My Review: LOVE ON THE HORIZON (Horizons Series #4) by Penny Zeller

My review: As with Penny Zeller's other books, Love on the Horizon is squeaky clean and faith filled. In the story we see a hurt, emotionally vulnerable young woman trying to leave town to go someplace, anyplace, where she can start a new life. The trouble is, she has no funds. So we commence this journey with Meg as she cons and beguiles her way on a tumultuous train and stage coach ride toward the West and ends in Horizon, Idaho.

Having learned as a child that truth is always best, her deceptions begin to become worrisome to her as truth nudges her conscious. When she does settle in the little town of Horizon, Idaho, good deeds toward her and friendships extended to her smooth the path for her to become the settled person she wants to be.

In the book we meet a delightfully playful dog, a boy that charms his way into your heart, and the hero of the hour - Timothy.

I highly recommend this and other books by Penny Zeller. Books you can share with the teen in your life or your grandmother. Books that have enough of God's Word in them to enrich your life and yet are not "preachy." Books that are a joy to read.

About the book: A fresh start. An unexpected chance at love.

Magnolia “Mags” Davenport has not had an easy life. Determined to leave behind painful memories, she decides, on a whim, to move halfway across the country to Horizon, Idaho, a town she's never before heard of. What should be a simple escape to a new life turns into an adventure she never imagined. From dangerous train rides to a stagecoach robbery, Mags wonders if she'll ever reach her destination. When she finally sets foot in the small town filled with friendly people and a slightly aggravating, but kind and handsome man who needs spectacles, will she find the new beginning her heart craves?

Four things matter most in Timothy Shepherdson's life—faith, family, farming, and food. Content as a farmer and uncle to his passel of nieces and nephews, Timothy isn't interested in courtship or romance, especially since none of the women with their caps set for him can cook. What should be a simple trip into town changes everything after a case of mistaken identity. Timothy finds himself not only under the ire of newcomer Magnolia Davenport, but immensely intrigued when he learns she's opening a bakery. Can he convince the wary baker to both forgive and give him a second chance?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Books to occupy the kids while traveling or just fun anytime - a rhyming book and a fantastic Quentin Blake book

Quentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys by Quentin Blake (Author, Illustrator)

ISBN: 9781536245080
Candlewick Studio $19.99 US

My thoughts:  What's not to love about a Quentin Blake book. His sketch type illustrations are so much fun and packed with such whimsy that they draw children and adults into imaginative persual and fantasy of their own as they explore the minute details.

In Fantastic Journeys Quentin Blake uses pen and washes of black, grey, and browns to ink out his illustrations that tenderly and with much fun jolt the imagination.

About the book: Savor the work of the well-loved and lauded illustrator Quentin Blake in this keepsake collection of fun, quirky drawings that will delight both longtime devotees and emerging young fans.

A chef in mid-fall, balancing a towering, toppling cake. A bespectacled gentleman riding a multi-wheeled bike, with a man on his back juggling eggs. Known for their whimsy and wit and uncanny ability to convey worlds of expression with only the scantest of line, Quentin Blake’s illustrations have long been linked to the work of storytellers such as Roald Dahl, but in this book they shine on their own. Originally self-published in a series of slim titles dubbed the QB Papers—collections of drawings, varied in tone and approach, evoking journeys both real and imaginary—the images in Quentin Blake’s Fantastic Journeys fall under titles such as “Trip Hazards,” “Feet in the Water,” and “Ten Things You Cannot Really Manage Without.” Curated both for maximum child-friendliness and for the shelves of art-book collectors, this beauty of a gift book is a sheer pleasure, guaranteed to invite many a revisit.

Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor & illustrated by Fiona Woodcock 

ISBN: 9781536242911
Candlewick Press $19.99 US

My thoughts:  This is a sweet, cheerfully illustrated collection of actions and rhymes for little ones. I can see it with teachers or parents leading little ones in the action rhymes using their fingers, hands, and arms to act out the rhyme. 

A well done accumulation of sweet words and fun activities.

About the book: "This inspired offering will ensure hours of enlightening fun...A fresh, wonderfully creative, and visually engaging array of rhymes to get kids moving." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Playful, interactive, and full of whimsy, Sean Taylor’s collection of poems invites little ones to get their fingers, hands, and wiggles ready.

One little friend

in the playground . . . sliding.

Two little friends

playing chase and . . . hiding.

What better way to get little ones excited about poems than to make them part of the delivery? In the hallowed tradition of nursery rhymes and songs like “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” this imaginative collection entices children to use their fingers, hands, and sometimes whole bodies to bring a variety of verses to life. Whether the subject is sailing ships or stomping dinosaurs, falling snow or popping bubbles, jumping onto waterslides or riding a crowded elevator, Sean Taylor’s rhythmic read-aloud verses pair with Fiona Woodcock’s fresh, colorful illustrations, offering clues to the finger actions kids can follow—unless they’re happily acting things out already, using shapes and movements all their own.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

How Mary Connealy got the idea for new book "Ambush of the Heart (Rocky Mountain Marshals #1)" & a giveaway to enter

Here's a little about author Mary Connealy, and what drives her to write and where her ideas originate.... 

The start and the writing of Ambush of the Heart....

I took a train ride…about a year before I started Rocky Mountain Marshals. Mainly because I’d always kind of wanted to, but also in an effort to see wild land. The land I wrote about all the time. Land you can’t see from a plane.

I rode that train from Denver to San Francisco. I’m glad I did it. Not because I discovered I love train travel, quite the opposite. Thirty hour trip, not one second of sleep. Mild motion sickness through-out.

The reason I’m glad I did it is because, I always wanted to do it and now I don’t anymore.

What else could that work with? Hmmm…

Anyway, the great thing was seeing the mountains. The pass we rode over the Sierra Nevada Mountains on (hello…Donner Party anyone?) And the pass we rode through just west of Denver when we really cruised along some staggeringly beautiful mountains.

The thing that struck me was…this huge, steep slopes that seemed to reach up to the sky and my mind thinks, nothing up there but peaks…and then, because I have a weird writer’s brain, I thought…what if there’s more? What’s really beyond those peaks?

Add in something someone who lives near the Grand Canyon once told me…there are several well known trails to the bottom…but there are unknown trails. Trails that might take some climbing, trails horses can move over but no person would even see those trails if they didn’t watch a horse or a deer or an elk bound down and up in unlikely places.

My story was born.

I Imagined riders—US Marshals and a few others…including my heroine of course—going up that impossibly steep slope (hey, it’s not like it was a straight cliff or anything!!! It could happen!!!) When they get to the top…there’s more. There’s a hard, brutal, path forward. One of the marshals knows part of the way…but wow, is it ever rugged. And if you think my marshals get lost…well, it’s even worse than that. They get separated and separately lost.

That running fight with men trying to break the prisoner they were transporting free, leads them straight into the wild. With trouble coming hard behind them, and trackless wilderness in front of them, they need to get back to civilization. [©Mary Connealy]

Now that Mary's tickled your imagination with train rides, rugged mountain peaks, and the good guys (US Marshals) chasing the bad guys, you can dive into the full-blown story - Ambush of the Heart! Releases in early February and the title's first word, Ambush, carries with it excitement, fear, intrigue, and a hope for a hero.

🐎~🚂~⛰️~🐎~🚂~⛰️

ISBN: 9780764245992
Bethany House Publishing
Order: Baker Book House

When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?

As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to seek hiding at a remote ranch.

After the attack leaves her brother Boone seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing Boone and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?

Mary Connealy presents a riveting historical Frontier series starter of adventure, love, and high jinks in the rugged wilderness of 1870s Colorado. This Western romance features a determined Marshal, a courageous woman, forced proximity romance, and a risky journey of survival.

Read an excerpt - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 18

Ends February 18 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

AMBUSH OF THE HEART (Rocky Mountain Marshalls#1) by Mary Connealy

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by author or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. #MaryConnealy #BethanyHouse Order a copy at: BakerBookHouse.com

From Kregel Children's Books: "My Bigger Search and Find Noah's Ark" by Jacob Vium-Olesen [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825452093
Board Book $12.99
Kregel Children's Books

My thoughts: I have found that the children's books published by Kregel Publications have never disappointed me. The delightful illustrations, engaging story-telling, the educational and involvement-based format plus sturdy binding and pages make these worthwhile and choice acquisitions for the young child's use and enjoyment. 

In My Bigger Search and Find Noah's Ark the Old Testament story of Biblical patriarch Noah building the Ark to house two of every kind of creature (more of some), the delightful imagination of author, illustrator, and publisher have all designed a rather unique book. The "bigger" part is that when you turn the page, you don't get a two-page-spread. No, you get a 4-square. It unfolds (or expands) into a big page with lots of items to engage the vision and attention of the young child. The child can further engage in the story by finding items as they appear in unexpected places on the page.

Each spread is different and the focus is on BIGGER. So not only are the pages of the book bigger than expected, the child will learn that

• Noah's task was bigger
• The boat was bigger
• The flood was bigger
• Their trust in God was bigger
• God's rainbow promise was bigger

So not only is this a cute, fun, interactive book, it is also introductory theology for the little ones in your family. And...... mom and dad can learn just how big it all was, too.

I highly recommend this book. Remember to enter the giveaway below.....

About the book: Seek-and-find books are fun, but what if they were . . . bigger? This one unfolds to four times its original size to make for an interactive experience kids will love.

Children ages four to six will discover the story of Noah's ark while spotting hidden characters, animals, and objects on every colorful and jam-packed page. Kids will also learn how to apply the Scripture to their lives. Each page includes verse references as well as truths about God's love and care for little readers to remember.

A perfect road-trip companion, church-service entertainment, or everyday activity that will keep children engaged while teaching them God's Word and the truth about their importance as His children.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

Take a peek with Granny Godley ~ Sound on!

⛈️🌈GIVEAWAY🌈⛈️

Begins January 17

Ends February 16 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

My Bigger Search & Find Noah's Ark by Jacob Vium-Olesen - Kregel Children's Books

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and sent directly to the winner by Kregel. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Deadly Secrets (Close Proximity #1) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

DEADLY SECRETS (Christian Romantic Suspense)

Purchase at: Amazon 

Betrayal has consequences...

Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent. That is, until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. What happens when she attempts to sell the land someone doesn't want sold?

When suspicious happenings target Lake Radford real estate agent Harper Amerson, Detective Kade Lassiter begins investigating. With his feelings for Harper growing, the menacing events soon become personal. When things escalate, can he discover who’s behind it before it’s too late?

Deadly Secrets is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense with the following tropes:

• Strong heroine
• Law enforcement hero
• Revenge
• Stalker
• Small town

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 9

Ends February 9 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

Deadly Secrets (Close Proximity #1) by Penny Zeller

DISCLOSURE: Giveaway uniquely hosted on Chat With Vera. Winner's prize book is provided by and sent to winner by author or author's representative. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner is randomly selected using the entry platform. Winner must respond with required information for sending prize to winner within 48 hours of email sending notification time/date. Failure to provide required information within the time allotted will result in a different winner being selected.

Grimms' Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm (Author), Sandra Dieckmann (Retelling-Modern Author, Illustrator)

The is much debate on the appropriateness of Grimms' Fairy Tales for the reading to or by children. Some versions are somewhat benign and others replete with overtones of unacceptable behavior. The tales are not original to Grimms but are the Grimms' 1814 retelling of existing German folk tales passed down orally through the years. 

Some retelling and publishing of the Grimme's versions have been gentled-down and told in bare minimum versions for young children. These are published in cute, sweet little books or produced in video versions animated or with actors. 

Basically, it is up to the parents to make a determination what their child reads and when they read it.

  

Grimms' Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm (Sandra Dieckmann)

 

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully illustrated publication of Grimms' Fairy Tales illustrated with rich colors and visually stimulating scenes and characters. The illustrations show the good and the bad side of the characters and the intensity of the story. 

The compilation of 20 stories consists of well known stories and some rarely heard. The book is large size consisting of 176 pages and weighs about two pounds. 

Folk tales were often used to scare children into obedience and to make them aware of evil in the world. In ages by gone, there wasn't a lot of entertainment so oral storytelling was a form of entertainment but carried with it strong emotions.

"Hurricane" by Jason Chin

My thoughts: Having lived my early years in the North Carolina coastal city of Wilmington and then remaining in central North Carolina until the present time, I can positively say that a hurricane is a storm to fear and become as knowledgeable about as possible. The destructive power generated by the wind, rain, and seas is to be feared and respected. That being said, I am pleased with the children's book Hurricane  by Jason Chin and highly recommend it to all school and public libraries, personal libraries for children, and especially for any home with children within range of a possible hurricane.