Lift the Flap Bible By Karen Williamson; illustrated by Louise Anglicas

 Candle Tiny Tots has a fun new book, Lift the Flap Bible.  Below you can read about this great new product  that would be a fun gift to add to a little one's Easter basket this spring.

About the book:

Looking for a fun little book for your toddler?  Here is great book that is designed for kids ages 10 months and up! What child doesn't just love lifting all the flaps and discovering the hidden images underneath?  This book includes the following Bible stories: Noah and the Ark, Baby Moses in the Basket, Daniel and the Lions, Jonah and the Great Fish, Born in a Stable, 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes, The Lost Sheep, and Man Lowered Through the Roof.

My Review:

I just love the fun art in this book.  The colors are so great!  For example, the animals for Noah's Ark are not in traditional colors with blue and pink elephants, teal turtles, etc.!  I think the author chose some great Bible stories for this little book that would appeal to young children.   The flaps are easy to identify and even have a pre-made crease to help fold the flap down and prevent the page from tearing.  I'm definitely going to add this fun book to my infant's Easter basket this year.  I can't wait to use this book with him in a few more months!

***I received this free book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Surprised by Love (book 3) by Julie Lessman

Back in November 2014, Julie Lessman released her 3 book in The Heart of San Francisco series.  The first book, Love at Any Cost, shared Cassidy McClare's story.  The second book, Dare to Love Again, shared Allison McClare's story and the third book, Surprised by Love shares the story of Megan McClare.  Below find out the story about this newest release.

From the Back Cover:
She can turn the head of the man who spurned her--but can she turn his heart?

When Megan McClare left San Francisco to study in Paris, no one would accuse her of being poised and pretty.  But on the other side of the Atlantic, this wallflower blossomed into a beauty with big dreams.  When she returns to California and accepts an internship at the district attorney's office, she's thrilled that her life is taking shape.  But the exciting opportunity quickly loses its glow when she discovers she'll be working alongside Devin Caldwell, who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored.

Bram Hughes is the best friend to whom Megan has always turned for support and advice.  But when she seeks his counsel about working with Devin Caldwell, Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a little sister.  He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

My Review:
I thought that Julie Lessman  wrote a pretty cute story.  The opening of the story was intriguing with Megan leaving to study in Paris as a wallflower and coming home with the beauty she possessed inside matching her stunning looks on the outside.  The way she makes everyone's jaws drop open makes you cheer for the nerdy girl who has turned into a beautiful lady.  Her character was interesting and made the story fun to read.  I have enjoyed reading this series and reading the stories for each of the siblings.  It's fun to read a book already being familiar with some of the characters.  I will say that some of the back and forth between Meg and Brams kinda made me a little frustrated.  Overall, I would say that it was a fun read and a good series.

***I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

The Beginner’s Bible Come Celebrate Easter Sticker and Activity Book By Kelly Pulley

Look at this fun new sticker and activity book by Zonderkidz from The Beginner's Bible!! 

The Easter story is brought to life in the colorful art of this great sticker and activity book. The book is designed for kids ages 4-8 years old.  For activities there is coloring, tracing numbers and letters, counting, rhyming, and much more.  The book begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Christ's Resurrection.

 I'm so excited to be able to add this fun sticker and activity book to my daughter's Easter basket this year!   The book is full of great color and would keep the interest of any child.  I like that I'm not only giving my child something fun to do for an activity, but it also tells her again the story of Jesus and His great sacrifice for us!  Another great feature of this book is that the stickers are reusable!  Consider picking up this fun book to add to your child's Easter or Spring basket this year!

***I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Liz Tolsma’s ‘Remember the Lilies’ Author Chat Party and Kindle Giveaway

Liz Tolsma has a new WWII novel out called Remember the Lilies.  I was really looking forward to reading her newest novel since I thoroughly enjoyed her other two--Snow on the Tulips and Daisies are Forever.  Read below and find out about this great new book.

About the book: Remember the Lilies (Thomas Nelson, February 2015) Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom? Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor's office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what's happening, she's drawn into a web of secrets and danger. Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till---and has news that could threaten Rand's reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness---if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom. My Review: I really enjoyed this third book by Liz Tolsma in her WWII  collection.  It was interesting to read a story that took place in Philippines.  I love all the history included in this book, and I really appreciate the author notes at the end of the book stating what was true to history and what was added.  The story line was appealing and before I knew it, I was at the end of the book.  The characters definitely struggle with telling the whole truth.  Each person wonders if their secrets will destroy the friendships they have made and depend upon.  Liz did a great job showing how telling the truth is always for the best.  I like how a clear presentation of the gospel was included in this book too.  So refreshing to see Christ presented clearly in a fiction novel.  I would definitely recommend this book! If you'd like to read some more great reviews of this book, head over to the blog tour page and see what others have written by clicking here.    ***I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1EDGVJJ   About the author: New York Times best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of Daisies are Forever, Snow on the Tulips, and the contributing author of A Log Cabin Christmas. When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally. Find Liz online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Giveaway Information: 

This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy of Remember the Lilies

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

New from Elizabeth Camden | ‘Beyond All Dreams’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Party

Elizabether Camden's newest book is out, Beyond All Dreams.  A book that has history and mystery all wrapped together under one cover.  Read below about the book and my personal review to see why this is one you should pick up to add to your "to be read" pile.

About the book:
Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?


My Review:
This book was great!  I loved the history included in this book about the Library of Congress and when they moved from the Capitol to the actual library building. This is such a great backdrop to introduce Anna's character.   Anna has quite the storyline going for her.  I like her character and the knack she has for sniffing out a hidden story.  The mystery of her father's death is so intriguing, and when she continues to get blocked from the truth, the mystery grows stronger.  Luke's character is also interesting.  He can be quite over the top and hot-headed, but on the other hand he has a soft heart.  The two of them make quite an interesting pair.  I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!  If you'd like to read what others are saying about this book, head over to the blog tour by clicking here.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BbxWeR

About the author: 

Elizabeth Camden is the author of six books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.

Find Elizabeth online: website, Facebook

 Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden's newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.
 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy of Beyond All Dreams

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth's 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

***I received this free book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old by Henry Van Dyke (Author), Pearl S. Buck (Author), Beatrice Joy Chute (Author), Ruth Sawyer (Author), Elizabeth Goudge (Author), Selma Lagerlöf (Author), Rebecca Caudill (Author), Madeleine L'Engle (Author), Miriam LeBlanc (Compiler)

Home for Christmas is a new compilation of Christmas stories from multiple authors published by Plough.  Below you can read the summary of the book and my review.

From the Back Cover:
They are some of the warmest childhood memories, those unhurried evenings around the fireplace, Christmas tree, or dinner table, when there was time for a story... Now, with this collection, you can keep the story-telling tradition alive in your family, and pass it on to your children or grandchildren.
Home for Christmas includes twenty time-­honored ­favorites including several by world-famous children's authors - Selma Lagerlöf, Henry van Dyke, Ruth Sawyer, B. J. Chute, Elizabeth Goudge, Pearl S. Buck, Nikolai S. Lesskov, Madeleine L Engle, Ernst Wiechert, and Rebecca Caudill; others are little-known European tales not available in English anywhere else. Selected for their literary quality and their spiritual integrity, they will resonate with readers of all ages, year after year. With twenty woodcuts by David G. Klein.

My Review:
The stories that are included have differing theologies brought out in their story.  Some are good for reading each night with the kids before bed during the Christmas season, but others seem to teach good works equal salvation which is not scriptural.  So I would be hesitant to recommend this collection of stories as I cannot agree with it theologically.

You can visit Plough's page for Home for Christmas by clicking here. 


***I received this book free from Handlebar in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.