@rararesources REVIEW: “Do Bugs Wear Shoes? And Other Silly Questions (Kids Fact Book)” by Addie Broussard, Anthony Puttee

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Children

• Paperback: 38 pages
• Publisher: Two Umbrellas Media (October 17, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1949137090
• ISBN-13: 978-1949137095
• 
  

 
Synopsis: Do Bugs Wear Shoes?

A colorful, fun-filled book packed with answers to all your silliest bug questions! 
Learn what happens when a bug goes to space, to school, and to the gym. Find out if bugs have feelings like people do. Discover robot bugs, dancing bugs, bugs that poop and so much more!
Filled with illustrations, photographs and interactive videos, Do Bugs Wear Shoes will have kids laughing and learning as they discover awe-inspiring facts about the insect world. This beautifully designed book is organized into colorful two-page spreads that each focus on a different question, making it easy and fun to read for children and big kids alike.

BOOK EXTRAS include videos and printable worksheets for extended learning. Great for educators and at-home learning.

PLUS, vote on the world’s most beautiful bug!

Recommended for ages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and up.

Don't miss out on the chance to bug out!

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-Bugs-Wear-Shoes-Questions-ebook/dp/B07HVT9W73

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Do-Bugs-Wear-Shoes-Questions-ebook/dp/B07HVT9W73

Review: This is a fun informative book about bugs. All the scientific terms are clearly explained in ways children can understand, and the photographs and illustrations are beautifully presented.
At the back of this book is a section for resources with a link to additional material on the TwoUmbrellasPlease.com website. Here, you will find the two videos referenced inside this book, and there is also a free downloadable Bug Book Art Pack to accompany this book, available from the resource library page.
I would highly recommend this book as a classroom teaching resource, as well as an at home read for any child with an interest in bugs.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Two Umbrellas is an educational publishing company that fuses education and storytelling. We offer books and activities to help parents and educators empower tomorrow’s leaders.

Our founders, Anthony Puttee and Addie Broussard, love to travel. Anthony’s favorite trip was to Antarctica and he has included some of his personal photos in this book. Addie has traveled solo around the world. While in Portugal, she encountered a unique insect, which inspired a children’s book called The Beedog, which was published in 2018. The idea for Do Bugs Wear Shoes came from a playful team meeting on a rooftop in Mexico.

Social Media Links –

https://www.pinterest.com.mx/twoumbrellas0254/pins/

https://twitter.com/TwoUmbrellasPls

https://www.instagram.com/twoumbrellasplease/

https://www.facebook.com/TwoUmbrellasPlease

Book resources at https://twoumbrellasplease.com

REVIEW: Olga's Egg by Sophie Law #Olgasegg @fayerogersuk @authoright @sophieatbonhams

BOOK INFORMATION

Title: Olga’s Egg

Author: Sophie Law

Release Date: 25^th October 2018

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41839253-olga-s-egg

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Olgas-Egg-Sophie-Law-ebook/dp/B07H52VJQJ

Synopsis: When Fabergé specialist Assia Wynfield learns of the discovery of a long-lost Fabergé egg made for the Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, daughter of the last Tsar of Russia, she appears to be the only person with misgivings. On traveling to St. Petersburg to see the egg, Assia moves among Russia’s new rich but finds herself pulled back into a family past she would rather forget. With news that a friend is missing, Assia starts to dig deeper. But does she really want the answers to the questions she is asking? Set in today’s glamorous world of Russian art with glimpses into the lives of the last Romanovs as their empire crumbled in the wake of the Russian Revolution, Olga’s Egg is an enthralling tale of love, family secrets and the artistic treasures that conceal them.

Review: Sophie Law’s debut novel offers every narrative jewel possible to enthrall the reader.  We travel from London to St. Petersburg and back again in search of the lost Faberge egg made for Grand Duchess Olga Nikolayevna, the eldest daughter of  Tsar Nicholas II.
The heroine of the novel has a less than stellar relationship with her father and her twin sister that is worked into the storyline from beginning to end. My heart nearly broke when the heroine, Anastasia, told her sister, Tatiana, that the reason she is so obsessed with the Tsar and his family is that unlike her own family, they were so full of love for each other.
I enjoyed the mixture of history and present day in this novel, as well as the mystery/conspiracy surrounding the newly discovered egg. I would highly recommend this to everyone.

