Posts Categorized: book review

ARC Breview: All That Glows by Ryan Graudin

30 Jan, 2014 by in book review, fairies, harper teen, london, ryan graudin, Uncategorized, young adult fiction 1 comment

I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

ARC Breview: All That Glows by Ryan Graudin

All That Glows

by Ryan Graudin
Published by Harper Teen on February 11, 2014
Genres: Young Adult
Pages: 480
Format: eARC
four-stars
Source: Edelweiss
Buy the BookGoodreads
Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

I have to admit that I am drawn like a moth to the flame by all things faerie– so of course, when I saw this one on Eidelweiss I had to grab it! In the vein of Lesley Livingston, Jenna Black, Julie Kagawa and Maggie Stiefvater comes a book about royalty, London and the fairy guard that protect them.

What I liked

The flow of the writing and the premise of a bit of a rogue prince who likes to make trouble being guarded by his very own fiery guard who is as old as time.

There are new mythological creatures not seen much–green ladies, banshees and dark dogs that hunt in the underground clubs and graveyards of London.

The clash between nature and modern civilization, the faeries become sick when surrounded by metal, technology and not enough thick forest

It’s a clean read. There is one swear word and a kissing scene, but otherwise it’s rated PG

Meeting Herne the Hunter and the personification of a very powerful fairy who rides through his own forest on the hunt

I wish

I connected more with the characters, they didn’t feel fleshed out enough and their romance was instant without much build up

The world where the fairies came was more and integral part of the setting the author built

The bottom line

I would buy a physical copy of this one when it comes out. I really enjoyed it and was happy to see a fairy book, as it’s been a while since we’ve seen one in the YA line up. I read All That Glows quickly and genuinely enjoyed the premise, the idea of magical a hidden world living in London and the final battle at the end. Thanks so much to Harper Teen for the sneak peek. I will be buying this one!

heather

 

ryan_graudinAuthor Bio

I write books. Some are about rowdy-partying princes and their faery guardians (ALL THAT GLOWS, HarperTeen, 2/11/14). Others are about teenagers fighting for their lives in the slums of the Hak Nam Walled City (THE WALLED CITY, Little, Brown, Fall 2014). I love writing, traveling to new lands, drinking chai lattes and hanging christmas lights. I also love Jesus. I’m repped by Adams Literary.

Learn More on her website*goodreads*twitter

Divider

Witch Fall Blog Tour

17 Jan, 2014 by in amber argyle, blog tour, book review, giveaway, Uncategorized 8 comments

I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Witch Fall Blog Tour

Witch Fall

by Amber Argyle
Published by Starling on October 24th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 332
Format: eBook
three-half-stars
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Buy the BookGoodreads
All things fall.

Even Witches.

Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms, and sea, the Witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. And among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the Witches.

Lilette is one of the few who see the decadence and decay weakening the Witches. As an outsider amid her own kind, can she help them survive the coming war?

WitchFallTourBanner

Fire and Ice is happy to be a part of the official blog tour for Amber Argyle’s Witch Fall. Follow the full Xpresso Book tour here

Review

This is my first taste of Amber Argyle’s writing. When I heard Witch Song was free right now, I downloaded the first book in the series then jumped ahead to the third, Witch Fall for the tour. This one is meant as a prequel, or standalone, so the order can be reverse the way I approached the series.

Amber is a master at world building! Witch Song, set in an Asian empire, which I am assuming would be much like Japan or China, is the tale of Lilette. A girl who has lost everything she loves,  including her family,  and somehow survives a shipwreck. She finds home on a remote island and is about to be married to the father of her best friend, the chief of the tribe. Women in this book don’t have much say in the matters of marriage, bethrothal, and  concubines.  Their plight is one I struggled with as well as some of the darker elements. But Lilette is a persistent fighter and she is bound to find a way out when she’s kidnapped by the enemy, an elite, a royal prince with a brutal edge.

A tale of espionage, fantasy and magic, Witch Fall has eloquent writing with detail and lots of action. Can Lilette learn to trust those who she knows from her childhood? Can she remember her song of the Creator and save the destruction of her people? All balance has been lost by rulers seeking power and Lilette is the key to saving them.

