Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher

Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher, finds us at a dinner party to announce Diana's engagement. There's only one problem. Her thought to be dead husband arrives and life life is forever changed.

Tyson is back claiming to be a new man. He has found a relationship with God which has him seeking forgiveness and wanting to start life over with Diana.

Tyson wants her help with is running for senate, and asks her to come live with him during the election time. Diana has a hard time trusting him because of the horrible past and doesn't believe he really loves her.

When they first met, they had a quick courtship and marriage. Diana was fresh off the orphan train in need of love and security, and dealing with the sadness of losing her siblings to other families. When Tyson's father becomes to controlling, Tyson escapes by leaving home. Trouble is, he leaves Diana behind to care for his mom and deal with her controlling father in law.

Now it's the first time they've been together in 10 years. Diana immediately is returned to the hurt and pain Tyson caused her by leaving her all those years ago. She agrees to help him win the senate but then she is leaving.

Will living with him bring them to a new love and trust, or will it bring the marriage to an end again?



I was immediately drawn into this story. The story engages you right from the start. I felt the characters had great depth and were easy to love. Complex emotions allow the reader to connect to each one.

I loved how the idea of the prodical son is brought into Tyson's character. You see this in his character development, and his strength.

The story takes you on a journey of love, forgiveness and trust. You will not be disappointed. Robin Lee Hatcher has a way of connecting a great spiritual truth into a wonderfully created story making each book memorable.

This is a must read book! I'm sure it will be one I enjoy reading again and again!

You can find out more about the book and author at http://www.robinleehatcher.com


Disclosure: I received a print copy of the book in order to do my review. All my reviews are honest and my own opinion.

Healing Grace by Beth Shriver

Healing Grace is book 3 in the Touch of grace series by Beth Shriver. In this book, we are taken on a journey of finding out whether or not love can overcome differences.

Abby is an Englisher who has a hard family life. It's been just her and her Dad since her mom died. Her dad is a rough man who isn't very good at healthy communication with Abby. Abby loves her horse and taking care of her.  In an accident involving her horse, Abby meets Mose.

Mose is an Amish man strong in his faith. He cares for horses and is the one Abby comes to when her horse isn't healing. They begin a friendship when Mose agrees to keep her horse and care for her.
Due to some difficult circumstances, Abby finds herself with no place to live. Mose brings her home to stay with his family. Although Abby and Mose have huge differences to work through, they find themselves drawn to each other. Abby feels secure in the Amish community although she isn't secure in her faith like the Amish are. What they must discover is where life is taking them, and if they have a chance to live life together.


I thought this was an amazing story. In most Amish books you don't find this kind of relationship encouraged, so it was interesting to see. It's a great example of how differences can actually help bring people to a common life, and showing that by communication and shared interests you can mold lives to bring change in the differences.

I loved the development of the characters. I felt there was great depth to each one and made me feel invested in their story. The storyline of acknowledging differences and being considerate of those differences made for a realistic look into their lives and those around them.

I would definitely recommend this book and I'm sure will be reading it again! You can find a copy for yourself at amazon.com
Find out more about Beth Shriver and her wonderful collection of books at http://www.bethshriverwriter.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of the book in order to do my review. My reviews are always my honest opinion and may differ from others.

Summer Saltz Package Giveaway!

Enter to #Win the Summer Saltz: I'm So Hollywood - Premier Package! $27.90 value

What a great book and package! This would make a special Christmas gift for someone! Be sure to share this giveaway with your friends and family and check out your chance to pick up this book and other fun merchandise related to the story at a great discount! Read the FULL REVIEW by Rebecca at Love2EncourageYou. Every little girl I've met seems to adore the concept of getting dressed up in fancy clothes and having their chance to make a grand entrance in front of an audience to show off their "cool" new look. The main character in the book Summer Saltz: I'm So Hollywood by author, Connie Sewell, will remind you of that little girl in all of us who so desperately wants to have their moment in the spotlight - but in Summer's case, a series of events makes her dream come crashing down. The book's entire theme and story is so easy to relate to as life happens to all of us. It's not only a fun and meaningful message for little girls, but is great for most parents to relate to who have had to comfort a child after their special day or big event turns into a disaster. When it comes to children's books, may it never be said that a book is boring - and this book certainly is NOT! With all its charms and personality shining through the pages, Summer Saltz: I'm So Hollywood even manages to include one key element that I always look for in a good children's story - and that's humor. There is a sweet pinch of humor spread throughout the book, but I gotta say...there is one particular page in this book that when my daughter and I read it, she just burst out into hysterical laughter! She had the most infectious giggle from then on whenever she re-read the book. Definitely a winner in my opinion. :) Special Limited Time Discount! If you click on this banner ad below, you can purchase Summer Saltz: I'm So Hollywood books, combo packs or even t-shirts at 25% Off for a Limited Time! Everything in their store is on sale 25% Off!  

