Life: SemiCrunchy

When a Woman You Love Was Abused

2012-09-19T14:45:00.000-04:00

About the Book: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 80 percent of childhood abuse victims later suffer from at least one abuse-induced psychological disorder. It's proven that the effects of childhood abuse follow women into adulthood. Yet few men are prepared to deal with those effects, even when their own wife is the one who is suffering. And their wife's suffering becomes their own suffering as their needs aren't being met by a wife who is powerless to control her inner turmoil.

Author, pastor, and survivor Dawn Scott Jones candidly shares her own abuse experience to help husbands understand the varied emotions, fears, distorted thoughts, and triggers that hold their wives captive. In practical and accessible language, Jones explains the stages of the healing journey (processing denial, asking for help, grieving, expressing anger, learning to forgive, and finding resolution). Building on that knowledge, Jones then moves to an honest discussion of what husbands can do to help. Whether it's creating a healing environment, understanding the need for control, building trust, or even just praying for healing, a husband plays an active role in helping his wife survive and thrive despite her past abuse.

Offering hope for a healthy marriage relationship, When a Woman You Love Was Abused answers the questions men have and offers the advice they need to help their wives finally find peace.

About the Author, Dawn Scott Jones: For over twenty years God has graciously used Dawn to touch the lives of people through her affecting personal testimony, her humor, and her writing. Dawn’s past challenges have deepened and enriched her ministry; enabling her to truly understand and relate to what others are going through.

Dawn is an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God. She has served in various capacities including Executive Team Pastor, Small Groups Pastor, and Woman’s Ministry Director. Dawn travels Nation-wide speaking, training and consulting.

My Review: At the time that I signed up for this book tour I did not know the subtitle for the book, which is "A Husband's Guide to Helping Her Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation". While am thankful to say that I never suffered from childhood sexual molestation. 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime*, and I am included. My husband and I have seen the effects this has had on our marriage and while that is often not pretty it has caused us to draw closer to one another. Dawn is able to communicate in an approchable and easy to understand manner what so many women, who are trying to heal from sexual abuse, are going through. I firmly believe that knowledge is power and it is incredibly helpful to have a spouse who understands that while what I am going through is not the "norm" that it is normal for people who have had experiences similar to mine. I am grateful that a book such as this exist, one that is practical and helpful for all the husbands out there who are trying to do the best for their wives who have suffered.

To see what other bloggers are saying about the book click here.

In coordination with the launch of their fall releases, Kregel will be hosting a live webcast event on September 20 at 8 PM EDT featuring authors Kim Ketola (Cradle My Heart), Teske Drake (Hope for Today, Promises for Tomorrow), and Dawn Scott Jones (When a Woman You Love Was Abused). The webcast will allow women to come together to share their struggles and fears in order to move toward healing and hope. Women will able to support one another and discuss shared experiences in a non-threatening, open and loving environment.

Cat Hoort of Kregel says, "We are seeking to provide safe means for Christian women to be vulnerable with each other, to seek help and guidance from authors and counselors, and to find encouragement from those who have shared similar experiences. Our hope is that the Women Redeemed webcast will become a forum for hurting women as well as for those who can help. Kim, Teske, and Dawn are all survivors and their stories will surely inspire and equip other women to move toward healing and hope."

To register for the event, just click here.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Mindful of Him free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

*National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey. 1998.

Mindful of Him - Book Review

2012-08-16T00:08:00.000-04:00

About the book: Mindful of Him is a tale of heartbreak and triumph set in the 1950s. Separated from his young wife, and with both of his parents recently deceased, Rob McLain sets off on an adventure for which he has longed since childhood. Travel with Rob as his journey not only takes him to beautiful places, but also crosses his path with influential men who help him through his loneliness. Five months into the trip, Rob has a moonlight encounter that changes his life forever and overwhelmingly convinces this young skeptic that God is indeed mindful of him!

Through it all, he receives answers to life's deepest questions. What does he learn? What happens to his wife? Do they get back together? Does he make it back safely?

Find the answers to these questions and others dealing with faith, creation, nature, and more in Mindful of Him, which will keep you reading long after you had planned to turn out the lights. Mindful of Him was inspired by the writings of Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, the giant of 20th Century Christian philosophers.

About the author: On a cold February day in 1928, Hollis Hughes was born in a ramshackle house with no insulation, plumbing, or electricity. Growing up on a farm during the Great Depression, Hollis spent his youth chopping wood, tending the family farm, milking cows, and tending to livestock. Following college graduation, Hollis worked as a high school teacher and counselor for 38 years, and operated a successful rhododendron nursery.

When Hollis’ wife developed Alzheimer’s disease in 1988, he spent the next twelve years taking care of her. Today, Hollis is retired from education. He is a fly fisherman, hiker, and gardener. He is a member of the American Camellia Society, and a lifetime member of the Birmingham Botanical Society. Hollis and his wife, Lera, make their home in Alabama.

My Review: There is something about Mindful of Him that just pulls you in right away. I am always intrigued with books that are set in not so distant past time period because they are different enough then the world that we currently live in, but not too different. That best thing about Mindful of Him is the ultimate message, that God is mindful of each and everyone of us. I also enjoyed Hughes writing style and found the characters to be realistic and I could really identify with the struggles that Rob was going through. I would highly recommend Mindful of Him to all those who enjoy a good read that makes you think!

To check out what other bloggers are saying about Mindful of Him click here!

Disclosure: I received a copy of Mindful of Him free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

Disney's The Odd Life of Timothy Green

2012-08-10T21:41:00.001-04:00

I don't know about all of you, but I am REALLY looking forward to seeing Disney's The Odd Life of Timothy Green! I am betting that this is going to be the best family movie of the summer! Speaking of summer... Disney has been kind enough to share this Summer Fun Kit with us!

Academy Award®–nominated writer/director Peter Hedges brings enchantment to the screen with Disney’s “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” an inspiring, magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim—and their small town of Stanleyville—learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.

The Company Book Review

2012-07-26T00:06:00.000-04:00

About the book: A meteor strike plunges the world into darkness. A stranger to the village of Brigos Glen restores power and light, supplied by three businesses, known as “The Company,” located beyond the forbidden mountains. The stranger reveals a plan so the Brigons can maintain the power and share the light with outlying territories, which remain shrouded in darkness.

Now, seventy years later, The Company summons six Brigons, including the young engineer Sam Mitchell, to attend a conference in the mountains of the forbidden Outlands.

Responsible for compiling a report about Brigos Glen from his five companions, Sam learns how managers and villagers largely ignored the plan or compromised it to self-interest, forsaking their duty to share the light. They also took for granted The Company responsible for generating and transmitting the power.

In an ordeal fraught with failure, revelations, and judgment, Sam discovers the true identity behind The Company and learns the fate that may befall Brigos Glen . . . that is, unless he can stop it.

About the Author, Chuck: Chuck Graham's legal career as an attorney in private practice spanned more than thirty-one years. He represented many local, national, and international clients, acquiring intricate knowledge about the often-overlapping structures of the corporate world. He also worked against those seeking to create racial division, including the Ku Klux Klan. He has served as a member of the state bar of Georgia since 1979 and an instructor to attorneys and judges through the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). He received the Medallion of Appreciation from ICLE.

Chuck is also a speaker and the author of Take the Stand (Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996) and the compilations, A Year of Encouragement (Xulon Press).

In 1997 he founded Ciloa (Christ Is Lord Of All), a ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement with the world and teaching those who follow Him how to encourage others. Today Chuck serves as executive director and principal author of A Note of Encouragement, a weekly e-zine reaching 175 countries.

He and Beverly, his wife of thirty-four years, have lived in Lawrenceville, a suburb of Atlanta, for fourteen years. God has blessed them with three children. In his free time, Chuck enjoys backpacking and hiking (especially on the Appalachian Trail), playing the guitar, dabbling in photography, and reading extensively about the Christian faith.

My Review: A-MAZ-ING! I was so looking forward to reading this book and was grateful that it did not disappoint! I greatly enjoyed the story structure (it is an allegory) and the biblical undertones. The Company is able to make you think about the allegory or simply just enjoy the story. I feel as though people who aren't religious certainly would still enjoy the book as it is truly a wonderful story, with believable characters! Not to mention, this book is set in a post-apocalyptic world, which I happen to adore. Post-apocalyptic themes and dystopias are some of the hottest books on the market right now and The Company has what it takes to make it big!!!

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Company free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

Win a $350 “Glam” Visa Card Prize Pack from @LisaTBegren & RSVP for 6/27 Facebook party!

2012-06-24T23:46:00.000-04:00

What is our "true" identity? Join the conversation at Lisa Tawn Begren's Glamorous Illusions Author Chat Facebook Event Page. On the evening of 6/27 we'll gather to talk about our spiritual journey, share our stories and a few laughs.

In the meantime, celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions Giveaway!

One "glamorous" winner will receive a "Glam Prize Pack":

A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh ... think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a two-night escape in a lovely hotel - you're only limited by your imagination!)
Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 6/26/12. Winner will be announced at Lisa's "Glamorous Illusions" Facebook Party on 6/27 {Fun begins at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT}. Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)

So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOKor TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

Win a Nook Color from Shannon Dittemore! "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and Facebook Party {6/26

2012-06-24T00:26:00.000-04:00

Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!

