content Rating: PG. It’s very clean.
Book Description:
The Black Shuck’s forces gather just beyond the mist . . .
Captain Justice Kasric knows how complicated family can be. The escalating Human-Faerie war has scattered and wounded her siblings and transformed her parents beyond recognition. After narrowly escaping yet another dangerous clash, fifteen-year-old Justice has had enough. She’s determined to defeat the Black Shuck, the mysterious leader controlling the Faerie invasion of London, but if Justice hopes to stand a chance at victory, she’ll have to do the impossible: reunite her family and lead them against the looming Faerie Armada.
With her mother and brother at the helm of the enemy fleet, and the prophesized Seven Virtues slipping out of reach, Justice more than has her work cut out for her. Even if she can save England, the cost may be higher than she’s willing to pay.
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