Follow Summer Saltz on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Prize: "Hollywood" Premier Package - This is the one with all the glitz and glam! Package includes the Summer Saltz: I'm So Hollywood book, accessory package, and sunglasses. (Please note that the accessory package and sunglasses ship separate from the book but should arrive around the same time.) Date: 9/5/2013 - 9/19/2013 at midnight Eastern time. Age: 18 yrs or older to enter. Location: Open to USA residents. Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. You need to complete the mandatory entry and then it will unlock additional entries you can enter to increase your chances of winning. Good luck to all! a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Giveaway disclosure: Open to USA residents only. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate. All entries will be verified so please make sure you are completing them before clicking on the green enter button. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Love2EncourageYou and the other bloggers sharing about this giveaway are not responsible for sponsor prize fulfillment. Lost Island of Book Reviews did not receive compensation for this post except for a free link on the giveaway form.

Little Star by Anthony DeStefano

      At Christmas time, a little boy wants his Dad to tell him about the Christmas Star. Dad is ready with a wonderful story. He tells his son about Little Star. Little Star is the smallest star and spends his time lonely, and ignored. He wants so much to help and be a part of things. He knows that there is a King about to be born. He follows Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.
      What he discovers is how alike he feels to Mary and Joseph. They are also ignored,poor, and not taken care of. Little Star is amazed to find them similar to himself. He knows how they feel. He knows that the baby being born is the King.
      Little Star realizes after the child is born, that he came to bring the message that everyone is loved, and nobody should be ignored. When he realizes the King is cold, he burns bright so that he can help keep the King warm. By doing this, he burns himself out. What we find is the story finds itself back in the cozy home of the boy and his Dad. The boy hears the reason the star is shining on top of their tree each year.

      This is a wonderful book! I loved the message and the idea of telling the story from the stars perspective. What an amazing way to demonstrate the reason Jesus came to Earth.
      Mark Elliott also did an great job on the illustrations. The pictures are gorgous. They remind me of a painting. They help bring the reader into the story so they can hear the message underlined in the story.

This is a book that would make a great addition to any family's Christmas library. What a special gift for any child! It is available Sept 1st. Great with Christmas season just around the corner!


Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of the book through being a part of NetGalley.com in order to do this review. No other compensation was given and my opinions are always honest and my own.

A Walk Through The Dark by Eva Piper

A Walk Through The Dark is a story of faith, trust and learning to rely completely on God.  This book is a companion book to her husband's book titled "90 Minutes in Heaven". If you haven't read that book, I suggest you do. It's also amazing! The two books can be read in any order.

In this book, Eva Piper has learned the hard way how things can change in a matter of minutes. One day she is a teacher, mother and wife going through daily life. The next day, her husband is injured in a horrible car accident and life is turned upside down.  Eva finds herself completely out of control. She finds the only way to survive is to put all her trust in her loving God. Her life already focused, her instincts take over. God speaks to her heart that things will be okay, and she trusts that. What she doesn't realize at the time is how long it will take to get to there and how hard the road will be. She faces situations which in hindsight make sense, but at the time are hard to accept.

Eva has to become the decision maker in what are the hardest times she has dealt with. Through the struggles she learns confidence in handling situations, which allow her to share with others and others to share with her. She finds a part of herself she never realized was there.

I can't imagine someone going through such trying times without the foundation resting on God. Eva Piper is a strong example of what a wife is supposed to be and what she should do. Love unconditionally. I find her to be a great inspiration with a wonderful testimony.

Although everyone struggles with different things, what she teaches us is how our faith deepens when we only have our faith. At times when we have no idea what to do, God shows us.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. I guarantee you will not read this and come out unchanged.

Disclosure: I received a free print copy of this book from www.booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest review. My reviews are my own opinion and may differ from others.

Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

Amy has decided to return to Hope Beach to investigate the death of her brother Ben. Although reports have his death listed as a surfing accident, Amy is sure there is more to it. She is determined to find out the truth.  When she meets Curtis, she finds that he also has lost a loved one. He lost his sister in an accident and is now raising his niece for her.
Curtis agrees to help Amy in her investigation which leads them into dangerous territory. What they find is not at all what they could have imagined. Finding themselves on opposite sides of the situation causes them to really look into their new found relationship. Can they manage to work together, and  trust each other enough to survive the truth that they find?


MY THOUGHTS:

My first thought is WOW! This book was better than I could have imagined. Rosemary Cottage is book 2 in the Hope Beach series. I already had read book 1 so I had a little knowledge of the area and some characters I hoped would be woven into the story somehow.
This book is full of wonderfully created characters. There is great depth into the characters pasts and lives creating people we can view as relatable and come to love.
The mystery surrounding the deaths of Amy and Curtis's loved ones is of course the center of the story. All I can say is you won't be disappointed. I was surprised by the twists and turns within the search for the truth. I was drawn in to the story and didn't want to stop reading!
There were some great characters who were not the main focus but whom I would love to see if future books. These are ones I found myself wondering what their futures would be and how the truths found would affect all the characters later on.
Although I recommend reading the books in order, it's not necessary to understand what is going on. You will however get a better sense overall of Hope Beach by seeing it from the beginning.


You can find the book for yourself at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book from www.booksneeze.com in exchange for a review of the book. I was not required to give a positive review. My reviews are always honest and my opinions my own.

A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston

A Hopeful Heart is the first book in a new series called  

"Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel". 

When Hannah finds herself a young widow, she tries to help support her family by working housekeeping at a local hotel. Although her Mother in law is against her having a job outside the home (it's not typical for Amish women) ,She really enjoys her job and co-workers. 

When she begins to befriend a male guest, Trey, who has suffered similar losses, she learns the difficulties and reasons why the Amish prefer to keep to themselves and not become involved in the English world.  Hannah and her Brother in law,Joshua,have been working together to keep the farm going, but when  Hannah starts including Trey in her life outside the hotel, Hannah is seen as trouble and the trouble starts to affect her children.

To complicate the situation, Joshua is in love with Hannah. When she finally realizes that, she is also falling for Trey. Through many trials, Hannah finds herself in the midst of a difficult situation which could affect her whole family. Her choices could cause her to be shunned and to lose family members if she follows her heart to leave with Trey. She loves Joshua, but feels more of a friend to him and a way to keep her husbands memory alive. How will she make the right choice? What IS the right choice for her and her family?

MY THOUGHTS:

This book is a great read! I again found myself reading late into the night because I couldn't put it down. My sleep pattern is losing out to great books!  I felt this book to be a very realistic view of life, love and choices. Whether you are Amish or not, there are decisions we make every day that affect not only us, but those around us. In this book, we find a balance of both sides of the choices Hannah must make. I enjoyed the characters throughout. I found myself liking some of them and disliking others. Although the Mother in law seemed to be more on the manipulative side, I'm sure that by seeing it from her side we would find her heart and reasoning. Amish life seems to be rooted in very strict rules that they are supposed to follow without question, which would be the side of the Mother in law. Hannah is choosing to follow her heart and see what God has for her, whether it's to stay or go she will follow God. I love how there are discussion questions in the back. This would make a great book for a book club. I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it , and already looking forward to book two of this series.

You can find this book at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book from booksneeze.com in order to do my review. No other compensation was given. My reviews are always honest and my opinions are my own.

Kiss Me Awake by Julie Momyer

SUMMARY:

When Jaida was a baby, she was left by her biological mom in the bushes. When a young boy, Spencer, finds her, she is brought into his family. Spencer vows to protect her and care for her forever.

Fast forward to now. Jaida is delving into discovering who her mom really is. She doesn't know her name, but is desperate to find out what she can. While working as a detective, Jaida is searching not only for her mom, but also desperately trying to learn about and take down a man named Gale. She thinks he is a murderer and has a tie to her past.

Jaida and her co-worker Auggie are on Gale's trail. Gale is accusing their company of stealing 8 million dollars and thinks Jaida has it.  In the midst of all that's going on, Jaida finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy that is full of drama, suspense, mystery and intrigue. When Spencer returns to her life, Jaida finds herself dealing with her own past alongside finding out things which change who she is and what she thinks.

When she finds herself and others in danger, Jaida finds herself searching for truth. Praying for God's will is the hardest thing she has had to do, but the most important thing.

WHAT I THINK:

This is a wonderful story of not only suspense and intrigue, but also of redemption and forgiveness which is creatively intertwined throughout the entire book. I loved the path of twists and turns the book took. So many things you are not expecting.  I found myself getting excited when learning new things and realizing how it all made sense.
Not only is the book written well, it is very descriptive. You are given a great picture of what is going on and where you are.
This book kept me engaged the entire time. I had a hard time putting it down!  I highly recommend checking it out.
You can find the book at amazon.com.
Connect with the author at http://Juliemomyer.com and http://juliemomyerblog.com


Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of the book from netgalley.com in order to do my review. My reviews are always honest. My opinions are my own and may differ from others.

Grace Given by Beth Shriver

      In this book, we find Elsie and her family trying to find their way into a new community. They have moved from Virginia to Texas only the previous year. While learning to follow the changes of the community, and dealing with vandals hitting the Amish farms, they also are dealing with a family issue.  