Rating: Four stars 

About the author

Sophie Law was born in London in 1981 and studied at Oxford University and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies. She began her career as a Russian art expert at Bonhams in 2006. After a number of years heading the Russian department and as a UK Board Director at Bonhams, she now acts as a consultant specialist. She lives with her husband and daughter in Oxford.

Website: http://sophielawconsultancy.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sophieatbonhams

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=554123034

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sophierussianart

MOVIE REVIEW AND TICKET GIVEAWAY: Indivisible #indivisiblemovie #flyby

Indivisible is the extraordinary true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather: one marriage … one family … under God. In theaters October 26.

Release date: October 26, 2018 (USA)

Director: David G. Evans

Producer: Darren Moorman

Production company: Pure Flix

Executive producer: Sarah Drew

Screenplay: Cheryl McKay, David G. Evans, Peter White

Cast: Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry, Madeline Carroll

INDIVISIBLE is based on the true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather. With a strong, faith-filled marriage, the Turners are ready to follow their calling: serving God, family, and country.

Fresh from seminary and basic training, Chaplain Turner and his family arrive at Fort Stewart. Yet before the Turners can even unpack their new house, Darren is deployed to Iraq. Heather is left taking care of their three young children alone … as well as serving the families of the other deployed soldiers.

Despite a desire to stay connected with their loved ones, the harsh realities of war take a daily toll over the course of the Battalion’s extended deployment. Meanwhile back home, babies are born, kids keep growing, and nerves are frayed with every late-night knock on the door.

With deeply etched battle scars, the soldiers’ long-awaited homecoming is much different than any of their families anticipated. Carrying burdens the other can’t comprehend, the Turners must decide if they’re willing to face one more battle: the fight to save their marriage.

From the director of The Grace Card and the studio that brought you Fireproof and War Room comes INDIVISIBLE, the story of one marriage … one family … under God. In theaters beginning October 26, the movie stars Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll.

Review: This is definitely a film which will tug at your heartstrings. It explores Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its effects on an entire family, as well as looking at many of the challenges faced by those left behind when service members are deployed. Each of the actors does a wonderful job of bringing their complex characters to life on the screen. 


There are so many touching scenes in this film I wouldn't know where to begin to choose my favorite. There are realistic scenes from combat, including civilian injuries (one of the scenes that made me cry!). There are discussions about faith and friendship as well. 

I would classify this as a must see movie for all couples. Enter below for a chance to win a pair of tickets from Fandango. 

Rating: Five stars 



Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/IndivisibleMovie/

https://twitter.com/indivisiblemov

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfWWuv-wSNyoDk6SkApI5-g

https://www.instagram.com/indivisiblemovie/

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.


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Gathering Of Sisters by Darla Weaver

BOOK INFORMATION

 Paperback: 272 pages

• Publisher: Herald Press (September 25, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1513803379
• ISBN-13: 978-1513803371

Synopsis: Spend a day with sisters.
 
Once a week Darla Weaver bundles her children into the buggy, hitches up her spirited mare, and drives six miles to the farm where she grew up. There she gathers with her four sisters and their children for a day with their mother. In Gathering of Sisters, Weaver writes about her horse-and-buggy Mennonite family and the weekly women’s gatherings that keep them connected. On warm days, the children play and fish and build houses of hay in the barn. In the winter, everyone stays close to the woodstove, with puzzles and games and crocheting. No matter the weather, the Tuesday get-togethers of this Old Order Mennonite family keep them grounded and centered in their love for God and for each other, even when raising an occasional loving but knowing eyebrow at each other.
 
The rest of the week is full of laundry, and errands, and work that never ends. But Tuesday is about being sisters, daughters, and mothers.
 
