Wednesday, August 11, 2021

About the Book

Book: Bandana Acres, Feebs to the Rescue

Author: Kathy J. Perry

Genre: Early Reader Chapter Book

Release date: May 1, 2018

Can a kitten help a dog in trouble? She can if she has compassion and courage! Even though she’s new to the farm, Feebs’ willingness to help Ollie outweighs her fear of being in a new place, alone, and at night. She leads a rescue after a storm causes a branch to break, fall, and pin poor Ollie to the ground. She’s awarded an awesome red “bandana” which shows she’s part of the bandana buddies – a club created by Maddie for the animals as they learn important lessons or show valuable friendship qualities. Feebs is introduced to a new friend the next day: a barn owl.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

After the passing of my parents, I re-evaluated what I was doing with my life and my contribution to others. A former classroom teacher and homeschool mom, I’ve always had a heart for educating kids. In 2016 my daughter and I attended a local arts and crafts fair where I stumbled upon some cute children’s art and thought, “That’s what I can do! Write children’s books.” I set my mission. I would do my best to affect our youth through wonderful stories full of timeless character struggles.

More from Kathy

What do your kids say courage is? Is it bravery in times of trouble? What does that look like? Do they have it? Feebs is a kitten, new to the farm, and timid. She befriends Ollie, the farm dog, and they go on an excursion to find his lost bone. Unfortunately, they wander too far and the weather turns stormy. Ollie becomes trapped by a log and it’s up to Feebs to find her way back to the farmhouse to get help. (Sort of like a reverse Lassie episode!)

Special things about this book (and series) include:

Proven easy-to-read font for early readers (Sassoon Primary)
In full-color with original watercolor artwork.
Leveled by Lexile and Fountas & Pinnell (F&P) for dialing in to your child’s reading level.
Red words are the character’s inside thoughts (rather than italics, which I thought would be harder to read). Kids enjoy the color. In fact, struggling readers love to read just the colored parts to start – and then want to continue reading! (Each book has its own color for this.)
A glossary of newer words with definitions.
A “What If” section for discussion with five questions about the story, and five questions of how the theme plays out in real life. (Parents and teachers love these books!)
Feebs to the Rescue is available in hardcover, softcover, ebook, audiobook, and even a read-along (combined ebook/audio/video). Help your kids learn to read with this fun story and cute watercolor illustrations. This early reader chapter book is perfect for ages 5-8 and can usually be read alone by 2nd or 3rd grades.

MY REVIEW

It is really nice to find a fun book for younger children to read. I think it is perfect for kindergarten and first graders. The story is nice with wonderful illustrations that are bright and attractive. I like how the story flows and teaches children about animals and how important it is to take care of them.

Feebs is an adorable kitten who has found a new home. Feebs is excited to go explore and meet all the other animals on the farm. I liked how getting a bandanna to wear is earned by each animal. It is a special gift that they each earn after doing a brave thing. I thought the story was easy to understand and teaches children about being brave. My granddaughter is only one, but I plan to sit with her in my lap as I read this story aloud. She loves books and this will be perfect for her to look at. It would be a great book to include in a children’s library as well as a special gift for a young child.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

deb’s Book Review, August 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7

Blogging With Carol, August 7

Inklings and notions, August 8

For Him and My Family, August 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 10

Older & Smarter?, August 11

Texas Book-aholic, August 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13

Remembrancy, August 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 17

Mary Hake, August 17

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 18

Vicky Sluiter, August 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/111b2/bandana-acres-feebs-to-the-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

The Rubber Band Stretches

About the Book

Book: The Rubber Band Stretches – Rocky’s Story

Author: Christy Hoss

Genre: Middle Grade Novel

Release date: June, 2021

RGB300TheRubberbandStretches (1) Foster kid Rocky “Roadkill” Espinosa, drummer for the Rubber Band, chooses Elvis for his 4thgrade living biography report. With little money to create a costume, Rocky believes he’ll be the worst Elvis impersonation ever, destined to fail.

When his ex-con father Eduardo, sneaks into his life demanding attention, Rocky’s best friend and lead guitar for the band, Eddie, comes to his rescue. Eddie involves the entire band in Rocky’s protection to be “secret service” and comedic chaos erupts.

After the Rubber Band performs its first set at the mayor’s 50th birthday party, Rocky mysteriously disappears. The band realizes it’s no longer about fun and games. Friends and family are what matter most in life. The bond of the band demands that secrets be revealed.

Will friends, foster or blood family win the battle for Rocky’s future?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

_K DSCF0101 436 from #1 +4mag (2) Christy caught the writing bug in second grade after winning a prize for a five-page story about her dog, Noodles. Mrs. Olson told her she was destined to be a writer and that dream never left her thoughts. After teaching elementary school for fifteen years, Christy fulfilled her childhood dream with her debut novel, The Rubber Band. She substitute teaches to support her writing career, deriving writing inspiration from the students and situations she encounters.

