....Debra Collins! Congratulations, Debra! You're going to love this book!
Thanks to everyone for their patience in the delay of this announcement. I still do not have my computer back, but I'm at a borrowed one for a few minutes to get this drawing finalized.
Thank you, Lorna, for the generous gift of your book for the give-away and for stopping by so often to chat with the readers. It was an honor to have you here.
Happy reading, everyone!
Susan
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
MAKING WAVES by Lorna Seilstad , Book Review & Give-Away
Making Waves
Lake Manawa Summers, Book 1
Revell Publishing
Copyright 2010
ISBN 978-0-8007-3445-9 (pbk.)
Marguerite Westing seems bent to break all the elite set’s rules for proper young ladies in 1895. She is a smart, capable, young lady and doesn’t see any reason to pretend otherwise. When Marguerite Westing‘s father decides the family is spending the summer at Lake Manawa, Iowa, she is thrilled. It fits right in with her plan to avoid suitor Roger Gordon – the most boring man she’s ever met. Her mother keeps pushing him at her and she can’t seem to escape him when he follows her family to the lake. She’s not the least bit attracted to him. In fact, she can barely tolerate him. However, he seems intent on winning her hand in marriage. Her mother won’t listen to her objections and she finally stops voicing them. She knows that her father understands and won’t let her marry a man who put the “bore” in boring and that she doesn’t love, so she puts off doing the inevitable.
There is a plethora of things to do at the lake – and her mother seems determined to put the kibosh on her plans to partake of them. Her brother gets to do whatever he wants and he’s only twelve. All because he’s a boy. It simply is not fair. Being a woman should not disqualify one from participating in fun and interesting activities.
Despite the fact that the forced outings with Roger are mind-numbing and wearisome, Marguerite avoids telling her mother and Roger the truth about not wanting to marry him. She talks her father into taking her on a sailboat, and she falls in love with sailing, and soon after, a certain handsome sailing instructor. She escapes camp and her mother’s influence and finagles a way to do what she wants. Will she weave a web that she finds herself caught in?
Her summer of fun quickly turns to heartache, when she learns her father’s secrets. Will she be forced to give up the man she’s fallen in love with and marry Roger just to save her family? Or will she learn to trust God in all things and follow her heart —even if it means hurting the family she loves?
This book was an absolute delight to read. It has it all – history, romance, humor, and some suspense. If you like any of those things – this book is a must read for you. The story drew me in and I was transported back to 1895 at Lake Manawa, Iowa. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Congratulations, Lorna, on your first novel. Well done!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorna Seilstad is a history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in and draws her setting from Iowa.
BOOK GIVE-AWAY:
Please feel free to stop and chat with Lorna -- via comments -- as she'll be stopping by a few times this week to check in and answer any questions you might have about her book(s) and writing. Lorna has generously offered up a copy of her book. By leaving a comment, you'll be automatically entered to win a copy of Making Waves, compliments of Lorna . If you're a follower of my blog, please say so and your comment will get you two entires for a chance to win. Don't forget to leave your e-mail so I can contact the winner.Drawing to be held on Monday, October 18th! Happy reading, everyone! Lorna and I look forward to your comments!
Disclaimer: The winner's prize will be shipped by the author. Give-aways are void where prohibited and are open to US residents only. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” You may also find more details on FTC compliance here on my blog http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com/p/misc-information.html .
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew Review of FOUNDLINGS, Book One
THE CHRONICLES OF PELEG
BOOK ONE
FOUNDLINGS
by
Matthew Christian Harding
Targeted Age Group: 10-12 years old and up
Even as a read aloud -- probably no younger than 7 years old.
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
$11.95/ Zoe and Sozo Publishing
ISBN 978-0-9823484-0-6
256 pages (237)
Order through:
Local Bookstores
Ingram
Baker & Taylor
Contact:
Matthew Christian Harding
3034 Millers Landing Rd.
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-695-9937
SUMMARY
from Zoe and Sozo Publishing
Foundlings, book one of The Peleg Chronicles is Historical Fiction that takes place in the time period of Peleg, soon after the tower of Babel dispersion. In its pages we meet dragons, giants, false priests, the death hunt, and under-city of the Dwarven Brotherhood (note: dwarves are depicted as human beings, who just happen to be short, and who were driven into slavery), and many memorable characters.
The story begins with Lord McDougal and his faithful shield-bearer, Fergus Leatherhead, departing their lands with giants at their backs, while before them lie in wait denizens of the bog-land and forest.
Ever ready to protect and serve others, they gather in tow an assortment of displaced adventurers and find themselves embroiled in a mysterious search for the Foundlings: Orphaned Thiery with his companion Horatio, the white wolf, and Suzie who has been deceitfully retained by the thieves Elvodug and Flemup.
Others also seek the Foundlings, and their purposes are most sinister -- Dragon Priests who practice cozen sacrifices, and their leader Count Rosencross who is torn by his God given conscience and his pursuit of personal glory.
Onward toward the city of Hradcanny they travel, meeting with treachery, beast attacks, camaraderie and psalms of praise with an eye toward the gospel. Though their battles are at times fierce and the outcomes uncertain, the author maintains the integrity of these noble characters, who through weakness are made strong by Him in whom they trust.
Foundlings weaves together the Biblical principles of chivalry, truth, courage, duty, faith, and love within the framework of Genesis, and a bold adherence to its historicity. It's an exciting page turner that leaves you wanting more, but more importantly it leaves the reader with Godly heroes to think on and emulate, and a young earth creationist view of history that conforms to the Word of God.
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My Thoughts:
This book is full of adventure, interesting characters, and God's Word. Yes, there is evil portrayed in the book -- but there is God's truth as well. The evil is portrayed as evil and not good, like so many other books out there. The godly characters boldly proclaim God, and His Word is spoken throughout. It's encouraging that this author has such a heart for bringing good fiction to the market for Christian families to enjoy. This book would be a great tool to introduce God to non-believing families. Not only will the story speak to them of God and His glory, it will do it in a way that they can absorb it and not feel as if they're being "preached at." There's even a section in the back with Scripture verses for easy reference. This is nice for discussion with your family while or after reading this book, and it's a great way for non-believers who might read the book to have Scripture right at their fingertips. If you like adventure, I think you'll like this book.
The author currently has two books in the series out, with the third and final book expected to be released in spring of 2011. Although I've only read this first book for my review, your child or family will want the next book handy as book two takes up where book one ends. Book three finishes the series. You'll need to read them in order.
Please visit their website as there's so much information there that you'll find helpful and very interesting. Mr. Harding is a tremendous witness for Christ as he shares his personal testimony. He also has a section of commonly asked questions about the books, that as parents, you'll find particularly helpful. This information will also help you in discussions with your children.
To hear what other homeschoolers are saying about this product, click here.
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I have been given this product free-of-charge in order to write a review. I have used this product in my home, and comments and thoughts within this review are solely my own, based on my personal experience with the product.
Any products reviewed by me as a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew have been provided to me absolutely free-of-charge in order that I will provide an honest and sincere review of said products, stating my opinion of it, and as to how we used the product within our family and home. I receive no other form of compensation for said reviews written and posted on this blog.
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