"First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch" by Samuel Ben White Book Giveaway (Ends 12/18) WW

Tour Schedule

First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?

Purchase

Kindle * Nook * Smashwords

Here is my Five-Star Review!

Praise:

"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."

~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."

~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."

~Scott, Saudi Arabia

Also Part of the Series:

Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?

Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told-will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.

Purchase

Kindle * Nook * Smashwords

Author Samuel Ben White

Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.

Links

Twitter * Facebook * Website

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 12/18/12
Open to anyone 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's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch Tour Schedule:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/first-time-blog-tour.html

St. Claws Book Blast (Ends 12/16) WW

St. Claws

Things are not going well for Matt Haskel. He’s lost his job and the chance at his dream home, and can't even buy the one Christmas gift his son desires. His marriage is teetering, and the last thing Matt wants to do is spend Christmas Eve with his wealthy in-laws. But while driving there, the family SUV breaks down just outside a quaint little town called St. Claws, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This last mishap convinces Matt this will be his worst Christmas ever. Little does he know just how wrong initial impressions can be. Or how consequential one little, innocuous wish can become. Happy holidays, Matt Haskel. You’re about to find out!

I don't know about you, but whenever I see a gift certificate to Amazon up for grabs, I enter!  This book should resonate with many of my readers.  So be sure to enter the giveaway!

 After St. Claws, read the introduction to Alan Nayes’ powerful new paranormal romance, THE LEARNER.

 Purchase St. Claws Kindle | Nook | Smashwords

 Follow Author Alan Nayes Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / His website

 Prizes include a $50 Amazon Gift card and 3 ebooks. Open Internationally.

Fill out the form below to enter.

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 1--Lunchbox Love Prize Pack/Cookbook, Easy Lunch Boxes (Ends 12/14) U.S.

Hosted by: Pinterest Fanatic | Giveaway Fanatic | With a Side of Thriftiness | Capri's Coupons | My Devotional Thoughts | A Happy Wife in New Orleans | Aunt Maggie Rocks | Bodhi's Mews

Welcome to a fantastic set of giveaways that have been set up by the bloggers listed above.  Come back every day for a new giveaway.  Welcome to Day 1.

One winner will receive a Lunchbox Love Prize Pack and One winner will receive the book: Cooking with Trader Joe's Cookbook: Easy Lunch Boxes.  I bet you can think of people in your life who would love these.  I can tell you that Easy Lunch Boxes are amazing, and you can't go wrong with Trader Joe's.  And Lunchbox Love sounds fantastic to me.  So be sure to enter!

I am so excited about these giveaways!  So without further ado, be sure to enter the rafflecopter by December 14 at 9 P.M. Pacific time. U.S. only.


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Crazy Christmas Giveaway Hop (ends 12/8) U.S.

Welcome to the Crazy Christmas Giveaway Hop hosted by GoingCrazy!! WannaGo??!! and Planet Weidknecht. During the Holidays, things can get crazy, but we are here to help you take a break and win some great prizes!! Each blog is sponsoring a giveaway of at least $25 value. So, join the crazy and Have Fun!! 

---

You will notice that my giveaway includes a couple items I have reviewed recently and a couple other items! Click on the images for my reviews.

$40 to Pear Tree Greetings--expires December 31, 2012

Toe Juice Stocking Stuffer Package

And now to the items I have not reviewed nor promoted yet.

Tis the Season to be Healthy

YumEarth Organics Christmas Organic Gummy Bears are made with real fruit juice and other planet-friendly and natural ingredients. They contain no artificial colors or flavors and no major allergens, such as gluten, nuts and dairy and no high-fructose corn syrup.  Each serving provides 100% of daily vitamin C and has less than 70 calories.  And these are the perfect size for stocking stuffers and little gifts and treats for kids (and adults).

YumEarth is the #1 organic candy company in the United States and has international distribution in over 40 countries.  YumEarth was founded by two dads wanting to share great tasting wholesome treats with their families.  YumEarth is dedicated to making delicious treats and sweets with all-natural ingredients, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, and no major allergens, such as gluten, nuts and dairy.    