At age twenty-five, she was diagnosed with type-one diabetes but refuses to let it limit her. Her diabetic alert dog, Aiden, has saved her life uncountable times and will appear in future installments of The Rubber Band. Christy lives by this equation:

Living + diabetes = LIVE-abetes.

Christy is a freelance editor and writes children’s Bible stories for Focus on the Family ClubHouse magazine and has written articles for Guideposts. She is a featured speaker for conferences, retreats and special events.

Christy lives in Northern California with Kevin, the love of her life. They have three grown children.

The Rubber Band Stretches, Rocky’s Story is the second book in The Rubber Band middle grade novel series by Christy Hoss.

More from Christy

Why the Rubber Band?

Sitting in the front row keeping an eye on my students, the stage curtain opened to our elementary school assemble. A sign over the group declared “The Rubber Band.” With one stroke the lead guitar caused my inner groupie to emerge. I screamed in delight and crooned out. ‘Born to Be Wild’ along with the kid band delivering professional sounds. Our usually reserved staff soon joined me in my whoops of delight and the band had the entire assembly on its feet, dancing and clapping.

I was so impressed by this rock and roll group of fourth and fifth grade students, I asked them to play at my fiftieth birthday party.

Returning to our classroom, I put on my writer’s hat, thinking about what a cool kid’s book The Rubber Band would make. But I had to come up with a plotline. It was then I noticed a rubber band on the floor and knew instantly what needed to be done. It had to be about a good guitar-playing kid getting trouble for a mis-shot rubber band. He’s sent to the principal’s office where he sees the sign advertising the talent contest and he begins his quest to recruit a diverse group of misfit kids to form a garage band.

My imagination took off as I thought about the many children I have taught through the years. Most of my characters are inspired by those actual students and events. Rocky is a fictional name given to a real foster kid who came to our school temporarily. He used to walk alone around the perimeter of the school boundaries – just like Rocky. Edison and Oliver are actual names of maternal twins I taught my first year at Kenwood Elementary, the school I derived Wildwood elementary from. Even Principal Haymaker is based on my friend, Principal Bales.

The band is not without troubles and Eddie soon finds himself challenged by an incurable illness. But the bond of the band is strong, and they will not snap but hang tight to see the dream through no matter how it turns out. Rocky longs to be a part of a permanent family, but has his heartstrings pulled when his freshly paroled birth father shows up. Becca is the lonely, spoiled-rotten rich girl with no friends but a voice of gold. Manny plays bass and Oliver the keyboards, but not without adding their own unique personalities to the mix.

You’ll be hearing more from The Rubber Band as I plan to write about their adventures into adulthood and beyond, and there will be many.

I no longer look at a rubber band and think of it as just an elastic ring to hold things together. It’s a simple, useful object. that inspired a novel series.

MY REVIEW

I have really enjoyed this series and I think this is one of my favorite stories. It deals with several issues that the author tackles with grace. Rocky has always been one of my favorite characters and I’m glad we get a glimpse into his past a little more . The emotional turmoil that the story deals with is very realistic and I wanted to give Rocky a hug and let him know that he is not alone.

I was shocked when Rocky’s biological father reaches out to him. What a big surprise that was for Rocky. The question does arise if he can be trusted. I do believe everyone deserves a second chance but I think Rocky’s father may be trying to do things the wrong way to reconnect with his son. I couldn’t wait to see how the author would approach this situation.

The story has some fun moments as the band gears up for a concert for the mayor. I liked seeing Elvis in the story and being reminded of his background. He was a very big star and Rocky represents him well in his project. The author gives readers a little history about Elvis that will please his fans I’m sure. I was excited to know that the band would be honoring the king of rock n roll at an important birthday party.

The ending is quite exciting as Rocky finds himself in danger. His father isn’t exactly what he thought he was and proves how dangerous he can be. It is important to note that the book does show us how keeping secrets can lead to unexpected situations. Rocky learns a good lesson of trusting the family he is with and knowing that his friends are always going to be there to support him.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 10

Texas Book-aholic, August 11

For the Love of Literature, August 12 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, August 13

For Him and My Family, August 14

deb’s Book Review, August 15

Vicky Sluiter, August 16 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 17

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 18 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christy is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of both The Rubber Band and The Rubber Band Stretches!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/111b5/the-rubber-band-stretches-rocky-s-story-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, August 9, 2021

About the Book

Book: Beyond These War-Torn Lands

Author: Cynthia Roemer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: August 3, 2021

The war brought them together – Would it also tear them apart?

