The Boxcar Children: The Boardwalk Mystery
Created By: Gertrude Chandler Warner
Written By: Tim Jessell
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Pub. Date: March 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0807508039
Pages: 144 

Review:

Who doesn't remember reading The Boxcar Children when they were in elementary school? The original book by Gertrude Chandler Warner was published in 1924 and was reissued in 1942. The second book wasn't published until 1949. The author wrote a total of nineteen books until her death in 1979. The series continued in 1991 with a variety of ghostwriters writing new addictions and specials.

Recently, I had a chance to review book #131, The Boardwalk Mystery, from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I remember reading the original 19 books during my early elementary years and I was excited when the new books were released. I still own several of the books.

The Alden children (Henry, Violet, Jessie and Benny) are traveling with their grandfather to Oceanside, New Jersey on a business trip. The kids are excited about playing in the sand, exploring the boardwalk, and seeing all the attractions at Hanson's Amusements, which is owned by their grandfather's business friend, Mr. Hanson.

No, I didn't forget about the past two Monday posts. I thought I would just take a few weeks off since two weeks ago was Memorial Day and last week I was just too busy to get a post written. Plus, I was completely worn out from pulling up an old carpet in the basement that had took a turn for the worse after some rain water flooded the garage and basement last month. I guess I'm finally starting my spring cleaning as I filled six boxes and two paper bags full of books that I plan on donating, but first I need to remove them from my Shelfari shelf and that will take a few days to complete.

I'm sick and tired of all the thunderstorms. It rained liked every other day for the past few weeks, in which it caused the electric to flip on & off for a few days, the cable & internet has started to act wacky, and the telephone line doesn't want to connect. Thank God for cell phones!

There are not very many options for internet service around my area. I guess I should be thankful that it works most of the time. Has anyone tried dial-up internet?

Tin Man: Complete Mini-Series Event
Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming, Neal McDonough, Raoul Trujillo
Co-Starring: Kathleen Robertson, Richard Dreyfuss, Callum Keith Rennie, Blu Mankuma
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: May 14, 2013
ASIN: B00BUWD7K2
Run Time: 4 hours 28 minutes
Rating: TV-14

Review:

Oz the Great and Powerful is being released on Blu-Ray and DVD this week, but the film isn't the only recent Oz incarnation. Back in 2007, the Sci Fi Channel (now known as SyFy) aired a three-part mini-series Tin Man, based on L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but with a science fiction twist. Mill Creek Entertainment released Tin Man on Blu-Ray and DVD last month, which they kindly sent me a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Zooey Deschanel plays DG, a small town waitress who life is completely changed when a storm sends her to O.Z. (Outer Zone). She quickly befriends Glitch (played by Alan Cumming), a former "Tin Man" law enforcer named Wyatt Cain (played by Neal McDonough), and Raw (played by Raoul Trujillo). O.Z. is now ruled by Azkadellia, who had overthrown her own mother, the Queen, and Azkadellia happens to be DG's sister.

DG learns about her true heritage. It seems that the original Dorothy Gale is actually her "greatest-great-grandmother." She soon realizes that all the evil in O.Z. was created by a mistake she made as a child. Along with her new friends, she plans on stopping the evil Azkadellia and restoring O.Z. to its original glory.

Kiss the Cook Event

Every amateur or expert cook needs a good set of pots and pans, which can be a little expensive if you're just starting out. Luckily, you can get a chance to own your own set of Rachael Ray Cookware by entering this neat giveaway! 

Prize Package Includes:

Rachael Ray Hard Anodized II 10 piece Set

Create super-nutritious and innovative meals that are never boring with the help of Rachael Ray cookware. Create Rachael's Vegetable Cacciatore by browning vegetables in the saute pan while the accompanying whole wheat penne bubbles away in the stockpot. Or try adding a little spice to a simple lunchtime meal with a chipotle grilled cheese sandwich browned to perfection in one of the skillets. Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized cookware is the perfect combination of durability and style, and this 10-piece set certainly fits the bill. This set has all the essential pieces to make memorable meals every day. Hard-anodized construction provides even heat, helping to reduce "hot spots" that can burn food, and it's coated with a durable nonstick both inside and out for exceptional food release and easy clean up. The tempered glass lids allow you to monitor your food while it cooks, keeping heat and moisture sealed in. Grippy handles feature striking orange padding for a comfortable feel. This cookware is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher safe for convenient, fast and simple cleanup. Set includes 1-Quart and 2-Quart Covered Saucepans 6-Quart Covered Stockpot 3-Quart Covered Saute 8.5-Inch and 10-Inch Skillets

Back to School Blast Event

Free Blogger Event: Sign Up HERE

Power Rangers Super Samurai: Vol. 4: Secret of the Red Ranger
Starring: Alex Heartman, Najee De-Tiege, Enika Fong, Hector David Jr., Britney Anne Pritle, Steven Skyler
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: June 11th, 2013
ASIN: B00BYYWANG
Run Time: 92 minutes
Rating: Not Rated

Review: 

Wow! I can't believe it has been nearly twenty years since the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers aired on television. The newest spin-off Power Rangers Megaforce is currently on hiatus, but new and old fans can look forward to the DVD Power Rangers Super Samurai: Vol. 4: Secret of the Red Ranger, which will be out in stores this Tuesday, June 11, 2013!

Master Xandred returns to Earth to destroy Serrator, who betrayed him, and of course he plans on destroying the Samurai Ranger, but he returns to the Netherworld in defeat. The Samurai Rangers have no time to rest as Serrator plans on destroying them with the help of a bug spraying Pestilox, giant Spitfangs, twin Papyrux, and a new Nighlok monster, Fiera. The Samurai Ranger's Shogun ancestors and mega modes may not be enough to survive the battle. Their only hope is for the Red Ranger (Jayden) to unveil his deepest secret, his sister.

Stealing the Preacher
By Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Pub. Date: June 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0764209666
Pages: 352
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/lnKcM
Blog Tour:http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/stealingthepreacher
 
Review:

Crocket Archer is excited about traveling to Piney Woods, Texas for an interview to be the new pastor, but his plans are quickly ruined when he is forced off the train and kidnapped by the outlaw, Silas Robbins, who plans on giving the preacher to his daughter as a birthday present.

Being an outlaw's daughter hasn't been easy on Joanna, especially after her mother passed away. For months, she has been praying for a preacher to be sent to her community's abandoned church. Someone that may help change her father's way of life. Her prayers are answered when her father brings Crocket Archer home.

At first, Crocket wants nothing more than to escape this madness, but he starts to have a change of heart when he lays eyes on the beautiful Joanna, who quickly steals his heart.