Here’s A
this week…
In Love and War: A Collection of Love Stories by Carla Kelly
Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray
Roomies by Sara Zarr, Tara Altebrando
Killer of Enemies by Joseph Bruchac
In Wisdom & Order by Boyd K. Packer
Thanks so much to all the publishers who sent us goodies for blog tour and review!
After being pulled 400 years into the future, twins Taylor and Sheridan have found some refuge from the government of Traventon, which used the dangerous Time Strainer to yank the girls from the past. Yet the threat of the dangerous technology still looms. Taylor and an ally, Joseph, are selected to go on a mission to destroy the time machine and weapon. But their actions before they do may have major consequences for the future and the past.
Action-packed and romantic, this futuristic sequel to Erasing Time is perfect for fans of dystopian and sci-fi novels such as The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and Matched by Ally Condie.
We had such a positive response to our C.J. Hill Echo in Time Blog Tour yesterday, that the author and I decided to add a Release Day Blitz .
Perfect for bloggers who:
are international
want to support Janette Rallison on her book birthday
are newer and have less than 1000 followers
may not have time for a review post
To Sign up fill out this form
The release day is December 23, 2013 and posts must be up by 8 EST. Please only sign up if you are definitely planning to post that day.
About the Author
After being pulled 400 years into the future, twins Taylor and Sheridan have found some refuge from the government of Traventon, which used the dangerous Time Strainer to yank the girls from the past. Yet the threat of the dangerous technology still looms. Taylor and an ally, Joseph, are selected to go on a mission to destroy the time machine and weapon. But their actions before they do may have major consequences for the future and the past.
Action-packed and romantic, this futuristic sequel to Erasing Time is perfect for fans of dystopian and sci-fi novels such as The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and Matched by Ally Condie.
Fire and Ice blog tours is proud to announce another tour opportunity.
Click to sign up to participate in the tour which kicks off December 23, 2013.
Blogs must have 1000 or more followers
US mailing addresses only for review copies
Posts must be up by 8 AM EST and be the top post of the day
About the AuthorI received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Walk, talk, and dress like an Egyptian.
When Louise Lambert tries on a lavender Grecian gown during a visit to the mysterious Traveling Fashionista Vintage Sale, she feels a familiar tug and falls back in time, arriving at the dusty base of an enormous pyramid. She has landed in ancient Egypt...or has she?
It turns out that Louise is on the legendary Old Hollywood film set ofCleopatra, but her time there is short-lived. Rummaging through the wardrobe tent, Louise gets her hands on a pearl necklace that dates back to 51 BC, and she suddenly finds herself whisked away once more, this time to the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt. Gold and jewels shimmer in the Egyptian sunlight, but poisonous snakes and dangerous enemies also roam the palace halls. Louise quickly learns that life as a handmaiden to Queen Cleopatra is much more treacherous--and fashionable--than she ever could have imagined
The Time- Traveling Fashionista series is one of my favorite historical fiction reads for middle grade readers. First of all, if you haven’t read books one and two they need to be added to your list of TBRs. They take vintage fashion, time travel and suspense and roll it into an easily readable adventure perfect for tweens. We’ve already been aboard the Titanic, to France during the time of Marie Antionette, and in book three we are whisked to a film set with Elizabeth Taylor and then to Egypt under Cleopatra’s reign.
Louise Lambert is the time-traveling tween who is making a couple of tough adjustments with her father, an attorney being out of work, and her best friend who has recently discovered a boy named Kip, who seems to be drifting from their friendship. She’s a bit lacking in self- confidence but nevertheless has attracted the attention of two boys in her class. But Louise is not quite ready to take the plunge into being boy crazy…she would rather take the plunge back in time by visiting the traveling trunk sale and putting on a dress with a history.