Find out what readers are saying here.

One "angelic" winner will receive:

A Brand New Nook Color
A copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Angel Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26. Shannon will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June 26th for a chance to meet Shannon and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

Glamorous Illusions Book Review

2012-06-23T23:36:00.000-04:00

The first book in the Grand Tour series, Glamorous Illusions will take readers on a pilgrimage through Europe-and straight into the soul.

About the book:
It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father's health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her. Cora is invited to take the "Grand Tour" of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person's education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she's never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning. Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King-a Father who is the only One who can truly heal.

About the author: Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (the first book, Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time.
Lisa's time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She's married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids-Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7). All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

My review: 5 stars! I was so surprised by this book. I did not know what to expect when I started this book, but it feel in love with it! I absolutely love Lisa's writing style, as she switches between different character's perspectives throughout the book! This is perhaps one of my favorite types of writing as it allows you to gain more understand to the characters. I found myself really drawn to Cora and Will. As a found my self surprised by the twist at the end I am greatly looking forward to continuing on the journey with all of the characters in the books that are to follow. I am certainly rooting for one particular character to move forward on his journey with Cora ;) This is a great read and I highly recommend it to everyone! Glamorous Illusions is a wonderful journey back in time to a beautiful land and a fascinating time, one which we can all enjoy escaping in and learn from.

Follow this link to see what other bloggers are saying about Glamorous Illusions as well.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Glamorous Illusions free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

Book Review: Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

2012-06-09T22:27:00.000-04:00

About the book:

Once you've seen, you can't unsee. Everything changes when you've looked at the world through . . .Angel Eyes

Brielle went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She's come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can't seem to shake.

Jake's the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what's going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons-and Brielle-can perceive.

About the author, Shannon:

Shannon is a wife and mother. A sister. A daughter. A friend. She was raised in Northern California by her parents-pastors of their local church and constant figures of inspiration.

As a youth, Shannon traveled with an award-winning performing arts team, excelling on stage and in the classroom. As a young adult, she attended Portland Bible College, continued acting, and worked with an outreach team targeting inner-city kids in the Portland-Metropolitan area.

It was in Portland that she met her husband, Matt. They were married in 2002. Soon after, they took the reins of the youth ministry at Living Way Community Church in Roseville, California where they continue to serve in that capacity. In October of 2004, their son Justus was born, followed by their daughter Jazlyn, born in 2008.

Find out more at www.shannondittemore.com.

My Review: I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I had a hard time putting it down and enjoyed so much about it! I found my self sucked into the story from the very beginning and wanted to know more about each of the characters and what made them tick. I really like the story line and reading about something that felt both fictional but real all at the same time. My one downside is this, having read as many books as I have, it is hard to not compare them to one another. I kept feeling like the book had a lot in common with our YA books that I have read lately; comically enough Shannon does reference Twilight on more than one occasion. You know, the whole girl is broken, girl meets boy, boy is insecure himself, boy and girl rescue each other kind of thing. On the other hand, the feeling that the book had qualities like unto the other books I have read and loved is not a bad thing, because after all, I loved those books. I would definitely not recommend this book for anyone under 14 as it does have some content that I would not my children reading about at a young age (children being sold and violence). I did greatly enjoy this easy read and look forward to the next in the series.

To see what other bloggers are saying about Angel Eyes check out the blog tour schedule.

I know that there is Facebook party and giveaway planned but have not yet gotten that information, so keep your eyes peeled for that to come :)

Disclosure: I received a copy of Angel Eyes free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

The Hot Fluff Cool Baby Giveaway Sign Ups Open

2012-06-08T12:10:00.000-04:00

I have signed up for this wonderful event running from July 16-31, 2012. Greenie Beanie Bottoms is giving away a cloth diapering prize pack worth $300 to a lucky winner! The prize package includes 10 cloth diapers (eight one size pocket diapers and two all-in-ones), two diaper covers, two pairs of baby leg warmers, five bamboo inserts, two wet bags, a dozen cloth wipes, and a jar of cloth diaper friendly diaper rash cream! The total value comes to just over $300 of cloth diapering fun!

If you are a cloth diapering, family friendly blogger, you won’t want to miss out on this event! Sign ups are completely FREE!!!

Brave Scottish Gallery and Informercial

2012-06-07T18:54:00.000-04:00

I thought that this little "informercial" featuring Disney Pixar's Brave was pretty cute and thought that I would share it with all of you lovely folks :)

I also think that the Brave Scottish Glossary will come in very handy come June 22!!!