Content: Witch Fall packs a punch… literally. If you have a weak stomach for violence (as I do), you may want to bow out. Recommended for mature teens or adults. To see other content highlight here: threat of sexual abuse, violence against women, lots of death by sword, sensuality.

heatherAbout the Authoramber_argyle

Amber Argyle is the author of Witch Song and Fairy Queen trilogies. She grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy. She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

Author Links

Purchase the Series- all under $3.99

Fire and Ice Giveaway

One ebook copy of Witch Fall. Open internationally.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Tour Giveaway

Signed copies of Witch Song, Witch Born, and Witch Fall (US only) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Divider

In Love and War Blog Tour

13 Dec, 2013 by in blog tour, book review, carla kelly, Uncategorized Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In Love and War Blog Tour

In Love and War

by Carla Kelly
Published by Cedar Fort, Sweetwater on February 14, 2012
Genres: Adult, Historical Fiction
Pages: 240
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy the BookGoodreads
Beloved romance writer Carla Kelly shares a treasured collection of wonderfully written stories of dashing war heroes and the sassy heroines who can’t help falling for them. From daring sea captains to genteel lords, there’s a little something for every heart’s fancy. Readers everywhere will adore these four regency romances—now available together for the first time in one must-have book!
In-Love-and-War-blog-tour

Fire and Ice is honored today to be a part of the blog tour for In Love and War by Carla Kelly.

If you are looking for historical fiction set in time of war this is another great compilation of shorts by Carla. It’s very similar to her Christmas Collection and the two of them together would make a great gift set. We get a very interesting look at Quakers, American versus British society, the shipping and rope making industry, Naval press gangs and life in time of trouble. I would recommend taking this book one chapter at a time because there is so much detail in each setting that it’s hard to digest in one read.

Carla has a way of always highlighting the two hearts that find each other amidst the most daunting of circumstances. I’m thinking this is a reprint of the same books from her mainstream signet romance book with a re-imaged cover. So I can’t wait to see what else Carla has up her sleeve. Hoping this new year brings some new original LDS romance titles!

Fans of Regency or historical romance this is a great author to stalk.

Content (highlight to reveal): mature, some sexual innuendo like  mentions of breasts, mattresses

 

3_5heather

 

About  the Author

carlakellyAward-winning author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for Borrowed Light and My Loving Vigil Keeping.

Website /Blog /Goodreads

 

Divider

Early Review ~Dangerous Dream: A Beautiful Creatures Story

10 Dec, 2013 by in book review, dangerous creatures, hachette, kami garcia, little brown, m stohl Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Netgalley, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Early Review ~Dangerous Dream: A Beautiful Creatures Story

Dangerous Dream: A Beautiful Creatures Story

by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl
Series: Dangerous Creatures 0.5
Published by Hachette, Little Brown Young Readers on December 17, 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 46
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley, Publisher
Buy the BookGoodreads
The #1 New York Times bestselling Beautiful Creatures series continues in this brand-new digital-exclusive story.

Catch up with Ethan, Lena, and Link as they finally graduate from high school and get ready to leave the small Southern town of Gatlin. But when Dark Caster Ridley makes an appearance, the sometime bad girl can't resist picking a fight with her sometime boyfriend, Link. Angry and rebellious as ever, Ridley ends up alone in New York City and becomes entangled in the dangerous underground Caster club scene, where the stakes are high and losers pay the ultimate price.

Where's a Linkubus when you need him?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a book in this vein. I left off with book two in the Caster Chronicles– Beautiful Darkness in 2010. But when Little Brown sent a link to the prequel in a  new spin off series– Dangerous Creatures– I decided to jump back in and give it a whirl. Now that I’ve dabbled in the what’s to come, I’m adding Dangerous Creatures to my TBR list.

Book 0.5, Dangerous Dream starts right at graduation from High School for Ethan, Lean, Ridley and Link.  The first couple of chapters are from Ethan Waite’s point of view as he’s waiting for the long and drawn out ceremonies in his hot Southern town of Gatlin to end. There’s the debutante girls with fluffy hair and the long drawn out renditions of awful sappy songs…and then there are snakes. Three guesses who is up to no good again? Ridley. The Siren with an attitude, a pink lollipop and dark caster powers. She can break up an event rather quickly. Her boyfriend (or so he likes to believe) Link takes the next chapter from his point of view. Drummer in a  local band he has fallen for Ridley hard. Even though he knows what she is and the powers she would, he cant stop from falling in love.  He starts a snowball of events that leave Ridley reeling and she makes her escape to travel the world and keep her mind off of Link by numerous diversions.

