Friday, December 1, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: L.Ron Hubbard presents Writers of the Future, Volume 33



L.Ron Hubbard presents
Writers of the Future, Volume 33


Edited by
David Farland

Publisher
Galaxy Press

Retail
Paperback: $15.95
E-Pub: $6.99
Kindle: $6.99

Pages
400

Where to Purchase


Description

Explore diverse new universes of possibility through a variety of creative and fresh new ideas—all in one anthology. From dragons to mythical death dealers, from murder on the moon to deep space mystery, these stories bring you the hot new talent in science fiction, fantasy & horror.

Enjoy these award-winning stories & illustrations, with bonus stories by New York Times bestselling authors Robert J. Sawyer, Todd McCaffrey & L. Ron Hubbard.

Learn how to write or improve your craft with tips from Grand Master fantasy author Anne McCaffrey and New York Times bestselling author L. Ron Hubbard.


My Thoughts

Thursday, November 30, 2017

'Christy' Giveaway, Blog Tour, and Facebook Live Party

Some stories are evergreen, their themes and lessons standing the test of time and connecting with readers generation after generation. Reconnect with Catherine Marshall's beloved Christy as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new edition! As nineteen-year-old teacher Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home of Cutter Gap, some see her-and her one-room school-as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove. Yearning to make a difference, will Christy's determination and devotion be enough?

Celebrate the new 50th anniversary edition of Christy by entering to win one of TWO $50 Visa cash cards (details below) and by attending a Facebook Live party on December 5!


TWO grand prize winners will receive:
  • One copy of Christy
  • One $50 Visa Cash Card
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5. The winner will be announced at the Christy Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with authors who've been impacted by Christy and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Review - Christy by Catherine Marshall


Evergreen Farm; 514 pages; Buy Link; Blog Tour
There's a long list of classic novels that I've always wanted to read (I even own a few of these titles.), but for some reason or another, I've never gotten around to actually reading them. One of these titles is Christy by Catherine Marshall. I recall watching a few episodes for the short-lived television series based on the book during the mid-'1990s, and I've always wanted to read the book. I finally got the opportunity to read the novel when I signed up to review the new hardcover edition from Evergreen Farm (an imprint of Gilead Publication).

The novel centers on an nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston, who leaves her home in Asheville, North Carolina and travels to the Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap in the eastern Tennessee to teach children as part of the Appalachian mission program.

Upon arriving, she quickly realizes that the way of life there is completely different than from back home in North Carolina. She befriends a Quaker named Alice Henderson, David Grantland, a minister who's also trying to teach the Cutter Gap children, and a widowed physician Neill MacNeill, who was married to Alice's late daughter.

While working with the children of Cutter Gap, Christy's faith is put the ultimate test!

Christy pin1

Final Thoughts

Holiday Gift Guide: Kansas Troubles Quilters: Cozy Quilts & Comforts 


Kansas Trouble Quilters: Cozy Quilts & Comforts
by Lynn Hagmeier


Publisher
That Patchwork Place
(an imprint of Martingale)

Retail
$27.99

Pages
96

Where to Purchase

Description
Sew quilts in the instantly recognizable style of Kansas Troubles Quilters--two ways! Some designs are traditionally pieced, simplified for smooth and easy piecing. Others use Lynne's clever layered-patchwork technique, where pinked-edge precuts reduce cutting time, minimize bulky seams, and skip pressing steps. The raw edges of layered-patchwork blocks barely fray when washed, giving a fluffy, snuggly finish. You'll love the look of both kinds of quilts: cozy, country-style designs that call out "cuddle me!"

About the Author

Lynne Hagmeier and her husband, Robert, live outside of Bennington, Kansas, where she grew up. They work together at the KT Quilt Shop, hosting quilting retreats, traveling to quilt guilds and shops across the United States, and teaching on quilting cruises. Downtime is spent relaxing with their brood of six kids and nine grandkids scattered across the Midwest. A social worker in her first life, Lynne feels blessed to work in a business with creative women who live their dreams through fabric and quilts. Visit Lynne's website at: www.ktquilts.com


My Thoughts

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series DVD


Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series DVD


Studio
Mill Creek Entertainment

Rating
NOT RATED

Running Time
55 hours 18 minutes

Number of Discs
13


Retail
$69.98

Where to Purchase

Description
When they struggled, we held our breath. When they lost, we felt their pain. And when they won, we cheered them on again and again.

Coach Eric Taylor is the newest hire at a small town high school in Dillon, Texas. After a series of events leading to his release, Taylor is forced to build a football team from the ground up at the rival high school. His wife Tami, high school principal, faces scrutiny of her own as she takes constant blame from angry parents. But even through the hardships at work, challenges at home with teen daughter Julie, and endless drama, only one thing matters: Friday night.

Through five extraordinary seasons, the residents of Dillon, Texas, kept viewers captivated with the small-town struggles, victories, and heartbreaks that resonated across America with breathtaking realness, and made Friday Night Lights, a Primetime Emmy® award-winning drama. Relive the spirit of this small town with a big heart: from the pride and pitfalls of high school football to the intimate relationships between lovers, parents and friends.

CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN’T LOSE. 



My Thoughts

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Cheerful Christmas Gift Ideas!


Hopefully, everyone survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

Today, my blog's Holiday Gift Guide is taking a slight-break, so I can feature my holiday-themed post, titled "Cheerful Christmas Gift Ideas."

"A Teddy Bear Will Do"


While giving a teddy bear as a gift might seem a bit of a cliche, a simple stuffed toy can put a smile on just about anyone. There are many different styles, colors, and brands of teddy bears, but for this post, I'm going with the Plush 9" Brown Christmas Bear, which retails for only $5.99 on Oriental Trading.

My Thoughts: This a cute and soft little teddy bear that's wearing a Santa stocking cap and a green and red scarf. It would make a great stocking stuffer for just about anyone.


"Everyone Needs A Calendar"


It's not easy finding the perfect gift for everyone, as there are someone individuals who are just hard to buy for. Let me give you some advice - get them a calendar!

Everyone needs a calendar! Right?

There are wall calendars, desk calendars, and day-to-day calendars, all in a variety of different themes (cartoon characters, TV series, Movies, sports, animals, hobbies etc.). 

For this post, I'm recommending the "365 Coloring Designs Spiral Perpetual Calendar," which retails for $9.99 on Oriental Trading. Measuring 4 1/2" x 3 3/4", the little calendar contains 365 verses and sayings along with fun illustrations that be colored with crayons, colored pencils, or makers.

My Thoughts: This calendar should appeal to any quilter, crafter, or art lover. The illustrations are cute, and since there are 365 days in a year, there are plenty of designs to color.


"Snowmen Decor Is Popular"


It seems like snowmen decor keeps getting popular every year. That's why I'm recommending the "Sing for Joy" Snowman with Rustic Tree from Oriental Trading. Retailing for $12.99, the resin snowman figurine measures 8 1/2"H. The figurine is clutching a rustic metal Christmas tree. Printed on the base is the Biblical scripture Psalm 96:12, "The trees of the forest will sing for Joy."

My Thoughts: The figurine is much bigger than what I thought it would be. It's also made really well with a detailed design. It would make a cute little present for anyone who likes snowmen.


"A Cheerful Hat"


Monday, November 27, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: That Patchwork Place 2018 Quilt Calendar


That Patchwork Place 2017 Quilt Calendar


Publisher
Martingale

Retail
$18.99

Where to Purchase

Description
It's time for a brand-new year filled with cheerful quilts and pretty sewing projects shown in all their fabulous, full-color glory. You'll find a wide variety of designs to tempt you, including scrappy patchwork, simple embroidery, primitive accents, and more. Complete instructions for each project are included so you can sew along all 12 months with That Patchwork Place.




My Thoughts