A story set in Scotland would be jiggery pokery without its share of Scottish words and phrases. And crivens, “Brave” has plenty! But it would all be for naught unless accompanied by a proper glossary, so here goes…

AUTOCHTHONOUS

Indigenous, native

v Taught to filmmakers by Emma Thompson (voice of Queen Elinor), who used it to describe “Brave’s” Castle Dunbroch because it appears to have grown right out of the earth.

BLUE WODE

A blue dye extracted from a cabbage-type plant used by inhabitants of ancient Scotland to paint their bodies

v Lord MacGuffin and Young MacGuffin paint their bodies in blue wode to proclaim that they are ready for battle at any moment.

BRAE

Hill

BUNCH OF GALOOTS

Many fools

· galoot = clumsy, oafish person

CARNYX

A Celtic trumpet with a bell shaped like a boar’s head. Held vertically so it can be heard in large crowds, a carnyx was used during wartime to send troops into battle.

v In “Brave,” it signals the start of the Highland Games.

CRIVENS, YOU’RE FIERCE

Wow! You’re cool or ferocious or tough!

· crivens = expression of surprise or shock

DANCING TATTY BOGLE

An expression that describes something outlandish or imaginary

· tatty = shabby, cheap

· bogle, boggle or bogill = ghost or folkloric being

DORIC

A dialect from the Aberdeenshire region in Scotland

v Elgin native Kevin McKidd (voice of MacGuffin and Young MacGuffin), who learned Doric from his grandfather, proposed to filmmakers for Young MacGuffin to speak the incomprehensible dialect in “Brave.”

DREADFUL COLLYWOBBLES

Unwanted stomachache or a bad case of the nerves

· collywobbles = upset stomach; intestinal disturbances or a feeling of apprehension

FOR NAUGHT

For no reason

FINISH WHAT HE GUDDLED IN THE FIRST PLACE

Fix, clean up or otherwise remedy something that’s been horribly mishandled.

· guddle = make a mess of it

GAMY SPELL

An unfortunate bit of magic

· gamy = bad

GLEN

Small, narrow, secluded valley

GOOGLY OLD HAG

Outlandish, unattractive senior

· googly = strange, odd

GIANT HAVING A JIGGER IN THE BLUEBELLS

Similar to Dancing Tatty Bogle, something that’s absurd or fantastical

HAGGIS

Though some will joke that a haggis is a small animal native to Scotland, it is actually a traditional Scottish pudding made with sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, encased in a sheep’s stomach and cooked for several hours. Often served with “neeps and tatties" (turnips and potatoes).

HIGHLAND GAMES

Festivals that celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Includes competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, archery, caber tossing, stone put and other Scottish athletics, plus entertainment and exhibits.

JIGGERY POKERY

Nonsense

JINGS CRIVENS HELP MA BOAB

Oh my!

Exclamation of bewilderment or exasperation

KILT

A pleated and draped tartan fabric garment worn by Scottish men

v During the production of “Brave” director Mark Andrews and several animators wore kilts to work on Fridays—dubbed Kilt Fridays—to get in the spirit of Scotland and the film’s characters.

LASS

Girl

LAD

Boy

LOCH

Lake

MANKY DOGS

Unsavory person or being

· manky = dirty, worthless or in bad taste

MICHTY ME

Wow! Holy cow!

An exclamation of surprise, shock or being overwhelmed

NUMPTY

Useless individual

NUT ‘EM

Head-butt ‘em

SCAFFY WITCH

A tricky or slick being with magical powers

· scaffy = trickster

SCARED SIMPERIN’ JACKANAPES

Belittling description of a goofy and unworthy opponent

· simpering = silly smile

· jackanape = an insulting reference to a monkey or ape; a braggart; a mischievous child

SCUTTLE THE VIKING LONGSHIPS

Sink Viking ships by making holes in the bottom

STUFF HER GOB

Eat with abandon

· gob = mouth

TARTAN

A specially designed woven fabric that identifies a clan. April 6^this National Tartan Day in the United States.

TOSSING CABERS

A test of strength and skill seen in Highland Games in which the competitor raises a pole vertically with the small end down, and then throws it

· Caber = a long, tapered section of a tree trunk

TUMSHIE

Turnip… or foolish person. Or both.

WEE

Small

WE’LL BILE YUR HEED WAE DUMPLIN’ BREED; TAE MAKE AN URSINE STEW

· bile yer heed (boil your head) = don’t be ridiculous. Also used as an exclamation if someone is doing something stupid and it's annoying

v In “Brave” King Fergus sings what he’ll do to the demon bear Mor’du when he catches him to avenge his lost leg. Not only will he boil his head, but he’ll add dumplings to make a bear stew.