Ridley ends up in New York which is where the majority of Dangerous Dream is set. It picks up a gritty feel reminiscent of Cassie Clare’s Mortal Instruments series as Ridley takes on the night life in a Dark Caster underground club. The night life holds high stakes and Ridley take s a gamble that just might cost more than she bargained for.

I loved the sights, smells and food we taste as readers under the story crafting of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. These two fill in their world in a way that you will feel you are there. They are amazing storytellers. I will say I’m missing Amma and her culinary creations!

Overall, a fast read with lots of appeal to fans of paranormal and urban fantasy.  We are introduced to two new “bad boys” and are teased in the end with the beginnings of book one. If you are a fan of Link and Ridley be excited because the Dangerous Creatures series is for you!

Mature YA. Highlight to reveal content:  drugs, moderate swearing, senusality, gambling, drinking, gritty underground feel

 

4

heather

About the Authors

kami-garciaKami Garcia is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal & international bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures Novels (Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Darkness, Beautiful Chaos & Beautiful Redemption). Beautiful Creatures has been published in 50 countries and translated in 39 languages. The Beautiful Creatures movie released in theaters on February 14, 2013.

Kami is also the author of Unbreakable, the first book her paranormal solo series, THE LEGION (coming October 1, 2013.

Kami grew up outside of Washington DC, wore lots of black, and spent hours writing poetry in spiral notebooks. As a girl with Southern roots, she has always been fascinated by the paranormal and believes in lots of things “normal” people don’t. She’s very superstitious and would never sleep in a room with the number “13″ on the door. When she is not writing, Kami can usually be found watching disaster movies, listening to Soundgarden, or drinking Diet Coke.

Kami has an MA in education, and taught in the Washington DC area until she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a teacher & Reading Specialist for 14 years. In addition to teaching, Kami was a professional artist and led fantasy book groups for children and teens. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, daughter, and their dogs Spike and Oz (named after characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Facebook Twitter tumblr Pinterest Instagram RSS

 

 

margaretstohlHR

 

Margaret Stohl is the author of ICONS, the first book in the Icons Series, forthcoming from Little, Brown in Spring 2013 – as well as the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Los Angeles Times, Indie-Bound and Internationally Bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures Novels (with Kami Garcia.)

Including BEAUTIFUL CREATURES (2009), BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS (2010), and BEAUTIFUL CHAOS (2011), BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION (2012)– along with DREAM DARK, a Beautiful Creatures story available exclusively online (August, 2011) – the Beautiful Creatures Novels have been translated into 28 languages and 37 countries.  The Beautiful Creatures movie based on the books comes out February 14, 2013 from Alcon and Warner Bros. It stars Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Viola Davis, Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons, Thomas Mann and Zoey Deuthc with the Academy Award nominated writer/director Richard LaGravenese.

Beautiful Creatures was an ALA William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist in 2010, as well as a SCIBA award finalist, a NYPL Book for the Teen Age, and a YALSA Teen Top Ten Pick. Beautiful Creatures was named the #1 Teen Pick from Amazon in 2009, and the #5 Editors Pick, Overall.

A longtime veteran of the videogame industry, Margaret’s work includes – to name a few – SPIDERMAN, FANTASTIC FOUR, DUNE 2000, THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE LEGEND OF JACK SPARROW, DEFENDER, THE SOPRANOS, SLAVE ZERO, APOCALYPSE, ZORK NEMESIS, ZORK GRAND INQUISITOR, SPYCRAFT, COMMAND & CONQUER: RED ALERT RETALIATION, and COMMAND & CONQUER: TIBERIAN SUN.

After working with Activision (now Activision/Blizzard) and Westwood Studios (now EA), Margaret became a co-founder of 7 Studios with her husband, Lewis Peterson. She has previously been nominated for “Most Innovative Game Design” at the Game Developers Conference.

