Meet Author A.L. Sowards and Giveaway

Meet the Author 

A.L. Sowards writes mysteries, romances historical fiction with action, adventure and suspense. She writes entertaining books that keep you on the edge of your seat. Her books are wholesome and clean.

Sowards was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up at Moses Lake, Washington. She attended school in Utah and decided she liked it so much that she would stay. She's always loved writing from the time she was in elementary school she started writing storybooks at her grandparent's house. Sowards also attended her first writer's conference in third grade.

Besides writing, Sowards enjoys swimming. She swam for the Big Bend Manta Rays, the Moses Lake Manta Rays, Moses Lake High School and Brigham Young University. She also studied Political Science and English at Brigham Young University.

Along with being an established author, Sowards raises three children.

Books Written by A.L. Sowards: 

Of Sword and Shadow

The Redgrave Murders 

The Spider and the Sparrow 

The Rules in Rome 2015 Whitney Award Winner, Historical Fiction category

Defiance  2017 Whitney Award finalist, Historical Fiction category

Espionage 2012 Whitney Award finalist, Historical Fiction category

Sworn Enemy 

Deadly Alliance   2014 Whitney Award finalist, Historical Fiction category

The Perfect Gift

Wartime Christmas Tales

 

Giveaway for an Audiobook

The author has generously offered a prize of an audio book of Defiance. Here's the summary of Defiance:

Eight years after immigrating to the United States, German-born Lukas Leyem bodies the
American dream: successful athlete, gorgeous girlfriend, loving family. But beneath the surface, eighteen-year-old Lukas is driven by ambition, resolved to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of the Nazi regime. Unfortunately, a failed physical throws his plans for flight school off course. Unlike his war-hero older brother,Lukas's purpose is unclear. He can't fly, and in the eyes of the military, he's good for only one thing--the front lines.

From the foxholes of war-ravaged Luxembourg to the devastation of an enormous German offensive, Lukas's journey is fraught with peril. But when he's taken as a prisoner of war, he realizes life is about to get much worse. In the enemy camp, Lukas is viewed as a German fighting for the wrong side. Ripped from the innocence of an idealistic youth, he becomes a man beaten by the horrors of war. Now his only hope of survival is to hold tightly to his faith in God and his love of family and home. But even if he manages to make it out alive, can he ever be whole again?

To enter to win the audiobook, please fill out the rafflecopter below. Only U.S. mainland mailing addresses please may enter. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Many thanks to A.L Sowards for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary  compensation. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. Winner for US mainland only. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Please note that this post also contains an affiliate links to help support the maintenance of this blog.

 

Saving Dr. Warren..."A True Patriot" Review and Giveaway

 

 

About the Book

How do we share in patriotism with America's future?

The novel Saving Dr. Warren...A True Patriot answers that question through the eyes of a 14 year old boy.

Steve O'Dell loves to write and does it well. But as an eighth-grade student at Needham Middle School, his talent sometimes seems more an embarrassment than a blessing. 

Then, on Veteran's Day 2001, Steve's award-winning essay propels him into an adventure twisting through Revolutionary battles and bloodshed. Thanks to the bizarre bequest of a manuscript and a musket ball from a long-lost family war hero, Steve's journey with the Revolutionary War hero Dr. Joseph Warren begins.

A time-traveling talisman missing from the archives of one of Boston's oldest historical societies takes Steve through the portals of history, where he walks side by side with a real Boston patriot. He makes house calls with Dr. Warren on March 5, 1770, and stumbles onto the bloodstained streets of the Boston Massacre. From the killings of March 5 to boarding tea ships in 1773, Steve's history book explodes to life as he helps Dr. Warren and forges a friendship with Boston's True Patriot. Steve watches Dr. Warren launch Paul Revere on his midnight ride, and he helps Dr. Warren dodge British musket balls in the first battles of the War for Independence. With each adventure, Steve tastes the light that ignites the Revolution.

Steve will eventually convince others that the Revolutionary relic he was given really does open portals through time, but he faces his most difficult quest alone—saving Dr. Warren from an onslaught at Bunker Hill. Can he do it? And if he fails, will he ever return to this century?Saving Dr. Warren...A True Patriot rips through the pages of history. From the Revolutionary War to the vanishing veterans of World War II, to the ashes of September 11, 2001, Saving Dr. Warren demonstrates to both old and young that patriotism, standing like an old oak tree on a grandfather's farm, has and will endure.

Check out Jeffery J. McKenna's website for plenty of free educational resources that have been created specifically for Saving Dr. Warren... A True Patriot. You'll find lesson plans, an essay contest, as well as information about author visits. This historical-fiction novel has been used in several middle school classrooms as a resource for both History and English teachers—it is a great educational tool for parents, librarians, and teachers. 