Elsie's sister Katie left the community with Jake, and Elsie finds this especially hard because she thought their was something growing in her relationship with Jake. 

      Thankfully Elsie has a good friend in Gideon. He has been interested in Elsie for a long time and enjoys being there for her, and also hoping that Elsie will grow to love him. 

      Through circumstances with the English vandals, Elsie and Gideon find themselves growing closer as they search for the truth.

      When Katie returns, emotions run wild. In an already stressful time, we find yet another situation that requires faith, grace and forgiveness. Choices must be made and struggles met to do what is right.

Amazing story of love and forgiveness.

My Review:

I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I find myself intrigued by the Amish culture and enjoy reading books which give insight into their lives and why they choose to do things the way they do. This is Book 2 in the series "Touch of Grace" by Beth Shriver.  I read this one realizing that I had not yet read Book 1. Although I plan on going back and reading Book 1, I don't feel that not reading it first caused any difficulty in understanding what was going on in this book. I would recommend reading in order though, but that's just how I usually like to do things:)

This book is well-written, and kept my attention well past times that I should have been sleeping! Beth Shriver always puts together wonderful stories and I am thrilled to have the privilege  of sharing this one with you.

You can find a copy of this book at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book through thebooketeria.com in order to do this review. My reviews are always honest and are my own opinion. My opinions may differ from  others.

An Amish Family Christmas by Murray Pura

I think I have a theme going with Amish stories! Realized that when I saw the last 2 books set for reviews were Amish:) I have to admit, although I could never live the completely simple life they promote, sometimes a simpler life sounds peaceful. I'm not sure I could live without certain electronic things but I love the idea of community, family and support they encourage.

In this story, we are brought in after a horrible tragedy. Naomi is dealing with the loss of her parents, and also her brother, Luke, who wasn't killed, but was injured, and is catatonic. Rebecca, Naomi's sister in law, lives with Naomi and is helping her cope. They are figuring out how to care for Luke when their lives come to a complete stop. Naomi's husband had taken off for the Army life, which is forbidden for the Amish, a year ago.  He now returns knowing he is most likely under the bann, meaning he can't eat or speak to anyone, including his wife.

Naomi and Micah have to learn to live as husband and wife without the ease of words. Although difficult, they are able to learn to share their love through looks and things they do for each other around the home.

When letters start arriving showing how Micah blessed others by saving lives as a medic in the Army, Naomi is sure the Bishop and Minister will change their mind and release Micah from the bann.

Through a shocking experience, the Minister comes to find out himself how Micah's calling as a medic helps.  Through lots of prayer, comes an amazing end to the story. You never know what might happen  when we let God work through us.


This was a great book. It is well written, and has a great storyline. It keeps moving, making it hard to put the book down:) I recommend this book especially for anyone who loves family, and making them important. I don't always agree with some of the behavior and actions in the Amish community, but the book is clearly staying in line with true beliefs. It makes for a great true to life situation.
You can find the book at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book from netgalley.com in order to do the review. My reviews are always my honest opinion and may differ from others.

Philosophy Adventure Curriculum Giveaway!

 

Homeschool moms, Look no further! Homeschool Adventure Co provides you with Christian based History,Philosophy and Geography Maps ,not only of the ancient times, but current pictures which allow for more interest. You can also use this for high school credit! We've already done world history with my son, but we will in some way use this anyway just due to his interest in history, and the unique way this is written. This program includes not only the reading text, but there is also a student guide and teacher guide to help you dive deeper into the study. Have you ever wondered what History characters were around during Biblical Times? Amazing findings! You don't want to miss this. Great information and easy to follow! The whole program is carefully organized and laid out in a way that makes sense. There are assignments which give the student step by step instructions which give great detail. Memory work is encouraged which is a huge help in the child's overall learning. 

Below is a  giveaway for your chance to win an entire digital copy of the curriculum! Check back also for a complete review of the entire curriculum. Can't wait for you to see this program!



Vendor Link Text - Homeschool Adventure Co. (http://homeschooladventure.com/)
Product Link Text - Philosophy AdventureTM – Pre-Socratics
(http://www.homeschooladventure.com/products/now-available-for-pre-order/)
Prices:
Physical Set: $89.95
Digital Set: $39.95
You can follow them on email and get all the information quickly at Email


Enter the giveaway for your chance to win a full digital edition which includes the reading text along with the supplements!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclaimer: As part of the Philosophy Adventure Launch Team, I received a copy of the curriculum in exchange for my honest review and the opportunity to be a part of the giveaways and promotions.

The Romance of Grace by Jim McNeely Description and Giveaway!

Here is a great way to spend quality time with God. Learn to fall in love with him and learn how he sees us! Amazing book, Life-Changing!




Here is the book information.

First, the Amazon link: www.amazon.com/The-Romance-of-Grace-ebook/dp/B00BD9HLAY Author: Jim McNeely
Blog: www.thereforenow.com
Twitter: @jwmcneely
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thereforenow
Book title: The Romance of Grace.
Book Description: What if God sees us the way a man sees a woman he is infatuated with, and His main question is not how to make us moral but rather how to get us to fall in love with Him? In The Romance of Grace, Jim McNeely explores Bible passages that tell us what God really wants for us and what His love means. This is the love of a God who chose to give His life for ours, even carefully retaining His scars into the throne room of heaven and telling us in His very body, "I have gone to great lengths and great costs to say that I forsook all comforts for the love of you." Join Jim in his exploration of life in God's unconditional, redeeming, amazing grace.


Author Bio: Jim McNeely is a teaching pastor and elder at Dakota Creek Christian Center in Blaine, Washington, where he lives with his wife, Betty, and their four sons. Formerly president of New Century Data, with clients such as Lockheed Martin and American Airlines, he now works as a programmer and database administrator in the health care industry.

  Top Endorsements: So often we turn our faith in Christ into a forcing mechanism, which doesn't work in any event; and if anything, produces disillusionment or hypocrisy. The Romance of Grace is a prophetic book. I believe that unless we heed its call, to put grace absolutely without condition and frontally as the be-all and end-all of the Good News, we will lose completely, and not just in “the eyes of the world” but in the failure of well-intentioned religious lives that tried to love and never knew how.
—Paul F. M. Zahl, author of Grace in Practice: A Theology of Everyday Life

 It is time, as Robert Farrar Capon put it, to get drunk on grace. Two hundred-proof, defiant grace. That's what you get here in Jim's book. You won’t see a list of qualifications, and you'll get no "footnotes."

What you’ll encounter is grace unmeasured, vast and free. It will frighten you and free you at the same time. —Tullian Tchividjian, Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and author of Jesus + Nothing = Everything

 In The Romance of Grace we are confronted with a truth that we may have previously rejected. It seemed too easy to embrace. It lacked obligation on our part and contradicted accusations we have given credence to for the majority of our lives on earth. Yet herein lies the truth—
“Not that we loved God, but that God loved us.” This book will help to right the plumb line in your life. —David Collins, author of Out of the Box, founder of Canadian Food for the Hungry International


Date: 5/22 at 12:01am to June 7 at midnight
Location: USA residents only
Age: 18 yrs or older
Void where prohibited.

 Disclosure: Lost Island of Book Reviews is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Love2EncourageYou is not responsible for postal delivery errors once the prize has been safely shipped out at the post office. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.           a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sparkly Me by Ayelet Nathaniel

Another great children's book! In this book, we find a little girl who loves sparkly and shiny things. Most little girls can relate to this I'm sure! 

We follow this cute little girl as she puts on her sparkly which makes her feel fabulous!

She wants to feel fabulous all day long and takes her stuff with her throughout her day.

When she wants to keep them close, they become wrinkled, or worn out. 

She soon realizes that what makes her fabulous is what is inside her heart. 

She will always carry it with her!

This is a great story for any "girly girl" who loves the idea of wearing sparkly stuff.

Leaves you with a great message of what is truly important.

You can find the book on amazon at Sparkly Me

Disclosure: I received the ebook copy of the book in order to do my review. My reviews are 

always honest and my opinions are my own.

Fabulous Me by Ayelet Nathaniel

What a great book! We follow this child through her choices of what she loves to do and see.

Where does she like to go, and what does she like to do? 

Ride along on her adventures, and come up with where you would choose to go.

I love how she finds the best memories and places are those where she is with her family.

The time spent with her family, slowing down and taking the time to enjoy it. 

I love that feeling, and need that reminder sometimes!

I highly recommend this book. Illustrations along with story make for a wonderful book.

You can find the book at amazon at 

Fabulous Me

Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of this in order to do my review. No other compensation was received. My reviews are always honest and are my own opinions.

Grammarics

As a homeschool mom, I was thrilled to be able to help promote this product. Grammarics is a unique and wonderful program which helps teach young children grammar in a way that will help children be able to learn at a quicker pace, in my opinion.

This book has wonderful and easy to follow grammar rules but what I liked the best were the pictures that went along with the rules and descriptions. The pictures make the learning process so much easier, especially for visual learners.
 Here is an example of one page of the book:

See how well it puts the picture together with what the sentence reads. I really wish this program had been around when my son was learning grammar. Not only does this book make it easy to understand, but it makes learning fun! Great for homeschool, but also a great help for kids who might need an extra look at a specific part of grammar that might be confusing.


A big irritant for many people is when the following is used incorrectly. Here is a great way to help kids (anyone really!) remember which way is correct:

You can find the book and also some great posters at www.grammarics.com

NOW IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!   Enter for your chance to win a copy of Grammarics ebook!

There will be five (5) winners! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of Grammarics in order to do my review. I was not required to do a positive review. My reviews are always honest and my opinions are my own.

The Man in the Box by Andrew Toy (Book Tour)

      This is one of the most creative books I've had the pleasure of reading lately. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it really opened my eyes to a different style of reading. Normally, I am drawn to a more "real-life" type of book. What I found though by reading this book is that it was an escape from the norm which was convenient because that's where the book takes us. An escape from our life into the unknown.
       The story starts out as Robbie loses his job. We see the turmoil and stress this causes him, and his fears of how it will effect his family and their well being. He wants things to be an easy fix, and not worry about finding work, so he takes the advice from a co-worker. This advice isn't exactly legal, and when he's almost caught, he finds himself hiding out in a cardboard box. This is where his real story begins.
      When he gets in the box, Robbie finds himself in a cave in a transformed world. People and creatures seem to know who he is. He is completely confused and afraid, but at the same time intrigued with this land. The people there see him as a king and their leader. He has control there.
      When he wakes from his "dream", he is in the office and has no idea if what just happened is real.
He takes the box home with him and slowly begins making the box his place of comfort and escape. He finds himself preferring being in the box rather than being with his family. We learn how the land came to be from his creation of imaginary childhood friends. As scary as this other life is, it is also a security place he feels drawn to. When he finally makes the decision to get rid of the  box, that's when the dangers really begin. The "box" life starts to make it's way into his "real" life. Trouble starts to come as creatures use the box to enter home. When his family is threatened he also finds out co-workers of his have had the same experiences. They each are finding their own lands. Robbie realizes he must do whatever it takes to protect the family he has finally remembered to love.
      I can't give away the end, so you will just have to read the book for yourself and see  what happens. I will say it is a great ending!
      This book is full of great descriptions, adventures and interest. It is very well-written and kept my attention throughout. My son has already shown interest in reading it next! I highly recommend this book. Who hasn't wondered what it would be like to have a life so far from our normal life. In this book we are given that opportunity to experience that. A great escape and a great read!

About Andrew Toy: 

Andrew Toy lives with his wife and dachshunds in Louisville, KY. He is currently editing books of nearly every genre and is a writing coach for aspiring authors. He and his wife are trying to adopt their first child, and he is using the means of writing and editing to accomplish the goal of enlarging his family. Check out some more of his writing and upcoming books on his popular blog: adoptingjames.wordpress.com

The Man in the Box

Book Synopsis:

Work provided Robbie Lake the perfect escape from his family. But his life is turned upside down when he is unexpectedly fired. When he finds a new way of escape through a cardboard box, everything changes. The imaginary world of his childhood has evolved in his absence and is now more savage and hostile than even he could have dreamed. Robbie is drawn in by the excitement of his secret world, but will the cost of abandoning his family prove too high?

To find out more about other reviews,and giveaways. Here is the link to the Blog Tour

Andrew Toy's  Links: twitter , facebook and his Blog
You can buy the book at amazon.com


Disclosure: I was provided only with the ebook to complete this review. My review is my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Christian Parenting Giveaway with over $200 in resources!

I have the great pleasure to be apart of a launch of a new Christian Parenting Handbook.
Their goal is to get on the New York Times Bestsellers List. What an exciting opportunity to get Biblical parenting information into hands of people everywhere!
To help celebrate this launch, National Center for Biblical Parenting is allowing me to offer this wonderful giveaway!  Five readers of Lost Island of Book Reviews will have a chance to win one of these following wonderful resources. 

1. One print copy of The Christian Parenting Handbook. ($16.95 value) 

1.  The Christian Parenting Handbook Companion Book as a PDF ($22.96 value)

1. One free Biblical Parenting University Online Parenting Course ($100.00 value)

1. A set of 5 Parenting Shifts books covering children 0-12 ($75.00 value)

1. The Honor Media Package ($59.00 value)

DO NOT buy this book yet! Next week I will have my full review up of the book (which is amazing!) and I will let you know how and when to buy the book and how to receive a $400 bonus package with resources not part of the giveaway!

We also will have a HUGE giveaway next week with major prizes!! 

This is a great company and would love to help bless them and others by getting the word out about this new book. So, enter now for a chance to win! Don't forget to come back next week for lots of activity!

This giveaway is open to Residents of the U.S. only.  Void where prohibited. Must be at least 18 years of age.    

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Disclosure: Lost Island of Book Reviews received an ebook copy of The Christian Parenting Handbook in order to do the review and offer the giveaway

Chief Complaint Brain Tumor Costnic Blast

Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor

At 57 years old, I thought I was the poster child for fifty-year old healthiness: I competed in triathlons, rode in 100 mile biking events and ate a healthy diet chock full of organic vegetables. Then I discovered that I had a brain tumor the size of my wife’s fist. My memoir chronicles the first year I spent addressing tumor-related health issues: preparing for my first operation, discovering a dangerous skull infection, having the infected portion of my skull surgically removed, learning about my substantial vision and cognitive losses, undergoing rehab and radiation treatments, and learning to live with my “new normal.” And, as best I can tell, the phrase “new normal” is the medical community’s code words for “You’re alive, so quit bitchin’.” As my health changed, so did my sense of humor. My humor started out superficially light-hearted prior to the first operation; transmogrified into gallows humor after several subsequent operations; and leveled out as somewhat wry-ish after radiation and rehab. Topics I write about in the book include:

• How not to tell everybody you have a brain tumor
• Why it’s a lot of work to die in this country
• Why I had difficulties in naming my tumor
• How I negotiated bathroom visits with “Nurse Don’t-Bother-Me”
• Why I could prove that I was the “dumbest guy in the room”
• Why someone compared the back of my head to a diseased goat
• How I flunked a job interview with myself

This is a book for anybody interested in memoirs about people dealing with personal crises, for patients trudging through rehab, for caretakers helping victims of serious illnesses, or for anybody looking for an unexpected chuckle from an unlikely subject. Purchase Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor at Amazon.com

About John Kerastas

I've worked at a global advertising agency, at several technology start-up companies and as a free-lance writer. Currently I spend most of my time blogging, speaking and writing about brain health, brain tumors and rehab. I speak to hospital rehab groups, stroke and aphasia groups, and last summer spoke at the American Brain Tumor Association's annual "Patient and Caregiver" conference. My charity and non-profit efforts includes work through the Taproot Foundation on behalf of Apna Ghar (a Chicago-based non-profit providing domestic violence services to immigrant communities). I also go on Appalachia Service project trips through my church, participate in Early Response Teams that follow first responders into disaster areas, and teach and certify Early Response Teams through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (e.g.UMCOR).

Follow John Kerastas

Website | Facebook | GoodReads  

Giveaway

The author is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Open to US & Can residents only Fill out the form below to enter! a Rafflecopter giveaway

All about toddlers website!

Ultra Quirky Tot Website

     This is a great website for all things Toddler. They have everything from clothing, toys, gear, furniture and more. What I first noticed when I checked out the website http://ultraquirkytot.com is the inviting front page. It has great color which brings your attention to all the details of the site. It is very well organized allowing readers to easily find what they are looking for.  There are some great ideas and styles throughout the site. Everything is geared toward what the toddler age would enjoy. 

     I found some of my favorite things on the website to be the bookcases and rocking chairs. Here are great examples of the wonderfully made and decorated furniture available. 

     This is my favorite bookcase. It's called the Magical Garden and runs for $139.99. I love how the flowers and butterflies are large enough and make up the entire sides. What cute shelving for a toddlers many books, stuffed friends, and other special things. 

Other favorite items were the rocking chairs. Perfect size for toddlers. What a great addition to the room. Imagine the special memories of reading in these wonderfully designed chairs. For those boys that love fire trucks this is sure to please!

                                                                    This chair runs $149.95 and even has noises that flip on and  

                                                                    off.

                                                 For all those animal lovers, the Safari Jungle Chair which runs $124.95                                                               is a great addition. Includes a poem on the seat of the chair.  All rocking chairs can be personalized with your child's name.
                                                       
                                           

This website has something that is unique and with all the options there is sure to be something for you! Check out the website and see what wonderful things you can discover!

A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator blog tour

Enjoy this part of a book tour! Interview with the author following the summary. There is also a giveaway at the end of post for a free ebook!



A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator Book Summary:

Noam Chomsky argues that communication with aliens would be impossible. Stephen Hawking argues that it would be extremely unwise even to try. What if it were absolutely necessary to do so? This question arises with extreme urgency at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in this time-travel, alternate-history trilogy, A New Birth of Freedom.

Excerpt Link to Prologue:
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/chapters/ANewBirthOfFreedom_RobertPielke.shtml

Robert G. Pielke's Bio: 

Robert Pielke, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, now lives in Claremont, California. He earned a B.A. in History at the University of Maryland, an M. Div. in Systematic Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from the Claremont Graduate School.

He taught on ground and online for countless years at George Mason University in Virginia, El Camino College in California and online for the University of Phoenix. Now happily retired from “the job,” he is doing what he always wanted to do since he wrote his first novel at ten in elementary school. It was one paragraph, three pages long and, although he didn’t know it at the time, it was alternate history.

His academic writings have been in the area of ethics, including a boring academic treatise called Critiquing Moral Arguments, logic, and popular culture. Included in the latter is an analysis of rock music entitled You Say You Want a Revolution: Rock Music in American Culture. He has also published short stories, feature articles, film and restaurant reviews. His novels include a savagely satirical novel on America and its foibles, proclivities and propensities, Hitler the Cat Goes West, and an alternate history, science fiction novel, The Mission.

Most recently, he has updated and revised his book on rock music, which is being republished by McFarland & Co.

He swims daily, skis occasionally, cooks as an avocation, watches innumerable movies, collects rock and roll concert films, is an avid devotee of Maryland crabs and maintains a rarely visited blog filled with his social and political ravings. His favorite film is the original Hairspray; his favorite song is “A Day in the Life”; his favorite pizza is from the original Ledo Restaurant in College Park, MD; and he is a firm believer in the efficacy of “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” Somehow his family and friends put up with him.

Prices/Formats: $16.95 paperback, $4.99 ebook
Pages: 394
ISBN: 9781611605426
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Release: November 1, 2012

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1611605423?tag=tributebooks-20

1.      What inspired you to write your first book?

** This is going to be a long answer – because “first book” in my case is kind of ambiguous:

** As a kid, I went to the movies every weekend to see whatever was showing. It didn’t matter what it was, I’d be there. And I’d always wind up ‘playing a role” from the movie– in my mind if not in reality – until the next weekend’s film. And it usually wasn’t a role from the film, it was “me” being in the reality portrayed in film. Some of my favorite rolls were cowboys – Hopalong Cassidy was my favorite. (I pretended to be Tom Mix too, because he was my father’s favorite. I never saw his movies – before my time – but I read the comic books.

But when it came to “cowboys and Indians” in these movies I gradually became disturbed by the fact that the Indians were always “bad” and the cowboys were always “good.” There were a very few films – not many, to be sure -- that had a different take on this. Broken Arrow  was one of them (Jimmy Stewart and Jeff Chandler as Tom Jeffers and Cochise). And that interested me mightily. Again, my father influenced me. He, too, always thought their portrayal was one-sided. I wondered why there weren’t more movies like Broken Arrow.

Well, in the absence of any other films to speak of, I began imagining new scenarios for cowboys and Indians and played out these roles in my mind – and with the other kids I hung out with. After I learned how to write and how to use my mother’s Remington typewriter, I wrote a story, White Cloud, about an Indian who united all the Plains tribes along with all the Eastern tribes in the early seventeenth century to resist the European invasion. (It was 3 pages long, one paragraph and single spaced.) I was in the fourth or fifth grade. Somewhere, I still have it, and before my inevitable demise, I do a thorough search for it.

This was literally my “first book.”

What I didn’t realize was that I was writing alternate history. And I’ve doing it ever since. Unlike a lot of alternate history writers, I always have something in my stories that accounts for the “shift” from the path of history as we know it to the “altered” history. Usually it involves aliens and almost always time travel. So the genre I write in is really pretty much of a niche of a niche of a niche. And the readers are – thusly – few and far between!

My “next first book” was a religio/socio/political near future satire: Hitler the Cat Goes West. I wrote it in 1995, and if it were to be made into a film, it would be rated NC-17! It was published by an ultra-tiny university press, which has long since disappeared. Now I’ve given it to iUniverse and it’s still on sale….for the hearty and strong-stomached and venturesome souls.

2. What book are you currently reading?

** Like many other authors, I cannot read when I write – it’s far too distracting.

3. What's the hardest thing about writing this specific book?

** It pertains to the entire trilogy – I have to balance and harmonize a time travel story with an alternate history and have it make sense when a double first contact takes place – all without it becoming a “three stooges comedy.”

4. Any advice for someone who is wanting to become an author?

                ** One word: WRITE! [Don’t just talk about it….DO it.]

5.What would a typical day be like for you when you are working on a book?

** Up at 4 am – write from 6 to noon – lunch – nap – cooking shows on TV – fix dinner – films – bed by 11 or 12.

6. How did you come up with the idea of this book?

** Faulkner said it best in Intruder in the Dust – “Every Southern boy whenever he wants...” can imagine being on the field at Gettysburg on the third day of battle, just before Longstreet gives Pickett the command to go. “It hasn’t happened yet…” and “there is still time for it not to begin.” Now, I’m not a Southern boy, but I can still imagined some scenario where it does not begin. Plus, I lived in Gettysburg for three years and always had a fascination with history and the Civil War.

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