WILL O’ THE WISPS

Ghostly lights or small blue spirits that lead the way to treasure or doom.

v In “Brave,” the will o’ the wisps lead Merida to change her fate.

Apassionata: The Beginning

2012-06-01T21:50:00.000-04:00

Apassionata is a household name across Europe and every year for the past ten years, they bring an amazing new show to excited fans from Helsinki to Prague, and from Hamburg to London. The mounting success of this show had the producer, Peter Massine, turn his attention to North America. His US partner, longtime entertainment specialist, Tanya Grubich, has been working for many years now with Peter on making this vision become a reality. In preparation for the North American debut in Louisville this April (one week before the Derby) Apassionata’s finest teams are training horses all over Europe. Apassionata represents a caliber of entertainment that has the equestrian community abuzz and we are certain that the magic and beauty of this show will enthrall ticket buyers of all ages.

I am thrilled that Apassionata is coming to Raleigh and am looking forward to getting to take my family to see the amazing show! I am also excited to have the opportunity to offer everyone who is interested in seeing the show here in Raleigh a special discount code! Apassionata will be in Raleigh, NC at the PNC Arena (formerly RBC Center) from June 15-17. Use promo code "family" in order to get a free ticket when you buy 3. You can buy tickets at ticketmaster.com For those of you who are not in the Raleigh area, but are interested in seeing if the show will be coming to your area soon check out the tour schedule at http://www.apassionata.com/usa/tour-tickets/

Hope to see you at the show!

Disclosure: I have been offered complimentary tickets to opening night to Apassionata for writing this blog post.

Dyson Housewarming Giveaway

2012-06-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Dyson Housewarming Giveaway event! I am so excited to be able to be taking part in this giveaway. This took months in the making and Mom to Bed by 8, the Iowa Mom is proud to bring you this fantastic home essential and offer you the chance to win one too! Big thank you to our lovely co-hosts How to Have It All, Mark Your Savings and GiveAway Bandit.

Dyson DC23 TurbineHead Canister Vacuum

Delivering 220 airwatts of suction power, this canister vacuum cleaner features advanced Level 3 Root Cyclone technology to ensure thorough, efficient cleaning with no clogging or loss of suction. It also offers a TurbineHead brush bar that's ideal for cleaning medium and short pile carpets and can be turned off for hard floors. Certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the unit expels air that contains up to 150 times less mold and bacteria than common breathing air thanks to the vacuum's money-saving, lifetime washable HEPA filter. Plus, Dyson's Bactisafe screen traps and kills bacteria, mold and allergens on contact, preventing them from re-entering the air.

The Telescopic Wrap System allows the hose and wand to be compressed, and ensures that the Dyson DC23 can be stored away neatly and compactly, with no loose components or wires to get tangled. It comes with a stair tool for focusing on dust and dirt from stairs and stair carpets, a brush tool with long bristles to dislodge cobwebs and for delicate cleaning, and a high-velocity airflow crevice tool that's ideal for cleaning base boards, picture frames and in-between furniture. Other features include a clear bin with 0.44-gallon capacity, 21.6-foot cord length, and easy-to-maneuver fixed wheels. The vacuum measures 13.9 x 19.3 x 11.9 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 19.5 pounds. The Dyson DC23 TurbineHead is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Open to worldwide, ages 18+. Giveaway ends on June 15^th. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck to all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Life: SemiCrunchy is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Forever Hilltop Book Review & Kindle giveaway

2012-05-22T16:21:00.000-04:00

About the book: The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.

In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.

In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.

About the Author: Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.

Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.

A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.

She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.

My Review: I hate giving bad reviews and I want to go on record saying that this series is not a bad series and/or that Judy Baer isn't a good writer, but her writing style in this series is not my preference. I really struggled with this series because while I enjoy the story line, I felt like the book dragged on. The first 78 pages of the first book are about Alex's first day arriving to Hilltop. I felt like the book was overly wordy, again not my preference. I would give this series 2.5 stars, because I enjoyed the story line, but the over descriptive manner overwriting isn't for me.

To see what other bloggers are saying about Forever Hilltop go here.

@JudyKBaer is giving away a Kindle for YOU … and one for a Friend in her Forever Hilltop Giveaway! Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!

One lucky winner will receive:

Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi to Giveaway to a Friend!
Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy's Blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Forever Hilltop free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

Disney Pixar Brave

2012-05-13T22:22:00.000-04:00

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.

Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humor enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Hubs said to me just the other day that the next movie that he wants to see in theaters (we already saw Avengers) is Brave! We are both huge Pixar fans and are so exciting about this movie, it will certainly be one that we take advantage of a date night for and hopefully in 3D! Enjoy a sneak preview of Brave here :)

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan Book Review and Blog Tour

2012-05-10T22:52:00.000-04:00

About Crazy Dangerous:Sam Hopkins is a good kid who has fallen in with the wrong crowd. Hanging around with car thieves and thugs, Sam knows it’s only a matter of time before he makes one bad decision too many and gets into real trouble. But one day, Sam sees these thugs harassing an eccentric schoolmate named Jennifer. Finding the courage to face the bullies down, Sam loses a bad set of friends and acquires a very strange new one. Because Jennifer is not just eccentric. To Sam, she seems downright crazy. She has terrifying hallucinations involving demons, the devil, and death. And here’s the really crazy part: Sam is beginning to suspect that these visions may actually be prophecies-prophecies of something terrible that’s going to happen very soon. Unless he can stop it. With no one to believe him, with no one to help him, Sam is now all alone in a race against time. Finding the truth before disaster strikes is going to be both crazy and very, very dangerous.

About Andrew: Andrew Klavan was hailed by Stephen King as "the most original novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich." He is the recipient of two Edgar Awards and the author of such bestsellers as True Crime and Don't Say a Word.

His books and screenplays have been turned into films directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Michael Douglas, Ed Burns, Michael Caine among others. Books Sold to Date: over 1.5 million.

My review: What an amazing book! This is the first time that I have read any of Andrew Klavan's books and I am sure that it will not be the last. Crazy Dangerous has a crazy way about sucking you into the story from page one. I have never read a book that was able to capture the perspective of someone with schizophrenia the way that Crazy Dangerous did. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and found that both Sam and Jennifer's internal struggles were easy to relate to. While I am not a huge fan of books that are gruesome as I have an over imaginative mind, so the amount of death in this book was some what bothersome to me and I would not recommend it for young teens (anyone 14 or younger). Crazy Dangerous is a young adult book, but by no means is a childish book! I give Crazy Dangerous 5 out of 5 stars!!!

To see what other bloggers are thinking about Crazy Dangerous, you can find the blog tour schedule here.

Andrew Klavan's Crazy Dangerous $100 Visa Cash Card Giveaway! RSVP for #Facebook Party {5/29}! Celebrate with Andrew Klavan by entering his Crazy Dangerous giveaway and connecting with him during the Author Chat Party on 5/29!

One fortunate winner will receive:

A $100 Visa Cash Card
A copy of Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan for YOU and 5 of your Friends!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Crazy Dangerous" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/29. Andrew will be hosting an Author Chat, testing your survival trivia skills, giving away books and gift certificates to iTunes and Amazon.com! Don't miss a second of the "danger"!

Grab your copy of Crazy Dangerous and connect with Andrew on the evening of 5/29/12 for an author chat and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!

Disclosure: I received a copy of Crazy Dangerous free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

"The Avengers"

2012-05-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson, and written and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

In “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Super Heroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.

The Avengers will arrive in a theater (including 3D and Imax 3D) near you on May 4, 2012!!! Find The Avengers on Twitter and/or Facebook

Roger Nix President at Age Six

2012-05-01T22:16:00.000-04:00

First time children’s book author Nick Dazé, is in the final days of his campaign to raise funding to independently publish his children's book Roger Nix President at Age Six.

The story is about kindergartener Roger Nix, an ordinary boy: Roger loves kindergarten, playing make-believe, and hanging out with his imaginary friends (a baby donkey named Jack and a baby elephant named Abe). But when he learns about the plans of Old Man Plee, a perennial presidential candidate, to shut down schools and send kids to work in factories as an austerity measure; Roger decides to run against Old Man Plee as a defender of “school and summer vacation, learning and imagination”. Of course Abe and Jack are there to help him every step of the way.

Nick Daze and his incredible Kickstarter campaign have already raised nearly $22,000 and only has $8,000 more to go in order to put the book into production. The book has been fully written by Daze and the illustrations beautifully crafted by Bill Robinson. Each $30 pledge towards the Roger Nix campaign comes with a first edition hardcover copy of the book, delivered in time for the new school year this fall. This is a timely story that is fascinating, engaging, and a thought-provoking read for both kids and parents written by a imaginative adult who was encouraged to explore his imagination as a child.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

Roger stood up quickly. He had something to say

With a wink from Jack and a trunks-up from Abe.

“I’ll run against him,” Roger said with a shout.

“I’ll run for president, have you no doubt!

To close school would be nothing short of a crime

You can't fool all us kids, not all of the time."

He stood on his desk and they all watched and wondered

As Roger kept talking, his voice boomed and thundered.

“We’ll beat him and keep all the schools as they are

Or make them way better. We’ll shoot for the stars!

We go to school so one day we'll go far,

Not because it is easy–because it is hard!