Margaret has participated in the Nashville Screenwriters Conference, the Tribu dei Lettori in Rome, and the BAU Institute/Otranto Residency, as well as the LA Times Festival of Books, Romantic Times, and the Texas Book Festival. She was the Director of Programming for the 2011 YA Capitol Bookfest in Charleston, SC, and a founding member of the Smart Chicks tour.

Margaret has been featured in Amherst Reads, and is a contributor to the Los Angeles Review of Books. She has been a member of the WGA West and PEN West. Margaret’s original screenplays have been optioned by Clasky-Csupo and Nickelodeon Movies for feature film.

A graduate of Amherst College, where she won the Knox Prize for English Literature, Margaret earned a MA in English from Stanford University, and completed classwork for a PhD in American Studies from Yale University. Margaret was a teaching assistant in Romantic Poetry at Stanford, and in Film Studies at Yale. She attended the Creative Writing Program of the University of East Anglia, Norwich, where she was mentored by the Scottish poet George MacBeth.

Margaret loves traveling the world with her daughters, who are epee fencers, and living in Santa Monica with her husband, also a writer, and two bad beagles.

 

Divider

Review: Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

09 Dec, 2013 by in amish fiction, book review, christmas Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel

by Shelley Shepard Gray
Published by Avon Inspire on October 22, 2013
Genres: Adult, Amish Fiction
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy the BookGoodreads
After a year of secrets and scandal, will this Amish community finally find peace under the bright promise of Christmas?

Beth Byler has a secret. Ever since she met Englischer Chris Ellis while helping out at the Yellow Bird Inn, she can't stop thinking about him. She knows a relationship could never go anywhere—Chris was working undercover in Crittenden County as a DEA agent. That meant he faced danger daily and carried a gun, making him completely unsuitable for an Amish woman like herself. But she knew he felt the attraction, too. It was the reason he left so suddenly, promising never to see her again.

Then, three days before Christmas, while Beth is taking care of the inn, Chris returns. This time, he is bleeding and in need of a place to hide. Against her better judgment, Beth takes him in and tends to his wounds. She also promises to keep his presence a secret. Before long, it becomes clear that nothing between them has changed—a relationship is inevitable. But are they ready to sacrifice everything for this chance at love?

I’ve really been loving both Amish fiction and Christmas fiction this year, so I was super excited when I received Peace in the mail for review. Beth Byler is working for Christmas, holding down the fort at the bed and breakfast owned by her friend Frannie. She’s not expecting any guests until a knock at the door reveals Chris, a DEA agent and Englischer who has been badly wounded. He’s seeking refuge from a job gone bad. In need of stitches, without a place to stay, Beth decides she must take him in– but her heart is in more danger than she imagined.

Chris is looking for some peace and a chance to heal. But he has walls up that must be kept there to protect himself and Beth. He hasn’t seen his family in years for fear they will be ashamed of what he must become when he goes undercover, and for fear they will pay consequences if he is followed. But his time at the Yellow Bird with Beth may be just what he needs to sooth his soul.

This is a cozy novel that helps you believe in destiny, and the need to forgive. There is a definite romance element but the author keeps it clean, which I truly appreciate . It moves along slowly enough to fit the genre and characters perfectly. The pacing is good, but I wasn’t a fan of moving between two different story lines.

Alongside the main plot,  is a subplot of another Amish family in the community trying to muddle their way through a murder and the imprisonment of  the perpetrator. Lots of guilt and bitterness to be worked through. I had a hard time connecting with it, as I wanted to know just how the victim, Perry, lost his life and what role each person played. There were details left undone that left me a bit confused. The motivation for murder, the reasons behind it and how it played out were all left sketched, but not filled in. Maybe a follow up novella, or deleted scene with  flashback would be a great solution for me on the unanswered questions.

Overall, this is the best Amish fiction I’ve read yet and I would recommend it to adults looking for a light seasonal romance. I’m happy to have found the Avon Inspire imprint and new author to follow!

