Andi Under Pressure by Amanda Flower

Andi Under Pressure, written by Amanda Flower, is the second book in a mystery series for young readers. The story begins with Andi Boggs, a bright 12 year old, attending a science camp with her friend Colin Carter.  Strange things have been happening at the camp and Andi is determined to discover what is going on. I enjoyed the fact that Andi is a strong, likable young lady whose able to constantly rise to the occasion.  She and her older sister, Bethany, recently lost their parents in a tragic accident yet Andi manages to maintain a positive attitude in her life.  I liked the friendship she had with Colin Carter and his sweet Pug, Jackson. I also found the cast of characters intriguing with lots of secrets waiting to be answered. Ava Gomez makes a compelling "villain" with a huge chip on her shoulder! The story is intelligent, engaging, and fast paced.  I'm hoping my 12 year old falls in love with the Andi Boggs series!

*I was given a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Nesting Place- the imperfectly delightful book for everyone!

The Nesting Place, (It doesn't have to be Perfect to be Beautiful) by Myquillyn Smith frees the anxious decorator with these words "...Giving up on perfection isn't a failure.  It's a gift."  As I read the pages of her incredibly inspiring, funny, and illustrated (yes!  I LOVE pictures!) book filled with personal stories of embracing the "not so perfect".  My shoulders relaxed, my mind was inspired and I began to dream.  "Homes are happiest when they're being used."  Amen.

Can you tell that I took notes while I read this book?  I sure did.  All while I was on the treadmill!  I didn't want to forget a thing.  So much inspiration and helpful tips!  The Nesting Place would make the perfect gift for any home owner- and renter! (the author rents!).  It would make a lovely wedding present, teacher gift, new graduate gift, etc.  It's the blessing of loving where you are, finding the beauty in what you have and living life right. now.  

The chair on the book cover has 3 legs.  3.  Looks pretty incredible, don't you think?  Wait until you see the masking tape wall in her bedroom.  Gorgeous.  You'll be visiting Goodwill and vintage shops on a regular basis after reading this wonderful book.  If you have a truck, we can go together!

Myquillyn Smith has a gift for writing, decorating and family as well as a heart for Christ.  She's the real deal.  At the end of her book we travel with her to meet her sponsored child.  What a lovely way to complete the quest for beauty.  "Once we realize that the goal is not having a perfect home, we can create a beautiful home out of freedom instead of fear." Bless yourself and others with The Nesting Place.  It's imperfectly delightful- as life should be.

*I was given a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

First Peek at the Jamberry Black Friday Extravaganza!

I've missed you all so much!  Sorry for my absence the last few months but I'm currently pursuing an adventure as a Jamberry nail consultant.  Pretty nails that last?  Yes, please!  I don't intend to make this a business blog but I couldn't resist telling you about Jamberry's Black Friday extravaganza!

I'm aaaalllll about shopping in my jammies, sleeping in and avoiding the craziness.  

I also try to avoid going to the post office this time of year.  (Jamberry nail wraps can be mailed in an envelope.  Easy as pie.)

Jamberry wraps are non-toxic and last for 2 weeks on fingers & up to 6 weeks on toes.  Even if I'm having a bad hair day, don't have time to do my face or my jeans are a bit snug I know that my nails look fabulous!  It's a comfort to know that something is going right in my day. ;)

Did I mention the wraps are Buy 3 get 1 FREE?  Translation: 3 gifts and a goodie for YOU!

There are junior sizes for little ones as well as regular sizes for moms, teachers, babysitters, sisters, etc.  (My 11 year old does her own manicures & pedicures. See below.)

There are even festive matching/coordinating Mommy & Me wraps. (I adore the "Frozen" inspired wraps below.)

With 300+ designs there's something for everyone!

You can even host a party and get them for FREE.  Free is fun!  I do all the work, you just invite friends to a Facebook party OR pass the catalog and samples around at work/school/family. 

Just a few of the reasons I love Jamberry...

Message me (toosillysisters@cox.net) if you'd like to try a sample or see a catalog.  The holidays are the perfect time to feel special!  Sparkle and shine, ladies!

Diamond Dust Sparkle & Rose Gold Sparkle are my favorites...

If you don't want to host a party, I can add you to mine!

I'm crushing on the Jamberry French Manicure that lasts and lasts.  A dream come true!

Sports fans?  Just what you need to wear to the game!

GO TEAM!!

I can't reveal everything about Jamberry's Black Friday just yet.  BUT, I can tell you that there will be giveaways, games and exclusive offers!  You can sleep late, shop in your jammies, and treat yourself at the same time.  The mall has nothing but long lines, crabby people and a guaranteed headache.  I'm much more fun. :) 

Take a peek at the catalog, sign up to host a party or do a little shopping HERE anytime you like!

Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World Review and GIVEAWAY!!

My Thoughts:

Growing Up Social (Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-driven World) is a must read for today's parent.  When I saw that it was written by Gary Chapman (The 5 Love Languages) and Arlene Pellicane I knew I wanted to be in on the review.  This book addresses the problem of children and adults spending excessive amounts of time in front of the computer, phone, TV, etc.  They are all a part of our world, but how much is too much and does it really have a negative effect?  

My family spends a lot of time using electronic devices.  Too much.  And this includes me.  In fact I may be the worst offender!  Let me be the first to tell you that I LOVE this book.  It didn't chastise me or make me feel guilty.  In fact it showed me that I'm a typical parent with good intentions that just hasn't followed through enough.  There is hope!  Thankfully Growing Up Social has lots of helpful advice and ideas to help me get my act together.  

I appreciated how the authors showcased normal families with problems I can identify with.  It was a bit like the show "Super Nanny" in that it features typical situations and ways to improve them.  They highlight something called A+ Skills which are as follows:

Show Affection

Appreciate Others

Deal with Anger

Learn to Apologize

Pay Attention

Sadly, these skills are lacking in children that spend excessive amounts of time in front of an electronic screen.  They are not something we are born with but rather skills that need to be learned and nurtured.  Role playing, reinforcement and knowledge are required from the parent to nurture these skills in a child/teen.  It's never too late!

Propellor has generously given me a copy of this book to give to one of my readers!  Please comment on this post for a chance to win!  You'll definitely want to read this book...

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  No other compensation was received.*

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

My Thoughts:

Becoming Bea is the story of a young lady who loves books, journal writing and cats, but people- not so much.  At the beginning of the book she's in a quandary trying to find a job or be doomed to traveling with her domineering sister, Molly, on a trip to Montana.  She's thrilled when an opportunity arises to care for newborn triplets.  Much to her chagrin, Ben Rupp, a young man she'd attempted to court, seems to always pop up when she least expects it.  And then a surprise (Don Eicher) comes on the scene and things get interesting...

Becoming Bea begins slowly and it took me awhile to get into the story.  I found Bea a bit too prickly for my liking in the beginning, but was patient and loved her transformation through the book story.  I was intrigued by Ben Rupp from the start and found it hard to understand why Bea detested him so much.  Leslie Gould's first book in the series, Courting Cate, is one of my Amish favorites.  I enjoyed it so much that I've purchased copies to give to friends.  Becoming Bea was also enjoyable with Bea being a very unique young lady who just needs a bit of time and experience to help her grow into a lovely woman.

About the book: Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/Dcnfl

About the author: Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller Courting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her familyl live in Portland, Oregon.

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire

One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish 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 11th!

*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Promise (by Beth Wiseman) takes your breath away!

My Thoughts:

The Promise begins with exactly that- a promise.  Saving a life is Mallory Hammond's obsession due to the fact that she couldn't save her cousin's life years ago.  In order to move on with her other dreams she simply must complete this precious task- no matter what the cost.  The opportunity presents itself, but not in the way that Mallory ever imagined.  In order to save a life she must also be able to save her own.  The Promise is a heart-pounding, pulse racing story (based on actual events) involving love, lies and make your blood run cold danger.  At times I had to put the book down just to catch my breath!  I was blown away by the dedication (and naivete) of the main character, Mallory Hammond.  At the same time I was disgusted and saddened to read of the horrible way human beings can treat one another when it's "accepted" and even embraced in another culture.  The Promise is eye-opening and(Made my think of the movie Not Without my Daughter with Sally Field) terrifying, yet kindness and love are ever present.  An incredible book and one that you won't soon forget!

About the book: 

Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal---and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal---to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CP8sr 

About the author: 

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.

Find Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter

In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.








Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!



One grand prize winner will receive:



• A Kindle Fire HDX


• The Promise by Beth Wiseman


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.






*I was given this book by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall- Sarah E. Ladd's newest romantic masterpiece!

My Thoughts:

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall is purely delightful.  I loved it for so many reasons!  It begins with a doomed romance on a stormy night followed by a drunken, angry father who banishes his daughter to Roseme's School for Young Ladies.  You'll have to put the book down to slow your pulse!  Hope springs anew as the opportunity for our main character, Cecily Faire, to become a companion to a wealthy, elderly lady arises.  Upon arriving at Willowgrove Hall during a horrid deluge Cecily must depend on Nathanial Stanton and his kindly sisters to shelter her during the storm.  They soon become friends but Cecily quickly discovers that secrets are hidden within the walls of Willowgrove Hall that threaten the happiness of those that reside there...

I adored the characters in Willowgrove Hall.  Whether villain or hero, Sarah E. Ladd allows them to shine in their own fashion.  What's a book without a villain to despise?  Just plain dull and this story is anything but that.  (To be honest, I wouldn't pass judgement until the story is over, friends.  Not everyone is as they seem.  I do love a delightful surprise, don't you?)  My favorite characters were Mrs. Stanton, Cecily's employer, and Clarkson, her lady's maid.  They speak their mind, like it or not, and they don't miss a thing.  When they talk, people listen.  No mindless babble with their ladies!  

Sarah E. Ladd's never disappoints.  A Lady at Willowgrove Hall is a romantic masterpiece you won't want to miss!

About the book: 

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.

His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.

Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw

About the author: 

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.








Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!



One grand prize winner will receive:



• A Kindle Fire HDX


• A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.






*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.

The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

My Thoughts:

Letters exchanged between grandson and grandfather, a romance poured into a book entwined with a lost love and unanswered questions.  I was intrigued and thus compelled to read The Mason Jar, by James Russell Lingerfelt.  Savannah and Clayton are the main characters.  They meet at Pepperdine college (overlooking the ocean- swoon!) and a romance quickly transpires.  They have similar ideals and dreams and the future seems happily certain for this couple but then, Savannah disappears leaving only a note behind and Clayton is shattered.  

In the beginning, I was charmed by Clayton's early years and relationship with his grandfather.  I would've loved a story based solely on their experiences. Grandpa's letters were heartfelt life lessons.  For example, "Sometimes the greatest love we can show someone is to just let them be."  Beautiful and so true.  

Clayton and Savannah are good people (devote their summers to missionary work) but in my opinion, a bit self-centered and self-righteous.  I wanted so much to love them and their story but it never happened.  I didn't grow to care for them and thus their story fell "flat" for me.  When I uncovered the mystery of Savannah's disappearance I liked her even less.  Of course, you'll have to judge for yourself...

The supporting characters including fighter Oz ("Alabama Irish") and beautiful (prone to jealousy) Katie Wilson were much more interesting to me.  I'd love to read a love story about this passionate "wild child" pair.  In fact, I just noticed that the author's next book is about Oz and I'm truly looking forward to hearing his story in 2015.

About the book: 

What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she's ever read? "But," she said, "it's about you." The author is your college ex.

In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk---letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark debutante from Colorado. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.

Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.

A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her, and a reunion they never imagined.

Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational romance that brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending that encourages us to love again and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jar interweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common toDances with Wolves, A River Runs Through It, and Legends of the Fall. 

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/C52aq

About the author: 

James Russell Lingerfelt is the author ofThe Mason Jar and writes articles forThe Huffington Post. James connects with readers at his blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective, and divides his time between Southern California and his family's ranch in Alabama.

Find James online: website, Facebook, Twitter

James Russell Lingerfelt's debut novel, The Mason Jar, is hot-off-the-press and causing quite the buzz. It's even been optioned for a feature film and is in pre-production.



Catch the spark by entering James' Kindle Fire giveaway!





 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective.









*I was given this book by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

My Thoughts:

How darling is this cupcake cover?  It all but begs to be opened and devoured- and you'll be glad you did.  Cupcakes, romance and a reality show are found inside, and at the heart of it all are best friends, Kat Varland and Lucas Brannen.  Let's just say, they're "sweet" on each other. ;)  Kat spends her days creating chocolate, vanilla and strawberry cupcakes and Lucas coaches football.  Then Cupcake Combat, a baking reality show, entered the scene and everything could change...

I rooted for Kat from the first page.  She's delightfully insecure (I love rooting for the underdog) and feels overlooked by everyone but her hopelessly devoted buddy, Lucas Brannen.  Kat has no idea that Lucas adores her and that's where the magic lies.  This couple is adorably clueless and reading their innermost thoughts is delightful!  Betsy St. Amant knows exactly how men and women think and holds nothing back- she's spot on and it's first rate entertainment!  

The reality show was cleverly concocted as were the interesting cast of competitors.  Each an intriguing slice of life that kept this reader guessing.  The recipe for Kat's Raspberry Lemonade Torte Cupcakes was the cherry on top!  I'd been wondering what that would taste like through the whole story and now I'll be able to find out for myself.  Lovely.

Don't miss Betsy St. Amant's latest fiction release, All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A "sweet" tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible "sure thing," St. Amant's novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.





Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party!

One winner will receive:


• A brand new Kindle


• All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Love & Cupcakes" Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a "sweet" book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!







So grab your copy of All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Home to Chickory Lane by Deborah Raney

My Thoughts:

Home to Chicory Lane, by Deborah Raney, involves a gorgeous new B&B, the Whitman family, a headstrong daughter separated from her husband after only 6 months and plenty of real life drama.  I loved Audrey and Grant Whitman, the owners of Chicory Inn.  They are endearingly believable and refreshingly honest with each other and their children.  I was charmed by the selfless efforts of Grant Whitman to fulfill his wife's dream of owning a B&B.  If the entire book had been about Audrey and Grant I'm sure I would have relished every page.  But the primary focus of Home to Chicory Lane is on their daughter Landyn and her husband, Chase.  Landyn and Chase have been married for a mere 6 months and Chase makes a big decision without consulting Landyn.  Resentment and hurt follow and Landyn decides to go back home in a rush of emotion.  I wanted to sympathize with her.  I wanted to be angry with, or at least feel something for her husband.  I wanted to care about them, but in the end I just couldn't.  In my opinion, they were both immature and selfish.  Such a disappointment, as other characters showed so much promise.  I will read more books in this series when they're released because I want to learn more about Bree, the young widow, and Link, the middle child whose often overlooked.  I also want to learn more about Audrey and Grant Whitman and their adventures with their lovely B&B in Langhorne, Missouri.

The first book in Deborah Raney's new Chicory Inn series, Home to Chicory Lane, introduces us to Audrey Whitman, a mother who has launched all her children into life and now looks forward to fulfilling some of her own dreams during her empty-nest years. However, not all of her children are ready to stay out of the nest quite yet.

Deborah is celebrating the release of her new series with a $200 B&B Weekend Getaway and a Facebook author chat party.

One winner will receive:

A B&B Weekend Getaway (via a $200 Visa cash card)

Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 9th. Winner will be announced at the Home to Chicory Lane Author Chat Party on 9/9. Deborah will be hosting a heartfelt book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in the Chicory Inn series!

So grab your copy of Home to Chicory Lane and join Deborah on the evening of September 9th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse win exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*