Hear straight from Amish and Mennonite people themselves as they write about their daily lives and deeply rooted faith in the Plainspoken series from Herald Press. Each book includes “A Day in the Life of the Author” and the author’s answers to FAQs about the Amish and Mennonites.

Review: This is a lovely book. While it offers a peek inside a Mennonite family, it also just shares the love of family, period. It brought back memories of my own childhood in southeastern Ohio, spending time at my grandparents home with aunts, uncles, and cousins--sharing meals, playing, talking, and knowing everyone there truly cared about you.

Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy of this book with me, and thanks to Darla Weaver for sharing her family with all of us.

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Darla Weaver is a homemaker, gardener, writer and Old Order Mennonite living in the hills of southern Ohio. She is the author of Water My Soul, Many Lighted Windows, and Gathering of Sisters. Weaver has written for Family Life, Ladies Journal, Young Companion, and other magazines for Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups. Before her three children were born she also taught school. Her hobbies are gardening and writing.

Tour Schedule

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Too Blessed To Be Stressed For Moms by Debora M.Coty

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Christian living, motherhood, women's issues

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781683224105
• ISBN-13: 978-1683224105
• ASIN: 1683224108
• 
  

Synopsis: Do you feel like you’re drowning in the everyday stress-pool? . . .

Wish you could make busy-ness a business so you’d be a millionaire? . . .

Welcome to the maternal order of slightly sagging sisters of the 'hood. The motherhood. 

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, popular inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of moms drowning in the churning stress-pool of busyness. In her beloved mom-to-mom, grin-provoking style, Coty offers empathy, laughs, real-life stories, practical parenting survival tips, and fresh biblical insights to help you hear Papa God’s still, small voice through life’s chaos. 

Whether you're struggling with stress related to attitude, time-management, guilt trips, patience, or something in between...this humor-filled volume will deliver a much-needed smile and equip you with simple-to-implement tips for attaining the peace we all crave—the peace that passes all understanding.

QUIZ

Take this quiz to discover just how stressed you are!
My results: Orange Alert! Look out—you’re at toxic stress levels.

Woah, mama, you are about to break! You're almost ready to pull your hair out. You need help now before you lose it.

Review: This is a must-read book for Christian mothers of all ages. It is entertaining and inspiring on every page. The cover is adorable and draws attention to the book immediately. 

There are verses, quotes, and discussion questions, making this a perfect book for small groups (of Moms), Mom's Time Out groups, or even your own personal study. It also has a beautiful cover and a ribbon marker to make it a perfect gift for a mom for Christmas, for Mother's Day or just because. 

Motherhood is a blessing and this book gently reminds you of that fact, helps you to find the blessings in the mundane, and is a reminder that God is walking right there with you.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Debora M. Coty is a popular humorist, speaker, and award-winning author of numerous inspirational books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed line. Deb considers herself a tennis junkie and choco-athlete (meaning she exercises just so she can eat more chocolate). A retired piano teacher and orthopedic occupational therapist, Debora currently lives, loves, and laughs in central Florida with her husband, Chuck, and three grandbuddies and one grandprincess. 

Readers can connect with Debora M. Coty via her website, deboracoty.com, or on Facebook (AuthorDeboraCoty), Twitter (DeboraCoty) and Instagram (DeboraCoty). 

GIVEAWAY

No one is immune to stress, least of all moms. That’s why Debora M. Coty, author of the best-selling Too Blessed to be Stressed series decided it was time to write an edition specifically addressing the stresses and needs in the daily life of moms. In Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms (Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing), Deb offers empathy, laughs, real-life stories, practical parenting survival tips, and fresh biblical insights to help frazzled moms of all ages hear God’s still, small voice through life’s chaos.

To celebrate the release of Too Blessed to Be Stressed for Moms and to bless a mom that needs to de-stress, Deb is giving away a “Take a Day for Mom” $75 VISA Cash Card. The card can be used by a mom for a day of pampering or just getting away and enjoying a day to herself. Do you need a day away or know a mom that does? (Is that a trick question?) Then, enter the giveaway and share it with all your friends. (Another little secret… You don’t have to prove you are a mom in order to win!)

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BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: A Stain On The Soul (Caitlyn #2) by Elizabeth Davies @rararesources

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Historical fantasy

• Series: Caitlyn (Book 2)
• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 4, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781726099950
• ISBN-13: 978-1726099950
• ASIN: 1726099954

Synopsis: Resigned to another lifetime of being a witch’s familiar, Caitlyn has found a degree of peace in her role as the Duke of Normandy’s protector and spy.

But that peace is shattered when she returns to her native land only to come face-to-face with her past, and fall in love with a man who she desperately hopes will become her future.

Review: This is the second book in the Caitlyn trilogy. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the first book, Three Bloody Pieces, before starting this one, to fully understand and appreciate Caitlyn's life.

Like the first book, this one is a combination of fantasy and as much historical fact as can be known about such an ancient time (nearly 1000 yrs ago). It's full of unexpected twists and has a mystery aspect to it as well. It will definitely keep you reading once you start.

One word of warning...the story ends with a cliffhanger that will have you anxious to read book 3 as soon as possible!

Rating: Four stars

Pre-Order Link: http://books2read.com/StainOnTheSoul

About the author

Elizabeth Davies is a paranormal author, whose books have a romantic flavour with more than a hint of suspense. And death. There's usually death...

Social Media Links –

Website – www.elizabethdaviesauthor.co.uk

Twitter - @bethsbooks

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethDaviesAuthor/

Instagram - @elizabethdavies.author

Giveaway – Win signed copies of Three Bloody Pieces and A Stain on the Soul plus a magic mug and a coaster. (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for the fulfillment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

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Guess My Name with Veggies and Fruits by Liana Strat #GuessMyName @fayerogersuk @authoright

Guess My Name with Veggies and Fruits by Liana Strat

                           

Information about the book

Title: Guess My Name with Veggies and Fruits

Author: Liana Strat

Release Date: 2^nd October 2018

Genre: Picture Book

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

Synopsis

Help your little ones learn about fruits and vegetables with this delightful illustrated children's book, written by childcare expert Liana Strat.

These friendly faces will make new foods fun and engaging for young children.

Review: This is a positively ADORABLE little book that I would highly recommend to all parents of young children, as well as teachers or caregivers. The pictures are a little on the silly side and are very simple, with just a few lines of text on each page. There are four line descriptions of each fruit/vegetable along with its picture, followed by a page which reveals its name.

*I received a free copy of this book thanks to the author, Clink Street Publishing and Faye Rogers at Authoright. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Rating: Five stars

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42077826-guess-my-name-with-veggies-and-fruits

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guess-My-Name-Veggies-Fruits/dp/1912850125/

About the author

Liana Strat is a Nanny with a Degree in Environment Protection, currently living and working in London. Originally from Romania, she moved to the United Kingdom following a career in Childcare, after realizing her passion for children. Inspired by the multitude of experiences encountered in this field and with a strong desire to give parents an extra tool for a good food education, she followed the path of writing.








Tour Schedule

2018 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge--September Update

(Titles in parentheses are still to be read)

A--Ambushed In Paradise, Deborah Brown

B--Beginnings, Helen Christmas

C-- (The)Celebration, Wanda E. Brunstetter

D--Devil In Ohio, Daria Polatin

E--Everything Happens For A Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved, Kate Bowler

F--Fifth Night, Kathi Daley

G--Ginger Snapped, Gail Oust

H--Happiness For Humans, P.Z. Reizen

I--I Like Church But, Dan Lupton

J--Jerusalem Rising, Barbara Britton

K--((The) Kennedy Wives: Triumph and Tragedy In America's Most Public Family, Amber Hunt)

  

L--Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng

M--#MeToo: Essays about How And Why This Happened, What It Means And How To Make Sure It Never Happens Again, Lori Perkins

N--No One Ever Asked, Katie Ganshert

O--(The) Orphan Daughter,  Cari Noga

P--(A) Passionate Hope, Jill Eileen Smith

Q--(Mrs. Queen Takes The Train, William Kuhn)

R--Rules Of Rain, Leah Scheier

S-- (The) Storied Life Of A.J. Fikry, Gabrielle Zevin

T--This Is Where It Ends, Marieke Nijkamp

U--Unafraid, Adam Hamilton

V--Visions, Helen J. Christmas

W-- What She Left, Rosie Fiore

X--Xenophobe's guide to the Germans,  Stefan Zeidenitz, Ben Barkow

Y--(The) Year Of Living Biblically, A.J. Jacobs

Z--Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40 Day Challenge, Karen Ehman

 

2018 Literary Escapes Challenge--September Update

(Titles in parentheses are still to be read)

Alabama--This Is Where It Ends, Marieke Nijkamp

Alaska--  Before I Let Go, Marieke Nijkamp

Arizona-- Wedding Cake Crumble, Jenn McKinlay

Arkansas--Shakespeare's Landlord, Charlaine Harris

California--The Big Job, Libby Kirsch

Colorado--(Needled To Death, Maggie Sefton)

Connecticut--Autumn Of Fear, Glede Browne Kabongo

Delaware--(She'll Never Tell, Hunter Morgan)

District of Columbia--Unified, Trey Gowdy and Tim Scott

Florida--Ambushed In Paradise, Deborah Brown

Georgia--Ginger Snapped, Gail Oust

Hawaii--(Blood Orchids, Toby Neal)

Idaho--(Blue Heaven, C.J. Box)

Illinois--The Good Liar, Catherine McKenzie

Indiana--Biscuits And Slashed Browns, Maddie Day

Iowa--(The Weight Of Silence, Heather Gudenkauf)

Kansas--Blood And Salt, Kim Liggett

Kentucky--(Cake And Punishment, Maymee Bell)

Louisiana--(The Gilda Stories, Jewelle Gomez)

Maine--(All The Blue-Eyed Angels, Jen Blood)

Maryland--(Baltimore Blues, Laura Lippman)

Massachusetts--The Storied Life Of A.J. Fikry, Gabrielle Zevin

Michigan--The Orphan Daughter, Cari Noga

Minnesota--Fatal Flip, M.E. Bakos

Mississippi--(Mudbound, Hillary Jordan)

Missouri--No One Ever Asked, Katie Ganshert

Montana--Rules of Rain, Leah Scheier

Nebraska--(Thorns Of Rosewood, G.M. Barlean)

Nevada--Panty Raid, Diane Vallere

New Hampshire--Nineteen Minutes, Jodi Picoult

New Jersey--Hummus And Homicide, Tina Kashian

New Mexico--(Deadly Gamble, Connie Shelton)

New York--The Hamilton Affair, Elizabeth Cobbs

North Carolina--To Be Where You Are, Jan Karon

North Dakota--(Badlands, C.J. Box)

Ohio--Devil In Ohio, Daria Polatin

Oklahoma--(Loved, P.C. Cast)

Oregon--Homecoming By The Sea, Kathi Daley

Pennsylvania--Pawprints and Predicaments, Bethany Blake

Rhode Island--(Spellcaster, Claudia Gray)

South Carolina--The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead 

South Dakota--By The Shores Of Silver Lake, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Tennessee--(Funeral Dress, Susan Gregg Gilmore)

Texas--The Pajama Frame, Diane Vallere

Utah--(The 19th Wife, David Ebershoff)

Vermont--House Rules, Jodi Picoult

Virginia--(Crazy, VA, Shannon Hill)

Washington--Farewell To Felines, Kathi Daley

West Virginia--(Miranda Warning, Heather Day Gilbert)

Wisconsin--Survival Of The Fritters, Ginger Bolton

Wyoming--My Friend Flicka, Mary O'Hara



International Settings
Israel--Jerusalem Rising, Barbara Britton
England--Beginnings, Helen Christmas
Turkey--Searching For Gertrude, D.E. Haggerty
The Netherlands--The Dinner, Herman Koch
Scotland--The Whisperer, A. Ireland King