We are KIDS! The whole point is to learn and have fun

And to use our wee noggins...

THIS RACE HAS BEGUN!"

So Abe, Jack, and Roger got to work right away.

"That kid's on to something," his parents would say.

He made lots of speeches; he shook lots of hands

He toured a big factory that made rubber bands.

Then one night on the tube, to Old Plee’s disdain,

The news ran a story on Roger’s campaign.

“Roger Nix, daydreamer and ultimate kid,

Is gaining on Plee in his presidential bid.”

But everyone knew that sooner or later

Roger would have to be quite the debater.

Because one night soon, under some bright marquee

A debate would take place between Roger and Plee.

Please find more information and link to donate below if interested:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787960356/roger-nix-president-at-six

Free Blogger Event Sign-up – Dyson Giveaway

2012-04-14T19:42:00.000-04:00

Mom to Bed by 8 is excited to present the Housewarming Dyson Event from June 1 to June 15. This is a free blogger event and accepting signups now.

Join the Housewarming Dyson Giveaway event today, grow your readership and offer one fantastic cleaning tool giveaway!

If you decide to join the fun please add my blog name or url in the referred by section on the signup form.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer book review

2012-04-10T00:44:00.000-04:00

About the book: Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.

Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?

About the author: Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

My review: I have said it before and I will say it again, I have eaten up every single book of Tricia Goyer's that I have read and By the Light of the Silvery Moon is certainly no exception. Tricia has a way of writing that makes the spiritual messages that she wants the reader to take to heart not come across as too forth right or detracting from the story. I savor her writing style so much because of the entertaining stories, beautiful imagery, believable characters, and deeper meanings found within each book. I was worried at first that By the Light of the Silvery Moon was going to be a knockoff of the movie Titanic, but I was very pleased that it held more depth than that. I have had an interest in all things Titanic as long as I can remember, so I think that this book was made that much better for me, which also meant that it had the potential to let me down more. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars!

Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!

So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Disclosure: I received a copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

Blue Moon Promise book review, facebook party chat giveaway

2012-03-09T20:55:00.000-05:00

Blue Moon Promise (Book Number One in the Under Texas Stars series)

A love like Lucy and Nate’s only comes along once in a blue moon . . .

Lucy Marsh's worldly resources are running out, but she's fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father's recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he'd marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he'd give anything to protect Lucy and the children he's grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

About the Author: Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

For more about Colleen and her other books visit www.colleencoble.com

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13458569/bluemoonpromise

My Review: 5 stars!!! This was such a surprising read to me! I loved the amount of depth within the story. I really enjoyed that while the book was a love story, it was so much more than that. I found the characters to be fascinating and yet believable and wanted to get to know them more. The book was able to keep me guessing with what was around each corner and I had a hard time willing myself to put it down at night. I look forward to the other books in the Under Texas Stars series as I am sure that Colleen will not disappoint!

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance, and suspense . . . immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.

To celebrate Colleen is teaming up with her publisher Thomas Nelson for a "Blue Moon Promise" Facebook Chat party where she will giveaway a KINDLE Fire and a Texas-sized gift basket (fabulous Texas treats and fun Lucy-inspired housekeeping products)!

Click the banner, RSVP today for the Facebook Party and mark the date on your calendar!

Invite your friends and don't miss Colleen's evening of chat, trivia, prizes, and more.

Kindle Giveaway and More! Save the Date - 3/13!

Disclosure: I received a copy of Blue Moon Promise free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

Free eBook by Tricia Goyer

2012-02-20T17:12:00.000-05:00

Back in November I reviewed Remembering You by Tricia Goyer. I have read two of her books now and loved them both!!! Tricia Goyer's newest book Chasing Mona Lisa is FREE (ebook) today and will be $3.99 the remainder of the week! I have added it to my Kindle, make sure to get your free copy today!

Chasing Mona Lisa Kindle Version
Chasing Mona Lisa Nook Version

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2012-02-12T14:44:00.000-05:00

I am excited to announce that there will be some changes going on around here! I have decided to bring on a team of bloggers to the blog. I have been feeling overwhelmed with my own life and three kids plus the thought of trying to maintain the blog. Over the past few months I have been going back and forth with if I should just shut down the blog and just couldn't bring myself to do it, although I feel like I already have in some ways. The good news is that not only am I feeling less overwhelmed these days (now that Little Boy Two is 4 months old), but I am excited to bring several new bloggers to the blog. I went ahead and renewed the blog domain for another year, so there will be no changes in our web address. I am really looking forward to getting to hear their life experiences and perspectives all on one blog. Over the next few weeks I will be introducing you to several new ladies and their respective families! As I introduce you to these new bloggers you of course can expect for their to be some changes to the blog lay out as well, but we will take things at a good pace.

I am looking for a couple more people who would be interested in blogging with us. I am currently looking for moms with teenagers, moms with elementary aged children, and a daddy to join the crew. I plan on all the new bloggers doing product reviews, but that is a flexible point. If you or someone you know is interested in joining up with us, please contact me and we can chat :)

The Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy Review

2012-02-11T01:29:00.002-05:00

The Sound of Red Returning - After losing everyone she loves, concert pianist Liesl Bower has nowhere to go but to escape into her music. Searching for the peace she usually finds in her concertos and sonatas, Liesl can’t shake the feeling that she is being haunted by her past . . . and by someone following her. When she spots a familiar and eerie face in the audience of a concert she’s giving for the president in Washington, DC, the scariest day of her life comes back to her with a flash. It has been fifteen years since Liesl watched her beloved Harvard music mentor assaulted on a dark night in Moscow and just as long since the CIA disclosed to her that he’d been spying for Russia. She had seen that man--that eerie face--the night Professor Devoe was attacked. And now he’s back--and coming for her.

On the run and struggling to rely on the protection of CIA agent Ava Mullins and handsome newspaper reporter Cade O’Brien, Liesl learns she is the prey of an underground cell of Russian KGB agents determined to restore their country to its former Soviet might. But what she doesn’t know is that she is in possession of something--a piece of sheet music--that Russian intelligence is now frantic to find. Inside that music is a secret code, the hidden transcriptions of her deceased mentor, that clearly identify a Russian mole operating inside Israel’s Department of Defense, a mole with enough power and access to execute a daring assassination that no one would see coming.

Caught in a deadly conflict between American and Russian undercover agents, this innocent young pianist is just trying to survive her own personal trauma. Through it all, Liesl must learn that no matter how dark her world grows or how fiercely her enemies pursue her, God is still in control--if only she can yield herself to His grace.

About the author: Sue Duffy is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in Moody Magazine, The Presbyterian Journal, Sunday Digest, and The Christian Reader. She is the author of Mortal Wounds (Barbour, 2001) and Fatal Loyalty (Kregel, 2010). Sue has also contributed to Stories for a Woman’s Heart (Multnomah). She and her husband, Mike, have three grown children.

My Review: I give The Sound of Red Returning 3.5 out of 5 stars. I have fairly mixed feelings about the book. While I was reading the book I had a hard time keeping track of all of the characters at first. I found that I would have to reread parts because I was confused about which character I was dealing with in that given moment. I also do not know too much about the KGB, so that was not familiar territory for me to be able to imagine as I was reading. Having said as much, I did enjoy the story of Leisl and found myself looking forward to getting to read more and more. I do look forward to getting to read the next two books in the trilogy! I wish that there had been more focus on characters that I feel were important into the make up of Leisl, such as her personal childhood dynamic. I felt like we were always being hinted towards something that was going to be more fully exposed, but it never really was explored. Hopefully, the upcoming books will be able to fill in some of the gaps that I felt were left with this book.

Sue Duffy and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are celebrating the release of The Sound of Red Returning by giving away a Kindle Fire prize package worth over $200 to one lucky winner!!!! (1/23-2/11)

Enter the Sue Duffy’s Giveaway today and you could win:

* A brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi

* The Sound of Red Returning (Book One in the Red Returning series) by Sue Duffy

To enter click one of the icons below. But, hurry! The giveaway ends on 2/11. Sue will be announcing the winner of the “Red Returning” Giveaway on February 13th on the Litfuse website!

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Sound of Red Returning free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!

Crunchy Mamas Say...

2012-02-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

TOO FUNNY, I had to share! I am so there, I know I have said the vast majority of those things!!!

The Keeper book review and #giveaway

2012-01-14T13:18:00.017-05:00

About the book, The Keeper:

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

About the Author, Suzanne Woods Fisher:

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.

When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

My Review:
I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars! An all around great book. I love how easy it was to jump right into the story and feel connected with the characters. The Keeper is full of very lovable characters (and some hard to love ones too) with layers of personality! I was left wanting more once I finished, but not in a negative way, I just really wanted to spend more time with all of the characters! Suzanne does a wonderful job keeping the story line interesting with plenty of twist and turns without making the story to convoluted or feeling rushed. You should definitely put this on your to-read list because it truly is a keeper!

About the giveaway:

Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway" during the blog tour for
The Keeper! During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!

During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:

A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of The Keeper

But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/
17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will
announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!

RSVP early and tell your friends!

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVPtoday and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Keeper free of charge from Litfuse Publicity Group in order to facilitate a review. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own!