Yankee Doodle Dandy by Callista Gingrich, Susan Arciero

Ellis the Elephant dives back into history! In Yankee Doodle Dandy, the third installment of this New York Times bestselling series, America's favorite time traveling pachyderm is back, teaching kids (and parents!) about the American Revolution.

In Sweet Land of Liberty and Land of the Pilgrims' Pride, Ellis the Elephant explored pivotal moments that shaped American history. Now Ellis is back, and eager to learn about America’s most beloved patriots and their courageous fight for independence. Traveling through time, Ellis the Elephant encounters the Sons of Liberty, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, the Founding Fathers, Betsy Ross, and more.

Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, Yankee Doodle Dandy educates and entertains as Ellis the Elephant experiences the American Revolution. With beautiful illustrations and charming rhymes, Yankee Doodle Dandy is a must read for young and old alike who want to know how America became a free and independent nation.

About The Author
  

 Callista Gingrich, author of Land of the Pilgrim’s Pride and Sweet Land of Liberty, is President of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, and Nine Days that Changed the World. Mrs. Gingrich’s photography is featured in the New York Times bestseller, Rediscovering God in America, as well as in Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, which she co-authored. Callista is the voice for several audio books, including, A Nation Like No Other and To Save America. Mrs. Gingrich is also the President of the Gingrich Foundation. She resides in McLean, Virginia, with her husband, Newt Gingrich.

My Review:

My boys loved this book. They are 6 and 8, and in first and third grades. First they chuckled over the illustrations, which really drew them in. They loved the prose of the story, each of the boys enjoy poetry.
The book really touched home when they heard the Revolutionary War part. They have an ancestor who fought in that War, and have been to visit the monument in Oriskany, NY.
It is so important that they don't take this country for granted and lose it's history. We talked about the different things that led to the War. They know they have relatives who came on the Mayflower...yes John Alden. This book brought home a lot of things we had talked about in the past. They asked if the tea was drinkable once it was in the ocean...don't think they will forget that point. I can't wait until we can share more of the Ellis books...so important to share how we got our freedoms.

I received this book through the Publisher Regnery Kids, and was not required to give a positive review.

Revell Publishing Presents: A Reluctant Courtship (The Daughters of Bainbridge House #3) by Laurie Alice Eakes

A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future?
Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family's country estate, where she will hopefully stay out of trouble, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. Tall, dark, and handsome--what more could a girl ask for?

But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. If he's to keep out of a British prison himself and secure his place in British society, Lord Ashmoor needs a wife beyond reproach--something the vexingly beautiful Honore certainly is not. Though they find themselves drawn to each other, family obligations may conspire to keep them apart forever.

For the sake of her heart, Honore determines to prove Ashmoor's innocence--even if doing so risks her own life.

From the first sentence, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes thrusts you into high drama amid the rocky cliffs of Devonshire, England, and keeps you suspended there until the final page.

About The Author

Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of Lady in the Mist, Heart's Safe Passage, Choices of the Heart, A Necessary Deception, and A Flight of Fancy, which won the October 2012 Clash of the Titles Award, voted on by readers. She won a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007 for Family Guardian. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.

Visit www.lauriealiceeakes.com for more.








Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review: 

 Honore Bainbridge has loved and really lost in the past. She is part of English Society, and because of her choices is now snubbed. She is being banished to the families country estate, and ends up almost losing her life. She is rescued by Lord "Meric" Ashmore.
Lord Ashmore has come back to England from the States, and wants to clear his father's name. He was getting some help from Honore's father, before he passed away. He was also making a deal to marry Honore, and shows her the paper, which is not signed, and not applicable. He has to much at steak to marry a snubbed member of society....or does he?
Something is going on a this Country Estate, and things are not as they appear. When Honore's brother decides to bring his Fiancé to the estate, he banishes his sister to the Dowagers cottage. Things go from bad to worse there.
Will Lord Ashmore ever clear is name? Will Honore ever be accepted by Society? The answers and more in this sweet story. Travel back to Revolutionary time with the enemy.

I received this book through the Revell Book Bloggers Tour and was not required to give a positive review.

 

Simon & Schuster Howard Books Presents: Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts

When World War II breaks out, Miriam’s fiancé, Henry, is drafted and sent to a conscientious objector camp. But when Henry feels called to fight on the front lines, he goes against the Amish church to follow God’s will—forcing Miriam to choose between the rules of her religion and the leading of her heart.

It’s 1943 and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wedding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know that it’s only the beginning…

When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. He tells Miriam he believes God has called him to enlist in the Army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an important decision. She soon must choose between loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known and her love for Henry and her faith in their shared destiny.

Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fascinating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow her religion or her heart?

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

 About The Author

Elizabeth Byler Younts

I'm Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I'm a middle-born daughter, military officer's wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.
I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.
Seasons is the story of my grandmother "Mammie" Lydia Lee Coblentz who grew up in an impoverished Amish family through the Great Depression. Seasons was released in August 2011 and became an Amazon #1 bestseller in 2 categories.
My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.
I'm a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and currently live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two daughters, a dog, and 2 cats.


My Review:

This was a different kind of Amish book whereas it took place during WW II. Written by a new author who happened to have grown up Amish, this story gave more insight into areas of Amish rules and culture than I had ever read before. In fact, I wonder if my father, who served in WW II, had even heard of Amish back then. Anyway, the characters, Henry and Miriam, were about to visit the bishop to begin planning their wedding when Henry got drafted. Being Amish and a conscientious objector, he went to a work camp to serve out his time. But even though that was all that was required of him, he told Miriam that God had spoken to him and led him to enlist. Miriam now struggled, for most of the rest of the book, with a decision to follow her Amish faith and culture, or to choose to love and follow Henry. I really enjoyed this book at first. Then it started to drag with what felt like unnecessary information. But soon it picked up again and I wanted to read all night. It is such a different Amish book, but so historically and culturally interesting. I do recommend this book.

I received this book through Howard Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

4th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

IT IS TIME FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL SPOOKTACULAR GIVEAWAY HOP!!

My Giveaway is a $10 Amazon Gift Card, and all you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



These are some other participants!

 

Revell Publishing Presents: Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B. Miller

Just a few days after she gives birth alone in the Northwoods, a recently widowed young Chippewa woman stumbles into a nearby lumber camp in search of refuge and sustenance. Come summer, the camp owner sends Skypilot, his most trusted friend, to accompany Moon Song and her baby on the long and treacherous journey back to her people. But when tragedy strikes off the shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness, Moon Song and Skypilot must depend on each other for survival. With every step they take into the forbidding woods, they are drawn closer together, until the tough questions must be asked. Will she leave her culture to enter his? Will he leave his world to enter hers? Or will they walk away from a love that seems too complicated to last?

With evocative descriptions of a breathtaking landscape, Under a Blackberry Moon will sweep readers into a wild realm where beauty masks danger and only the truly courageous survive, even as the sweet love story along the way tightly grips their hearts.




About The Author

Serena B. Miller is the RITA Award-winning author of The Measure of Katie Calloway and A Promise to Love, as well as numerous articles for periodicals such as Woman's World, Guideposts, Reader's Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and more. She lives on a farm in southern Ohio. Please visit www.serenabmiller.com for more..



Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review:

I loved this story, and felt I was walking with them. The descriptions of the tundra was so wonderful, and breath taking.
After recovering her health Moon Song is now strong enough to begin her trip home to her people the Chippewas, and Skypilot has chosen to take her back safely. For Skypilot, his feelings for Moon Song become deeper as they travel.
This is one action packed story, it seems there is a disaster around each corner, and when things start to calm down, it is not to be. Loved how God has his hand placed on them. Also who couldn't love that baby...so good, never cries. There is also a lot of heartache and some unnecessary loss of life.
The luck of being stranded with a smart Indian woman, her survival skills amazed me. She sure had a lot of energy. This is a story not to be missed, we learn that some of the Indian beliefs are the same as Christian, but will Moon Song accept Jesus? Skypilot needs a wife, but cannot be unequally yoked.
Come along on this great adventure, you sure won't be disappointed!

I received this book through The Revell Blogger's Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Litfuse Publicity Book Tours Presents: Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles #1) by Lynn Austin

From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the Kings
After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true–King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God’s renewed favor. For too long they’ve remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo’s sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return–return to their home and their God.
Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo’s beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God’s leading. Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah–and history–forever.
Purchase a copy of the book here.
Learn more at Lynn’s website.

 About The Author

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

My Review:

Return to me is just what it says. God had punished his chosen people, they had strayed to far from him. This story begins in Babylon, when the Jewish people are held in slavery. Some have prospered despite the life.
When God has decided that they must return to Jerusalem, doors open, but not all of his people want to leave this pagan culture. We are following the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Iddo wants more than anything to return and rebuild the temple, but his sons really don't want to leave. When his grandson Zechariah has a life changing dream, he also leave his parents and returns with his Grandparents.
I loved how this story was brought to life by Lynn Austin, you will follow Iddo and Zaki through the streets and walls of Jerusalem. Will this family survive, and will the young Yael who is reading the stars and accepting the pagan beliefs end up stoned?
Don't miss this first book in the Restoration series, I can't wait for the next one.

I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Litfuse Publicity Blog Tours Presents: Home to Heather Creek by Kathleen Bauer

When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson's mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books' Home to Heather Creek series.

Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte's daughter, Denise. Denise's three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?

It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God's healing touch, reminds all of them that it's always darkest just before the dawn.

Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don't seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn't work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.

As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.

The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons' inspiring stories, it's almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God's grace can be seen in every circumstance.

Purchase the books here: http://ow.ly/oQGxr

Landing page and tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/kbauer

About the Author: Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.

Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

 

My Reviews: 

Before The Dawn

Talk about changing your life. Charlotte Stevenson and her husband Bob received the devastating news that their estranged daughter Denise has been killed in an auto accident. She left behind three children, and in her will has her parents listed as guardians.
So begins the new life on the farm in Nebraska, a real change from San Diego. The children Sam, Emily and Christopher are trying to deal with the death of their Mother, loss of their world as they knew it, and all their friends. Charlotte and Bob are dealing with the death of their daughter, and now becoming parents to three children.
There are some tough and hard times ahead for all, one thing they have to lean on is their faith. When God closes some doors he does open others, and learning to lean on him is sometimes hard.
Dropping from the city to a farm is a big awakening for anyone, now instead of texting on their phones, they are gathering eggs. Come along with this new way of life for this family, I really enjoyed this quick read, and am glad their is another book in this series.

 Sweet September

 I loved the second book in this series. Charlotte and Ben Stevenson are adjusting to having their Golden Years now filled with children again. Big change in all of their lives.
School has now begun again and the children, Sam, Emily and Christopher are beginning to fit it, although with some problems. They miss their Mom, and don't want to forget her. Love the faith based life God has placed them in. When they think things are going bad, or they are in trouble, I see Grace being show to these sweet kids.
In this book someone or something is stealing from the family, when they need all the food, they have with the extra mouths. You will be surprised at what is taking eggs and veggie! Also how more Grace is shown.
Enjoy this second book in this series, I really would love some more of this story.

I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.