Saturday, December 28, 2013

Kiddy Lit Steampunk! Leonardo Ramirez and the Jupiter Chronicles


Jupiter Chronicles
The Secret of the Great Red Spot

By Leonardo Ramirez
A Steampunk Children’s Series
C. 2012 Leonardoverse
ISBN: 978-0615633336
Leonardoverse.com

 Ebook 1.99
Pbook 5.99
Buy
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

 
JC CoverSLIDE

About the Book, from the author:
Book One of a Steampunk Children'’s Adventure Series

Witness the dawn of Steampunk!

It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic.
When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter to rescue their father and save the Jovians before the Martians launch their attack.
What follows is the beginning of an era that will forever be known by its strange name...
. . .Steampunk.
Combining Children’s Science Fiction with Fantasy, this action-packed Chapter Book series takes you on an adventure into the world of Steampunk chronicles the birth of a new era!
Join the adventure now!

 My Review:

Ramirez enjoys his world, it’s easy to tell. There’s enough steam engines and gadgets, gears and wishful thinking for any young reader to love in The Jupiter Chronicles, without too many details over the head of nine to eleven-year-olds.
Young readers join Callie and Ian as they blast off in a mystery mission to Jupiter where they encounter the false lizard emperor, robots, and other cool gadgets. The gadgets and creatures not only help them learn the secret of the red spot, something that Ian’s wondered about since his dad disappeared five years ago, but save that world.
A nice read, a little less than a hundred pages, geared toward middle graders, Ramirez also packs in some fun facts about real people like Nikola Tesla and some art from the book. What might these machines have looked like? The story is told from the children’s viewpoint, and keeps the reader turning pages with nice action. Those who enjoy quest stories, gadgets, space travel, and bloodless shoot ’em up video games will like this story. Beautiful cover. The date of the setting is mentioned in the book description on the author’s website and online retailers, but not in the book.
Ramirez’s website is packed with fun things to do, and a guide for educators who might want to schedule a visit. Children are also invited to send in artwork.
 
About the Author:
Leonardo Ramirez is a writer whose joy first comes from being a husband and a dad and enjoying life with his family.
He’s the author of the Haven: The Graphic Novel and Haven of Dante.
Web: http://www.leonardoverse.com

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Love One Another--how to develop close friendships, by Michael Reynolds

This is a great workbook, as well as for reading, especially for small groups in any setting. ~Lisa
 

 

 
 
Kindle 4.99
Paperback 8.99

 


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Are you an authorGod created you with an inner desire to have close friends who encourage you throughout life’s ups and downs. More than that, Jesus commands you to love other followers of Christ with the same intimate love that he pours out on you. How amazing is that? This is the kind of command I want to follow! Love One Another explores the meaning of this beautiful command and how obeying it can transform your life in exciting new ways. Michael gives practical ways to deepen the friendships God has given you and explores how living this kind of life draws you closer to Christ.

In a busy and fast-paced culture, we can find ourselves settling for friendships that are convenient and shallow. God desires us to experience extraordinary life-changing friendships that reflect the love he has for us. Following this one command is essential if we are to grow in our love for God, in our love for others, and become a more appealing image of Christ to everyone else. Christ’s love is intimate and deep, sacrificing his own life to save ours. Can you imagine someone saying that about you? Love One Another will start you on this journey towards deep friendships that will change your life. Are you ready for such an adventure?


 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Book review: Sarah and the Widow's Mate by Gay N. Lewis


Gay N. Lewis 

Prism Book Group
November 2013
ISBN: 978-1940099279
$3.99 ebook; $14.99 print book
Inspirational fantasy

 

From the publisher:
Widow Beth Marsh is not only beautiful, but wealthy enough to buy a third-world country. When she enters the dating arena to find companionship, two men profess an interest in her...but is it Beth they want, or are they out to get her money? Watching from the Heavenlies, the Superiors dispatch Heaven’s Little Love Angel to Houston during the Christmas holidays. Sarah’s mission is to help the lady determine which of her suitors is the genuine article. Is black-haired Bryan Wingate the real deal? Or is good-looking Charles Chadwick the more earnest suitor? When Beth invites human-disguised Sarah to attend a wedding, the delighted angel looks forward to an opportunity to wear a beautiful formal gown, and maybe—at long last—red stilettos! But Sarah’s mission becomes deadly serious when she discovers Beth’s life is in danger. If Sarah fails in her mission, Tomas, the Warrior Angel, will intercede. Determined to keep her human charge safe from gold diggers and save Tomas the trouble, the little love angel steps up her efforts. But Sarah wouldn’t be Sarah without a few bungles along the way...

 
My review:
The adorable love angel, Sarah, is on her next assignment. After successfully running interference in encouraging Laney and Cannon’s romance and marriage in Sarah: Laney’s Angel, Sarah, aka Annie Wingspand, is tasked next with guiding Beth Marsh. Beth has been widowed a few years, and is being courted by three different gentlemen, one of whom means her harm. Sarah is charged with helping Beth choose the right one.

Who couldn’t love angel who adores food, high heels, whose favorite exclamation is poopty doopty, and giving lost people a little help, even when those sidetracks aren’t part of her mission. I appreciated that about Lewis’s story; even her description of heavenly messengers with different missions.

Told from Sarah’s point of view, those who enjoy fantasy stories about what angels might be doing, hanging around us, will find much to love in this story. Those who enjoy Mignon Ballard’s August Ballard will love Sarah. One of my favorite parts was those rumbles from above whenever Sarah entertained less than charitable thoughts. I tried to practice that on myself—imagining those rumbles. I’ll report back later when I don’t end up soaking everyone around me with thunderstorms.

 
Note: The first book, Sarah: A Mission of Love, is on sale for Kindle, .99

Friday, December 20, 2013

Brave New Century, new historical romance anthology


Brave New Century

Inspirational Historical Romance from Prism Book Group

Stories of four young women who are each braving challenges at the dawn of the 20th century in the big city. Will they overcome their hardships and find love?
Available from your favorite bookseller, Amazon Print, Kindle
ISBN: 978-1940099255
Print: $13.99
Electronic: $3.99

Three Rings for Alice by Lisa Lickel

Love and respect in 1899 Milwaukee is as close as a phone call.

Forgiven by Paula Mowery

When Henry and Jessie meet it seems to be classic love at first sight until a shocking revelation tears them apart.

The Pocket Watch by Kathleen Rouser

Searching for the past an orphan and a young doctor find love for the future.

Flames of Hope by Teena Stewart

Love ignites in the midst of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.

 

More about Three Rings for Alice:
Our opening story, Three Rings For Alice, shows Alice Smith’s struggles to be a modern woman at the turn of the twentieth century in America. Orphaned, she must make her own way in an age when women are just coming into the workforce. Despite a proposal of marriage from a long time friend, she determines to marry for nothing less than love, even if her love is a voice over the telephone.

About the author: Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. A muti-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio-theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and magazine editor. Visit LisaLickel.com.

 
 
 
 
More about Forgiven:
Henry Smith has little interest in the plans his parents have for him when it comes to his career and who he will marry. His world is turned upside-down when a shoot-out ends in fatalities. 

Jessie Lee Capelle and her sister strike out from the orphanage their father mysteriously abandoned them at to make a life for themselves. Shamed by her background, Jessie struggles with Henry's attention. 
Just as Henry and Jessie decide on a life together a shocking revelation could force them apart unless true forgiveness can be found. 

About the author: Paula Mowery is a published author, speaker, and acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group. Her articles have appeared in Woman's World, The Christian Online Magazine, and the multi-author devotional blog, Full Flavored Living. She reviews Christian fiction for several authors. She is a member of ACFW and on their author interview team. Paula is a pastor's wife who lives with her husband and daughter in East Tennessee.  Find her at www.paulamowery.blogspot.com or connect with her through her author page on Facebook.

More about The Pocket Watch:
Isabel Jones, an orphan, receives a ruby ring left by the mother she never knew and wants more than ever to find her roots. When a young physician, Daniel Harper, rescues her from an oncoming automobile and she finds his pocket watch in a puddle, her circumstances take a turn. She begins to consider what life outside the orphanage could be like. Daniel’s heart has been broken before and the attractive young lady who finds his treasured timepiece wouldn’t be deemed suitable by his social climbing parents.

When Isabel and Daniel work side by side, caring for the orphanage children during an influenza epidemic, she becomes gravely ill. Compelled to redeem the time by helping her find the past, Daniel finds a buried truth that creates an unbridgeable chasm between them. Where will they find hope in a hopeless situation?

About the author: Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. The Pocket Watch is Kathleen’s debut novella. She has been published in Homeschool Digest and An Encouraging Word. She currently enjoys interviewing authors for the Novel PASTimes historical fiction blog. Her desire is to bring to life endearing characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. She lives in southeast Michigan with her hero and husband of 31 years, Jack, who not only listens to her stories, but also cooks for her. Find her at: www.kathleenrouser.com, www.novelpastimes.com and https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser

 
 
 
More about Flames of Hope:
Young San Francisco police officer Gideon Light is smitten the moment he sees Lily McMinn rolling down the awnings on her father’s mercantile. Lovely, petite, and spunky, Lily had to grow up quickly after her mother passed away. She not only oversees the welfare of two younger siblings, she also helps run her father’s business.

Gideon and Lily are immediately attracted to each other and soon become good friends. It doesn’t take long before Lily realizes her feelings for Gideon have changed to something far deeper. He secretly harbors dreams of advancing in the force to earn a substantial enough income to make Lily his wife.
Before either has a chance to pursue each other, however, an earthquake of unthinkable magnitude shatters their world. With a raging fire fast in its wake, tragedy and triumph await as Gideon, Lily, and her family flee for their lives with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Set during the time of the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, this tale of great loss, incredible human courage, and sweet romance, will inspire and warm your heart.

About the author: Teena Stewart is a published author, an accomplished artist, and a ministry leader. In addition to Brave New Century, her recent published books include Mothers and Daughters: Mending a Strained Relationship and The Treasure Seeker: Finding Love and Value in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father. Brave New Century represents Teena’s first fiction inclusion in a book. She and her husband Jeff are involved in “out-of-the-box” organic church ministry in Hickory, NC. For more info on Teena visit www.teenastewart.com

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

CrossReads Book Blast with Becca Fisher's Amish Christmas Boxed Set

cover pic
Amish Christmas Boxed Set By Becca Fisher

About the Book

Four different Amish Christmas stories, plus one bonus novella by Best Selling Amish author, Becca Fisher:
The Christmas Surprise
Joshua Zook and Sadie Miller have been dancing around their feelings for months. But just as Joshua works up the nerve to admit how much he cares for Sadie, he realizes that he may be too late to win Sadie's heart.
The Christmas Miracle
William Bieler just wants a simple Amish Christmas. But with a newborn child at home, nothing is simple. When William's wife falls ill however, it will take a miracle to save Christmas at the Bieler house.
The Christmas Performance
Emma Bieler is chosen to do a solo at the school holiday pageant. But a case of crippling stage fright strikes her just before she's about to go onstage. What happens next will change Emma's life forever.
The Christmas Gift
When Amish widow Hannah King remarries, her daughters do not take well to their new step father. But as the holidays approach, it's make or break time to bring peace back into Hannah's house. Bonus novella: Clara Bieler's Amish Christmas
 
becca fisher

Becca Fisher I'm Becca Fisher and I write sweet Amish romances featuring simple people with complex love lives. I'm devout in my faith, relish time with my family, and seek to bring joy to as many lives as possible. I would love to have you as a reader. God bless. If you would like to be the first to know about my new books, join my mailing list here http://eepurl.com/s3WIT Everyone that signs up for my mailing list will receive a Free copy of my "Complete Amish Romance Boxed Set."
Follow Becca Fisher

Enter to Win one of two prizes: A $50 Amazon Gift Card or a Nook 7" tablet!

Enter below to enter a $50 Amazon gift card, sponsored by author Becca Fisher! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Winner of The German Girl

 

 
 
Thank you to Carole Brown, author of the amazing book The Redemption of Caralynn Hayman,
 
winner of
 
for her loving comments on the recent excerpt tour of
The Potawatomi Boy.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Holiday Extravaganza recap



For a chance to win a $200 Amazon gift card, between December 1 and December 16, 2013, enter the John 3:16 Marketing Network Rafflecopter drawing at: http://bit.ly/Christian_Books
 
To recap, the books and authors were featured during this special holiday promotion at these links:
 
 
 
 
 
Green Leaf, The Potowatomi Boy (Amazon purchase link)
 
 
 
 
For another last chance to visit and comment on The Potawatomi Boy Excerpt Tour, here's the list. Comment to win a copy of The German Girl.
 
Kim Payne: 1, http://bit.ly/1bU0nTc
Kara Howell: 1, http://bit.ly/1dhTLfD
Kara Howell: 2, Dec 6 - http://bit.ly/1cwRsDW
Lorilyn Roberts: 3, December 4 http://bit.ly/1bj4BiK
Emma Right: 4, December 5 http://bit.ly/1bJtme5
Carol A. Brown: 5, December 7 http://bit.ly/18RbY4k
Janis Cox : 6, December 16  http://wp.me/p2yfqH-1ag
 
 
And a very big thank you to these lovely folks who hosted me these past weeks:
 
Anne Evans, My Mommy the Writer blog: http://annegarboczievans.blogspot.com/
Kimberely Payne, December 8th on Books for Book Lovers blog at http://www.kimpayne.wordpress.com
 

 
Today, December 16, is the last day to enter and win...and a very happy holiday season to you all.