YumEarth offers 22 unique flavors, including Pomegranate Pucker, Blood Orange Cocktail, Strawberry Smash, Chili Mambo Mango and Perfectly Peach in its range of candy that includes everything from grocery pouches and bulk to fancy gourmet bags of YumEarth Organics Lollipops, YumEarth Organics Gummy Bears, YumEarth Organics Sour Worms, YumEarth Organic sCandy Drops, YumEarth Naturals Sour Beans and YumEarth Naturals Gummy Bears.  (I had no idea!)

More information and a store list is available at www.yumearth.com

and visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/YumEarth   and Twitter @YumEarth

You might remembered I reviewed these at Halloween time, and now they have them for Christmas.  These are honestly the only fruit snacks I will eat.  And my daughter--who s not a fruit snacks fan--loved these!  I was eating a bag, and she nearly ate the whole thing!  I think I am going to get some this year for Christmas.  I find that they are the perfect snack, and the nutritional information is awesome.  I have not tried the other items from their company, but this stuff is fantastic!  

You see, I like organic, healthy food, but I don't generally take the time to seek out new products like these. It is refreshing to find such a fantastic product that tastes good and is healthy.  This is the perfect dessert or when you want something a little sweet. 

YumEarth is giving away one bag of these!

Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water

Mommy's Bliss, a provider of safe, effective and natural premium-quality products for families, soothes tiny tots' rumbly tummies with its Gripe Water. Ideal for relieving gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic, hiccups and teething; this all-natural herbal supplement is available in both Original and Apple flavors. Containing no alcohol, chemicals, parabens or artificial flavors, it is 100% vegetarian and vegan; as well as recommended by pediatricians nationwide. Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water is available for purchase at nationwide retailers including Walgreens, Rite Aid and Wal-Mart for $11.99.

This is an item I chose not to review since I do not have a little one at home.  But this is a product I know about.  My daughter had tremendous colic and upset stomach when she was little, and grip water was all that often worked for her.  I can remember buying it and always having it on hand.  I am so glad that the sponsor agreed to do a giveaway since I know this is the perfect time of year to feature this.  If your little one is going to have an upset stomach, it is going to happen at this busy time of the year!  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommysBliss

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MommysBliss and @MommysBliss

Website: www.Mommysbliss.com

I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.  I was sent a free product or promised a giveaway item in exchange for posting my review/opinion.

All right, I would say that sounds like a pretty good giveaway, don't you think?  I am going to use rafflecopter (I am not sold on promo simple yet), and one U.S. reader will receive everything listed.  Just enter below by 9 P.M. Pacific time at 9 P.M.

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Now Hop over to the other blogs and enter their giveaways!!

Disclosure: GoingCrazy!! WannaGo??!!, Planet Weidknecht, and the Crazy Christmas Giveaway Hop bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prizes or for prize distribution unless it is noted that they are self-sponsoring the prize(s).

Winter Wonderland Giveaway Hop (ends 12/15) U.S.

Welcome to the Winter Wonderland Event hosted by Andersons Angels and Joy of Momma Joyner. This Event features a little bit of everything! Each blog has gathered up a unique Prize Package of $25 or more so be sure to visit each blog from the linky below and enter for your chance to win some really amazing prizes! This event will end on November 18th at 11:59pm EST.

You will notice a couple items featured that I have reviewed recently, so read on.  Click on the images for my review.  One U.S. reader will win:

 I do not know if this will be a physical copy or an  e-copy, but my guess is that it will be an e-copy.

3 coupons for this product--the coupons expire at the end of next year.

And just added:

Three Surprise items from Love Your Breed--winner picks the breed.

That gives you something for the kids and something to take care of the holiday stains! Enter the rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway And then don't forget to hop to the other blogs for the chance to win even more prizes!

Christmas Books Giveaway Hop (Ends 12/7) WW

Welcome to the "Christmas Books" Giveaway Hop
December 1st to 7th
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Laurie Here

I'm going to list a few Christmas books I have reviewed recently.  Click on the pictures to read my review.


Cass Wilkes, owner of the Gingerbread Haus bakery, was looking forward to her daughter Danielle’s wedding—until Dani announced that she wants her father, Cass’s ex, to walk her down the aisle. Seriously? Even worse, it appears that he, his trophy wife and their yappy little dog will be staying with Cass….
Her friend Charlene Albach arrives at their weekly chick-flick night in shock. She’s just seen the ghost of Christmas past: her ex-husband, Richard, who left a year ago when he ran off with the hostess from her restaurant, Zelda’s. Now the hostess is history and he wants to kiss and make up. Hide the mistletoe!
And bring out the hot buttered rum, because the holidays aren’t easy for Ella O’Brien, either. Ella, newly divorced, is still sharing the house with her ex while they wait for the place to sell. The love is gone. Isn’t it?
But watch as Christmas brings all kinds of surprises….
Merry Ex-mas, ladies!


Ella Davies, is focused, independent, and driven. Her hard work is finally paying off and she is on the brink of great success. But what no one knows is that her frantic drive is born not from a desire to succeed, but from a need to forget – forget her past, forget her guilt, and mostly, forget the tragedy that changed her life forever.
               Ella’s strategy seems to be working but on Christmas Eve she meets Cohen, a strange man with an even stranger purpose. Cohen catapults Ella back through time and forces her to confront not only her own pain, but the pain of those long since passed. In the process, Ella learns about courage and compassion and that in the darkest hour, no one is ever alone.


Christmas everyday sounds like the best thing ever to Bella and her sisters. But when a special Wishing Stone grants her heart's desire, The Three Lost Kids discover the curse hidden in the wish.

Now they have to stop Christmas no matter what--even if that means ending up on Santa's Naughty List.

Will the girls learn the true meaning of Christmas and find a way to break the curse? Or will they be stuck in their self-created Jingle Bells Nightmare forever?

For my international readers, you will get to pick a Christmas book $12 or under.  It can be one of the books above or another one.  But it needs to have something to do with Christmas.  Enter below.

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Though not a Christmas book, this is a bonus giveaway I will feature here.  This giveaway will be for U.S. only.

I am featuring the book Bombshell  by Mike Faricy.  

Mike Faricy is the award winning author of mystery suspense thrillers woven together with a rich strain of humor and even some romance. He and his wife live in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Dublin, Ireland.

His entertaining tales are populated with the sort of quirky, oddball characters we’d all like to know more about, but wisely prefer to keep at a distance. They serve not so much as examples as they do warnings to the rest of us. None of his characters will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to topple the government. Rather, they’re individuals inhabiting a world just below the surface of polite society. The difficulties they find themselves in are usually due to their own bad decisions, but then, bad decisions make for interesting tales.

All of his books are stand alone, read them in any order you wish. Russian Roulette introduces the bizarrely devilish Devlin Haskell as a PI with a foot on both sides of the law. Dev’s adventures continue in Mr. Softee and the soon to be released Bite Me. Mike is currently working on his latest top secret project. He graduated High School from St. Thomas Academy and earned a BA in history from St. Norbert College.

His latest book is the crime fiction, Bombshell.

Connect with Mike: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Purchase Bombshell: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 About the Book:

Dysfunctional, bumbling, crazy babe-magnet Dev Haskell, P.I., becomes the envy of every guy with a heartbeat when he’s hired to watch over a team of gorgeous English roller derby stars. Though he’d rather be standing guard in the shower room, he suddenly finds himself under arrest and found guilty before he’s even charged. He’s got an attorney who drinks too much, a beautiful woman with a bad attitude, a feisty team of females ready to kill him – and no answers. Bombshell is another fast paced, engrossing suspense thriller from Minnesota’s master of the bizarre, Mike Faricy.

Follow the entire tour.

One U.S./Canada reader will win a paperback copy of the book.  Just enter the rafflecopter below.  

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After entering my giveaways, be sure to hop on for the chance to win even more books!

$100 Amazon Giveaway (Ends 12/15) WW

My Devotional Thoughts has joined in with some terrific bloggers to give you this great giveaway. A $100.00 Amazon Gift Card. Just in time for the Holidays.

I am a little behind the schedule since this giveaway started yesterday, but I encourage you to enter.  After all, who couldn't use an extra $100?  And Amazon has just about everything you could want!

We love our readers and we want to help make this Holiday a little nicer for you.. If you love shopping then you need to enter this giveaway! And don't forget to share this with your friends too.

This giveaway is sponsored by CountryLife4me
Giveaway Dates - November 30 - Dec 15 Winner will be chosen by random.org
My Devotional Thoughts is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Countrylife4me is solely responsible for this prize and the fulfillment of it. Please contact them with any questions. Thanks!
To enter is easy. Just use the Rafflecopter form below. Good Luck!

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Pump Up Your Book: "Merry Ex-Mas" by Shelia Roberts Book Review

Join Sheila Roberts, author of the holiday fiction, Merry Ex-Mas, as she tours the blogosphere November 5 – 30 2012 on her seventh virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

Cass Wilkes, owner of the Gingerbread Haus bakery, was looking forward to her daughter Danielle’s wedding—until Dani announced that she wants her father, Cass’s ex, to walk her down the aisle. Seriously? Even worse, it appears that he, his trophy wife and their yappy little dog will be staying with Cass….

Her friend Charlene Albach arrives at their weekly chick-flick night in shock. She’s just seen the ghost of Christmas past: her ex-husband, Richard, who left a year ago when he ran off with the hostess from her restaurant, Zelda’s. Now the hostess is history and he wants to kiss and make up. Hide the mistletoe!

And bring out the hot buttered rum, because the holidays aren’t easy for Ella O’Brien, either. Ella, newly divorced, is still sharing the house with her ex while they wait for the place to sell. The love is gone. Isn’t it?

But watch as Christmas brings all kinds of surprises….

Merry Ex-mas, ladies!

Merry Ex-Mas by Sheila Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a perfect romance for this holiday season!  This is the kind of book that you can curl up with and enjoy in front of a roaring fire and have a Hot Chocolate (with peppermint Schnapps--read the book, you'll understand why!).  Imagine having your ex come back into your life during the holidays.  That is exactly what happens for Charley, Cass, and Ella,  Each one has their own story, and the ending just may surprise you.  The ride is filled with humor and the true meaning of family.

There's no way I couldn't give this book high praise.  After all, it has a Pacific Northwest setting!  Add some great romance, a daughter's wedding, a fire, and much more.  This book was so refreshing in the overpopulated world of romance novels.  It was an easy read, and there was practically nothing inappropriate.  There was some profanity, but there were no bedrooms scenes.  They were only implied.  It was neat to see that everyone still went to church in spite of everything.  No, it's not a Christian romance, but it is an almost squeaky clean romance that will get you through the tumultuous holidays.  Shelia Roberts is an author I would love to read again and again.  Looking briefly through her other offerings, it looks like Christmas romances are her specialty.  I only wish I had time to drop everything and read all of them!

My absolutely favorite part of the book comes right towards the end.  It involves a dog and a cake, and that is all I can say.  I found my heart melting as I read the outcome.  It even caused me to sight with pleasure.  Since I am a divorcee, I could somewhat relate to the characters in the book even though my situation is completely different.  If you are looking for a book that you can enjoy this holiday season, this just may be it!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent  mine.

View all my reviews

Sheila Roberts lives in the Pacific Northwest. She’s happily married and has three children. Her books have been printed in several different languages and have been chosen for book clubs such as Doubleday as well as for Readers Digest Condensed books. Her best-selling novel ON STRIKE FOR CHRISTMAS was made into a movie and appeared on the Lifetime Movie Network. Her novel ANGEL LANE was named one of Amazon’s Top Ten Romances for 2009.

When she’s not making public appearances or playing with her friends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

Her latest book is Merry Ex-Mas.

You can visit her website at http://www.sheilasplace.com./

Visit her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Sheila_Roberts

Like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheila-Roberts/76502579853?ref=ts

Pick up your copy of Merry Ex-Mas at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Merry-Ex-Mas-Life-Icicle-Falls/dp/0778313921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144430&sr=8-1&keywords=merry+ex-mas

For fun, watch this video inspired by the book!

Follow the entire tour (even though I am the last stop!).

"GPS With Benefits" by Vanessa Morgan Guest Post

Vanessa Morgan is known as the 'female version of Stephen King'. Her screenplays, A GOOD MAN and GPS WITH BENEFITS, are currently being turned into movies. She is also the author of the books DROWNED SORROW and THE STRANGERS OUTSIDE. If she's not working on her latest supernatural thriller, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, blogging, digging through flea markets or indulging in her unhealthy obsession to her cat. You can find  her at http://vanessa-morgan.blogspot.com (blog) and https://www.amazon.com/author/vanessamorgan (Amazon).

*Where do you live?

Belgium

*What's the title of your latest release?

GPS With Benefits

*What is it about?

GPS WITH BENEFTIS is a hilarious tale about a man who is shocked to learn that his GPS system has a mind of its own.

*When did you realize you wanted to be a published author?

In the late nineties, when I saw Faulkner's As I Lay Dying on stage in London.

*Name 5 authors and 5 books:

Authors: Ian McEwan, Raymond Carver, Daph Nobody, Ann Scott, Michel Faber.

Books: Shangai Baby by Wei Hui, The Hottest State by Ethan Hawke, Ladies Man by Richard Price, Blood Ties by Jennifer Lash, The Pet Psychic by Joanne Hull.

*Where do you get your inspiration from?

Movies (especially horror).

*What do you think is the best quality a writer can have?

Patience and the willingness to learn. I once read that it takes about 1,000 hours to become competent at any skill, about 5,000 hours to master any skill and between 25,000 and 35,000 hours to become world class. Having a great mentor and being focused greatly speeds up this process.

*Any last words (fun facts, comments, something you'd like to share with the world):

I probably know more about horror movies than any other person you know. And I love languages. I speak Dutch, French, English, Spanish and a bit of German and I've written screenplays and books in three different languages.

*Challenge: Write a one-sentence story!

Extract from my supernatural thriller, "Drowned Sorrow": "The walls leaked profusely – not just drops, but heavy rivulets, as if someone had turned on a faucet – and the water crept forward with only one aim in mind: it crept towards Kenny, onto Kenny, creeping onto his legs, arms and torso as if he were invaded my millions of insects."

GPS WITH BENEFITS is available NOW at:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/GPS-With-Benefits-ebook/dp/B009YIZXHY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351582404&sr=1-1&keywords=vanessa+morgan+gps+with+benefits

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/GPS-With-Benefits-ebook/dp/B009YIZXHY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351582678&sr=1-1

Read my review/promotion from a couple days ago.

"Heroes in Training" Book Blast (Ends 12/9/12) WW

Poseidon and the Sea of Fury 

A young Poseidon must triumph over aquatic terrors in this Heroes in Training adventure. The merciless Cronus and his Titan buddies are in hot pursuit of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, who plan to travel across the treacherous boiling sea in order to save a fellow Olympian. They have a boat, but they also have a problem: Poseidon can’t swim and is terrified of the water (well, really of the creatures that lurk in its depths). The group faces danger after danger as they battle singing sirens, a fishy and ferocious Titan named Oceanus, and people-eating monsters sent by Cronus himself. Can Poseidon overcome his fears and help his fellow heroes escape Cronus and his cronies?

Purchase

Amazon * Amazon Kindle * Barnes & Noble

Heroes in Training by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams
Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams deliver fun, adventures, and a few surprises as ten-year-old Olympians go on a journey of a lifetime to discover their true identities and defeat their Titan enemies.


Praise for Heroes in Training
"Readers will gobble this down and look for more, make no mythtake."
~ Kirkus

“This is a fun read, casting Zeus in the role of relatable kid, and there is a nice balance between his primary goal of survival and his sense of destiny and adventure. . . Share this title, and likely more to come, with those still too young for Percy Jackson’s adventures.”
~ School Library Journal



The Series

#1 Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom
#2 Poseidon and the Sea of Fury
#3 Hades and the Helm of Darkness
#4 Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire

Aladdin Paperbacks (ages 6-9)
http://series.simonandschuster.com/Heroes-in-training

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Book 1)


After pulling a magical thunderbolt from a stone, ten-year-old Zeus goes on the adventure of a lifetime in this thrilling start to a brand-new series! The terrible Titans--merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans--have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe....
   
     Ten-year-old Zeus is mystified (and super-annoyed) by the fact that he keeps getting hit by lightening. Every. Single. Year. He also longs for adventure, as he has never been far from the cave where he grew up.

     Zeus gets his wish--and a lot more than he bargained for--when he is kidnapped by dangerous, giant Titans! In self-defense, he grabs the first thing he sees--an actual thunderbolt he pulls from a stone that is covered in mysterious markings. Zeus is the only one who can decipher the markings, and sets off on a quest to rescue his youthful fellow Olympians from the evil Cronus. Armed with his trusty thunderbolt (named Bolt, of course), Zeus is on an adventure of a lifetime--and a journey to fulfill his destiny as King of the Gods.

Hades and the Helm of Darkness (Book 3 coming April 2013)


The Heroes in Training are entering the Underworld—if Hades can conquer his canine fears, that is.

The Underworld usually isn’t really meant to be a fun place—but tell that to Hades! He loves the dark and the stinky smell of sulfur. However, there is one thing that Hades is not a fan of: dogs. And when Zeus and his fellow Olympians encounter Cerberus—a snarling, three-headed dog—Hades must conquer his fears and tame the hound so everyone can continue into the Underworld and deposit their Titan prisoner, Oceanus, back where he belongs!

But with magical water that causes forgetfulness, hot beds of lava, and another epic battle with two more Titans standing in their way, will Zeus and his heroes make it out of the Underworld with everyone intact?

Author Suzanne Williams

Suzanne Williams is the award-winning author of nearly 40 books for children, from picture books and easy readers to chapter books and middle grade fiction series. A former elementary school librarian, she lives near Seattle. Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children's choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. She is co-author (with Joan Holub) of the popular Goddess Girls series(for ages 8 - 12) and Heroes in Training (ages 6 - 11). Other series include Fairy Blossoms and Princess Power.

Website * Blog

Author Joan Holub

I graduated from college in Texas with a fine arts degree, and then freelanced as an art director at a graphic design firm for eight years. I dreamed of working in children's books, so I moved to New York City and became associate art director in Scholastic trade books, where I designed books for children and worked with editors and illustrators. It was a great job.

I illustrated my first published children's book in 1992 and soon began illustrating full time. I began completing manuscripts and mailing them out to publishers in the early 1990s. In 1996, I sold my first two manuscripts -- Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book (Scholastic) and Pen Pals (Grosset & Dunlap). Yippee!

Now I write full time and have written and/or illustrated over 130 children's books. Creating books that entertain, inform, and interest children (and me) is a fabulous job that I truly love.

Twitter * Website * Blog

Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/9/12


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Stocking Stuffer Toe Juice Holiday Gift Guide

A while back, I have the honor to try Toe Juice, and I jumped at the chance to try it again!  What is Toe Juice?  So glad you asked.  Back in 1970, Royce Gardner, a Boise, Idaho high school science teacher, developed Toe Juice.  He was inspired to develop it due to his baby son's cracking, flaking skin on his feet.  He had tried all sorts of creams and topical lotions to no avail.  He continued to research until he found the combination that finally cleared up his son's skin problem.

I have been using Toe Juice off and on since I first tried it.  It did clear up some acne on my face when nothing else would.  This liquid is fast-drying, and it is all natural.  Although it is called "Toe Juice," it can be used on a variety of ailments:

• Acne
• Athletes foot
• Cold Sores
• Diabetic
• Eczema
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.
• Foot Problems
• Ichthyosis Psoriasis
• Insect Bites
• Jock Itch
• Jungle Rot
• Misc. Skin Irritation
• Rashes
• Ringworm
• Warts

Okay, I'm going to show you a before and after on my heel.  I have had horrible calluses and dry skin on my feet for years.  I have been regularly using Toe Juice, and here is the before and after.

I realize this is absolutely disgusting.  The skin on my feet often looks like this.  Since using Toe Juice regularly for a couple weeks:

Actually, these are pretty dramatic, in my opinion.  I hadn't realized just how bad my heels were till now!  

This is the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season.  

Facebook http://facebook.com/ToeJuice

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Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/company/toe-juice

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/toejuice/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/toejuice

Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/ToeJuiceVideos

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.

"The Nutcracker" Music Game for Children Review

Game Description:

This computer game gives children an outlet for exploring their own appreciation of music, while sharpening their listening and problem-solving skills and improving understanding of the basic concepts of music. The Nutcracker Music Game is a magical adventure that celebrates music by challenging kids through interactive participation and exciting game play.


Parents' Choice Gold Award

NAPPA Gold Award

Parenting Seal of Approval and others

This game is for PC.


I am a music lover by nature.  I majored in music, and I was a music teacher.  I have always been a fan of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker.  I can't recall how many different versions I have seen.  I tried to introduce my music students to this famous work in many different ways but to no avail.  The music was often familiar, but it seemed like no mater what I did, my students did not want anything to do with this great work.

I am pleased to introduce you to "The Nutcracker Music Game" for children.  I have a 9-year-old daughter who loves music and computer games, and this game was an instant hit with her.


From the beginning of the game, she was taken in by the fantastic graphics, the fun games, and the music.  She had  no trouble jumping right into the game and checking out all the features.  She loved guessing the different instruments, and she was hooked the rest of the evening.



I wish I were still a music teacher.  This game would be a great way to get kids excited about this great work and teach them about music in a unique and fun way.



Ready to buy your own copy?  Be sure to check out their discount page where you can buy the game at a 40% off price!
http://www.artmusicgames.com/products-nut2012.html

I was sent a copy of this game in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Pear Tree Greetings Review

So do you send out cards during the holiday season.  I have to admit that I often don't.  Why?  Well, I don't like to take the time to go to the store and pick them out, pay a fortune, and then know that person will just throw them away.  Generic Christmas cards are just not all that exciting.  Sure, I can create a custom card, but who has time?  And who want to use up all their printer ink and then discover that the cards look very "amateurish."

Well, I have found the solution!  Let me introduce you to Pear Tree Greetings.  You will find practically any style of Christmas cards that you so desire.  And the best part is that you get to personalize them.  And you can be assure that they will look professional.

You can see the package of cards that I got the chance to order and review.  I didn't go with the traditional Christmas cards.  I picked out personalized thank-you cards (with the cats featured) for my daughter to send out to those who give her a Christmas present.  And the picture of her that says "JOY" beneath it is a magnet card!  These are pretty fantastic.  I can hardly wait to give these out.  Included with each of these is free envelopes--even with magnet ones.  They were incredibly easy to design, and they were here in practically no time.

You have many options besides cards.  I know that sometimes the habit of sending cards has become a thing of the past.  Be sure to check out their Christmas gift tags, Christmas address labels, and Christmas party invitations.,  The options are only limited by your imagination.  Oh, and as you can see, the cards look very professional.  Your recipients will love these cards!

Be sure to check out Pear Tree Greetings via social media for the latest news, deals, and more.

Pear Tree Greetings on Facebook 

Pear Tree Greetings on Pinterest

Pear Tree Greetings on Twitter 

Pear Tree Greetings on Google+

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.

Food Should Taste Good Review

I am so pleased to tell you about a fantastic brand of chips out on the market that I have only recently discovered.  I have to admit that I do like chips, but I prefer for them to be healthier.  I don't like greasy chips that are covered in all the unhealthy garbage.  I am always on the lookout for healthy snacks.

Food Should Taste Good fits the bill quite well.  The founder of the the company in 2006 set out to make high quality snacks made from real ingredients and that still taste good.  They have certainly succeeded in that, and their line of products is quite extensive.  You can find tortilla chips, crackers, and kettle cooked chips (my personal favorite).

These are the three brands I was privileged to try.  You can see by the clips that my family and I have been enjoying them.  Actually, they are practically gone.  My mom loves he Multigrain Kettle Cooked chips, and my daughter and I love the Sweet Potato ones!  That is saying something because my daughter doesn't like sweet potatoes.  She shocked me by taking the bowl I had prepared for myself and eating every last one of them!  I will admit I have not tried the Olive chips yet, but I know they will be good.  The fantastic part about these chips is that they are non-GMO. certified gluten-free, certified kosher--the list goes on and on!  And the nutritional facts are great--140 calories for about 14 chips, if I remember right.  The flavor is amazing, and I would say these are the only chips I want any more!

Be sure to check the company out at the following links for more information:
http://www.foodshouldtastegood.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FoodShouldTasteGood
https://twitter.com/FSTG_Chips


I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

Starbox by Starlooks November Box Review

I am so pleased to be sharing my review of the November Starbox by Starlooks.  If you have been following these reviews, you will know that this is the fourth review (wow!) I have done with them.  So, in case you missed it, what is a Starbox?  It is your chance to try an entire make-up line for only $15 a month!  That's right.  Do you want to look like the celebrities you so admire?  Starlooks is your link to this outstanding look.  Each box contains three-four full-size samples from the Starlooks line of make-up.

Your glorious Starbox experience begins with a beautiful box, and this is my favorite box design so far!  Doesn't it look chic?  I remember the day it came that I was enamored with the outside of the box.  I quickly opened it, expecting some of the best items yet.

Again, I still have a minor complaint--same one as last month.  And it applies to one of the items in here.  I loved the palette of 4 eye shadows, and I also loved the instruction sheet that went with that.  More about that later.  I did follow the instructions for applying these four eye shadows, but they were WAY too dark.  I was able to lighten them up with my personal powders and such, and my mom said the effect was beautiful.  But all I can say is that the only thing that could improve these starboxes is if you could specify your skin tone.  I know it may sound minor, but I am very fair-skinned.  Dark, dramatic eyeshadow does not look good on me.  It would be a difficult thing to work out, I am sure, but I would certainly find this an even more premier collection.

You can see the eyeshadow (and it does look nice in the picture), but I also want you to notice my eyelashes.  Why?  Because I want to tell you about the best thing in the box!  There was a special tool for applying mascara, and although it was a little difficult to use at first, it kept away the mascara lines from under my eyes.  It even kept my mascara from running as much as it usually does during the day.  I loved the instruction sheet for the eyeshadow, but I wish they had an instruction sheet for this, too.  I think some people wouldn't know how to use it.  It took trial and error for me to figure it out.  But I love it!

Their lipstick color this month was my favorite so far!  The color was not too dark, and it went on very smoothly.  I would venture to say that those with darker complexions may not like it so well.  I don't know.  But it worked for me.  

Something to point out.  I know you run the risk of not liking an item in the box.  But let me tell you something.  At $15, even if I didn't like the eyeshadow, this box is still a bargain.  The cost of the tool, and lipstick alone would probably come up to $15.  And I think that the eyeshadow that is too dark for my eyelids may work as a bronzer or possibly even blush.  And if all else fails, you can always give away the item or items to your friends that you know you won't like.  I will be honest.  If I hadn't been reviewing the eyeshadow, I probably would have given it away to a friend or family member, and they would have been forever grateful!  Honestly!  After all, this is not the cheap drugstore make-up.  This is the high-end stuff.

This ought to really excite my readers!  December is going to be a fantastic eye shadow palette that you won't want to miss!  If you want this, you need to order before December 1!  So don't forget! This is the perfect Christmas gift for you and the special women and young ladies in your life.

As to this service itself, this gift subscription can be stopped at any time.  And the best part is that it keeps on giving throughout the year.  It is the perfect gift for your college or high school girl.  And it is absolutely ideal for guys to give to their women.  Why?  They never have to think about what to get the woman in their life.  And once it comes, I bet the woman will be willing to handsomely reward the man for his thoughtful gift.  And he probably won't even remember it!!

When you check out Starbox, be sure to follow them on facebook.  I just found out that they posted a video of the mascara tool, so you never know what they might share there!


I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.