While en route to aid Confederate soldiers injured in battle near her home, Southerner Caroline Dunbar stumbles across a wounded Union sergeant. Unable to ignore his plea for help, she tends his injuries and, against her better judgement, hides him away, only to find her attachment to him deepen with each passing day. But when her secret is discovered, Caroline incurs her father’s wrath and, in turn, unlocks a dark secret from the past which she is determined to unravel.

After being forced to flee his place of refuge, Sergeant Andrew Gallagher fears he’s seen the last of Caroline. Resolved not to let that happen, when the war ends, he seeks her out, only to discover she’s been sent away on his account. When word reaches him that President Lincoln has been shot, Drew is assigned the task of tracking down the assassin. A chance encounter with Caroline revives his hopes, until he learns she may be involved in a plot to aid the assassin.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cynthia Roemer is an inspirational, award-winning author with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the hearts of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the mid-1800’s prairie and Civil War era. Her Prairie Sky Series consists of Amazon bestseller, Under This Same Sky, Under Prairie Skies, and Under Moonlit Skies, a 2020 Selah Award winner.

Cynthia writes from her family farm in central Illinois where she resides with her husband of twenty-seven years. They have two grown sons. When she isn’t writing or researching, Cynthia can be found hiking, biking, gardening, reading, or riding sidesaddle with her husband in the combine or on their motorcycle. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

More from Cynthia

Let me start by saying, I absolutely love novel research and learning about the past. But, when I set out to write a Civil War novel, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. LOL!

My first three novels (Prairie Sky Series) were set on the Illinois prairie (my home state) in the mid to late 1850’s with only moderate research of the time period necessary. The majority of my characters and plot stemmed from my imagination. With this fourth novel, Beyond These War-Torn Lands, I ventured into the very heart of the Civil War conflict in Maryland and Virginia.

Though my hero and heroine are fictional, many of those they encounter along the way are based on actual people and much of the plot revolves around actual events. I soon found out that’s a whole different ballgame when it comes to research. But, I enjoyed throwing in a few historical “surprises” along the way.

I’m a stickler for accuracy, so I found myself steeped in researching minute historical details—everything from the specifics of certain battles to the layout of war campsites to the weather on certain dates to the correct type of salutes to General Grant’s mannerisms and the name of his horse.

While the extensive research slowed the writing process, I loved every minute of it. Over a year and a half in the writing, Beyond These War-Torn Lands is a tale of honor versus deception, good versus evil, and God’s transforming power versus bitterness.

Theme verse:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:43-44)

I hope you’ll be blessed by Drew and Caroline’s story and that you enjoy the hidden bits of history tucked within the pages of the novel.

MY REVIEW

I am always fascinated about historical facts and especially the Civil War. The author has done extensive research to make this story accurate in details. Although there are a few fictional characters, the main story plot displays what it was like during this war that found neighbor fighting against neighbor. It was a war that had many casualties that brought sorrow to a nation.

I really liked Caroline and her heart that wanted to help others. When she helps an injured soldier from the opposite side, she risked the wrath of her father. Now I enjoyed reading how Caroline helped this soldier but I knew somehow this act would come back to harm her someday. Following God’s direction she k ew she couldn’t turn her back on a person who needed help.

Drew is someone that I immediately liked. He had a way about him that made you feel at ease. His gratitude to Caroline for nursing him back to health was genuine and he somehow knew that she was special to him. When he has to leave from Caroline’s care, I wondered how the author would reconnect them. I enjoyed traveling with Drew as he fought beside his men and showed strength and compassion for them.

Here is the part of the story where I want to stay with for a bit. Caroline’s father has shunned her and made her leave home. Somewhere buried deep within him holds resentment toward Caroline. This part of the story was exceptionally written and reminded me of my own father. Like Caroline, I was not wanted by my father. He reminded me everyday how much he hated me but I never understood. Of course his words hurt and I knew exactly how Caroline felt. How do you forgive someone who has rejected you? I won’t give anything away about this part of the story because it is significant to understand how powerful forgiving is.

The author does give us a few surprise characters that were part of this historical period. I was intrigued by President Lincoln and the actions that were taken to assassinate him. It is a part of history that will never be forgotten. The account of this part of history was well written and helped me understand how hatred can cause someone to go against God.

I loved how the author included scriptures in the story and showed how making decisions to not take revenge, decide to forgive and showing unconditional love can turn what was meant for evil to good. At the end the author has included some great discussion questions that I enjoyed reading . I look forward to the next book in the story .

