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Mysteries, polka dots, California Rolls, TJ Maxx, cozy blankets, rainy days and getting the first spoonful of peanut butter out of the jar make me smile. Spiders, rude people, cold fingers and toes, baby leashes, people that don't wrap their packages before going to the Post Office, poison ivy and Math (pretty much all of it) make me want to scream. My perfect day would be spent with my wonderful husband and sweet girls- watching movies in our jammies! Of course, having the movie theater to ourselves would be great, too. Please pass the popcorn and M&M's.:) I am saved by the grace of God. He is my constant companion and hears my every prayer. What a blessing! I'd love to hear from you! Lori at toosillysisters@cox.net

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Just Plain Nora Book Review and Giveaway!

The winner is #3- Sara at Embracing Destiny!  Congratulations!


Just Plain Nora is better than American Girl!  This is quite a compliment coming from my 9 year old daughter and I wholeheartedly agree with her.  Just Plain Nora has the perfect combination of adventure, history and humor!   Jennifer Hutchins transports her readers to the year 1881 where we meet Nora, a precious young lady who wants desperately to stand out and be noticed.  Through her adventures (and with a gentle reminder from Psalm 139) Nora learns a very valuable lesson.  Spelling bees, sibling rivalry, and tornadoes are just the beginning for this young lady.  Just Plain Nora is enchanting!  

Jennifer Hutchins is a home schooling Mom as well an author and the character of Nora was inspired by her oldest daughter.  Her blog is www.littlehomeschoolontheprairie.com. She invites you to stop by and check out her special page for Just Plain Nora which has learning activities and suggestions to accompany the book.  The author states that Just Plain Nora is recommended for children 8-12 but I truly feel that children of all ages as well as adults would love Nora.  I know I do.:)  

Read the first chapter here!


About the Book:
EASTERN COLORADO, 1881: Nora Smith is growing up as a middle child in a frontier family. She struggles with feeling insignificant and just plain ordinary . If only she can win the Mountain Springs spelling bee, her problems will disappear! Nora prepares for her moment to shine as champion of the bee. However, other circumstances prevail, proving to Nora the importance of just being herself. Just Plain Nora is recommended for children, age eight to twelve.


About the Author:
Using her background in education and speech/language development, Jennifer Hutchins has taught oral and written language skills to children and young adults since 1996. She began a writing career at the age of ten by shutting herself in the garage and "banging out" stories on an old typewriter. Her love for writing was born at that time and continues today with the publication of her first children's book. Currently, Jennifer and her family live in an old farmhouse nestled in a valley between the foothills of the Ozarks and the wide rolling plains. She and her husband enjoy exploring the natural beauty and diversity of the outdoors, remodeling, traveling, and homeschooling their two daughters.


Would you like to read Just Plain Nora?  Jennifer Hutchins has generously offered to give a signed copy to one of my readers!  There are a few ways you can enter...


#1-Leave a comment on this post for 1 entry.
#2- Be a follower of my blog for 1 entry.  (leave a *separate comment* for each entry, please)
#3- Like Jennifer Hutchins facebook page for 1 entry.
#4- Post about this giveaway on facebook and provide link for 1 entry.
#5- Blog about this giveaway for 1 entry.


This giveaway ends next Wednesday, March 28th.  Good luck!

29 comments:

i cant decide said...

I know my daughters would love this book!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage said...

My Amy is ten. I think she'd like it.

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

This sounds great! My daughter would love it!

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

I follow your blog with GFC.

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

I liked Jennifer's FB page.

Tristan said...

i would love to put this in taylor-austyn's collection for later on!!

i have found 4 american girl books at yardsales for 50 cents..i nearly fainted..ha!

These books sound amazing!

Tristan said...

i follow!

Tristan said...

i liked her page!

Julie said...

I remember Jennifer from the co op. Looks like a great book!

'ittle Bittle said...

Thank you! I'm always looking for good books!

Swinging On Small Hinges said...

This sounds like a fun read! My daughter loves American Girl, so this would be great!

Swinging On Small Hinges said...

I follow you via GFC.

Swinging On Small Hinges said...

I like Jennifer Hutchins on FB.

Jennifer said...

That sounds like a book my daughter would enjoy.

Jennifer said...

I already follow with Google Friend Connect.

Jennifer said...

I'm following now with Linky Friends (come follow me, too.)

Kimber McCutcheon said...

I am leaving a comment and I am a follower of her fb page. yay hope I win.

the Mcclanahan 7 said...

My girls would love this book.

the Mcclanahan 7 said...

I follow your blog.

the Mcclanahan 7 said...

I like Jennifer's FB page.

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Sounds like a really wonderful series!

Enjoying Every Moment said...

It sounds like a good book.

Becky said...

Would love this book for my daughter!

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

How exciting! I'll pass this wonderful review onto my daughter who has my two little princesses. : )
Mary Lou

Anonymous said...

ooh, my 8 yo dd would love this book. Please enter me! Too bad I'm not on facebook...

Karen said...

Ooohh we have been wanting to read Jenn's book. :) Great giveaway.

Angel said...

Looks like a great book!

Debbie said...

My daughter would enjoy this book!

Debbie said...

I follow on GFC.