Ages 11-15, 366 pages, Publisher: Jeffrey J. McKenna, ISBN-13:978-0999901205

 

About the Author

Jeff McKenna resides in a peaceful Southern Utah town amidst the red rocks that make up

National Parks like Zion and Arches. He loves mountain biking over the brightly colored sandstone that surrounds him, as well as new trails he finds when he goes on cross-country RV trips with his wife. Along with reading entertaining historical fiction novels, Jeff believes  a great way to learn to love America is by exploring her beautiful landscape and visiting cities and states from sea to shining sea.Jeff's love for his country is what has fostered his love for writing. Uncovering America's history can be messy, but Jeff dives in with both hands to uncover what lies hidden in our nation's past. He loves to reveal forgotten heroes and help them come alive for young Americans as they race through the page of his historical fiction novel, Saving Dr. Warren..."A True Patriot".

Jeff would love to hear about the American heroes you've discovered as you dive into history. For more information, visit his website here.

 

Review

Saving Dr. Warren..."A True Patriot" shares many historical events including 9-11, WWII, and the Revolutionary War. Jumping around in history made me feel like I was also traveling in time and experiencing different events, however, I enjoyed it more when the book solely focused on the Revolutionary War. The transitions between the different chapters became smoother and easier to read. I would also have enjoyed the book more if the author had written the name of the character whose perspective we were reading at the beginning of the chapter.

The theme of patriotism and what it is ran throughout the book. The novel does a good job at explaining why patriotism matters in the modern world. I really enjoyed reading about the events during the Revolutionary War and learning more about Dr. Warren and his involvement with the war. It was also interesting to read Steve's perspective on the past. It was a modern take on the events through history. . Pre-teens and teens would enjoy how history comes alive in this book. It would help history to seem more real and relatable. 

The characters were also engaging and interesting in the novel. In the beginning of the novel, Steve is cocky, self-serving and prideful. Throughout the story he becomes a better person and learns humility, patriotism, caring more for those around him and learns how to foster better relationships with his friends and family members. His life changes through experiencing the historical events and getting to know historical figures. I liked that Steve's character changed for the better as the story enfolded.

I could also see teachers using this in the classroom to help students gain a greater understanding of historical events. Reading about historical events in a fictional setting may help students to remember and internalize it more. There were several parts of the story that could be used in a discussion setting, project or student essay. I would recommend reading this book and learning more about the historical events that it mentions.

 

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A copy of Saving Dr. Warren … “A True Patriot,” autographed by Jeffery McKenna
• An original 1700’s musket ball 

 Two (2) winners receive:

• A copy of Saving Dr. Warren … “A True Patriot,” autographed by Jeffery McKenna 

The giveaway begins December 10, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends January 10, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Check out the other blog tour stops here.

This post is sponsored in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and author Jeffery McKenna in both your blog post and all social shares.

Saving Dr. Warren Author Interview and Giveaway

 

 

About the Book

How do we share in patriotism with America's future?

The novel Saving Dr. Warren...A True Patriot answers that question through the eyes of a 14 year old boy.

Steve O'Dell loves to write and does it well. But as an eighth-grade student at Needham Middle School, his talent sometimes seems more an embarrassment than a blessing. 

Then, on Veteran's Day 2001, Steve's award-winning essay propels him into an adventure twisting through Revolutionary battles and bloodshed. Thanks to the bizarre bequest of a manuscript and a musket ball from a long-lost family war hero, Steve's journey with the Revolutionary War hero Dr. Joseph Warren begins.

A time-traveling talisman missing from the archives of one of Boston's oldest historical societies takes Steve through the portals of history, where he walks side by side with a real Boston patriot. He makes house calls with Dr. Warren on March 5, 1770, and stumbles onto the bloodstained streets of the Boston Massacre. From the killings of March 5 to boarding tea ships in 1773, Steve's history book explodes to life as he helps Dr. Warren and forges a friendship with Boston's True Patriot. Steve watches Dr. Warren launch Paul Revere on his midnight ride, and he helps Dr. Warren dodge British musket balls in the first battles of the War for Independence. With each adventure, Steve tastes the light that ignites the Revolution.

Steve will eventually convince others that the Revolutionary relic he was given really does open portals through time, but he faces his most difficult quest alone—saving Dr. Warren from an onslaught at Bunker Hill. Can he do it? And if he fails, will he ever return to this century?Saving Dr. Warren...A True Patriot rips through the pages of history. From the Revolutionary War to the vanishing veterans of World War II, to the ashes of September 11, 2001, Saving Dr. Warren demonstrates to both old and young that patriotism, standing like an old oak tree on a grandfather's farm, has and will endure.

Check out Jeffery J. McKenna's website for plenty of free educational resources that have been created specifically for Saving Dr. Warren... A True Patriot. You'll find lesson plans, an essay contest, as well as information about author visits. This historical-fiction novel has been used in several middle school classrooms as a resource for both History and English teachers—it is a great educational tool for parents, librarians, and teachers. 

Ages 11-15, 366 pages, Publisher: Jeffrey J. McKenna, ISBN-13:978-0999901205

 

About the Author

Jeff McKenna resides in a peaceful Southern Utah town amidst the red rocks that make up

National Parks like Zion and Arches. He loves mountain biking over the brightly colored sandstone that surrounds him, as well as new trails he finds when he goes on cross-country RV trips with his wife. Along with reading entertaining historical fiction novels, Jeff believes  a great way to learn to love America is by exploring her beautiful landscape and visiting cities and states from sea to shining sea.Jeff's love for his country is what has fostered his love for writing. Uncovering America's history can be messy, but Jeff dives in with both hands to uncover what lies hidden in our nation's past. He loves to reveal forgotten heroes and help them come alive for young Americans as they race through the page of his historical fiction novel, Saving Dr. Warren..."A True Patriot".

Jeff would love to hear about the American heroes you've discovered as you dive into history. For more information, visit his website here.

 

Author Interview

Life is What It's Called - Why did you choose the Revolutionary War time for your book?

Jeff McKenna - Ultimately, I chose this period because I wanted to tell Joseph Warren's story. It's his story. It's his period.  However, I really enjoy history and I couldn't just limit the story to the Revolution. I wanted to incorporate some of the most patriotic moments in American history, so this is why I chose the three historical time periods that I did: My main character is in middle school and living through the aftermath of 9/11. He experiences the islands of the Pacific through the tales of his long-lost WWII relative. He races through time, trying to save a forgotten Revolutionary War hero. To me, these three periods of U.S. history are the perfect combination to help the reader learn what it means to be a true patriot.

Life Is What It's Called - Why was Dr. Warren your choice of historical figures for Steve to follow?

Jeff McKenna - He found me.

At the beginning of 2001, I learned that Dr. Warren was the man that orchestrated and sent Paul Revere on his ride. I figured if he was important enough to govern Paul Revere's actions, I should learn more. The more I knew, the more I wondered why I'd never learned about him before. Why had he fallen from the pages of history? It was then I felt impressed to tell his story.I knew I wanted to tell his story, but I didn't know how. After the attacks of 9/11, the plot started to materialize. Additionally, at this time, within my law practice, I watched many of my WWII estate planning clients pass away. I wanted a story that involved all three elements - Dr. Warren, WWII, and September 11th. "Saving Dr. Warren..." A True Patriot" emerged from these three desires.

Life Is What It's Called - Will there be sequels for this book?

Jeff McKenna - Yes, stay tuned! Saving Dr. Warren… "A True Patriot" is the 1st book in a three-book series!The second book will be about family and will focus on Curtis. His T3 (Time Traveling Talisman) will take him on a journey to discover all that his family has sacrificed to give him the opportunities he has today.And my last book will focus on Grace Levy. My vision is still blurry on how this book will look, but it will most undoubtedly carry with it the Almighty theme. Grace will experience God and His unfailing love for his children as her T3 not only takes her through time but to another side of the globe.

Life Is What It's Called - What was your inspiration for this story?

Jeff McKenna - America's future was the inspiration for the story.I love working with America's youth. They are filled with energy and often an unabashed excitement for life. If you want to know what America will look like in 30 years, look at what the youth is being taught today. Although I am an estate planning attorney, I have dedicated countless hours to being a soccer coach and Christian youth instructor. My sole desire is to help those I work with develop skills to live a meaningful life.

Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope readers will gain from this story?

Jeff McKenna - A greater appreciation for their country and those who have sacrificed, and are continuing to sacrifice, so much for our liberty and freedoms.

Life Is What It's Called - How does history inspire you to write?

Jeff McKenna - I love traveling. My wife and I love to visit new places and meet new people. History is like traveling. You go back in time to a "new place." Even if you are studying your hometown's history, you will read and learn about new people. History is traveling to new places and meeting new people by merely opening and reading a book. In my eyes, historical fiction is the best genre because you can enjoy a good story while learning amazing history at the same time.Life Is What It's Called - How would you use this book in the classroom or with homeschool curriculums?Jeff McKenna - Great question! I wrote Saving Dr. Warren... "A True Patriot" with teachers in mind. It is designed to educate while entertaining the reader. The Saving Dr. Warren Team has organized excellent lesson plans on my website at www.jefferyjmckenna.com. The book closely follows the standard U.S. History curriculum while also being a great Language Arts class option. 

I've also partnered with the nonprofit Help Patriotism Prevail, which helps provide free digital and print copies of Saving Dr. Warren... "A True Patriot" to schools across the country.  

Life Is What It's Called - If you could be like Steve and travel back in time, what period would you choose and why? 

Jeff McKenna - I would want to go back to the year 14AD as a teenage version of myself. I am a Christian who loves Jewish culture. I think it would be incredible to be friends with Jesus as I went through my awkward teenage years. Although having Jesus as a friend would be incredible, I'm not sure how long I would want to stay back in the first century, Galilee. I would definitely miss modern appliances, medicine, and technology! Let's hope I'd have a similar experience as my main character and not permanently get stuck in 14AD.  

Life Is What It's Called - What would be some experiences or historical tours you would recommend to readers after reading the book?

Jeff McKenna - Boston's famous Freedom Trail is a must! I think Saving Dr. Warren... "A True Patriot" is the perfect family read for anyone living in or around Boston or planning on visiting.  The 9/11 Memorial and Museum in NYC and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans are also significant historical locations to visit in connection with the book. If you're one of those lucky souls that live in or visit Hawaii, I strongly recommend visiting Pearl Harbor.  In every one of the above locations, I have genuinely felt America's Spirit. However, as stated on the last page of my novel, it's not just in these great and famous locations that you can feel the influence of America's Spirit. You can attend a local veteran's ceremony in your hometown, or you can visit a local veteran's cemetery in your community. Another fantastic experience you can be a part of after reading the book is watching a veterans group "retire" old flags. If you've never experienced the proper retirement of a worn and likely torn flag, you really need to attend the next one sponsored by your local American Legion. As you participate in the above experiences, I promise there will be an excellent chance you will be touched by America's Spirit!

 

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A copy of Saving Dr. Warren … “A True Patriot,” autographed by Jeffery McKenna
• An original 1700’s musket ball 

 Two (2) winners receive:

• A copy of Saving Dr. Warren … “A True Patriot,” autographed by Jeffery McKenna 

The giveaway begins December 10, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends January 10, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Check out the other blog tour stops here.

This post is sponsored in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and author Jeffery McKenna in both your blog post and all social shares.

Mightier Than the Sword and Mightier Then the Sword: The Edge of the Word Review and Giveaway

 

Mightier Than The Sword - Wildly funny and inventive, this interactive book pulls you, the reader, into the action. Yes, YOU! You wake up in the fictional land of Astorya, where stories from our world come to life. You’re a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil, you have the power to create: what you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!

Only you can rescue Prince S. from the evil Queen Rulette. Aided by the Couriers–a French stoat with dangerous dance moves, a giant dung beetle, a fire ninja, a Pegasus-centaur-cowgirl and a super-intelligent femalien chameleon—you must write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure and prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.

Buy on Amazon.
Buy on Bookshop.org.

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Penguin Workshop | ISBN-13: 978-1524785109 

Review - I hadn't heard of this book before this tour, and as a mom I am always on the look out for new books and authors for my kids to read. Especially, something that my son would be interested in. It's hard to find books for boys that are adventurous and not too scary. Mightier Than The Sword was adventurous, entertaining, and creative. The story pulls the reader into an imaginative world and provides interactive experiences i.e. creating a monster, drawing pictures, and creating your own spin on the story. It's a little old for my seven year old, since he hasn't learned adjectives or what exclamatory statements are. But he's expressed interest in it and I can help him with it as needed. The cover seemed to peak his interest. It's a book I could see him enjoying and loving the chance to draw and create along with the book. This book would appeal to both boys and girls. The story is told in 2nd person point of view. The story reader is the main character in the story and along the way meets many interesting characters from a stoat to bandits and more. The villain and the rubots were more silly than scary, which I think would also appeal to young readers. The humor also seemed appropriate for young readers although I cringed a little with some of the "dung" humor. I would recommend owning a copy rather than borrowing it from the library that way the reader can draw and write in it and make it their own.

 

Mightier Than the Sword: The Edge of the World, the humorous and fantastical interactive middle-grade novel which needs , the reader, to get in on the action! The second book set in Astorya places back in the driver’s seat. You’re a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil, you have the power to create. What you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story! With Queen Rulette gone, and Astorya returning to normal, you decide to journey to Astorya’s Other Side, a place of monsters and mayhem, to hide the original Original forever. nothing bad could happen to Astorya’s precious document there, right? But when the plan goes awry and digital doppelgangers are unleashed on the world, once again only you can save the day. Write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure story that is unique to every reader! And, most importantly, prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.

Buy on Bookshop.org.
Buy on Amazon.  

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Penguin Workshop | ISBN-13:978-1524785109

Review - Mightier Than the Sword: The Edge of the Word is a fun and entertaining read. The reader again becomes the hero again, but this time the hero must enter into the other side of the paper/story filled with monsters. There are mad-lib type activities to engage the reader, a crossword and more. I love that the reader is included in the story and can make it their own. The authors did a good job at portraying the monsters. The monsters are a little scary, but they're presented in a funny way so I don't think younger readers of middle grade fiction will think it's frightening. I almost wished that we could explore the world a little more. There were so many outrageous monsters and ideas, that I wouldn't mind revisiting it again in another book. I was impressed at several points of the story of the creativity and imagination that went into the story. The authors/illustrators brought up the difference between light vs. dark, good and evil, and the difference between copies and originals. Mightier Than the Sword: The Edge of the Word seemed like it could bring forth a lot of good discussions in a classroom setting or children's book club. I would recommend this book to middle-grade fiction readers. I think it's engaging and I love that it supports grammar, words and engaging with your imagination.

The Authors - Alana Harrison and Drew Callander have spent their lives telling stories and cracking jokes. Alana graduated from The College of William and Mary with a degree in Comedic Writing and Performance. Drew graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Fiction Writing. Together they have created cartoons and short films with Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, John Oliver, and Kristen Schaal. Their work as writers and improv comedians has aired on Sirius XM Radio, NBC, and Comedy Central. Mightier Than the Sword is their first book series. They live with their two kids and one exquisitely talented cat (none of whom help with the dishes).

The Illustrator - Ryan Andrews lives in the Japanese countryside, with his wife, two kids, and their dog, Lucky. A friendly Kodama or two have been known to take up residence in the giant acorn tree that shades the house. Ryan often works at his drawing desk in the early-morning hours, to the sound of rummaging wild boar and badgers, who come from the surrounding forest seeking out shiitake mushrooms and fallen chestnuts.

 

 

 

Enter for a chance to win a Mightier Than the Sword prize pack:

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Mightier Than the Sword
• A hardcover copy of Mightier Than the Sword: The Edge of the Word
• A paperback copy of Mightier Than the Sword
• A personalized video message from Manteau, the lovable French stoat 

Three (3) winners receive: 

• A paperback copy of Mightier Than the Sword
• A hardcover copy of Mightier Than the Sword: The Edge of the Word 

Five (5) winners receive:

 A paperback copy of Mightier Than the Sword

 

The giveaway begins November 16, 2020, at 12:01 AM MT and ends December 16, 2020, at 11:59 PM MT. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure - Per FTC guidelines, this blog post was in partnership with The Children’s Book Review, Drew Callander, and Alana Harrison.

December Giveaway (low to moderate entry)

 

I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog or social media giveaways I've entered, thought someone else might be interested in entering or that have been submitted to me through bloggers. Check back often throughout the month to see if I have posted more giveaways. If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me (via email). If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.

 

Mr. Gardiner and the Governess (ends 12.16.2020)

Olive Juice Item (ends 12.16.2020)

Defiance Audiobook (ends 12.19.2020)

Beauty Gift Package (ends 12.20.2020) 

$100 Reddress Gift Card (ends 12.20.2020) 

Marc Fisher Boots (ends 12.20.2020)

$50 MarleyLilly Gift Card (ends 12.20.2020)

$50 Macys Gift Card (ends 12.22.2020) 

Rubio's Coastal Grill Family Meal (ends 12.22.2020) 

Zulay Milk Boss Milk Frother (ends 12.22.2020)

War with Grandpa Blu-ray (ends 12.25.2020)

 

A Christmas Promise Book Review

A Christmas Promise contains three Regency Novellas: The Two Bells of Christmas by Joanna Barker, Promise Me Again by Annette Lyon, and The Christmas Journey by Jennifer Moore.

The Two Bells of Christmas by Joanna Barker shares the story of twins attending a house party. One twin wants to make a match while the other twin just wants to not be a disappointment. One of the twins gets ill on the journey and the sisters decide to swap identities. This story was a fun read. I enjoyed the humor in the story and the stark contrast of the sisters. The sisters in the story were fun and interesting to get to know.

Promise Me Again by Annette Lyon shares a romance between Jacob and Miriam. Jacob's brother despises the match and has expectations for Jacob to rise in society according to his plans. Jacob rebels and plans to elope with Miriam when tragedy occurs. This story was full of twists and turns. Promise Me Again was a dramatic romance. It reminded me a bit of An Affair to Remember. I was very surprised by this one. It's not a typical romance, but I liked the story and found it to be quite the page turner.

The Christmas Journey by Jennifer Moore opens with the main character, Lucy waiting for her father to arrive for Christmas. She's bitterly disappointed when a captain arrives to tell her that her father is unable to come. Lucy decides to set out to London, find her father, and enjoy Christmas with him. This story was surprising and a little suspenseful. The author lets the reader know that there's more going on then Lucy realizes and I had a bunch of wild guesses that all turned out to be wrong. This story reminded me a bit of The Little Princess where a daughter longs to be reunited with her father and makes unexpected friendships along the way. This was a heartwarming romance.

A Christmas Promise is a fun read for the holiday season and a great gift idea for readers who enjoy Regency romance. To learn more about this book, click here. 

Please note that I received a free ebook to review this book, however this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support the maintenance of this blog.

 

November Giveaways to Enter (low to moderate entry)

 

I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog or social media giveaways I've entered, thought someone else might be interested in entering or that have been submitted to me through bloggers. Check back often throughout the month to see if I have posted more giveaways. If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me (via email). If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.

 

Paw Patrol DVDs (ends November 5, 2020) 

Hallmark Prize Pack (ends November 6, 2020) 

Prana Outfit (ends November 12, 2020)

 

Hatch Blog Tour, Author Interview and Giveaway

 

About the Book: Hatch! is a picture book exploring the animals that hatch from eggs. Colorful, captivating pictures paired with singsong rhyming text make this book a perfect fit for curious babies and toddlers. 

About the Author: Cassie Hoyt is a children’s author and perfusionist. She lives in North Carolina with
her husband and two sons. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Inspiration for her books typically comes from her silly boys or fond memories of her childhood. Learn more about Cassie’s upcoming works here.

About the Illustrator: Amanda Crawford Brown is an artist in the greater Nashville, TN area. She has been creative her whole life but began working on her art career seriously in 2017. She specializes in watercolor and fluid art mediums but has recently been recreating those mediums in digital format. Creating children’s book art has been a dream of Amanda’s since she was very young! Amanda also makes digital artwork and is a marketing director for a Professional Twitch streamer, has shown her work in galleries and has had award-winning booths at art and craft shows all around Tennessee!

Author Interview: 

Life Is What It's Called  - What inspired you to write Hatch!?

Cassie Hoyt - My three-year-old son is full of questions. We saw a bird's nest one day, and after that, he kept asking which animals hatch from eggs. Hatch! started as an easy rhyme to teach him a few animals that hatch from eggs. I couldn’t find a book with all of these animals, so I decided to make my own. 

Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope kids will gain from your book? 

Cassie Hoyt - I hope that Hatch! will spark curiosity and that the kids reading Hatch! will learn in a simple, fun way.)

Life Is What It's Called - Are there more books in your future? 

Cassie Hoyt - Yes! I am always working on new ideas. I'm very excited to announce that my second book, I Miss You Most, will be out this fall! Love knows no distance. I Miss You Most helps children through the heartache of distance by showing them how to hold their loved ones near. Whether exploring the seas as pirates or twirling like ballerinas, imagination can bridge even the greatest distance. Because time with those you love is the most magical thing of all!

Life Is What It's Called - How would you recommend Hatch! be used in a homeschool preschool setting?  

Cassie Hoyt - Hatch! is perfect for a homeschool preschool setting. The simple, repetitive phrase is catchy, and the little ones will quickly have it memorized. I would recommend reading Hatch! with pauses to allow the children to guess which animal is hatching. Show pictures of each animal featured and pair with questions about the animals and their nests. Video footage of animals hatching from eggs can add to the lesson. There are printable coloring pages on my website, www.cassiehoyt.com, as well! 

Life Is What It's Called - Have you ever seen an animal hatch? 

Cassie Hoyt - I have! A friend of ours had baby chicks we saw hatch. Recently, we have been watching videos of animals hatching. What's your favorite animal? My favorite animal is a dog. We have a small dog named Buckeye! He is very energetic, loves to play with his toys, and barks a lot. 

Life Is What It's Called - What's your favorite animal?

Cassie Hoyt - My favorite animal is a dog. We have a small dog named Buckeye! He is very energetic, loves to play with his toys, and barks a lot.

Giveaway: Enter for a chance to win the Hatch! prize pack.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A paperback copy of Hatch, autographed by author Cassie Hoyt,
• A canvas tote printed with artwork from Hatch 
• A $100 Amazon gift card for purchasing books to fill your new tote
  

Two (2) winners receive:

• A paperback copy of Hatch, autographed by author Cassie Hoyt 

Giveaway begins October 5, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends November 5, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

 

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Cassie Hoyt. The giveaway is managed by The Children's Book Review. This post may contain affiliate links.

As Long As You Love Me Review

After fifteen years, straight-laced Brennon Ashworth is finally over his high school crush. Or so he thought.

After his best friend signs him up for speed dating, he inadvertently compares every woman to Molly, the carefree and vivacious girl who broke his heart. Ever since she left, he has done everything he can to make life predictable so he isn’t hurt again, even if that means life gets a little boring. When Molly shows up out of the blue, his carefully controlled life is thrown into chaos, and the masks he’s been wearing no longer seem to fit. She knows him better than anyone, so he can’t hide from Molly like he does the rest of the world. And that terrifies him.

When his pseudo-family, the Davenports, are in trouble, Brennon reluctantly teams up with Molly to find the truth and prays she isn’t lying when she says she won’t hurt him again.

Because he’s as much in love with her as ever, and he’s not sure he can survive another heartbreak.

As Long As You Love Me is a mostly stand-alone clean contemporary romance (but works better with the rest of the Simple Love Stories).

Review - This story is told from the hero's perspective - Brennon. It was interesting to only get his insight and thoughts on other characters and the situation around him. Through Brennon's perspective, it was hard to know if Molly was trustworthy. By seeing everything through one character's eyes, it kept me guessing as a reader. The author, Dana LeCheminant, provides the characters with different personalities that make the story vibrant and compelling. This is a fun contemporary romance that's worth reading! This book is a clean and wholesome romance. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion. Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Standout Saints Review and Giveaway

 

From prophets to pioneers, from songwriters to scientists, Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World presents the fascinating true stories of twenty women and twenty men from Church history. Each one-page biography describes impressive achievements and shares stories of great faith. Readers will encounter well-known and beloved Saints such as Joseph Smith and Eliza R. Snow along with lesser-known heroes from around the world such as Hu Wei-I, who miraculously translated the Book of Mormon into Chinese, and Mere Mete Whaanga, a prominent Maori woman who helped the Church spread into New Zealand. In addition, Standout Saints includes uplifting quotes, a Church history timeline, and resources for further study. The courage and faith of these Saints made them stand out from the world, and this educational and inspiring book helps young readers know that they too can stand out.

 

Author Bio: Sierra Wilson is a children's author/illustrator living in Alberta, Canada. She wrote The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for Me and I Can Be Like Jesus as well as several other books for children soon to be released. Before turning to writing, Sierra worked as a high school English and history teacher. She is the daughter of two modern-day pioneers and loves researching about pioneers and faithful heroes of all kinds. When she's not writing, you can find her adventuring with her husband and four children, cross-country skiing, or eating all the chocolate.

 

Author Social Media Links:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Website

Pinterest

 

Review: This informative book shares the histories of several saints from different cultures, countries and races. Each saint has an amazing history that can inspire and uplift. This book will help inspire kids. The illustrations are eye-catching and attractive. Each history of the saints is short enough to share with kids and keep their attention. The text is easy for kids to understand and read. This is a great book for kids to reference and learn more about others that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more, click here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however this is my honest opinion. The giveaway is run by the author. This post contains affiliate links that help maintain this blog. 

A Hopeful Christmas Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

 

Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection. .

• LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT - When Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.
• A SEASON OF HOPE - Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia’s hope—both for the future and for love.
• CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA - After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.
• EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD - Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throws them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance.

Review - This was a fun, relaxing read. I loved how the stories differed and each had an entertaining value. The first two stories were my favorites. I loved how they also both used the same animal to add humor to the story, but in different ways. All of the stories were clean, easy-to-read, easy-to-get-into. It's something that I would reread in the future. The characters were engaging and stood out in the Regency genre. I would recommend reading it. To learn more about A Hopeful Christmas, click here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help maintain this blog. 

October Giveaways (low to moderate entry)

I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog or social media giveaways I've entered, thought someone else might be interested in entering or that have been submitted to me through bloggers. Check back often throughout the month to see if I have posted more giveaways. If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me (via email). If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.

 

Blues Clues and You (ends October 1, 2020)

Dreamworks 10 Movie Collection on Blu-Ray (ends October 2, 2020)

$150 to Baby Cubby (ends October 3, 2020)

Cozy Fall Mug (ends October 3, 2020)

Visa Gift Card and Entenmann's Coupons (ends October 5, 2020)

The Farmer and the Monkey (ends October 8, 2020) 

The Arabic Quilt (ends October 8, 2020) 

My Life As a Potato (ends October 8, 2020)

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs (ends October 9, 2020)

Mulan Digital Copy (ends October 11, 2020)

Izzy Newton and the Smart Squad Book (ends October 11, 2020)

Super Rooster Saves the Day (ends October 12, 2020)

$50 GrubHub Gift Card (ends October 12, 2020) 

War with Grandpa Prize Pack (ends October 14, 2020) 

This is a Flying Rat (ends October 15, 2020)

Muffled (ends October 15, 2020)

Praline Lady (ends October 15, 2020) 

A Piece of Your Choice from Gibsonlook (ends October 15, 2020)

$25 Uber Eats Gift Card (ends October 15, 2020)

$50 Uber Eats Gift Card (ends October 15, 2020)

Mulan Digital Copy (ends October 15, 2020)

Back to the Future Trilogy (ends October 15, 2020) 

Entenmann's Coupons and Visa Gift Card (ends October 16, 2020)

Courtney Moore Doll (ends October 19, 2020)

Forget Me Not Blog Tour and Giveaway

 

 

Nottinghamshire, 1785

Julia Cummings has long been acquainted with loss-her mother, her brother, her sister, her friend, all gone

too soon.  But the loss that pushed her grief to the limit as a young girl was that of her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, who abandoned her without looking back.  Now, eight years later, Lucas has returned to Lampton Park, and Julia has steeled herself-she will never forgive the man who broke her heart.

After losing too many of his friends and family to early deaths, Lucas vowed to live life to the fullest.  And after traversing the world, he has returned from his adventures to find his family and home as he left them-except for Julia.  The little girl he left behind has blossomed into a captivating lady, a lady who makes it clear she despises him.  With little hope of reconciliation, the former friends are blindsided when their parents make a shocking announcement.  Lucas and Julia have been betrothed without their knowledge and are to marry immediately.  Now Lucas must rely on the help of his closest friends to win the heart of a lady who loathes him-a lady he’s coming to love more deeply every day.

Review - Forget Me Not is the newest series by Sarah Eden. It takes place during the Georgian Era. The new series starts with showing the romance and history of the Julia Cummings and Lucas Jonquil, the parents of the children from the Jonquil romance series that Eden wrote for the Regency Time period. Both the romance and historical references were interesting in this series. Julia and Lucas were engaging and interesting characters. The characters had flaws, but were still likeable. Eden also does a good job at introducing Lucas's friends "The Gents." Usually when an author introduces so many characters it is poorly done and the characters blur together, Eden masterfully introduces the group of friends, describes their personalities and assigns them each a moniker to help the reader distinguish the characters and personalities. I can tell that a lot of thought and effort went into this book. I would recommend it to romance and historical fiction fans. To learn more and purchase a copy, click here.

To win a copy, please enter the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post also contains affiliate links that help support this  

Commander of His Heart Book Review

Love is a luxury she can't afford until he comes aboard.

Lessons in propriety did little to prepare Marah Kinsley for life on board a creaky old boat. Now widowed, the boat is her livelihood, if she can only keep the navy from learning that she has shouldered the work of maintaining it. When a handsome lieutenant is granted command, Marah has to curb her growing attraction to keep him from uncovering the truth and taking away her means of supporting her family.

Lieutenant Collin Boyd is elated to finally have his own command, until he lays eyes on the decrepit Teaspoon. What’s more, the bosun is mysteriously ill, and the brig is being run by the bosun’s young and determined wife. Trying to stay optimistic, he agrees to let her continue serving as her husband’s replacement until Mr. Kinsley recovers. But when Marah is caught in her lie, Collin is faced with the choice to let her remain at her post and threaten his career or cast her out of his crew to fend for herself.

As they work together patrolling enemy waters, their dependence on each other grows. A mistake and a court-martial threaten to separate them forever, forcing Marah to examine her heart. Can she give up her family’s dream to rescue her second chance at love?

Review -  Perfect length and entertaining read, Commander of His Heart by Arlem Hawks is a book worth reading. Commander of His Heart spins a different take than most books with a female taking on a male's job. The author, Arlem Hawks, didn't disguise Marah by putting her in male clothing. Marah wore her dresses with pants and demonstrated that she could perform a man's job on a ship while still maintaining her identity. I liked that the character was able to maintain her identity. In many pieces of literature, identities are hidden when women take on male jobs or activities in society. The openness of her identity and  The romance was sweet and easy to read. The characters were interesting and compelling. This book is book four of the Forever After series, however the books can be read on their own. To learn more about Commander of His Heart, click here.

Other books in the Forever After series:

Letters for Phoebe by Sally Britton
Romancing Her Rival by Joanna Barker
Her Unexpected Courtship by Megan Walker

Please note that I received a free ebook, however, this is my honest opinion. This post also contains affiliate links that help maintain this blog.

Lifted Review

There are thousands of books on health, fitness, and personal training. But what is it really like for the people who dedicate themselves to helping others live a healthier lifestyle? 

What does a dayin the life of a personal trainer look like? Lifted is a story about the human condition, set against the backdrop of a local gym. The book will give you a glimpse into the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of Kevin Sharp, certified personal trainer. You'll follow him as he works to help his diverse set of clients through a variety of trials, tribulations, and successes. You will experience the strange and hilarious antics of the gym-goers and share in the tragedies and difficulties Kevin, his peers, and his clients face together. Lifted will take you through a roller coaster of emotions, and leave you wanting more. It will challenge the perceptions and prejudices we sometimes have about people who are different from us; and encourage readers to view people in a new, more understanding and compassionate way. Above all, it will give readers a new perspective not only of the fitness industry, but of the world.

Review - This book shares the adventures of a personal trainer within a day as he navigates through interacting with clients and co-workers. Lifted felt like an accumulation of several stories as the author shares glimpses into the character's lives. The novel ranged from heart-warming to dramatic to humorous. The author did a good job at presenting different characters and emotions to show that life in the gym can bring about a variety of people and experiences. The characterizations helped bring the novel to life and make the characters and setting seem realistic. It's a must read for fitness and gym enthusiasts. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains amazon affiliate links that help support this blog.

Havenlight Warehouse Sale and Giveaway

 

Havenlight sells Christian & LDS art, paintings of Jesus Christ, LDS Temple paintings, prints, & photography. Havenlight is having a VIP inventory blowout sale at their warehouse in American Fork, UT! Starting September 3rd at 10:00 AM, you can save up to 90% on framed and unframed temple portraits at the Labor Day scratch and dent warehouse sale! Simply RSVP here and download your voucher at the link below:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/REJt8ds/VIP2020

Come and browse through some of the most well known, beautiful photographs of the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This sale ends September 5th at 5:00 PM!

For those of you not in Utah Valley, we would love to give you the opportunity to win a 24x36 temple print of your choosing! Please enter the giveaway below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway