tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38815019671616697362024-02-21T00:33:45.577-08:00Teen & Tween Book ReviewsCara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-54155116861116449972013-06-30T15:10:00.000-07:002013-07-12T20:59:55.546-07:00Anomaly: Dystopian YA with a Twist<br />
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<img alt="" class="alignleft" data-mce-src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781401688721_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" height="396" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781401688721_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" style="border: 0px; float: left;" width="258" />Normally, I don't read dystopian books (think Hunger Games). Our world is weird enough without imagining what it will be like in the future after a horrific war or tragedy. However, my daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed <a data-mce-href="http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com/" href="http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com/">Krista McGee'</a>s other books, so I decided to give <a data-mce-href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401688721/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401688721&linkCode=as2&tag=carput-20" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401688721/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401688721&linkCode=as2&tag=carput-20"><em>Anomaly</em></a> a try. I am so glad I did.</div>
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Thalli is different. And different is not good in the State that is left after a nuclear holocaust. But she feels deeply. She tries to hide, but she can't. To avoid annihilation, she becomes a test subject. The story winds through her learning about the real Designer as she learns about love. This story scrapes away to the essense of what is important: God, love, freedom. The pages turn effortlessly...and the ending left me longing for the next installment.</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Bottom-line? This is an engrossing read and one my husband and 12 year old enjoyed as well.</span><br />
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<em><strong>Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.</strong></em>Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won’t threaten their lives again.
But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli’s secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music.
She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods.
As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out…
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anomaly-Krista-McGee/dp/1401688721/ref=sprightly-20" target="_blank"><strong>Purchase a copy here</strong></a>.
<a href="http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Learn more at Krista’s website</strong></a>.
<a href="http://www.nelsonfree.com/anomaly" target="_blank"><strong>Click to start reading <em>Anomaly</em> for free</strong></a>.
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Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-68109706820322637912013-04-22T04:30:00.000-07:002013-04-22T04:30:04.346-07:00Search & Rescue Review<a href="http://g.christianbook.com/g/ebooks/covers/w185/3/321063_w185.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/ebooks/covers/w185/3/321063_w185.png" /></a><br />
Cara here: Two of my writing friends have come together for a series for middle-grade readers. Set in Rock Harbor, Michigan, the setting for one of Colleen's series, this books brings back characters moms have grown to love in a book that is perfect for 10-14 year olds. Here's my daughter's take:<br />
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In Search & Rescue, 8th grader Emily O'Reilly is accused of stealing a necklace. Even her dad believes she did it. Determined to clear her name, Emily begins a search for the truth.<br />
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I loved this book (4 out of 5 stars). It's one I'll re-read, especially when the next one releases. I'd read the adult Rock Harbor books and enjoyed seeing all the charcters from those books again.<br />
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Emily's deepest desire is for a puppy of her own that she can train to be a search and rescue dog. Her stepmom works with Bree training search and rescue dogs, and Emily can't wait to join their team. But her dad won't let her get a puppy because he thinks she stole the necklace. He forces her to give that money to the woman who lost the necklace. The only way to reserrect her dream is to prove she didn't steal the necklace.<br />
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Even though I figured out the mystery, I kept reading because I needed to know that I was right. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. <br />
<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-85207924388992598212012-12-10T17:30:00.001-08:002012-12-10T17:30:18.079-08:00Giveaway happening on my other blog...Over on my other <a href="http://over%20on%20my%20other%20blog%2C%20i%27m%20giving%20away%20this%20collection%20of%20ya%20nonfiction%20titles.%20come%20on%20over%20and%20participate%21/">blog</a>, I'm giving away this collection of YA nonfiction titles. Come on <a href="http://over%20on%20my%20other%20blog%2C%20i%27m%20giving%20away%20this%20collection%20of%20ya%20nonfiction%20titles.%20come%20on%20over%20and%20participate%21/">over</a> and participate!
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-2592464339777416652012-11-16T04:13:00.000-08:002012-11-16T06:14:10.815-08:00Three Christmas Books I love to Read with My Kids<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know Thanksgiving is next week, but I'm thinking about the Christmas books I want to read to my kids this year. It's always fun trying to decide which ones we'll enjoy together as a family. Here are a few of our favorites, and I want to know which ones you love, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762430230/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0762430230&linkCode=as2&tag=carput-20">The Velveteen Rabbit</a></i>: I realized the other day when I picked up a copy at Kohl's that I hadn't introduced my younger two to the story. And the older two didn't remember it. Time to remedy that. The story begins with Christmas, but is really a story of so much more including the power of love. How a stuffed animal becomes real through the love of a little boy. I get sentimental just thinking about the story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next is another book I consider a classic, maybe because I remember my mother reading it to us several years. <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064402754/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064402754&linkCode=as2&tag=carput-20">The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</a></i>. Anyone else remember it or the movie based on the book? There's something about reading the Herdman's take on the Christmas story that brings it back to life in fresh ways. And to see such terrible kids changed by the story...by the power of the manager. I think sometimes we're so convinced that we know everything about the story, that we miss the heart of Christmas. That God would make Himself small and come to earth as a baby...wow! Read this story with your kids and you will see it with fresh eyes and heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year we discovered this next book, Richard Peck's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142417297/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142417297&linkCode=as2&tag=carput-20">A Season of Gifts</a></i>. In this book, Richard Peck brings back Grandma Dowdel, an absolutely delightful and eccentric character. This time she is touching the lives of her new neighbors -- the new pastor in town and his family. The story is told through the eyes of his 12 year old son Bob. Set during the late 50s, it is a wonderful story about the many ways we can touch other people. It's filled with humor and a delightful book for kids to enjoy on their own or to read aloud to them. </span><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are three of my favorites. There are so many others: A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi. What are some of the books your family delights to enjoy?</span></label><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-48109308008015821702012-11-12T04:30:00.000-08:002012-11-15T13:19:19.841-08:00Courageous For Teens<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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<a href="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/173400000/173406559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/173400000/173406559.JPG" width="206" /></a>Raising godly teens and tweens is a challenge. Whether you're a young person who wants to grow in your faith or a parent trying to lead your young person as they mature, it can be tricky to find books that will help in that process. Courageous for Teens is one of those books.</div>
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The book intertwines scenes from the movie Courageous with scripture and profiles of Bible characters who lived with courage. Abraham movign to a new land. Ruth moving to a foreign land. Add many of your favorite Bible stories to the list. Each chapter then ends with five application questions and each section ends with a page of recap. For example "Joshua found courage through...", "Gideon gained strength by..." When the teen finishes this book, they will have examined courageous faith, leadership, priorities, and influence.<br />
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It's a book the teen can tackle alone, in a group, or with their parents. It's easy to read and grasp the concepts. Then the challenge begins of applying those to your life.<br />
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<b>The Book</b><br />
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It's hard to be a teenager in today's society. There are a lot of issues that require an incredible amount of courage on the part of our next generation of leaders. In <i>Courageous Teens,</i> Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, and best-selling youth market author Amy Parker, work together to inspire today's teenagers to live with strength and courage. <br />
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Catt brings fresh insight to "stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe . . . (who) challenge me to keep moving forward. They demand that I examine my priorities and deal with anything that brings fear to my heart."<br />
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Teens will learn more about the faith and courage of such biblical giants as Abraham, Moses, Nehemiah, Ruth, Daniel, and many more.<br />
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Parker arranges the heart-stirring material into four categories: Courageous Faith, Courageous Leadership, Courageous Priorities, and Courageous Influence. </div>
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-86146825429602168412012-11-05T04:30:00.000-08:002012-11-15T12:58:29.677-08:00Beginner Bible iPad app<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">While this is a bit younger than the target audience for most items I review, my kids have enjoyed this app so much, I had to share it with you. If you've got an iPad and kids, then you're probably like me and looking for new games that they can enjoy but teach something of value at the same time. This app does that. </label><br />
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<a href="http://app.beginnersbible.com/images/photo197x147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://app.beginnersbible.com/images/photo197x147.jpg" /></a><label for="mce-EMAIL">The <a href="http://app.beginnersbible.com/">Beginner's Bible app</a> lets your kids interact with Bible stories, bringing them to life with the fun stylized illustrations. There are six stories on the initial download: Creation, Adam & Eve, The Snake, Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babylon, and Abraham finds a New Home. The app will read the stories to your child. Kids and interact with the pictures, adding elements like flowers. Then there's the play feature that allows kids to color pictures, build puzzles, etc. There's even a fruit ninja style game. </label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">My kids enjoy it. I like the content, so it's a win-win.</label><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-8220536027216706732012-10-09T04:58:00.000-07:002012-10-09T04:58:00.150-07:00For Parents: Hot Buttons<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">Parents, aren't there some conversations you dread...maybe because you're just not sure how to start them. Or how to plant the right seeds and information for your kids to make the right decisions. Or maybe you're overwhelmed by all the land mines we have to navigate with our kids. </label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">In the Hot Buttons series, Nicole O'Dell has written a series of books that address the big issues with scriptural wisdom and the information to equip us with the information to have those conversations. Avoidance isn't the recipe for success. So let's open these books and get started with parenting our tweens and teens. </label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">The Sexuality Edition addresses issues like Purity, birth control, and other issues while then giving strategies for success.</label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">She wants to date, but she's too young. He finds himself falling for his girlfriend's best friend. She's being verbally abused by her boyfriend. He wants to get physical but she doesn't. How do you equip your teen to deal with these and other issues that will come up? We all want to think that it won't happen to our kids, but that's not true.</label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">What about when she gets a friend request from a complete stranger. He clicks a link that brings him to a dirty website. She posts a picture online to feel popular. He wants to meet up with guys from a chat room. How do you address those? </label><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-35879073881890115222012-09-19T07:46:00.000-07:002012-09-20T19:53:36.814-07:00Children of Angels Review<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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As a homeschool mom, I am always looking for books that will engage my children's imaginations and be something we can enjoy together. Children of Angels builds from the what if question of what if there were still children of angels on earth? What would those children be like? How would being half-angel impact them? Because of the themes of spiritual warfare, bullying, and fights in the heavenlies, this is a good book for parents and kids to read and discuss together. Some plot threads reminded me of another popular tween series with the half-angel kids going to a special school. This is a book that may also intrigue that hard to reach tween boy population.<div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1.1em;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: 'century gothic'; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
“Not my iPod!” Jeremy Lapoint’s day plunges to record lows when Sid Lundahl and his crew stomp the only nice thing he owns-and Jeremy gets in trouble for fighting. With Dad in prison and Mom struggling to scrape by, Jeremy’s life seems hopeless.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: 'century gothic'; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
Until he has this urge to … fly.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: 'century gothic'; line-height: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
One leap and Jeremy soars through the air. With this and his other new-found powers, life is suddenly amazing, wonderful. Until a real-live demon chases him through the school hallways, terrifying him and making him a freak to his schoolmates. He’s the only one who can see the monster. Jeremy wonders if the flying thing’s worth it.</div>
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But during the chase, Asiel, Jeremy’s guardian angel, wields his sword and battles off the demon. Later Asiel explains that Jeremy’s a Nephilim: half human and half angel. Jeremy’s shocked. His quest to uncover how he got like this sends him to the Higher Humanity Institute where he meets other Nephilim like him along with a slew of enemies-both human and … not.</div>
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In the midst of his strange and dangerous struggles, Jeremy also receives the peace and love he’s always longed for but never knew. When called to lead an angelic battle for the truth, will Jeremy cling to the One who can win the war or let his old doubts and fears overtake him?</div>
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Fun, danger, friendship, mystery, and faith-along with awesome angels and demons-fill the pages of this exciting book. A must-read for kids (and grownups) craving adventure with a life-changing message.</div>
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Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-8039123345190581892012-09-18T06:34:00.000-07:002012-09-18T06:34:00.173-07:00The Enchanted Attic Review<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">Finding interesting fiction for tweens can be tricky. This new series by L.L. Samson (AKA Lisa Samson) does just the trick. The concept is that three kids (13 y.o. twins and a 14 y.o.) join forces to help story characters find their way back to their story worlds. </label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">In this first installment, Ophelia, Linus, and Walter interact with Quasimodo from the <i>Hunchback of Notre Dame</i>. While the original isn't necessarily a book I'd read with my 11 and 8 y.o.s, we were all engaged in this story that tied the story to a new framework. The narrator, a college janitor, peppers the story with big words, ideas, and literary instruction, but does it in a way that broadens the reader's understanding and is still engaging. There's a taste of magic to pull Quasi from Paris to Kingscross. The chapter titles are fun reminding me of the Percy Jackson series. And the chapters are short with exceptional cliffhangers that left my kids begging for just one more chapter. </label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">At the same time, reading a couple three chapters a day wasn't enough for my daughter, who disappeared with the book because we were too slow. We enjoyed this book so much that I've purchased the second -- Moby Dick -- and we're all eagerly awaiting the next adventure of Ophelia, Linus, and Walter.</label><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-35452422248792081902012-09-05T11:20:00.001-07:002012-09-05T11:20:11.088-07:00Live to Give Facebook Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/austingutwein/app_293199044121455" rel="attachment wp-att-2178" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2178" height="159" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/LTG-webcast-banner-504x159.png" title="Conquer Your Fears and “Live to Give” Webcast" width="504" /></a></div>
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<strong>Thomas Nelson Author and Hoops of Hope founder, Austin Gutwein, to host September 6 online event to focusing on themes his latest release</strong>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/live-to-give-by-austin-gutwein-blog-tour-win-a-kindle-fire-and-litfuse-will-donate-250-to-the-charity-of-your-choice%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><em><strong>Live to Give</strong></em></a>.
On September 6 at 8 PM EDT, Austin Gutwein will be hosting a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.facebook.com/austingutwein/app_293199044121455%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”"><strong>live Facebook web event</strong></a> to encourage participants to conquer their fears and use their talents to help others. The webcast will center on the themes Gutwein writes about in his latest release “<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.thomasnelson.com/live-to-give.html%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><strong>Live to Give: Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles</strong></a>” <em>(Thomas Nelson/August, 2012)</em>. At the conclusion of the webcast, the winners of a month-long social media fueled “<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/278780%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”"><strong>Get and Give</strong></a>” contest will be announced, including the winner of a Kindle Fire and $250 donated to the winner’s charity of choice.<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Join Austin on the evening of Thursday, September 6th as he shares about his own experiences and encourages others to conquers their fears and “live to give”. Austin will also be taking audience questions and interacting with participants. PLUS – there will be several “Live to Give” giveaways – books, gift certificates and much more! <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.facebook.com/austingutwein/app_293199044121455%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”">RSVP today</a> and tell your friends. </strong>
Based on the John 6 story of Jesus feeding the 5000, in “Live to Give” Gutwein challenges his readers that regardless of age and talent, God can use them to make a difference. Even though God could take care of everything Himself and doesn’t really need our help, He desperately WANTS us to help Him care for others. Gutwein walks young people through discovering and embracing their unique God-given strengths and abilities, then figuring out how to use those talents to help others. Sometimes doing that takes a leap of faith on our part, and often becoming fearless in the process.<br />
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<strong>More about Austin:</strong> At eighteen years old, Gutwein speaks with wisdom and has the experience to reinforce his message. When Austin was just nine years old, he watched a video that showed children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Gutwein realized these kids weren’t any different from him—except they were suffering. Feeling called to help, he took his love of basketball and decided to shoot free throws to raise money for orphans in Zambia. On World AIDS Day in 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school. Through sponsorship from parents and friends, Gutwein raised over $3,000 that day to give hope to eight orphans in Zambia.
Over the past eight years, Gutwein’s efforts have created Hoops of Hope, the largest free throw marathon in the world. With an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating, Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5 million to build schools, medical clinics, dormitories for orphanages, and the only computer lab in Zambia.
<strong>Enter to win a Kindle Fire and have $250 donated to your favorite charity. Click for the banner for details and entry or visi</strong>t <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”">http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive</a>.
<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/278780" rel="attachment wp-att-1608" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1608" height="96" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Live-to-Give-by-Austin-Gutwein-kindle-giveaway-504x96.png" title="Live to Give by Austin Gutwein kindle giveaway" width="504" /></a><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Learn more about Austin and Hoops of Hope at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.AustinGutwein.com%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”">www.AustinGutwein.com</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.HoopsOfHope.org%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”">www.HoopsOfHope.org</a>.</em>
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-39164719201351592282012-09-01T12:04:00.000-07:002012-09-01T12:04:52.163-07:00Winning Balance by Shawn Johnson<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">Because my daughter is a competitive gymnast, I knew this was a book we'd have to own as soon as I discovered it. Our family remembers well rooting for Shawn in the 2008 gymnastics. Watching her smile and intensity. The way she sparkled as she competed.</label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">When I handed my daughter this book, I was curious whether it would resonate with her or be one she started and then put down. The pages flipped pretty fast as she learned more about Shawn and her journey. The book pairs her journey with her spiritual journey. It's told in a way that perfectly targets teens. The style is conversational taking you behind the scenes in the events in her life. Each chapter also ends with a Lesson I've Learned: a nugget of truth that applies to all of us.</label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">This is a sports memoir with spiritual applications. A worthwhile read, and one I look forward to reading with my daughter next time. </label><br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-31804430872543357432012-08-22T06:45:00.000-07:002012-08-22T18:46:54.339-07:00Pop-Up Bible Stories Review<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
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<a href="http://store.kregel.com/client/products/isbnProdimageLg/9781859852378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://store.kregel.com/client/products/isbnProdimageLg/9781859852378.jpg" /></a><label for="mce-EMAIL"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I don't know about you, but I'm in the season of baby showers. So many young families around us are having babies. And I'm always looking for a great gift that has meaning. <i><a href="http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2735">My Pop-Up Bible Stories</a></i> is a great example of that type of book.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My 4 year-old and 20 month-old have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pictures are intriguing to children with warm colors. It covers tried and true favorite stories from Moses to Daniel and the Lion's Den to Jesus raising the little girl from the dead. My 4 year-old can read it without me worrying about her breaking the book. I want to watch my youngest with it.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is the kind of book that can become a favorite storybook, one children return to over and over. At the same time, it can help parents and others introduce children to key stories in the Bible. More detail would have been nice in the book, but when you keep in mind that this is only a starting point and to remember you'll have to go to the Bible for the full story.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publisher.</span></label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">Live to Give by Austin Gutwein is a book targeted to a young adult audience. It's a book filled with inspiration and motivation to help young adults see how they were created to partner with God. From a launching point of the boy with the five loaves and two fish, it explores how God chose to work with each of us and challenges readers to search for ways God can use them. At the end of each chapter, there are five questions that walk readers through applying the principles to their lives. </label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">In a time when our focus is often inward, I loved the way the author encourages readers to look at how they can work with God to solve problems. It's a great companion to Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. And it exemplifies a generation that wants to be used by God. Made me think of my niece who for her 16th birthday had her friends help her serve a meal in a homeless shelter. And instead of gifts, she asked people to bring times they could put in blessing bags that could be given to the homeless. </label><br />
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<label for="mce-EMAIL">This is a great book that will challenge others to think outside the box and in big ways.</label><br />
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{Endorsements}</h2>
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"Austin and his family are an inspiration to all of us. Can one person make a huge difference? Austin proves the answer is, 'YES.' "<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />~ <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Max Lucado</strong>, Minister of Preaching at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas</div>
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"Austin Gutwein has been changing the world in a big way since he was thirteen. 'Live to Give' is not an ordinary book. This is Austin's already successful blueprint for a generation of young people-and their parents!"<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />~ <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Andy Andrews</strong>, New York Times bestselling author of <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How Do You Kill 11 Million People?, The Notice</em>r, and <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Traveler's Gift</em></div>
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{More about<i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Live to Give</i>}</h2>
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Want to do something for God but don’t know what? Want to help others but don’t know who? Want to know what it is you’re really good at doing? Your gifts may feel small and insignificant. But God can use them to work a miracle!</div>
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Inspired by the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000, Live to Give delivers a message of hope that we all have something to give. Written in the down-to-earth, candid voice of the gifted young man who as a kid founded a relief ministry that has saved and improved countless lives in Africa, Live to Give is the message that every teen needs to hear: You are more special than you know, and you can do big things.</div>
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Jesus proved that no gift is too small when He used five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of thousands. And if no gift is too small, too ordinary, or too random, there is no limit to what the youth of today can accomplish!</div>
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A teenage philanthropist who has built a high school, two medical clinics, and a dormitory in Africa—all before the age of 16—Austin Gutwein shares how to take what may seem like the simplest of talents, gifts, and interests and use them for something Jesus can use to move mountains. <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs019/1101807863309/archive/1109958301475.html" style="color: #00b0d8; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Live to Give</em> Press Kit</a>.</div>
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{More about Austin}</h2>
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As founder of Hoops of Hope, Austin started what is now known as the worlds largest Free-Throw marathon. Austin's Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5M to help orphan children in Africa. Austin also serves as Co-Chair of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's Youth Council. As a highly sought after speaker, Austin has spoken and shared his heart in venues around the world. In 2009, Austin was selected into the Caring Hall of Fame as one of the top 10 most caring Americans.</div>
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Austin's first book, "Take Your Best Shot" shared stories that captured readers hearts and won a Moonbeam Award. For information on booking Austin or general inquiries, please visit <a href="http://www.austingutwein.com/" style="color: #00b0d8; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">austingutwein.com</a>.</div>
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{More about Austin's "Get and Give" Campaign}</h2>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Austin's new book <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Live to Give</em> is about "Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles"! Celebrate with him by entering his "Get and Give" Campaign - you could win a Kindle Fire for yourself <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">AND</em> Litfuse will donate $250 to the charity of your choice!</strong></div>
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<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/278780" style="color: #00b0d8; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/60/ContentImage-20-77655-LivetoGive300.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 500px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">One winner will receive:</strong></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">Five copies of Live to Give by Austin Gutwein</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">$250 donated on the winner’s behalf to the charity of their choice</li>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 right here on the Live to Give Landing Page!</strong></em></div>
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Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Austin's giveaway on<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/278780/invites/new" style="color: #00b0d8; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a></strong> or <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/278780" style="color: #00b0d8; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">TWITTER</a></strong> and increase your chances of winning.</div>
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Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-29310855193266427622012-07-10T05:50:00.000-07:002012-07-10T05:50:00.848-07:00Need Summer Reading? Interview with Author Krista McGee & GiveawayToday, I'm delighted to introduce you to my new friend, Krista McGee. When we stopped at Thomas Nelson in March, one of the books they handed my daughter was <i><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starring-me-krista-mcgee/1107033152">Starring Me</a></i>. She inhaled the book, with lots of giggles. So I decided I, too, must read it. It was a fun read as I ran on the treadmill. Enough about that though. I'm delighted the publisher is willing to give one reader a copy of this book! Read through to the end for how to possible get one copy of the book. Here's more from Krista...<br />
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<a href="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/e6/27/599f5684b8850ac1d18820.L._V138904040_SX200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/e6/27/599f5684b8850ac1d18820.L._V138904040_SX200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/164700000/164700136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/164700000/164700136.JPG" width="209" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11pt;">1) <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/starring-me-krista-mcgee/9781401684891/pd/684890?product_redirect=1&Ntt=684890&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP">Starring Me</a></i> has a clever setting with a reality show, but there’s much more to it. How did you get the idea for Starring Me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #000099;">This series of books is loosely based on biblical characters. <i>First Date </i>was based on Esther, and in that book, I began with the Esther story and crafted Addy's story around it. With <i>Starring Me, </i>I had my character, Kara, and looked for a biblical story that could parallel hers. I have always loved the romance of Rebekah and Isaac, and I thought that could fit. Because Kara loves acting, I knew I'd have to place her in a situation where she'd have the opportunity to pursue that love, while also being unknowingly pursued by a boy. Isaac was the long-awaited child of Abraham and Sarah, so having him be the somewhat overly-protected only child of older parents worked for <i>my </i>"Isaac"-- Chad Beacon. The "mediator" is the Beacon's assistant, Flora, a quirky character who feels from the start Kara is "the one." And so the stage was set!<br />
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2) How did you get the idea for Starring Me? <br />
<span style="color: #000099;">This story's premise was really a collaborative effort. My editors wanted me to keep going with the "reality TV/ordinary-girl-in-an-extraordinary-situation" theme I had in <i>First Date</i>. I wanted to tell a story that would fit Kara while staying true to my passion as a writer who liberally sprinkles Jesus all through her books. My students reminded me that teens enjoy humor more than sermons. So I sat down and thought through how I could make all of that work. My agent helped me create Flora, and my students helped me come up with the idea for a show-within-a-show: Kara thinks she is auditioning to co-host a new teen variety show, but, in reality, it is her character that is being tested, not her acting skills. Chad's parents want him working with a young woman who shares his faith - tying back into the Isaac and Rebekah story.<br />
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3) What was the hardest thing about writing Starring Me?<br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Finding time to write was the hardest part. I am a wife, mom of three, and an English teacher. I also direct the musicals at my school, and am involved in several different ministries at my church. I was writing this book in the middle of all that. It was crazy! <br />
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4) So how exactly did you research what a reality show was like? Have you been on one? I’ve always thought Amazing Race could be fun as long as my husband ate all the weird (i.e. GROSS!) food.<br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Because this book was more about the auditioning process than the show itself, I drew on my own theatrical experience. I have been in a few dozen productions and directed several, as well. I've never been part of a reality TV show, but I read different blogs and entertainment magazine articles about the behind-the-scenes aspects of those shows. I found that more is scripted than is real, and that people aren't always off-screen what they seem to be on-screen. All of that played into my story and the development of the other characters in the audition.<br />
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5) Will we get to see Kara (love her name btw!) and Chad in another book? Or will we see Josh and AXXXX’s story? <br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Thanks :) Although Kara isn't featured in the next book, she is present. <i>Right Where I Belong </i>is about a young woman named Natalia who moves from Spain to Tampa with her stepmother (guess what biblical character she is based on?). Natalia attends the same school as Addy, and Addy introduces her to Kara.<br />
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6) Why write for this audience? What draws you to teenagers?<br />
<span style="color: #000099;">I have worked with teens for over a decade, as a youth leader and a Christian school teacher. God used youth leaders and Christian teachers in my life to help me through those difficult years, and I want to do the same for the teens God places in my life. I love helping this next generation see how much God loves them and how He has plans for them that are far beyond what they could ever imagine.<br />
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7) What do you hope readers will take away from reading Starring Me?<br />
<span style="color: #000099;">My desire is that my books be "Escape and Encouragement." I want my readers to laugh and have fun with Kara. But I also hope they will be challenged in their understanding of who Christ is and who we are in Him. <i>Starring Me </i>touches on barriers to belief and serving others, as well as friendship and dating and awkward moments with egotistical boys.<br />
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Okay, where can readers connect with you? <br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Visit my website: <a href="http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com/">www.kristamcgeebooks.com</a></span><span style="color: #000099;">, become a fan on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Krista-McGee/139906836110084">Facebook</a>, and/or follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Krista__McGee">Twitter</a>. I looooove hearing from my readers!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Cara again. So if you could be on any reality TV show, which would you pick? Leave a comment with a way to contact you to be entered for a chance to read this fun book. </span></span>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-43687263456737877742012-07-06T05:14:00.000-07:002012-07-06T05:14:00.180-07:00Starring Me Review<br />
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My daughter received <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/starring-me-krista-mcgee/9781401684891/pd/684890?item_code=WW&netp_id=963204&event=ESRCG&view=details">Starring Me</a></i> as an ARC when we were on a trip. The rest of the trip was filled with her giggles as she flew through this story. She liked it so much I decided I needed to try it too.<br />
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This story is a delightful story inside a story. Kara wants to be a star, but doesn't know for sure how that will happen. Chad is set to star in a new teen variety show, but his parents have made a requirement that they be allowed to pick his co-star. This story is a treat in the way that the contest to find his co-star unfolds and also in the way that it overlays a Bible story.<br />
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Perfect read for teens who want a little bit more in their books.<br />
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Here's more about the book:<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.</b><br />
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The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.</div>
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Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning <i>America's Next Star</i>, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.</div>
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Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.</div>
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And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.</div>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-61334765242098247202012-06-11T06:40:00.000-07:002012-08-28T15:06:50.727-07:00Review Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVx6A2BEWc9dfP8X6nTasUkDPWJulnzjK05CIBRb6Yo8s1EW-88_sCNwda_GUyOlner3LPksgGODZrLfMpLSFrljOTGnqPlcFhdFq7-R3CI6l9GaPEbD6vngVuae0BB44rjdcCDu8aE0B/s1600/angel+eyes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVx6A2BEWc9dfP8X6nTasUkDPWJulnzjK05CIBRb6Yo8s1EW-88_sCNwda_GUyOlner3LPksgGODZrLfMpLSFrljOTGnqPlcFhdFq7-R3CI6l9GaPEbD6vngVuae0BB44rjdcCDu8aE0B/s1600/angel+eyes.gif" /></a>Once you've seen, you can't unsee. </div>
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Brielle went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She's come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and an incredible, numbing cold she can't seem to shake.</div>
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Jake's the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption. <br />
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Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what's going to happen. And a beauty brighter than either Brielle or Jake has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices begin.<br />
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Review: <br />
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This is a book that my daughter inhaled. While she devours most books, I wasn't sure she'd like this one because of it's strong supernatural tones. Instead, she loved it precisely for those reasons. This book strikes me as a teenage version of This Present Darkness, a book I loved as a teen because it stretched my imagination and thoughts regarding the struggles that are largely unseen. <br />
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The story pulled my daughter in. From the opening pages filled with a tragedy that propels Brielle home to her new gift that allows her to see things others can't. There's also a romance, but one with a twist. It's hard to say too much more without giving the plot away. Let's just say that this book illustrates the concept that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. And my daughter can't wait to read the next installment!Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-82260062388764886292012-06-09T05:21:00.000-07:002012-06-13T23:43:10.327-07:00Like Supernatural Fiction? Meet author Shannon Dittemore<br />
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Today, I'm delighted to introduce you to a new-to-me author who could become a fun friend. <a href="http://shannondittemore.com/">Shannon Dittemore</a>'s debut novel releases May 29...just in time for summer reading. I'm delighted the publisher is willing to give one reader a copy of this book, so be sure to leave a comment with a way to contact you! My daughter received this book when we were on vacation and loved it! That was enough for me to know I needed to get to know Shannon. So let's learn more...<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />1) </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401686354/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=carput-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401686354">Angel Eyes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=carput-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1401686354" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;"> has a supernatural setting — it always fascinates me when authors can think that way. How did you get the idea for Angel Eyes?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />I've always been fascinated with spiritual beings. When I was a teen, our church had a performing arts team and I always seemed to land the role of Satan. Whether Satan was biting the dust or getting knocked out in the Champion (thank you, Carman!) I apparently had the whole demonic thing down. I'm the daughter of a preacher and the wife of another one, so the supernatural is something I've grown up knowing about, learning about, believing in from a young age. To turn my imagination loose on those ideas was very natural.<br /><br />2) Is there any part of Brielle that might be borrowed from you?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />The fear, certainly. I dealt with fear for a time. It's been a journey and I'm so grateful for God's help through it, but I understand what it is to be frozen by anxiety and terror. I've learned that being fearless isn't the absence of fear, but the refusal to let it govern your actions. I don't have it all down, but God's gracious and He's teaching me.<br /><br />Brielle also references Neverland from time to time. I'm rather fascinated with Peter Pan myself.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />3) What was the hardest thing about writing </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401686354/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=carput-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401686354">Angel Eyes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=carput-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1401686354" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />Time. I'm certainly not alone in this, but finding the time with two young children at home is difficult. It's another thing God's helping me with.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />4) Can you give people a teaser?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />Sure! Angel Eyes is about a girl who returns to her small hometown after tragedy has struck. She has all the potential in the world, but grief and fear have taken over and she feels frozen, unable to move forward. Enter the boy next door. Jake's got a few secrets of his own, and there's something about his hands--his blazing hands--that has Brielle paying attention. Jake gives Brielle a gift that opens her eyes in more than one way and that's when all hell breaks loose. Literally. </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />5) Will we get to see Brielle and her friends in another book?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />I'm happy to report that <i>Angel Eyes</i> is the first in a trilogy of books. The second book is called <i>Broken Wings</i> and will be out next February. The third book is still untitled and I'm not entirely sure when it'll be released.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />6) Why write for this audience? What draws you to teenagers?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />This one's hard to answer. I'm not entirely sure why I write for teenagers. Maybe because I am still a teen at heart. Everything's still very raw, very real, and very important at that age. I like that. I think I live like that. Sometimes, like in the lives of teenagers, that makes things much more complicated than they need to be, but it's the way I'm wired. God helps me here too. <i>Feeling</i> is very important for teens and as a first class emoter, I understand entirely.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />7) What do you hope readers will take away from </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401686354/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=carput-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401686354">Angel Eyes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=carput-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1401686354" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />That they are not alone. That even when life throws craziness at you and when you stumble into dark places, you haven't been abandoned. If readers come away with something close to that, I've done my job.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />Okay, where can readers connect with you? </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /><br />I'm everywhere, I think! I even have an </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401686354/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=carput-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401686354">Angel Eyes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=carput-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1401686354" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> board on Pinterest.<br /><br />My website and blog: <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://shannondittemore.com/">http://shannondittemore.com/</a></u></span><br />Facebook: <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShannonDittemore">https://www.facebook.com/ShannonDittemore</a></u></span><br /><br />Twitter: <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ShanDitty">https://twitter.com/#!/ShanDitty</a></u></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Pinterest: </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="http://pinterest.com/shanditty/">http://pinterest.com/shanditty/</a></u></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-25542899637854708722012-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-06T06:00:05.168-07:00Pressing the "Hot Buttons"<strong>Today I'm delighted to turn over my blog to my good writing bud </strong><strong><a href="http://nicoleodell.com/parent-side/whos-nicole-2/" title="Who’s Nicole?">Nicole O'Dell</a></strong><strong>. I love her heart for tweens and teens. And my
<strong>What are <em><a href="http://nicoleodell.com/parent-side/hot-buttons-books/" title="Nicole O’Dell: On Hot Buttons">Hot Buttons</a></em>? </strong>
Well, in the broader sense, the phrase Hot Buttons means a lot of different things, anything really, that can get a rise out people. Something that charges them up and receives an intense reaction. For the purposes of <a href="http://nicoleodell.com/choose-now-ministries-nicole-odell/" title="Choose NOW Ministries with Nicole O’Dell">Choose NOW Ministries</a>, I've defined hot buttons as those tough issues that teenagers face--the things parents are often more afraid of and most hesitant to talk about.
Some examples include:
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</strong><br />
<ul><strong>
<li>Drugs</li>
<li>Alcohol</li>
<li>Sex</li>
<li>Friendships</li>
<li>Racism</li>
<li>Internet Activity</li>
<li>Faith Matters</li>
<li>Divorce</li>
<li>Dating</li>
<li>Bullying</li>
<li>Occult</li>
<li>and more</li>
</strong></ul>
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<strong>Why press the </strong><strong><em><a href="http://nicoleodell.com/parent-side/hot-buttons-books/" title="Nicole O’Dell: On Hot Buttons">Hot Buttons</a></em></strong><strong>?</strong></h3>
Why not just leave it alone and let the kids figure it out? We can pray for them and trust it all to work out in the end. In some ways it does work itself out, true. Circumstances happen, pressure hits, relationships change. . .and your teens gets to figure it all out. In the heat of the moment. On their own. Hopefully they'll make the right choice, but it's really hard to know what will happen when the prep work isn't done.
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Buttons-Internet-Edition-Series/dp/0825442397/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337538575&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><img alt="Hot Buttons, Dating, Nicole O'Dell" class="alignleft" height="224" src="http://nicoleodell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/hot-buttons-dating-Nicole-ODell.png" style="margin: 5px;" title="hot buttons dating Nicole O'Dell" width="224" /></a>Take an issue like dating--we talk about the boundaries. We set rules for curfew and other things. We even make sure we apprrove of the date and talk about saying no to sexual advances. Right?
And that's great. It really is. But there's something missing. Our teens need to know what to do and what not to do, and what we expect of them, but they also need to understand why that's going to be difficult for them. How does the body respond in ways that make it tough to say no? What will the feelings be like that make it difficult to leave the room or douse the proverbial flames?
You see, if we don't hit those truth head on before they become an issue, our teens will think it's a secret, it's specific to them, and we really don't know what we're asking them to say no to. But, if we press those hot buttons in advance, if we have the difficult conversations, then our teens will enter those pressure-filled situations armed with understanding and equipped with the words to say to stay true to their commitments.
<em>With every hot button issue, someone is feeding your tweens and teens information--do you really want that someone to be anyone other than you?</em>
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<strong>How do I press the <em><a href="http://nicoleodell.com/parent-side/hot-buttons-books/" title="Nicole O’Dell: On Hot Buttons">Hot Buttons</a></em></strong>?</h3>
Now that you've made the decision to be proactive about helping your tweens and teens battle peer pressure, I love to share the principles behind the Hot Buttons book series and the method of communicating with your teens it prescribes.
<img alt="Hot Buttons, Internet, Nicole O"Dell" class="alignright" height="224" src="http://nicoleodell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/hot-buttons-internet-Nicole-ODell.png" style="margin: 5px;" title="hot buttons internet Nicole O'Dell" width="224" />
Each book is topical based on a single Hot Button issue and its surrounding sub-topics. For example, the Hot Buttons Internet Edition deals with social networking, pornography, predators, cyber bullying, and more. The goal isn't to convince parents to keep their kids off the net, but rather to arm them with the tools they need to navigate it in a safe and healthy way.
Same with the Dating Edition. It covers early relationships, physical boundaries, date rape, and more. Instead of just handing down rules, parents need to walk their teens through the details and equip them with the understanding of what's out and how to rise above the peer pressure.
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<h3>
<strong>How does <em><a href="http://nicoleodell.com/parent-side/hot-buttons-books/" title="Nicole O’Dell: On Hot Buttons">Hot Buttons</a> work</em></strong>?</h3>
<div>
Each book is designed the same way. The first few chapters discuss the hows and whys of tackling hot buttons early and effectively. Part two dives into the topics with statistics and information that every parent should know. Next are the application portions of the book. This is when you put into practice the principles we discuss early on. Strategic Scenarios (up to 15 per book) allow you to walk your teens through a fictional situation and then offer options, choices, as to how they think they'd respond.</div>
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Here's an example of the way a Strategic Scenario works:</div>
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<span style="color: #333399;"><em>You really like this one guy at school. You have for a long time, actually. Problem is, your BFF likes him too. And you have to admit, she’s liked him longer, but he seems to prefer </em><em>you. You just don’t know what to do about it. You don’t want to hurt your friend, but you have to take care of yourself first, right?</em></span>
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<span style="color: #333399;"><em>Finally, he asks you out. Now it’s decision time. What do you do? </em></span>
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<span style="color: #333399;"><em></em><strong>Present the following choices to your teenager:</strong></span>
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<ol>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">He obviously like you best and telling him no isn’t going to make him like your BFF. You might as well go out with him and deal with her later. What’s she going to do about it anyway?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">You’ll go out with him, but only secretly. Hopefully she'll never find out.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">You thank him, and tell him you need a day or two to think about it. Time to have a heart-to-heart with your friend. If she’s okay with it, you’re in!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">No, too much is at stake. Your BFF will tell you she’s fine with it, but you know it will break her heart. Then what? It wouldn’t be the same again. Plus, you’re supposed to be the Christian; you need to put her first.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #333399;"><strong><em>Now let your teen make a choice between the responses without feeling judged or directed. You want the response to be as honest as possible.</em></strong></span>
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<span style="color: #333399;"><strong><em>Here are some discussion points you can use to lead the conversation after the choice is made:</em></strong></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">BFs come and go; BFF last a lifetime</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">What would Jesus do?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">How would you feel in your BFF’s shoes?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">Talk about this sort of thing ahead of time. Don’t wait until it’s a real issue. Clear the air.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">Loyalty and honestly are qualities of Christ.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333399;">A year from now, when you look back on the situation, which choice will make you proud?</span></li>
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<span style="color: #333399;"><strong>So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12, NIV)</strong></span>
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The final chapters of each Hot Buttons book will lead you and your family through confession and forgiveness and then help you walk into the future with a clean slate, armed with the tools you all need to face those hot buttons.
If you're a parent of teens, or you know one, I hope you'll visit <a href="http://www.hotbuttonsite.com/">www.hotbuttonsite.com</a> to read more Hot Buttons posts each week. Also, the first two Hot Buttons books: Dating and Internet, release on 6/1. Following soon after on 10/1 are the Sexuality and Drug editions.
<em><a href="http://nicoleodell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Nicole-ODell-framed.png"><img alt="Nicole O'Dell, Choose HER, Choose NOW ministries" class="alignleft wp-image-6523" height="180" src="http://nicoleodell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Nicole-ODell-framed-240x300.png" style="margin: 5px;" title="Nicole O'Dell framed" width="144" /></a>Nicole O'Dell, founder of <a href="http://www.choose-now.com/">Choose NOW Ministries</a> and host of <a href="http://www.choosenowradio.com/">Choose NOW Radio</a>: Parent Talk and Teen Talk, is a youth culture expert who writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents on preparing for life's tough choices. The mother of six, including toddler triplets, she’s author of YA fiction, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series, and non-fiction for teens including <a href="http://nicoleodell.com/home-2/teen-site/teen-nonfiction/girl-talk-1/">Girl Talk</a>, 2/1/12, based on the popular advice column she writes with her two daughters. <a href="http://www.hotbuttonsite.com/">Hot Buttons</a>, O’Dell’s non-fiction series for parents pre-empts peer pressure by tackling tough issues. Visit www.nicoleodell.com. </em>
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</strong></div>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-66000191835118090792012-06-01T02:46:00.000-07:002012-06-01T02:46:16.758-07:00Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavin<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At our house right now, my tweens are racing through Andrew Klavan's books. Here's what my daughter says:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crazy Dangerous is a well-written thriller. Sam is a regular boy who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances. He just wants to be a normal kid, but not pushed around anymore. Jennifer is a school mate with some type of mental illness. She talks crazy and hallucinates. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This shouldn't impact Sam but it does because the thugs that are trying to mess up Sam's life are messing with Jennifer, too. Sam has a strong desire to protect Jennifer and stop whatever she's facing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was the first Andrew Klavan book I read. I enjoyed it so much, that I've now raced through the Homelanders series. The author's books are great because they are action-packed. They are impossible to put-down. And are perfect for kids who like to read stories about heroic struggles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My 8.5 year old son likes his books because they are action-packed and heroic. The kid is in trouble the whole way through the book. My husband enjoyed the series because it captured all the angst of the teen years but equipped the main character for the struggles he would face.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 21px;">{About Crazy Dangerous}</span></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"You probably want to hear about Jennifer and the demons and how I played chicken with a freight train and-oh yeah-the weird murder . . . you're definitely going to want to hear about that."</strong></em></div>
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Sam Hopkins is a good kid who has fallen in with a bad crowd. Hanging around with car thieves and thugs, Sam knows it's only a matter of time before he makes one bad decision too many and gets into real trouble.</div>
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But one day, Sam sees them harassing an eccentric schoolmate of his named Jennifer. When Sam finds the courage to face the bullies down, he loses a bad set of friends and acquires a very strange new one.</div>
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Because Jennifer is not just eccentric. To Sam, she seems downright crazy. She has terrifying hallucinations involving demons and the devil and death. And here's the really crazy part: Sam is beginning to suspect that these visions may actually be prophecies--prophecies of something terrible that's going to happen very soon. Unless he can stop it.</div>
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With no one to believe him, with no one to help him, Sam is now all alone in a race against time. Finding the truth before disaster strikes is going to be both crazy and very, very dangerous.</div>
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{About Andrew Klavan}</h2>
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Andrew Klavan was hailed by Stephen King as "the most original novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich." He is the recipient of two Edgar Awards and the author of such bestsellers as True Crime and Don't Say a Word.</div>
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His books and screenplays have been turned into films directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Michael Douglas, Ed Burns, Michael Caine among others.</div>
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Hometown: Santa Barbara, California Books Sold to Date: over 1.5 million. For more about Andrew and his books for young adults, visit him at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Klavans-Adventure-Novels/214665955311172?ref=ts" style="color: #00b0d8; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Adventure Page</a> on Facebook.</div>
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<br /></div>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-50711076610554002602012-05-01T05:07:00.000-07:002012-05-01T05:07:00.265-07:00Interview with Author Robert Liparulo<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Robert, you’re known for writing creepy and intense books. There’s usually a spiritual idea contained in the book, but it’s not always overt. Is <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=9781595541697&amp;event=AFF&amp;p=1141766">The 13th Tribe</a></i> different?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">My previous adult thrillers were heavy on action, adventure, and the fight between Good and Evil—but light when it came to acknowledging God’s influence in the world and in the lives of my characters. That was fine with me: Before embarking on each new story, I’d spend weeks fasting and in seclusion, praying for Divine guidance. And then I wrote the stories I believe God wanted me to tell in the way He wanted me to tell them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">As I prayed about the next adult thriller after <i>Deadlock</i>, I sensed God’s telling me it was time to go another direction, to take a new, bold stance in proclaiming His sovereignty in everything that happens. To rip down the veil and show His inextricable presence in all we experience—unreservedly and unapologetically.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">The result is <i>The 13th Tribe</i>—to me, a very special story that marks my first foray into what many people call “Christian fiction,” though I like to think of it as a faith-filled supernatural thriller.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Wow! I'm challenged by the way you fast and pray over your books. What a great way to dedicate your writing to God. How did you get the idea for this <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=9781595541697&amp;event=AFF&amp;p=1141766">13th Tribe</a></i> (which I thought was brilliant!)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">Thank you. Some time ago, I started thinking about vigilantism, frontier justice. I think most of us would say we’d do something to stop, for example, a child abuser, even if we have to go outside the law to do it (assuming all other recourses have failed). But what are the ramifications of that . . . to society? To our souls? It’s a scary door to open. The best way to examine a topic is to exaggerate it, or look at how it functions under extreme circumstances. I wanted to look at vigilantism that way: an exaggerated reason to be a vigilante . . . how far could you take it . . . what do you become if you practice it over a long period of time?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">You can’t think too deeply about taking the law into your own hands, about hurting people before they can hurt others, without eventually getting around to thinking about the nature of forgiveness and grace. So now there’s God, filing off the edges of my story, shaping it into something bigger than it was before.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3366ff;">The 13th Tribe</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #3366ff;"> can be summed up in two words: Immortal vigilantes. But, really, it goes much deeper. It explores our struggle to grasp God’s holiness; our stubborn belief in “earning” God’s favor, though we know better; and how even our good intentions can be twisted when we insist on abiding by our own limited logic instead of God’s righteous wisdom. All of this in a story filled with action, cutting-edge technology, and complex characters—the kind of story I like reading myself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">I think that's what struck me most about the premise...the way the 13th Tribe spent eternity trying to earn their way back to God...twisted as it was. What do you hope readers will <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29771877" name="_GoBack"></a>experience in your novels?</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">I hope readers will see a little of themselves in the characters, and perhaps grow with the characters—I know I do as I write them. I hope readers of <i>The 13th Tribe</i>, for instance, will realize that the Tribe’s desire to earn God’s acceptance isn’t so far away from what a lot of us struggle with—despite knowing that as believers we already have it. On the flip side, I hope that they feel the Tribe’s deep yearning for something many of us take for granted, God’s love. If a single reader comes to truly appreciate what he or she has in God, it’ll be worth the year and half I put into writing it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29771877" name="OLE_LINK10"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29771877" name="OLE_LINK11"><b><span style="color: #3366ff;">But </span></b></a><b><span style="color: #3366ff;">I also want to entertain people. I want them to be caught up in the story and enjoy the time it takes it read it. If they aren't entertained, totally engrossed, then they’re not going to care about the characters or the adventure or deeper meaning may lie beneath.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">I think that's the key to a good book. Weaving in those deeper threads that leave me as a reader thinking about the premise after I close the cover, yet still entertaining me. It's a challenge as a writer to strike that balance. Robert, you started as a journalist. How did you make the transition to writing? What do you miss most from your journalism days?</span><b><span style="color: #3366ff;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">I had some author friends who knew I wanted to write novels, not continue writing magazine articles. So they’d call me and ask if I would be happy as a seventy-year-old having never even tried my hand at novel writing. With their prodding, I finally wrote<i> Comes a Horseman</i>.</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">What I miss most about journalism is the quick turnaround time from writing a piece to seeing it published. From the time I start a book to the when it’s published is often eighteen months or so. With articles, it was anywhere from a few days to a few months. It’s nice to see your work put out there so soon. But then again, articles are impermanent. They’re there and gone too fast. The longevity of novels is worth the longer time to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29771877" name="OLE_LINK12"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29771877" name="OLE_LINK13">publication</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">What is the hardest part of your job?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">Discipline: The will to write no matter how tired you are, how many doubts you have about your hard work paying off, how many distractions are dancing around you, chattering for attention. It’s really easy to think of reasons <i>not</i> to write when you’re existing on four hours of sleep a night, when your kids are hoping you’ll attend the school play they’re in (usually I’ll go, then get an hour or two less sleep that night), when there’s no one but yourself to hold you to a schedule, a word quota.</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Boy, do I know what you mean. Balance and discipline are a challenge -- especially when we're in the deadline zone. I’ve found that God always teaches me something through my writing. What did you learn as you wrote <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=9781595541697&amp;event=AFF&amp;p=1141766">the 13th Tribe</a></i>?</span><b><span style="color: #3366ff;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">I’ve always studied His word, always sought deeper understanding, but now, writing about it, I’m learning so much more. To make these stories work, to make faith integral to the plots, I have to excavate theology like I never have before. What struck me more while writing and researching <i>The 13th Tribe </i>is that at every turn, I’m awed by His love for us, his tolerance and grace. We are so unworthy, but still, there He is, arms wide <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29771877" name="OLE_LINK14"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29771877" name="OLE_LINK15">open</a>.</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Colorado is God’s country. What’s your favorite part of living there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">I love Colorado’s unlimited opportunities to have fun in the great outdoors. Hiking, climbing, white water rafting, skiing, boarding—I even scuba dived down the Arkansas river once. It was a wild ride. Everywhere you look, God reveals Himself in nature. It’s inspiring.</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">That's one of the reasons Colorado is such a special place to me. I can't spend time in the Rockies and not see God's fingerprints everywhere. Anything else you’d like to tell us about <i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=9781595541697&amp;event=AFF&amp;p=1141766">The 13thTribe</a></i>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">You know, I hate to say something like, <i>I think we’ve covered it</i>, because honestly, I could talk about it all day. But I suppose we have to wrap it up sometime.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Where can people find out more about you and your books?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3366ff;">My website is </span></b><a href="http://www.robertliparulo.com/"><span style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">www.robertliparulo.com</span></a><b><span style="color: #3366ff;">. Thank you so much for talking with me about <i>The 13th Tribe</i>. Wonderful questions!</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;"><br />Thanks so much for joining us!</span></div>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-49276211184685680402012-04-17T04:22:00.000-07:002012-04-17T04:22:00.472-07:00The Restorer's Son Expanded Edition<br />
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<b><i>I loved this series when it originally released...a shock for someone who is not a fantasy person. I'm thrilled that it's been rereleased with additional scenes and lots of goodies added in. If you didn't read this series the first time, do yourself a favor and read it now. It is wonderful! Here's a little about the book...and keep reading for an interview with the author.</i></b></div>
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Book two in the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric series, <i>The Restorer’s Son</i> won a Carol Award for speculative fiction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake. All signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. A target of assassins and more political intrigue, false leads and near misses beset their path, which leads them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One’s purpose is revealed.<br /><br />Cast out by those he trusts, the new reluctant Restorer prefers to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will. Pursued by his calling, he journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all—perhaps even his life.<br /><br />This new expanded edition of <i>The Restorer’s Son</i> includes an in-depth devotion guide for readers who want to dig into the spiritual themes of the book, bonus scenes providing glimpses of the story through a variety of characters, and fun extras including links to songs and recipes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Here's Sharon with more.</i></b></div>
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<u>What was it like developing new material for this new edition?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Books are like children. I treasure each of them in different ways, and among the novels I’ve written, I try not to have favorites. However, I confess that <i>The Restorer’s Son</i> has an extra special place in my heart. Because of that, it was fun to revisit the characters and world of this story. Kieran’s attitudes were loosely inspired by a verse in Judges where Gideon is told God will use him to save his people. Gideon’s response is basically, “If God is for us, why have all these bad things happened to us?” It’s a question many can relate to, and part of the reason that Kieran is such a beloved character. </div>
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The new devotion guide gives readers an opportunity to dig deeper into the Biblical inspirations that helped inform the book, as well as find personal application. About forty pages of new content, including bonus scenes and a new song composed for the book, make this edition a new experience.</div>
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<u>How did you decide where to put in bonus elements?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Working with the publisher, we decided it was important to keep the flow of the story intact and free from distractions. So the book is designed with a large back-of-the-book section that can be used either after finishing the story, or during the reading of the main story. Small symbols and page numbers at the end of chapters direct readers to bonus scenes, and QR symbols in the margin invite readers to explore audio files, or recipes, or rules for playing Perish – all without interrupting the story.</div>
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It was important to me that people would feel that it was worth the investment to own <i>The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition</i>, even if they had a copy of the original edition, so we packed this book with lots of added value.</div>
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<u>Besides an entertaining read, what do you hope people experience in <i>The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition</i>?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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My hope is that readers will catch glimpses of the way the One speaks to each of us in the language we understand, and that we can go to Him with our difficult questions. For those who are walking very painful roads, I hope the story will help them feel acknowledged. The journey <i>is</i> hard, heroic, and sometimes frightening. But we are never alone.</div>
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<u>Where can people find the book?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/">www.sharonhinck.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/">http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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To order The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition:</div>
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<strong><a href="http://urlcut.me/aM3"><span style="font-weight: normal;">http://urlcut.me/aM3</span></a><o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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Kindle version:</div>
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<strong><a href="http://urlcut.me/aM2"><span style="font-weight: normal;">http://urlcut.me/aM2</span></a><o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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AUTHOR BIO:</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sharon writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary people experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways. Known for their authenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels include contemporary fiction such as <em><b>The Secret Life of Becky Miller</b></em> or <strong><i>Stepping into Sunlight</i></strong> and the groundbreaking <em>Sword of Lyric</em> fantasy series which includes <strong><i>The Restorer’s Son–Expanded Edition</i></strong>. She’s been a Christy finalist and won three Carol awards.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned an M.A. in Communication. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She loves interacting with visitors at her website and blog: sharonhinck.com<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-26963862189256338722012-04-11T07:11:00.000-07:002012-04-11T07:11:45.434-07:00The Embittered Ruby by Nicole O'Dell<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12359878-the-embittered-ruby" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Embittered Ruby" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328735222m/12359878.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12359878-the-embittered-ruby">The Embittered Ruby</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2930726.Nicole_O_Dell">Nicole O'Dell</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/310452601">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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This review is from my daughter who inhaled this book: Sixteen year old Carmen finds herself for an escape from her new home in New Jersey. After her parents divorce, her mom moves her and her sisters to an apartment on the wrong side of town. Everything she knows -- from her family to her friends -- is stripped away and she's desperate to somehow recreate what she once had. When all of her attempts fail, it feels like her life is over. She makes a string of bad choices in her attempt to break free. She's willing to do just about anything if it means creating a new family. These choices lead her to Diamond Estates in Colorado. At Diamond Estates she has to confront the consequences of her choices and decide whether to change or continue on her path. All along God's grace is waiting and wooing her...she just has to choose whether to accept it.
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While Carmen made a bunch of bad choices, I liked her story because it showed me that no matter what we do God still loves us and won't leave us. No matter what we've done, God won't turn His back on us. He's still waiting for us to turn to Him. Her story pulled me in -- I literally read this book in one night. It hit our house, and I inhaled it. I also enjoyed the return to Diamond Estates...a place I loved in the first book Wishing Pearl.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/674427-cara-putman">View all my reviews</a>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-73181382603964189682012-03-31T11:04:00.001-07:002012-03-31T11:04:58.948-07:00Nicole O'Dell's Scenario booksHave you read any of Nicole O'Dell's scenario books? Then take a few minutes and let her know <a href="http://nicoleodell.com/2010/05/scenarios-community/?gb_page=read">here</a>. It's a fun way to interact with her!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kW13j07rGDM" width="560"></iframe>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-13954934494846110332012-02-23T05:20:00.000-08:002012-02-24T05:21:15.419-08:00Girl Talk by Nicole O'Dell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you looking for a resource for the teen or older tween girl in your life? One that answers the questions buzzing through her head? This colorful, magazine-like book could be just the ticket. It's like sitting down with a big sister and couple of friends and asking them the questions plaguing you. With its colorful and wisdom filled pages, this book is designed to be a go-to for young ladies with questions about life.<br />
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<strong style="background-color: #f5f7d4; color: #080705; font-family: helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><em>Questions about life stuff–relationships, body image, fashion. . . ? Look no further! This fabulous resource offers awesome advice from popular author of teen fiction, Nicole O’Dell. 180 days of Q&As plus related scripture selections will encourage and challenge your faith walk.</em></strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">Popular blogging trio--mother, Nicole O'Dell, along with daughters, Emily and Natalie--offer trustworthy, biblically-based advice with a devotional flavor for girls ages 10 to 16. Culled from actual questions they've encountered on their blog site, this fabulous resource offers real-life helps for girls on issues including relationships, character, body image, fashion, gossip, and more. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">Girls will find 180 questions along with answers and related scripture selections that will both encourage and challenge them in their faith walk. Girl Talk, presented in a trendy format that reads like a magazine, is a super tool for girls' small groups or for individual use. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d-e-4UAfQcI?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881501967161669736.post-7564843368709591062012-02-15T05:43:00.000-08:002012-02-15T05:43:00.515-08:00Halflings: in the vein of Percy Jackson thrillers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Halflings</i> is the debut release by author <a href="http://www.heatherburchbooks.com/">Heather Burch</a>. It is targeted to teens and has strong supernatural characters. I've been waiting for this book since meeting Heather at ACFW in September. My daughter stole the book the moment it arrived at our house. She literally couldn't put it down, reading it in the car, at the gym and everywhere in between.<br />
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Here's what she has to say:<br />
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Hal<i>f</i>lings was a really interesting book. It has a Percy Jackson feel minus the Greek mythology. It has a Christian spin with angels, hell hounds, demons, and other supernatural characters called halflings. All are battling over a teenage girl. The halflings are tasked with protecting her from the dark forces chasing her for unknown reasons. Nikki changes from a normal teenager to a girl fighting for her life. When the halflings first save her, she has no idea what they are other than they are gorgeous. Then she learns they are half angels/half human and determined to save her. She's just as adamant about protecting them. The battle is happening in a realm no one else can see. The Halflings look like normal teenagers to her friends.<br />
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Nikki isn't a Christian but through the battles begins to believe there could be more than science can explain. This is definitely the first book in a series that ends with the intensity of books like Percy Jackson.<br />
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What I liked most was the characters -- they were amazing because they were vibrant and I could picture them easily. Even though there are creatures in it that I've never seen I cared about them. A must read for lovers of mythic books.Cara Putmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08316731047954376226noreply@blogger.com0