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 3

CarpeDiem, August 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 4

For Him and My Family, August 5

Genesis 5020, August 5

Connie’s History Classroom, August 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 9

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

Betti Mace, August 11

deb’s Book Review, August 12

Writing from the Heart Land, August 12

Blossoms and Blessings, August 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 15

Mary Hake, August 15

A Baker’s Perspective, August 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cynthia is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of Beyond These War-Torn Lands!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/110e7/beyond-these-war-torn-lands-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Scarlet Pen

Author: Jennifer Uhlarik

Genre: Christian Historical Suspense

Release date: July 2021

Engaged to a Monster

Book 12 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Enjoy a tale of true but forgotten history of a 19th century serial killer whose silver-tongued ways almost trap a young woman into a nightmarish marriage.

In 1876, Emma Draycott is charmed into a quick engagement with childhood friend Stephen Dee Richards after reconnecting with him at a church event in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. But within the week, Stephen leaves to “make his fame and fortune.” The heartbroken Emma gives him a special pen to write to her, and he does with tales of grand adventures. Secret Service agent Clay Timmons arrives in Mount Pleasant to track purchases made with fake currency. Every trail leads back to Stephen—and therefore, Emma. Can he convince the naive woman she is engaged to a charlatan who is being linked a string of deaths in Nebraska?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a preteen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a BA in writing, she has won five writing competitions and was a finalist in two others. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenage son, and four fur children.

More from Jennifer

Hello, Readers! For all who might never have read one of my stories or come across me, it’s great to meet you! I’m a wife, a mom, a (young!) grandma, and an author—among many other things. My author tagline is “Where Grit Meets Grace.” If you’re familiar with my writing at all, you’ll know that most of my stories at least touch on a bit of the difficult side of life. Death, abandonment, war, addiction, or who knows what else you might find. The Scarlet Pen is no different.

Given that this novel is the final installment in Barbour’s True Colors series, the story revolves around a true crime from history—in this case, the murders of serial killer Stephen Dee Richards—AKA the Nebraska Fiend. Anytime you’re dealing with someone so depraved as he, you’ll find plenty of “grit” to write about. But that’s only half of my tagline. Remember, it’s “Where Grit Meets Grace.”

While I love a story that delves into difficult topics and, in some cases, pushes the characters right to the edge of what they can handle, I also love a truly redemptive story. When I was asked to write for this series, the ideas that drew me the most were the ones that had something redeeming in the actual history. There were plenty of interesting historical killers I could’ve chosen where I could have manufactured a positive, even happy ending through the fictional characters in the book. In the case of Stephen Dee Richards, there was no manufacturing needed. The “grace” part was already written. The end of Stephen’s story is precisely why I chose to write about him. I hope you’ll find it as though-provoking and compelling as I did. Happy reading!

MY REVIEW

Each one of these book in this series has given me insight into crimes committed from different time periods, Some of them I knew about but the majority of them were not known to me. I have enjoyed each one and am sad to know that this is the last book in the series.

This story is set in 1876 and focuses on a man that is ruthless, calculating, uncaring and a heart that is cold as ice. I have tried to figure out why this man is so creepy but some people are just wired differently. Even though Stephen does some unthinkable crimes I was intrigued with him. How could he show a caring side then in a split second he was an evil man who thrived on killing? His temper seemed to rise if he was threatened by words. Those triggering hurtful words like liar, cheater and criminal brought him to seek revenge on those who dared utter anything that attacked his character.

Poor sweet innocent Emma. You know the saying, “Love is blind” well that describes Emma. She refused to believe that her intended is a criminal. Why he is so sweet and caring around her yet can murder someone and actually enjoy it? Her father describes Emma as fierce and strong, yet when it came to Stephen her blinders were up. I did want to shake her several times and tell her to open her eyes. She prays and seeks God’s wisdom but for some reason she is ignoring any signs that God is showing her. I did wonder why she and Stephen were in such a rush to marry. Good thing her parents slowed that down and told her she needs to wait.

Now I liked Clay and appreciated how dedicated he was to prove Stephen guilty but I was annoyed at the attraction both he and Emma felt for each other so quickly. I think temptation snuck in and both are trying to fight that off. I did cheer for Clay has he dug his heels in and followed every lead that led to where Stephen might be. I loved how the author let us go along as Clay pursued Stephen. As the story continues I began to understand why Clay felt an attraction toward Emma. The author slowly begins to set the stage for these two to share their feelings and Clay was a perfect gentleman throughout the story. Kudos for redeeming yourself Clay. I was a bit troubled with you but it all makes sense at the end of the story.

There are moments in the story that may be sensitive to some readers. The author does describe the murders but I think she did it in a way that is not very detailed and spares readers from more intense facts that would be hard to read. The author includes scripture throughout the story which I found helpful in showing how the characters drew near to their faith in the troubling situations they faced.

The ending is bittersweet and I was surprised at some of it. I liked how the question of God forgiving Stephen for his sins was handled. As the story closes we are faced with a question? Should God forgive even someone like Stephen and welcome him home to heaven?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.