My favorite part of book three were the interesting tidbits it introduces from Cleopatra’s time. The library of papyrus in Alexandria, the black wigs and shaved heads, the poisonous asp used by Cleopatra in later life, and her intellect and ability to speak nine languages. I had no idea Cleopatra was in fact Greek, or that she married her ten year old brother Ptolemy! The snippets of google info. the author injects near the end of the book after Louise returns to her time add even more to the historical value and I wish there were more. This book had SO much to offer but I found myself wanting richer conversation, more about Elizabeth Taylor and just what us up with Stella nd Pierre. They are introduced again in book three and then completely disappear until the very ending pages. This is literally a fast whirlwind of a book, easy to read and get through in one sitting. In a way it’s refreshing and light,–but man, there is so much that I want to know that just didn’t get answered. I wanted to get to know the side characters, her best friend, her mom, the cute skater boy, and Peter. It felt like there just wasn’t any more development on that end.
I do like that Louise is maturing and changing after each adventure. In this step back she learns that it’s not okay to steal and there are often dire consequences. She also gains confidence and learns to defend herself against fashion Bully Billy. You go girl!
The illustrations are missing fro the Netgalley version which I was sad about– they are my favorite piece of the series. You need to see the art to appreciate the stories! Can’t wait to see each book in print form.
Do I recommend this series? Yes! They are a great introduction both fashion design and history. But book three felt too rushed and had a few content issues that I don’t remember in the previous installments.
Thanks so much to Poppy for the sneak peek and for inviting us to be a part of The Time-Traveling Fashionista blog tour!
Be sure to read the excerpt below.
(highlight to reveal): OMG full phrase frequently, one reference and taking the Lord’s name in vain, childhood marriage, moderate violence, death by poisoning.
Hi, I’m Louise Lambert and I’m a Traveling Fashionista. If people actually told the truth about themselves, it could be a really scary game. My name is Louise and I’m on the swim team and I like vintage fashion, she rehearsed in her head. That was easier; that made sense. Even if at Fairview Junior High, vintage clothing was still considered a little weird, particularly to Billy, whose fashion sense didn’t extend beyond the same baggy jeans and dirt brown or navy pullover sweater he wore practically every day.
“Why don’t we start in the back of the class,” Miss Jones said, putting back on her oversize glasses, which made her look like a giant bug.
“I’m Billy Robertson. I love history and I was Miss Morris’s favorite student.” Everyone giggled. Judging by the amount of time he spent in the principal’s office, Billy wasn’t any teacher’s favorite student.
When it finally came around to her turn, Louise lost her nerve. “My name is Louise Lambert and I’m on the swim team,” she said quickly, her cheeks burning hot. It was true she was a good swimmer, but that wasn’t really the defining thing about her. Louise looked down at a pencil sketch of a Grecian-style dress she had absentmindedly drawn on a blank page in her notebook. Why was she unable to admit that she liked vintage clothing? She couldn’t be the only one who was afraid of being a little different, afraid of Billy making one of his trademark mean comments from the back of the room. But it felt that way. Moments like that made her realize her self-confidence was hanging on by a thread. (21-22)
Bianca Turetsky is the author of the stylish Time-Traveling Fashionista series, which has been translated into nine languages. After graduating from Tufts University, Bianca began working for artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel. She managed his studio for the past 11 years and was his assistant on the Academy Award-nominated film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. She lives in a cozy studio apartment in Brooklyn, New York, that houses her very extensive and much-loved vintage collection. The third book in the series, The Time-Traveling Fashionista and Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile will be released December 3, 2013.
She is represented by Meredith Kaffel at DeFiore and Company and Howie Sanders and Dana Borowitz at UTA.
Learn more on her website
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Enjoy!
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.
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 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.
About the AuthorsRobert 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.
Enjoy your family and friends today.
Isla and the Happily Ever After
nie PerkinsFrom the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.
Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.
United We Spy (Gallagher Girls)
Get ready for the Gallagher Girls’ most astounding adventure yet as Ally Carter’s New York Times best-selling series comes to breathtaking conclusion that will have readers racing to the last page.organ has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie-and her country-forever.
An unhealthy addiction to sugar cubes, a deep-seated fear of water, and universal luxury-these are the simple things that make up 18-year-old Brynn’s Utopian existence. Why, then, is
her perfect life also plagued with unanswered questions? Like every other resident of the planet Halcyon, Brynn’s home provides everything she needs, money is unheard of, and life is perfect. But unlike the rest of Seaside’s residents, Brynn has questions. Why can’t people leave the city? Why does the ocean fill everyone with terror? Who are the Workers? Not
only is Brynn curious where others are compliant, but she suffers from chronic nightmares of an angelic woman torturing her for information she doesn’t possess. But these are more than just figments of her imagination; they’re memories of things that never happened. When Brynn meets Jonah, a brilliant, library-dwelling boy who shares her questions and her curiosity, they formulate a plan to find answers. Somewhere, the perfect veneer of Halcyon’s instant gratification hides a city that only Brynn knows about-a city she and Jonah are determined to find. But will finding the city give them answers, or simply uncover the horrific truth behind the perfection?
Without fresh, all-natural winter gardening in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries people would have starved to death. The good news is that feeding your family fresh food from your own backyard garden all winter long is far easier and less time-consuming than you might imagine. And you won’t find better-tasting food at any price!
Just Ella“I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me.” Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined.
Modern Essentials *5th Edition* A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils Features : Stunning new design with enhanced Single Essential Oils and Blends sections featuring a new “Quick Facts” box to make it simple to discover the basics about any oil. A new section on emotions and essential oils. New research on even more amazing benefits of essential oils and their constituents. The old dilution chart has been added back by popular demand. QR codes and URLs pointing to exclusive online video content with information on what essential oils are and great tips on how they can be used and applied. These videos are especially great for new oil users who may be uncertain how they can safely use essential oils to benefit their own and their family’s health. Easy-to-understand definitions for each medical condition listed in the Personal Usage Guide section. References to hundreds of documented research studies. Listings of all of the essential oils and essential oil blends with their chemical constituents, historical uses, application suggestions, safety data, and much more. Essential oil solutions for helping with everything from common disorders such as acne to more serious illnesses such as diabetes. An introduction to essential oils, including their benefits and historical background.
Lucy lives on the twenty-fourth floor. Owen lives in the basement. It’s fitting, then, that they meet in the middle — stuck between two floors of a New York City apartment building, on an elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they’re rescued, Lucy and Owen spend the night wandering the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is back, so is reality. Lucy soon moves abroad with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father.
The brief time they spend together leaves a mark. And as their lives take them to Edinburgh and to San Francisco, to Prague and to Portland, Lucy and Owen stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and phone calls. But can they — despite the odds — find a way to reunite?
The Winner’s Curse (Winner’s Trilogy)Winning what you want may cost you everything you love…
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.
Morning Sickness
Allergies, Asthma
Tension Headache
The One (The Selection)The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is the perfect finale
The Selection changed America Singer’s life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she’s made her choice . . . and she’s prepared to fight for the future she wants.
Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!
Addie has always been able to see the future when faced with a choice, but that doesn’t make her present any easier. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. So when Ad
die’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him in the Norm world, she jumps at the chance. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. She wants to change that.
Laila, her best friend, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want this to happen. Despe
rate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her.
Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God’s Hand in our LivesPresident Thomas S.Monson
is beloved throughout the Church as a master teacher and storyteller, skillfully portraying gospel principles in action and examples of God’s hand in our lives. This collection of fifty true stories, presented by President Monson over the course of many decades, offers remarkable accounts of life-changing experiences that will touch hearts and strengthen testimonies. Each story is accompanied by full-color photography that helps readers visualize the scene and brings the event to life. Whether read for personal enrichment or as an outstanding resource for talks and lessons, these unforgettable stories reinforce President Monson’s invitation for each of us to consider the Lord’s blessings.
How far would you go to save the world?
When Maisie Danger Brown nabbed a spot at a NASA-like summer boot camp, she never expected to uncover a conspiracy that would change her life forever.
And she definitely didn’t plan to fall in love.
But now there’s no going back—Maisie’s the only thing standing between the Earth and annihilation. She must become the hero the world needs. The only problem is: how does a regular girl from Salt Lake City do that, exactly? It’s not as though there’s a handbook for this sort of thing. It’s up to Maisie to come up with a plan—and find the courage to carry it out—before she loses her heart . . . and her life.
Equal parts romance and action-adventure, this explosive story is sure to leave both longtime Shannon Hale fans and avid science fiction readers completely breathless.
Have fun shopping! See other items on my list here.
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.
"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.
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.