4heather

 

Author Bio

shelleyshepardgray2013-240x300

I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

Learn More

        
Divider

I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring ~ Book Tour and Review

29 Nov, 2013 by in book review, book tour, deseret book, henry b eyring Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring ~ Book Tour and Review

I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring

by Robert Eaton & Henry J. Eyring
Published by Deseret Book on 2013
Genres: Biography, Non- Fiction
Pages: 560
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Buy the BookGoodreads
Henry Bennion Eyring was born on May 31, 1933, in Princeton, New Jersey, bearing the first name of his father, who was fast building a reputation as a brilliant scientist, and the family name of his mother, who didn't care for the name "Henry" and insisted that he be called Hal.

In 1970, Hal received an impression to make a daily record of his activities. Years of journals form the backbone of this personal biography, a candid look at his walk through life with his beloved companion, Kathy. "The journal shows how a good-but-imperfect man works each day to win divine approval," write the authors, and this window into his past provides unforgettable insights about the man the Lord has shaped him to become.

Readers will love these richly designed pages, filled with photographs, sketches from the pen of President Eyring himself, and scores of entries straight from his journals woven into an engaging depiction of his life's journey.

President Henry B. Eyring's professional, academic, and personal experiences have all combined to make him uniquely qualified for his responsibilities as a member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life story vividly demonstrates the power of the Lord and the example set by one who strives to follow His commands.

This is the first biography I have ever read, and thanks to the amazing read it was, likely not the last. This 560 page inspirational  memoir outlines the life of Henry B. Eyring, who is called simply ” Hal” throughout the book. It’s full of sketches form his personal journal, family photographs, quotes from those who know him and typewritten excerpts in Hal’s own words. The multi- media approach to outlining Elder Eyring’s life was not the only draw however. It’s the stories of a man who is ever striving to seek the answers to his prayers, to serve, and to be an amazing father to his children.  Hal and his father were both brilliant scientists who left a huge mark on the world around them. I learned so many interesting things about Hal that I didn’t know before.

  • As a boy Hal was befriended and protected by a member of the African American Hawks gang, teenager Tommy Homes, who protected Hal and became a guardian against bullying.
  • Elder Eyring served his mission after receiving his Bachelor’s degree as a District missionary in the Air Force
  • Spencer W. Kimball was Hal’s uncle and often gave him inspirational advice.
  • He owned a red VW beetle from his father as an MBA graduation present.  He drove it at Stanford, but it was sold without Hal’s knowledge, by his father-in-law while he was out of town. The replacement car was a late-model Ford Thunderbird with rear “suicide doors” hinged at the back rather than the front.

As I carried I Will Lead You Along with me,  it drew a lot of attention wherever I went. People often asked to look through it. I highly recommend it because of the example Hal’s life set and the deep lessons that are embedded about seeking the Lord’s guidance in all things and going where he want you to go.  An absolutely beautiful and enlightening read.

5heatherAbout the Authors

Robert I. Eaton began serving as president of the Washington Federal Way Mission in summer 2013. Prior to that, he was a professor of religious education at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He is a graduate of BYU and of Stanford Law School. He and his wife, Diane, are the parents of four children.

Henry J. Eyring graduated from Brigham Young University, earning a bachelor’s degree in geology and graduate degrees in business administration and law. He is the advancement vice president of BYU-Idaho and has served as director of the BYU MBA program. He also served as president of the Japan Tokyo North Mission. He and his wife, Kelly, are the parents of five children.

Learn more at Deseret Book

Divider

Christmas From Heaven Blog Tour and Review

26 Nov, 2013 by in book review, children's, Shadow Mountain Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Christmas From Heaven Blog Tour and Review

Christmas from Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candybomber

by Robert T Barrett, Tom Brokaw
Published by Shadow Mountain on October 15th 2013
Genres: Children's, Non- Fiction
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
"From little things come big things," Gail Halvorsen remembered his father saying. As a twenty-seven-year-old American pilot, Brother Halvorsen's job was to airdrop much-needed food and supplies to the people of West Berlin in the aftermath of World War II. But it was his simple gift of two sticks of gum that launched an extraordinary humanitarian endeavor and earned him the nickname "The Candy Bomber." Each day as hundreds of small white parachutes delivered treats to the children of West Germany, the wounds of war began to heal. "Operation Little Vittles" captured the imagination of people everywhere, bringing the spirit of Christmas to a world in need of peace and hope.

Famed broadcast journalist and author Tom Brokaw brings this remarkable true story to life in a stunning live performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, captured on the accompanying DVD. Also included in the book is a template and directions for creating your own "Candy Bomber" parachutes.

Review: Last night as our family gathered to talk about the things we are thankful for we read Christmas From Heaven out loud. It’s the trued story of “Hal” a WWII veteran, better known as the “candy bomber” who felt inspired to share all that he had with the children behind barbed wire fences…two sticks of gum. From this small thing, came big things. The idea to rain candy down form heaven in tiny parachutes made form hankerchiefs. His friends donated their candy and chocolate rations, he promised the children he would return and “wiggle his wings” as a symbol that his plane was ready to drop treats. Before long word got out, the press ate up the story and Hal’s general approved. 18 tones were shipped plus three more tons donated from private donors to the vittle delivery soldiers who dropped the treats to villagers below.

My children were all fascinated by this idea and for once they paid attention both to what we were reading and to the deeper message. Be gratetful for your freedom, give all that you have, no matter how small. They each wanted a turn looking at the photos of the actual children, the letters written and drawn in crayon and the beautiful illustrations. The book comes with a DVD which is a portion of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas concert and Tom Brokaw reading aloud from Christmas from Heaven.

Mom, he is reading it word for word my 9 year old cried as he grabbed the book to follow along and read in his own voice. What a wonderful gift Christmas From Heaven:The True Story of the Berlin Candybomber was for my own family, and what a wonderful feeling it brought into our home. It literally made our day.

Thanks so much to Shadow Mountain for once again teaching us through media the true spirit of the season.

5

heather

 

About the Author

Tom Browaw

Thomas John Brokaw is an American television journalist and author, previously working on regularly scheduled news documentaries for the NBC television network, and is the former NBC News anchorman and managing editor of the program NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. His last broadcast as anchorman was on December 1, 2004, succeeded by Brian Williams in a carefully planned transition. In the later part of Tom Brokaw’s tenure, NBC Nightly News became the most watched cable or broadcast news program in the United States. Brokaw also hosted, wrote, and moderated special programs on a wide range of topics. Throughout his career, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Brokaw serves on the Howard University School of Communications Board of Visitors and on the boards of trustees of the University of South Dakota, the Norton Simon Museum, the American Museum of Natural History and the International Rescue Committee. As well as his television journalism, he has written for periodicals and has authored books. He still works at NBC as a Special Correspondent.

Purchase

Divider

Book Review: Waterfall River of Time #1 by Lisa Tawn Bergren

09 Oct, 2013 by in book review, River of Time #1, Waterfall 4 comments

Waterfall 
River of Time #1
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Paperback, 369 pages 
Published February 1st 2011 
by David C. Cook
ISBN 1434764338 
YA
Historical, Christian Fiction 
Book Source: bought 
5 stars 

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world? Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the medieval castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds…until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. 

Review: I have had this series on my wish list FOREVER! And so, so glad I finally sat down to start reading it. Now that I’m sucked in  I’m gong to have to read the whole thing–all three +  books. It’s so fun to find a time travel YA that transports you to another dimension for a few hours. Gabi and her sister are on site in Italy with their mother for an archaeological dig of ancient Etruschan tombs. Going inside the dig site is forbidden, but the sisters are curious and bored. Little do they know they are about to be sucked into a time tunnel and spit out in the 14th century.

Tensions are thick and the country is in the uproar of war, border disputes and alliances. Gabi is spit right into the midst of a clash between Castelle Peratore and Castello Forelli– a battle that eventually may cost her her life. With fast paced action, perfect romance and historic elements, I ate this book up. The tension between Gabi and Marcello is beautiful. There are lots of layers to plot and the characters are well developed. I do wish we knew a little bit more about Marcello and am hoping we get a peek of his perspective in the novellas or sequels. There are also moments of finding one’s faith and turning to God.

Lisa Tawn Bergren has a new fan. I’m off to read book two, Cascade.

Content: moderate war related violence, kissing, threat of torture and sexual assault. For older teens.

About the author: Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 40 books, with more than 2.5 million copies sold. Her most recent works includes a YA series called River of Time (Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent, Bourne & Tributary), God Gave Us Easter, a devotional called Upside-Down Prayers for Parents and the Grand Tour Series (Glamorous Illusions, Grave Consequences, and Glittering Promises). She’s currently at work on a new YA series called Remnants, coming out in 2014.

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, and working on ducks with her husband, Tim (RMrustic.com). Tim’s a worship leader, graphic designer and duck-sculptor. They have three kids–Olivia (18), Emma (15) and Jack (10).

The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Learn more on her website/ facebook/ twitter

Purchase:
  

Deliberate Motherhood by The Power of Moms- Blog Tour and Book Review

23 Sep, 2013 by in book review, The Power of Moms- 4 comments

Deliberate Motherhood: 12 Key Powers of Peace, Purpose, Order & Joy
by The Power of Moms
Paperback, 256 pages
Published September 1st 2013
by Familius
Non- fiction, Parenting
ISBN 1938301900
Book Source: Publicist
4 stars

Book Summary: The outstanding authors of Deliberate Motherhood have let the trials and hardships of motherhood mold them into better people. Whether the change includes learning patience when the two-year-old “paints” your walls with the black permanent marker or forgiving a teenager who screams “I hate you,” or loving more when that naughty child doesn’t really deserve it, it’s a change that refines us—or as the dictionary describes it, “removes impurities, makes something more effective or become more elegant.” That is powerful!

You may think that everything has been said about motherhood, but the delightful thing about Deliberate Motherhood is that every mother/author is one-of-a-kind. They each come from different backgrounds, have different parents, are married (or not) to different people, and certainly have “different” children.

Each of the 12 “Powers” provided in this book is a crucial component to help you in your motherhood. And the best part is that you don’t need to do it all at once. You can focus on one “power” a month, and over the course of a year, you’ll see great changes in yourself and in your family. The mark of a great book is that it makes you think . . . and it helps you change . . . which in the case of this book, is an absolute guarantee!

Review: My first contact with the Power of Moms came about three years ago when a woman in  my neighborhood invited me to join her learning circle– a group where women get together once a month, read an article and discuss their hopes, challenges and goals in motherhood. Over that year, I became more socially anxious and found that meeting together in a group wasn’t working for me at that time of life. We had another baby, adding number five to our family, and just this year decided to pick up the learning circles again and give it another shot. About the same time I was contacted by BookSparksPR to do a blog tour and review for a new book on motherhood published by the same group that puts on the learning circles. For some, reading a book or going online feels more comfortable than an in home gathering. So this book, Deliberate Motherhood is a great resource to put on the shelves of all women across the world “whose hands rock the cradle.”

Deliberate Motherhood explores 12 “Powers,” starting off with a large written section, family photos and blog links by each chapter author, and ending with personal stories from a variety of mothers. The chapter authors were most interesting to me as they had more time to fully explore acceptance, love, patience, balance. I most enjoyed the specific examples like what traditions they’ve found fun and how they’ve learned to find joy in the sometimes mundane tasks of everyday mothering.

This is a “take it a bit at a time kind of book”, rather than a “sit down and read it all in one day type of book.” I’d say leave it on your night stand or near a couch where you can refer to it often and soak in the principles one by one.

After reading Deliberate Motherhood, I found myself longing for more audio, visual content which can be found on the Power of Moms site. They have podcasts, instructional videos and a ton of material to choose from. The learning circles and retreats are wonderful for moms who like to be social and get out there to meet these wonderful women in person. But, had I not known where to look, (there is one referral sentence in the book’s conclusion), I wouldn’t have found it easily referenced through invitations to engage in the POM resources within the book. Would love to see some interactive QR codes with inspirational or life story links in the next publication.

Overall, I came away with a lot to think about and ponder. I looked up a few of the mother’s blogs to read more, but mostly turned to introspection…time thinking and praying about what needs to change and stay the same in our home.

My favorite quote from the book :  “Although I’m still resistant to change and not as flexible as I would like to be, I am a different mom than I was ten years ago. I’m different today because I have a different attitude toward parenting. Where I once sought control, now I seek to influence. Where I once thought I should intuitively have all the answers, I now realize I am still learning and ask for help when I get stuck. And where I once cared how others viewed me in my role, now I parent for my children and not the approval of other people…Today I know I’m a good mom.” Rachelle Szymanski

Thanks so much to Book Sparks PR for inviting me to be a part of the blog tour!

If you’d like to attend a bookish event for Deliberate Motherhood, check out at The King’s English book shoppe, October 24, 2013 at 7 PM.

                     

Giveaway:  For anyone who purchases the book in September and sends their receipt (or an email acknowledging purchase) to dm@powerofmoms.com, they’ll receive complimentary access to the Deliberate Mothering Podcast series (valued at $20). 

Also, on October 4th, 10 Grand Prize Winners will be selected to receive the Power of Moms Premium Package (valued at $224)! 

See the POM Store for all the fabulous programs in the Premium Package. For all the information on this special giveaway, visit here.


Learn more on The Power of Moms Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

Purchase:


Fight For You by Misty Moncur Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

19 Sep, 2013 by in book review, giveaway, misty moncur, ya Leave a comment

Fire and Ice is thrilled to be today’s blog stop for

Fight For You 
A Stripling Warrior Novel, #2 by Misty Moncur 
Kindle Edition, 265 pages Published August 31st 2013 
by Eden Books ASINB00EX0VQTM
Book source: author Age: YA
Genre: Historical fiction, romance
5 stars

Keturah fought her way into the army, but now she’s in Judea building fortifications, and the only thing she’s fought so far is boredom. The work is hard, and the other soldiers don’t think she can pull her weight. Her brothers are becoming strangers, and Zeke’s jealousy is getting worse – because Keturah is falling in love with the wrong warr


But she’s not about to let cruel pranks and hurt feelings keep her from doing what she knows to be right. She completes every order with faithfulness – a hasty retreat from the Lamanite army, a spy mission into the enemy stronghold, a midnight assassination. From burying the dead to whiling away hours on guard duty, Keturah will do whatever it takes to protect her religion, her freedom, her peace, and her family.

But in a camp of two thousand boys, the most important thing she has to protect is her heart.

Fight For You is the second novel in Misty Moncur’s Stripling Warrior series. Fall in love with these romantic novels set against a vivid Book of Mormon backdrop.


Review: 
Wow. Misty Moncur knows how to write! The second book in her Stripling Warrior Series is unforgettable. I’ve read over the war chapter in the Book of Mormon, I know the stories, but never have I seen them come to life in vivid color with emotions, romance and action. 

Keturah has entered the band of stripling warriors, boys ages 12-18 who are fighting for the liberty of their fathers, children, homes and religion. Kit is is a daughter of Helaman, the only female to join the ranks. And this is no longer training with Gideon in the forest or sparring with her camp…this is the real battlefield and the ravages of war. Amongst the action there are moments of clarity and faith that stirred the Spirit within me and made me so grateful for the fortitude of leaders like Gideon. Men who not only led and loved, but who also knelt in prayer before going out to meet the enemy. They did not doubt their God would deliver them and angels sent to fight beside them.

There are stolen moments of a love that is deepening and blooming like a moon flower.The tension is perfect. Kit has some hard decisions to make. Is she meant to be here? Will the man she loves return the commitment as a husband? And, will Zeke forgive her, can she accept the loyalty and attention of her childhood friend? 

I enjoyed the idea of healers who used herbs and the things of the earth traveling with the army to help. 

Wishing book three, which is due to be released in November were out today so I could keep reading. I’ll be passing the Stripling Warrior series on to my children and family. And, I will never read about the Title of Liberty or Helaman’s army the same again. 

Content: moderate war related violence, kissing 

About the Author: Misty Moncur wanted to be Indiana Jones when she grew up. Instead, she became an author and has her adventures at home. In her jammies. With her imagination. And pens that she keeps running dry.

Misty lives in a marsh near a very salty lake in Utah with her husband and children, where they cuddle up in the evenings and read their Kindles. Well, she does anyway.

Connect with Misty at the links below.

Visit Misty’s blog
Like The Stripling Warrior Series
Connect with Misty on Goodreads
Follow Misty on Twitter
Follow Misty on Wattpad

Purchase books one and two in the series:




The Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway