Extreme Flash Giveaway is ON!!

Welcome to the Extreme Flash Giveaway! We will be giving away 3 Amazon gift certificates in this flash giveaway -- but you only have 3 days to claim as many entries as possible.

So be sure to bookmark this page and keep your fingers crossed when we announce the winners on March 3rd. It might just be you!

Giveaway starts on Feb. 29th and ends on Mar. 2nd at 11:59 PM EST.

Good luck!

Note: Be sure to list *** GivingNSharing *** as the blog who referred you!

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Celtic Woman ~ Believe (Review & Giveaway)

Several years ago I stumbled across a broadcast on PBS for the Celtic Woman group. The group is an all-female singing group featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt.  They perform classic Irish songs (“Green Grow the Rushes"), timeless pop anthems (“Bridge Over Troubled Water"), and inspirational songs (“Ave Maria”) with their signature Celtic Woman twist. Their music is slow, romantic and restful.

Celtic Woman ~ Believe Live Tour

CD/DVD Review & Giveaway

On January 24th they released their newest CD "Believe" along with a new live concert DVD which includes a 20 piece orchestra, 7 piece Celtic Woman Band, 16 piece Atlanta Bag Pipe Band; lush vocal harmonies from a 10 piece Aontas Choir, 30 member children’s choir and featuring a world champion Irish dancer formerly a lead performer in Riverdance all serving as the backdrop to the grace and beauty of Celtic Woman.

My thoughts:

I was listening to the DVD on my drive home this weekend ~ and thoroughly enjoyed Ave Maria and Bridge Over Troubled Water. I've heard both several times from other singers - but I think Celtic Woman does the prettiest rendition of both that I've ever heard. Another song I really enjoyed because of the rhythm and movement of the lyrics and instrumentals was Teir Abhaile Riu which is a FUN combination of English & Gaelic. This is a beautiful cd that I'm sure you will enjoy this spring and summer. =D It would make a great gift for a friend, mother's day & kids that are really into music.

Order BELIEVE CD now! and Order BELIEVE DVD now!

The North American Tour has already started! It's not to late to get tickets - you can see the tour schedule here and if they're in your area - maybe your honey can get tickets for your Birthday or Mother's Day surprise! (alright don't tell him I told you to go ahead and get your tickets now!) Click here

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Helping sister move

I appreciate the guest post, Jamie Guy

My sister just bought her first house and I have been helping her with everything she asks. I don’t mind and to be honest it has been great to feel needed. She has done a lot of the hard work on her own, but had a lot of questions about some of the minor things. She needed my opinion on paint colors for all the walls. It was actually pretty easy to help her with that because of the new Martha Stewart line at Home Depot. They help match all of the paint, so it coordinates together. I then had to help her with the utilities. Again, it was an easy job because of texaselectricityproviders.com. It only took me a second to show her. I have been so proud of her and so excited. She has wanted a house for a long time and is finally getting one. She has worked hard and deserves to be happy. I am just glad I have been able to help in any and every small way possible.

Sweeter Than Birdsong ~ Book Review

While you're visiting - if you liked us would you consider following on

Linky Followers (right sidebar). Do leave a comment so I can follow back!

~ Book Review

Sweeter Than Birdsong
by Rosslyn Elliott
ISBN: 978-1595547866
$10.98 (Paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)


About the Book:
Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

My Thoughts:

I reviewed Rosslyn Elliott's first book Fairer than Morning (click here) in September and loved that book. I don't read a lot of historical fiction anymore so it was very nice to see strong characters and to see how a parent can teach their young child about faith and how leaning on God will help us get through hard times.


Sweeter Than Birdsong is the 2nd book in The Saddler's Legacy series. The story continues with the historical events of the Slave Trade and those who attempt (and some succeed) to escape and those who help them. Kate is a very shy young woman when the story opens. She is in the final years of her university education and one of the requirements to graduate is getting in front of a group of her peers and giving a speech - for someone as shy as Kate is that is a daunting task that she can't complete. It doesn't help that her mother is overbearing, puts her down and Kate as an adult is still afraid of her.


One of the interesting connections in the book is Kate's friendship with the Hanby family. Ben Hanby was a teacher at the college that Kate attended and his focus was to include Kate in a musical that he was producing - helping her to complete the requirement of being in front of her peers. He also helped runaway slaves (fugitives) escape and it was through this friendship Kate learns that others have worse problems then she does and life is much more difficult than dealing with an ambitious mother and debilitating shyness.


Rosslyn Elliott is a wonderful author to add to your family library. You can purchase  Sweeter Than Birdsong  &  Fairer than Morning  on Amazon - keep in mind if you purchase $25 in most books that you can usually get FREE shipping - and many of their books and other products are discounted so you can afford to create that perfect family library. =D

About the Author:

Rosslyn Elliott is the award-winning author of Fairer than Morning, the first in the Saddler's Legacy series. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in English from Emory University. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue writing fiction. Elliott lives in Albuquerque, where she homeschools her daughter and works in children's ministry.

For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: http://rosslynelliott.com

Read an excerpt from Sweeter Than Birdsong and follow along on the blog tour!

Parties & Giveaways:

In this second in the award-winning Saddler's Legacy series, Rosslyn Elliott has written a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events. With Ben Hanby, a genius composer, Kate Winter, one of the first female college graduates in America, and John Parker, an ex-slave who risked his life time and again to help fugitive slaves, Sweeter than Birdsong is full of real heroes to inspire us. "I hope readers will find a renewed sense of strength in their own lives," says Elliott, "knowing that change is possible, and our efforts matter. I want them to remember these unique, brave people in history who left us a shining example of what it means to live out one's beliefs with passion and commitment."

So to celebrate the music in all of us, Rosslyn and Thomas Nelson are hosting this "sweet giveaway".

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand new iPod Nano (Winner's choice of color!)
• Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
• Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 28th. Winner will be announced at Sweeter than Birdsong Author Chat Facebook Party on 2/28. Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, sharing a sneak peek of the next book in the series, hosting a trivia contest, and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, season 1 of DowntownAbbey, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Rosslyn.)

So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me as a review copy. I was not required to provide a positive review and no money exchanged hands. At the time of this post these prices were accurate and may have already changed, please keep that in mind.

Put this on your calendar!

Event #1:

1) Extreme Flash Giveaway: Starts on Leap Day and runs for 3 days – we’ll be giving away 3 Amazon gift certificates and a $50 Live Nation code! 

How to participate: 
1) As a blogger! This event is for Facebook & Twitter links. You can earn entries into the event itself for tweeting, posting on FB and doing a post on your blog. (I don't know if that's one each or 1 entry for all), it's $3.50 for FB and Twitter link. Sign Up Here


Event #2:

The Luck of the Irish Cash Giveaway is March 10-17th. The total amount of Cash to be given away depends on how many bloggers join in. Sign Up Here

How to participate:

1) The fee to participate is $3 for the Mandatory Facebook link ($2 to go into the prize and $1 admin fees for setting it all up). For each additional link of Twitter and/or Google+, there will be an additional $2 charge each. The maximum cost is $7 per blogger for 3 links. Sponsors will also get back links!  

Would you like a reminder? Let me know and I'll send it out by email. Add your email and I'll add you to the list - all I ask is that you enter through my blog. =D (Event notifications will go out 1-2 times a month.)

Events Notification:

Freezer Cooking Logic..

Since I work a really weird schedule and often eat past 10 pm (I get off at 11 most nights) my eating schedule is really off. Usually I get up around 2:30 pm and always find myself grabbing a burger or a sandwich on the way to work. What I really need to start doing is eating healthier meals that are easy to cook, eat and just involve grabbing a bag and throwing it in the crockpot while I sleep.

Today I came across the Mama & Baby Love blog where Stephanie has taken freezer cooking to an art form! After spending a year cooking for 1-2 days for a months worth of food - she now cooks for 3 meals & ONLY prepares Crock Pot freezer meals!

I haven't tried any of her recipes yet - but they all look easy and fast to do. If she can co-produce the meals with a preschooler than I can do it all by myself!

A few other sites I love:

1) Real Food - another page of Freezer Cooking Crock Pot Recipes from Stephanie.

2) Southern Food Crock Pot Cooking - The Big Index of crockpot recipes and resources for crockpot or slow cooker.

3) A Year of Slow Cooking - LUV this site!

4) Crock-Pot, the original slow cooker - 1000's of recipes!

5) Crock Pot Ladies - recipes & reviews

Unbridled Grace ~ blog tour

Unbridled Grace

by Dr Michael J Norman

Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 978-1457500961

$14.95 (paperback)

164 pages

About the book:

The Power of Choice. God's Greatest Gift to Us Can Unleash the Most Powerful Force on Our Planet. Our Lives, Our Families, and Our World Are Never the Same Again.

A naive doctor fresh out of school was just what the Russian Mafia sought for their fraudulent medical ring. As a surface Christian living a self-absorbed life, Dr. Michael Norman was the perfect hire for their web of evil after answering a two-line classified ad in the newspaper. Months later, it became difficult to distinguish the bad guys from the good guys as Dr. Norman's cooperation was cruelly turned against him by corrupt government officials well aware of his accidental ties to this criminal conspiracy. What follows is a frightening true story that could occur to any of us, and a powerful faith journey to redemption that is made possible only through our Christian faith and the bold use of our power of choice for God.

My thoughts:

Unbridled Grace is a the story of a very young, naive doctor who along with his wife has decided to have his wife be a stay at home mom to their 3 year old. Of course with that decision comes a very tight budget and when the opportunity for part-time work (with great benefits) in a chiropractor's office opens up he goes in for the interview and walks out with a job. What he doesn't realize is that he just interviewed with the Mafia. 

What I found interesting about the book (other than the story) is the way Dr Norman wrote it. Dr Norman used this event as a growing opportunity - with each chapter of the story he has found corresponding scripture that explains what was happening. He is able to explain what/who Satan is, what he was trying to do and what he can/cannot do. Now, I'm not a Catholic so I didn't agree with everything 100% (Virgin Mary, Angels, etc) but wow that part with Satan resonated with me! We need to remember: "He is not all-knowing and does not know what we will do next. He slowly learns about us and alters his attacks accordingly." 

On a side note from me: This is why it's so important that we are memorizing scripture - this way we have scripture with us always and can use it to strengthen and shield us. And - Take your Bibles with you to Church - why? So you have scripture there with you - it holds your pastor/priest/leader accountable to you and God through scripture.

He also talked about how God allows trials in our lives to break us - not to hurt us but to cause us to turn toward Him. I love how he said, "You have broken me Father, but have filled me with Love." I never thought of it this way - but it's so true. Not only is God's discipline painful (at times) but it does fill us with love.

This is a wonderful book - filled with scripture to back up what the author is saying. The story is a great one & the corresponding support that Dr Norman includes makes this a well rounded book. Have your Bible with you as you read. Even if you aren't Catholic you will get something from it and the Holy Spirit will use it to break you, encourage you, strengthen you, teach you and fill you up with love.

About the author:

Dr Michael J Norman has owned a family health center offering chiropractic care and wellness programs since 1992. Since 2003, he has served as a staff doctor at a non-profit center offering health care and life services to the indigent and uninsured of his community. In addition to his practice, Dr Norman enjoys writing and speaking and is pursuing a graduate degree in Theological Studies. he lives with his family near Dallas, Texas.

You can purchase a copy of Unbridled Grace for $14.95 on Amazon and it's also available on Kindle for $9.99.

You also have the opportunity to WIN a copy of Unbridled Grace right here on GivingNSharing. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I have!  It ends on 2/28, US please

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Disclaimer: This book was provided to me as a review copy. I was not required to provide a positive review and no money exchanged hands. At the time of this post these prices were accurate and may have already changed, please keep that in mind.

The Priest and the Peaches ~ an interview & more...

Today's post is a little different. Yes, it's a book tour w/ a twist. Today instead of my reviewing the book Larry volunteered to do a character interview for us. It's a chance to learn a little something about who one of the main characters is - what their dreams are, their hopes and apparitions and maybe even why they are the person they are.

The Priest and the Peaches

by Larry Peterson

ISBN: 978-0-9837418-4-8
ISBN: 978-1-4658-6327-0

$2.99 (Kindle)

$4.95 (Nook)

$4.99 (iBookstore)

$4.99 (smashwords)

$4.95 (PDF)

285 pages, for kids 16+ to adult

About the book:

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

From the author's pen:

I thought about your request for a character interview vs posting something from one of the character's journals or diary. I immediately opted for the interview format but no one would cooperate. Dancer told me had homework to finish (yeah sure, good one Dancer). Beeker whined that he had promised Lefty and Righty he would help them clean the hallways in their building (their dad is the super) and Joanie suddenly had a date with Scratch. As for Teddy, I could not find him anywhere. So, what to do? Well, I swiped Sarah's diary and took a peek. I feel a bit guilty about doing this but my justification is that since I created it anyway I guess I can learn to live with it. I hope you understand. I do respect other people's boundaries.

January 1, 1966  Dear Diary:

It is New Year's Day and my own mother is not talking to me because I did not get home until this morning. She knows the car would not start. She knows it was only 5 degrees outside. But, it's all about Teddy. Always about Teddy. It isn't fair. I try so hard. I think Momma and Daddy actually hate each other. Daddy is so mean to her. He doesn't talk to anyone. He just sits in that ridiculous red chair watching TV. I found out that he had a big yelling fight with Kevin last night and threw him out. His own son, he throws him out on New Year's Eve. How could he do that? I was not there so Momma was probably in her room just crying and feeling alone and blaming me for it. It is not fair. I hate this so much. They have not spoken a word to each other in months. Why don't they just separate? She makes him supper and I have to give it to him. If he needs something from her I have to get it. I'm supposed to keep them together? For what? The whole thing is insane and I can't talk about it all, even with Teddy. Teddy? Oh my God, she wants me to go out with Bert. Bert's a jerk. All wrapped up in himself. Just because he goes to NYU and is going to be a doctor. Teddy is just a "stupid construction worker". Well, I don't care Momma, it is my life. What am I supposed to do? She always is sick and says she has chest pains and is dizzy. If something happens to her I'll get blamed by everyone. Oh sure, it will be all my fault. I don't know what to do. I really love Teddy but I don't want to kill my own mother. Oh my God---I have to put this down  Happy New Year diary, Sarah

Larry Peterson's Bio:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other. 

Follow Larry Peterson - stay up on all the newest updates...

 

Tribute Books - New Books & More!

   

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me as a review copy. I was not required to provide a positive review and no money exchanged hands. At the time of this post these prices were accurate and may have already changed, please keep that in mind.

Alchemilla Natural Skin Care

I stumbled across a new Natural Skin Care company (to me anyway) over the weekend. Alchemilla is all organic, natural skin care.

" Our mission is to produce high quality, effective natural skin care products based on healing plant constituents and nourishing ingredients that provide the skin with what it needs to be in optimal balance. Our focus is always on quality rather than quantity."

Each product is made using:

• mostly their own garden ingredients so they have control of the purity and integrity of each item and blend their products in small batches. 
• If they don't grow it themselves they find the remaining ingredients from reputable locally sourced suppliers.
• Only pure essential oils to fragrance their products and never resort to synthetic aromas

All Natural. Certified Cruelty Free skin care and body products.

My Thoughts:
I was really excited about finding this company. My skin is so dry right now and I'm so sensitive to most anything that is out on the market. I've tried several companies that are "semi-natural" but have ended up not using anything for several years now since they make me so itchy and my eyes dry up so badly.

Alchemilla has trial size sample kits of their Skin Care Line for Normal, Dry, Sensitive (that's ME!), Combination and Oily skin types. They are $25 each and a great way to try Alcemilla's products without laying out a lot of money up front. Each kit comes with 7 products and if you order online you also get a 10% discount coupon for your next order. The Sensitive Care Line includes:

Calming Cleansing Milk (1 oz)

Aromatic Floral Water - Rose Maroc (1 oz)

Exfoliating Face Wash Cream (0.35 oz)

Calendula Cream (0.3 oz)

Rosebay Willowherb Cream (0.3 oz)

Skin Therapy Calming Lotion (vial)

Antioxidant Concentrate Serum (sample)

8-page Alchemilla Information Booklet

10% discount coupon (online orders only)

The selected products for the sensitive skin line are rich in soothing plant actives, nourishing emollients, vitamins and natural hydrating agents to optimize the hydrolipidic barrier and help reduce the likelihood of irritation. I love that it's American made (in Oregon), high quality and that the company takes such care in creating a skin care line.

They also have a wonderful line of aromatherapy and remedy type products. They also send samples of their products with each order so you can try new items before you buy which is always a good thing in my book!

I'm still waiting for my first order to come. If you'd like to join me in trying a new line of All Natural, Organic Skin Care just click here or and check them out. If you're already using their skin care or aromatherapy items I'd love to know how it's working for you too.

Following the leader...

You are cordially invited to a game of

Leap Frog right here on GivingNSharing!

I have set up a ongoing linky ~ so,

Link Up & Follow Me on a trip through

Blogdom

Click Here

Sweeter Than Birdsong ~ Book Tour starts today!

Rosslyn Elliott is celebrating her newest release "Sweeter Than Birdsong" with a Book Tour and a big Facebook Party where she's giving away an iPod, Books and more! The Facebook Party is 2/28 and will be LOADS of FUN!

Would you please Tweet:

Win an iPod Nano and #DowntownAbbey from @rosslynelliott in Sweeter than Birdsong Giveaway. FB Party 2/28 @litfuse http://ow.ly/8XqOY 

And share it on Facebook, Google+, Stumble (whatever trips your trigger!)

" Enter to win an iPod Nano and Season 1 of Downtown Abbey in Rosslyn Elliott’s Sweeter Than Birdsong Giveaway! Find out who won during the Author Chat Party on Facebook (Feb 28th)! Chat fun prizes and more. All the details here: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456229/birdsong "

The Book Tour Schedule: 

(pls be sure to come back for GivingNSharing's on 2/22)

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456229/birdsong

The Details:

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 28th. Winner will be announced at Sweeter than Birdsong Author Chat Facebook Party on 2/28. Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, sharing a sneak peek of the next book in the series, hosting a trivia contest, and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, season 1 of DowntownAbbey, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Rosslyn.)

So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Link Up Your GFC & Linky Followers!

Weekend Follower Hop

Friday - Sunday

Dear Friends ~ We all know that GFC is ending and this week I found out that Linky Tools has created a very similar gadget that bloggers can use to link up their followers. I removed GFC about a month ago and have had several people comment that they couldn't figure out how to follow me. I am so glad we have another option and I can see who my friends are!

Heather @ AtThePicketFence.blogspot.com has written up a wonderful post with a tutorial on how to use Linky Followers including the pros and cons to the program. You can read it here for more information: http://tiny.cc/6qo0g .

Link up your blog with your "HOME" page (no giveaways please) on this blog. If you are ready to switch to Linky Followers ~ click here to set up your account and add the gadget to your blog.

Please share on your favorite social media:

Link Up Your GFC & Linky Followers! Pls RT @familyliteracy  http://shar.es/fDpuI ~ It'll be up all weekend!

Helpful Suggestions:

Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz (book tour)

Beyond Molasses Creek
by Nicole Seitz  
ISBN: 978-1595545053
ASIN: B005ENBBQK
$11.38 (Paperback)
$9.99 (Kindle)



About the book:
Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.

Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship—he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she’s stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn’t through with her yet.

As Ally’s wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there’s more to her story than she’s ever been told, and she’s determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.

A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.

My thoughts:

Beyond Molasses Creek takes place over a 50 year span from the 50's to present day. Ally is the sheltered daughter of a small town doctor who knows she shouldn't be friends with the little black boy across the river and he knows that his parents and her parents wouldn't want them sneaking off to fish or talk. The relationship between these two is innocent and friendly and even though Ally would like it to it never goes further. Ally eventually initiates a kiss between them and Vesey's mother who had followed them catches them and separates them by sending him to his Uncles farm where he ends up learning to farm, gives up his schooling and dream to be a doctor. The difference between both families is vivid and almost startling. 

This is the story of Ally, Vesey and Sunila. The story of racism and prejudice travel around the world to Nepal where the story of Ally becomes the story of Sunila - Ally's greatest loss.

I will say that even though this book is said to be about faith I wouldn't say it is a Christian book. Ally's parents and Vesey seem to have faith - but Ally doesn't. There are several comments about her having statues of various idols from around the world (Greek, Buddha, and others) and she talks to them. She also says that she prays - but she doesn't know to whom and isn't even sure there is a god. There is no scripture and nothing that shares salvation or a Christian faith. There is some comment of Ally sleeping with someone and getting pregnant and she refuses to have an abortion. I will say - there is no language, drinking, drugs in the book and her neighbor (Vesey) who talks about his believe in God and that there is a heaven, but that is about it. There are also questions in the back for group discussion.

Blog Tour Schedule

About Nicole Seitz:

Nicole Seitz is the author of several critically acclaimed novels. The Inheritance of Beauty, Saving Cicadas, A Hundred Years of Happiness, Trouble the Water and The Spirit of Sweetgrass. She is the graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Journalism, and also has a degree in Illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design. Her paintings are featured on the covers of her books. Visit her at @NicoleSeitz, Facebook and www.nicoleseitz.com for more information.    

Save the Date! 2/16!

Litfuse Publicity Group offered me a copy of Beyond Molasses Creek for review. No money exchanged hands and I was not required to write a positive review.

Linda Weaver Clarke week ~ Book Tour Day 2

Welcome back to GivingNSharing for Linda Weaver Clarke week! We will be featuring 2 of her books, along with an interview on Saturday and a giveaway (of course). Today we will be featuring.... Mayan Intrigue

Mayan Intrique

by Linda Weaver Clarke

ISBN: 978-1589826168

$19.95 (paperback)

$ 9.85  (Kindle)

About the book:

The discovery of a priceless artifact puts Julia s life in great danger! From valuable artifacts to shady businessmen, the Yucatan Peninsula becomes a dangerous vacation spot for John and Julia Evans. While on assignment for the newspaper, the Evanses try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins, but when Julia accidentally comes upon a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it is too late. The men have seen her. As a reporter, Julia does not easily give up and her curiosity gets them in a mess of trouble. Before John and Julia realize what is going on, they are both in danger and find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan.

My thoughts:

Linda is back again with Book Two of the John & Julia Evans Adventures. This time John is in the Yucatan on business and Julia has come with him for a little R&R and the idea of strengthening their marriage with a little romance and time spent bonding while on vacation in another country. 

One day Julia is out on a walk while John and their friend Paul are talking and she happens across an exchange of a priceless artifact. Realizing what she has seen, she turns and leaves right away - but from then on she see's someone watching her and following her. Follow along as John & Julia stay one step ahead of artifact thieves, travel (and hide) in the Mayan ruins and the surrounding jungles, struggle through injuries ~ while sticking together and helping each other survive as only a close couple who relies on their faith can. 

Purchase It:

Be sure to check out the 3 books in this series. Anasazi Intrique, Mayan Intrigue and Montezuma Intrigue. Just click on the title and you can read their descriptions, purchase your own copy (paperback or ebook available).

You might be interested in:
Author interview by Jeane Slone
Anasazi Intrigue Review/giveaway of 2 books!

Win It:

This week Linda is offering 2 winners 1 ebook each. The first drawing will receive the book they want to read Anasazi Intrique or  Mayan Intrigue and the 2nd winner will receive the remaining book. The nice thing about this series is they don't have to be read in order - they are completely self contained and you won't be totally lost if you read the 2nd book first. =D

 

Click Here to Enter the Giveaway!

Linda Weaver Clarke week! Book Tour

This drawing has ended & the winners have been contacted.

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Follower Love Giveaway Hop! Hosted by Kathy from I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Rachel Renee Anderson. For the next 8 days, you will find 328 blogs participating in reviews and giveaways of interesting books, book paraphernalia and more! 

This week be sure to return back to GivingNSharing for my feature author - Linda Weaver Clarke. We will be featuring two of her books, along with an interview and a giveaway (of course). At the bottom of this post you will find the linky to hop around.

Anasazi Intrigue
by Linda Weaver Clarke
ISBN: 978-1589825871
ASIN: B0048ELLN4
$19.95 Paperback
$9.85 Kindle   

About the book:
When a devastating flood wipes out homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of a possible poison spill that also kills many of the fish and neighbors’ pets. The people don’t know what to think or do, until Julia, the town’s newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly Julia realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought.

As information unfolds, Julia and her husband find themselves on the run, trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. Will Julia and John be able to get the scoop and survive?

The Intrigue Series:

My thoughts:

Anasazi Intrigue is the 1st book in The Intrigue Series by Linda Weaver Clark. My interest in archeology & the Mayans and Aztecs has been part of me since I was in about 5th (9 yrs old) grade and so I was intrigued (grin) when I read a review on another blog and entered to win the book - and I WON it! Linda found out I had a book blog of my own and 6 months down the road I'm finally caught up on my own reading (and all 3 blogs) to have time to read this wonderful series of books. 

I actually started with Anasazi Intrique (what I thought was book 2). I wasn't sure which book was book 1 so I just started in. The nice thing about the books is that each is self-contained and if you read it out of order that's OK - you won't be totally lost! Anasazi Intrigue is the story of The Adventures of John & Julie Evans. Julie is a news woman who longs to bite into a "real" story - something with meat and substance and wants to prove herself to her coworkers. 

Julie and John both have a heart for the people and head out one day to help the victims of a flood and as they are pitching in where they can Julie comes across dead fish and animals in an area seemingly untouched by the flood. Julie's intuition tells her something is wrong here and she ends up bring home a dead cat and the dead fish to be tested. The result shows that they have been poisoned and Julie talks her newspaper into allowing her to investigate and write a series of articles on the flooding and it's affect in the area along with the poisoned wildlife.

This is a very interesting series. Linda Weaver Clarke is an experienced writer who has written many books and it shows in the writing of this series. The books are well researched, well written and smoothly flow from one scene to the next. The characters are thought out and each thread is completed by the end of the story.

I personally had some trouble getting involved in the story at first but by the end I wanted to know what was coming up next and was looking forward to reading the Mayan Intrique.


Please Tweet:  " Stolen artifacts, a devastating flood, and mysterious events - #KINDLE Book!! RT @familyliteracy WW Win It 2/14 @ http://tiny.cc/zlayw "

You can purchase any of the books from The Intrigue Series by Linda Weaver Clarke on Amazon. They are available in a paperback or for your Kindle. Click here to purchase Anasazi Intrigue.

Learn more about Linda Weaver Clarke:

1. Welcome to the World of Make Believe 
2. A Family Friendly Blog 
3. Thoughts About Life & Writing 
4. Facebook
5. Twitter

It's a Giveaway! 

Linda has very generously offered a Kindle copy of Anasazi Intrigue and a copy of Mayan Intrigue - 2 winners - 1 book each! Again, be sure to come back throughout the week, Tweet the giveaway, read my review of Mayan Intrigue (Thursday) and also my interview with Linda (Saturday).

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Disclaimer: This book was provided to me as a review copy. I was not required to provide a positive review and no money exchanged hands. At the time of this post these prices were accurate and may have already changed, please keep that in mind.