Diane Estrella

Shadow Chaser by Jerel Law BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Diane Estrella — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:43:05 +0000

Join part angel Jonah Stone as he faces his biggest challenge yet!

Many months have passed since part angel siblings Jonah, Eliza, and Jeremiah Stone began their angelic training. As part angels, or quarterlings, the siblings joined other children of nephilim to begin honing their special powers.

In this third installment in the Son of Angels series, Jonah’s story comes to resemble a modern-day Job as he’s faced with trials that affect his health, strength, relationships, and most-prized possessions. As he and the other quarterlings prepare for mid-term exams, their powers are tested once again in the most fierce battle against Abaddon’s forces yet. Will Jonah’s faith in Elohim continue to persevere as he fights Abaddon in his hardest battle yet?

Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the first Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, the Secret Series, and other middle-grade series packed with action, adventure, and supernatural fights. But the message is solidly based in Scripture, conveying God is always in control.

You can purchase the book here.

Look through the flipbook.

Watch the trailer here.

The Review

And the epic saga continues….

I have waited for this book since I finished reading the second one, and it has not disappointed me. Though I don’t think it’s as intriguing as the first book, I still enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. Jerel Law has done a great job with this series, and I can’t wait to see if he continues with more action-packed books!

Jonah and the others are back and even stronger than ever. With their mid-term exams coming up, they must face off with one of the most deadly Fallen Angels yet. How can Jonah stop M’chala and pass the exams?

I think Shadow Chaser is a great book for kids of all ages, teaching them about angels and how they fight the Fallen. You don’t have to read the whole series to catch on to the plot, but you will enjoy seeing this from the beginning. I felt like this book had a solid conclusion but ended with some sadness. I’m curious to see if the saga continues and how the journey will go on.

The Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Shadow Chaser (Son of Angels, Jonah Stone), the publisher is giving away a copy of the book to one of my readers. Valid with US addresses only. In order to be entered to win, do one of the following in the comments section below:

Watch the book trailer and comment on what you found the most exciting.
What does your middle-schooler want to read about most in a fiction series?

That’s it, one comment, one entry! The winner will be selected and announced July 1, 2013. How could you not enter?

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Plus stick around! For anyone that’s interested, I have other giveaways going on that you can find at the top of my sidebar.

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Tommy Nelson sent me the above book for review purposes and provided the book to give away. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Tommy Nelson.

Calling all Homeschool Bloggers……!

Diane Estrella — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:36:42 +0000

A dear, sweet friend of mine is having her debut novel released in August, tentatively called….

{{{{{{Throws confetti…… Hip, hip, Hooray!}}}}}

Homeschool Co-ops 101

This book is for parents who are thinking about starting or joining a homeschool learning co-op. It provides information on everything from co-op benefits and getting started to scheduling, organizing, finances, resources, helpful hints and more. Also included are ready to use, hands on unit studies for grades K-12 that are suitable for co-op and/or home use. Whether co-oping with a small or large group, Homeschool Co-ops 101 offers advice and encouragement for the homeschooling family.

About the Author

Karen Lange shares insight from over 16 years as a homeschool parent, support group leader, co-op teacher and coordinator, and homeschool network consultant. Karen is a regular contributor to homeschool and other publications, and teaches online writing classes for adults and homeschooled teens.

BLOG TOUR!!!

I am putting together a blog tour to help promote this book for Karen. I am looking for bloggers that would be willing to:

Write a book review post (You get a free e-copy of the book to read and review), or
A book spotlight only (just a quick copy and paste to help promote the book), or
An author interview (where you can ask Karen questions or she can provide Q&A’s already made up)

Any or all would be highly appreciated!!! Please leave a comment below with your e-mail address and let me know that you would be interested. I will contact you when the date gets closer with all the details.

Karen is also throwing together a special GIVEAWAY to accompany this blog tour, YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!!!

Thanks for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer & Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Diane Estrella — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:28:43 +0000

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw’s daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can’t believe it when he’s forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He’s determined to escape–which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

About the Author

Karen Witemeyer is a bestselling historical romance author who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She holds a master’s degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers’ guild. Stealing the Preacher is her fifth novel. Karen lives with her husband and three children in Abilene, Texas. Learn more at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Karen Witemeyer is “kindling” the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

One winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the “Stealing the Preacher” Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 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!

My Review

There are few authors I cyber-stalk to see when their next book will be coming out…. Karen Witemeyer is definitely one of them.

This is the fifth book that Karen has written, and I have yet to be disappointed in any and only love her books more and more. There seems to be a family of four brothers that the author is working diligently to marry off and this book has our beloved Crockett heading off to the church, first as a preacher and then as a groom. Hint, hint: I think fiddle-playing brother number four, Neill, will be up next….. Yippee! So keep your eyes peeled.

The idea behind this story could not be any more fun and crazy. A truly wacky premise that seems completely logical when Karen lays it all out the way she does. Loved this ride from start to finish.

This book was such an encouragement for me to, “Never give up.” No matter what you are facing and for how long, no matter what you’ve been praying for, no matter who seems unreachable….

God CAN do it!

He can and will use any and every circumstance to make His will, the seemingly impossible….. happen. He has a plan that WILL work out for good if we keep hoping and believing that He loves us most and wants ultimately, good things for us.

LitFuse & Bethany House sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Litfuse or Bethany House. The blog tour schedule can be found here.

Vitamin B-12 from the Makers of Noxicare™

Diane Estrella — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:39:24 +0000

Why take Vitamin B-12?

“Maintaining your energy level can help you feel your best. Along with other B vitamins, Vitamin B-12 is vital for energy production. Vitamin B-12 is also important for red blood cell formation, proper nervous system function and for maintaining a healthy homocysteine level, which is important for cardiovascular health. A 500 mcg Vitamin B-12 supplement provides extra insurance that your B-12 needs are met.

Benefits:

Helps convert food into energy
Essential for red blood cell formation
Helps maintain nervous system health
Helps maintain a healthy homocysteine level, important for cardiovascular health

SUGGESTED USE: As a dietary supplement, adults take two (2) tablets daily at mealtime, or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

Other Ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, cellulose vegetable stearin, cellulose gum, silica, magnesium stearate, modified cellulose, and vanilla powder. Contains Soy.”

My Review

Us, busy moms need all the help we can get.

I believe nowadays it is almost impossible to get all of the nourishment a body needs in our daily diet alone. Supplements, such as Vitamin B-12 are important and useful to keep our energy levels up and our bodies at an optimum level of performance. Vitamins are a quick and easy way to get the various nutrients we need to stay healthy.

The B-12 pills are pink and small and very easy to swallow. There are 100 tablets in the Trueuticals brand of Vitamin B-12 from Noxicare. There is no sugar, dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors included. I highly recommend adding this much-needed supplement into your health and wellness regimen.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Floors: Book 1 by Patrick Carman

Diane Estrella — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:12:00 +0000

Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.

The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange and mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them – he is the maintenance man’s son, after all. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances. Leo had better be quick on his feet, because the fate of the building he loves is at stake . . . and so is Leo’s own future!

Patrick Carman is the bestselling author of numerous series for young readers, including The Land of Elyon, Elliot’s Park, Skeleton Creek, Atherton, Trackers, Dark Eden, and 3:15. He got his start as a storyteller weaving bedtime tales for his two daughters. He lives in Walla Walla, Washington, with his family.

The Review

Wow. Just wow.

This has got to be one of the most fun books about a mysterious hotel I have ever read. Just the way Patrick Carman describes the hotel makes me feel like it’s there, like the Whippet Hotel is real! My favorite character is Betty the duck, she’s hilarious!

I absolutely love, love, LOVED the surprise ending. I have to say, though, I kinda suspected that it was him… but I still stayed at the edge of my seat the whole entire time. I couldn’t get enough!

I believe kids of all ages will like this book, it has enough plot twists and turns to keep them reading. Floors is definitely a great book, with lots of suspense and mysteries around every corner. I really enjoyed this book, I hope you will too!

This is a fun series with Floors #2 already released and Floors #3 coming out in September 2013. Check out this series for your favorite ages 8 and up readers.

Buy it Here

Scholastic Books sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Scholastic.

My Very First Noah’s Ark Playtime: Activity Book With Stickers by Lois Rock

Diane Estrella — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:42:50 +0000

An activity book with stickers to keep children entertained during vacations or rainy days

This fun activity book includes on-the-page puzzles, games, and stories—all based around the story of Noah. There is also a page of stickers for completing the activities. The cute and colorful illustrations jump off the page and keep children engaged with the activities. There’s plenty for children to do, on their own or with an adult, and this handy book can be used during the holidays, on journeys, or just to fill the time on a rainy day.

Lois Rock is the author of numerous children’s titles that have been translated into more than 30 languages, including A Child’s First Book of Prayer, The Lion Book of 1000 Prayers for Children, and My Very First Bible.

Alex Ayliffe is the illustrator for My Very First Christmas Story Sticker Book, My Very First Jonah and the Whale Sticker Book, My Very First Noah and the Ark Sticker Book, My Very First Story of Jesus Sticker Book, and My Very Little Noah’s Ark Story.

My Review

Before my kids officially started school, I was always on the look-out for activities they could do in small doses at the kitchen table. Workbooks such as Noah’s Ark Playtime are perfect for preschoolers, to teach them how to sit quietly, “work” and also how to have fun while learning.

The entire activity book revolves around the Bible story of Noah and the Ark, including a recipe to make, game to play, a poem and other reading and lots of sticker activities. The pictures are simple and bright with two full pages of stickers to place around inside.

I definitely think 3-5 year olds will enjoy interacting with this book and looking through it over and over again. This is a great book to have on hand for parents or grandparents to share with the kids they love and want to teach too.

Buy it Here

Kregel Publications sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Kregel.

Loves God, Likes Girls: A Memoir by Sally Gary BOOK GIVEAWAY

Diane Estrella — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:53:50 +0000

For many Christians who experience same-sex attraction, reconciling faith and homosexuality is a lonely and painful journey.

LOVES GOD LIKES GIRLS–A MEMOIR is one woman’s recollection of her journey, allowing faith to plunge her into deeper discovery of the truth about her sexuality. No other issue has been more divisive in families and in faith communities than homosexuality. Rather than providing ”cookie-cutter” answers as to why someone experiences same-sex attraction and how to ”make it go away,” Loves God Likes Girls simply explores one woman’s perspective on the multitude of experiences over a lifetime that impact the development of sexuality. Sally Gary’s story offers hope and redemption for families torn apart by this issue.

Through stories, Sally shares some of the painful and confusing lies she grew up believing about herself that shaped her views of femininity and her ability to form healthy relationships with both men and women. The book emphasizes that those who experience same-sex attraction need safe places to explore questions, to find community, and to grow deeper in relationship with God.

About the Author

SALLY GARY holds degrees in communication from Abilene Christian University and a law degree from Texas Tech University. A former high school debate coach, trial lawyer, and college professor, Sally is a teacher at heart. Her deepest, darkest secret has become her greatest passion–educating people about same-sex attraction. She is the founder and director of CenterPeace, a non-profit ministry providing safe places for conversation about same-sex attraction in families and churches. Sally lives in Abilene, Texas.

Buy it Here

The Giveaway

For anyone that’s interested, the publisher is providing one copy of Loves God, Likes Girls, to give away to a lucky reader! U.S. or Canadian addresses only. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winners will be announced June 26, 2013.

ACU Press is providing the book to give away. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from ACU Press.

You Were Always in My Heart by Mary Beth Chapman & Steven Curtis Chapman BOOK GIVEAWAY

Diane Estrella — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:41:01 +0000

A sweet and adorable story about the blessings of adoption.

You Were Always in My Heart:A Shaoey & Dot Adoption Story is an endearing tale told from the point of view of a little ladybug, Dot, who happens upon a mysterious bundle one sunny day. Dot goes with the little bundle as she is carried to the place “where babies come to be found” and promises to stay with the little one throughout her journeys toward finding a forever family.

Written by Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, this heartwarming tale is inspired by the true story of their adoption of three little girls from China and is a story of hope and faith for all families who have been blessed by a “little bundle of love.”

You can purchase the book here.

View the flipbook.

Check out ShowHope.org!

Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman have been married for more than twenty years and have six children (three they adopted from China). They met in college, where they were assigned the same mailbox because they had the same last name (Mary Beth’s maiden name was Chapman). Since 1987, Steven has released fourteen albums, five of which have been certified gold and two of which have been certified platinum.

My Review

“But then there’s a cry that’s the saddest of all.

In fact, it’s unlike any other.

It comes from a deep, empty place in your heart

That can only be filled by a mother.”

Have you ever thought about adopting? Adoption is not for everyone due to a variety of reasons, but for those that are able, I think that every one will tell you it has far exceeded their expectations. This book is a wonderful reminder of the journey a baby takes to find their family and forever home.

This beautiful book has a soft, padded top over a hardcover. The pictures are delightful and inside, is a book of sweet rhymes to tell the story of a baby’s life changed forever.

Regardless if you have been involved with adoption or not, this is an adorable story about a baby and the family that found her and made her their own. A story of love, extended beyond our homes to make a family become complete.

The Giveaway

To celebrate the release of You Were Always in My Heart, the publisher is giving away a copy of this book to one of my readers. Valid with US addresses only. In order to be entered to win, answer any of the following questions in the comments section below:

What do your children/grandchildren know about adoption? How do you explain adoption to kids?
Do you have a personal adoption story to share?

That’s it, one comment, one entry! The winner will be selected and announced June 24, 2013. How could you not enter?

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Plus stick around! For anyone that’s interested, I have other giveaways going on that you can find at the top of my sidebar.

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Tommy Nelson sent me the above book for review purposes and provided the book to give away. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Tommy Nelson.

Trouble in Store by Carol Cox & Giveaway!

Diane Estrella — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 10:53:47 +0000

Book Summary:

Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he’s worked for. He’s determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.

The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry up with any of them. He’s drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.

But someone doesn’t want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps–and the man obviously didn’t die from natural causes–things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb’s business–and romance–survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?

Book Info & Sample Chapter:

Can be found at http://authorcarolcox.com/books/historical-novels/

GRAND PRIZE:

BLUSH & ROSES CHINA SET

Melanie causes all kinds of trouble in Caleb’s rough-edged mercantile, especially when she stocks the shelves with expensive, blush-colored china, rather than the usual tools and farm supplies!

Our Grand Prize winner will receive their very own set of Melanie’s fancy china: a vintage, Royal Standard cup and saucer set, service for four.

SECOND PRIZE:

MUSIC & MYSTERY PRIZE BOX

In Trouble in Store, the mystery of a beautiful music box causes sparks to fly between Caleb and Melanie.

Our Second Prize winner will have the chance to win an elegant music box, just like the one in the story. This hand-made Italian music box is made of inlaid layers of walnut and rosewood, and plays Melanie’s favorite tune, “Liebestraum.”

THIRD PRIZE:

COFFEE WITH CALEB GIFT PACK

The townspeople of Cedar Ridge come to Ross-Nelson mercantile for supplies, advice, news, and best of all, fresh-ground coffee! Caleb grinds Arbuckles coffee beans as a service for his regular customers.

Our Third Prize winner can enjoy their very own, 1880′s hand-ground coffee, with this antique grinder, Arbuckles coffee, and a pair of Cowboy and Cowgirl mugs.

How to Enter:
Go to http://authorcarolcox.com/giveaways/ and completed the entry box, anytime between June 3 and June 20, 2013.

Evertaster by Adam Glendon Sidwell

Diane Estrella — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:10:24 +0000

The Buttersmiths’ Gold

BATTLES. BLUEBERRIES. BOVINES.

TORBJORN AND STORFJELL’S HISTORY UNFOLDS IN AN EPIC EVERTASTER NOVELLA.

Everyone knows the most coveted treasure of the Viking Age was blueberry muffins. Blueberry muffins so succulent that if you sniffed just a whiff, you’d want a whole bite. If you bit a bite, you’d want a batch; if you snatched a batch, you’d stop at nothing short of going to war just to claim them all.

Young Torbjorn Trofastsonn comes from the clan that makes them. He’s a Viking through and

through – he’s thirteen winters old, larger than most respectable rocks, and most of all, a Buttersmith. That’s what he thinks anyway, until a charismatic merchant makes Torbjorn question his place among the muffin-makers. When Torbjorn lets the secret of his clan’s muffin recipe slip, he calls doom and destruction down upon his peaceful village and forces his brother Storfjell and his clansmen to do the one thing they are ill-prepared to do: battle for their lives.

Purchase on

Amazon

About The Buttersmiths’ Gold

The Buttersmiths’ Gold is a spin off novella in the Evertaster series that tells the story of two Viking brothers and their adventurous past. The Evertaster series (Book #1 released June 14, 2012) is about Guster Johnsonville, who goes searching for a legendary taste rumored to be the most delicious in all of history. Along the way he meets a slew of mysterious characters, including two Viking brothers Torbjorn and Storfjell. The Buttersmiths’ Gold is their story. 124 pages. By Adam Glendon Sidwell. Published by Future House Publishing.

Evertaster, Book #1:

A legendary taste. Sought after for centuries. Shrouded in secrecy.

When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.

Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late.

Purchase on

Amazon

Book Trailer

Author Adam Sidwell

In between books, Adam Glendon Sidwell uses the power of computers to make monsters, robots and zombies come to life for blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Transformers and Tron. After spending countless hours in front of a keyboard meticulously adjusting tentacles, calibrating hydraulics, and brushing monkey fur, he is delighted at the prospect of modifying his creations with the flick of a few deftly placed adjectives. He’s been eating food since age 7, so feels very qualified to write this book. He once showed a famous movie star where the bathroom was. Adam currently lives in Los Angeles, where he can’t wait to fall into the sea.

Website
Twitter
Facebook

Tour Schedule

BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/30/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $50 US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway