Book Babble

Monday, April 4, 2016

NEW RELEASES/FREE AND BARGAIN BOOKS THIS WEEK

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

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Come back and check out the new selection every week x

REVIEW PLUS DISCOUNT CODE: 8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids by Todd Cartmell #8SimpleTools #FlyBy

Book Information

Genre: Parenting

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers (January 5, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802413870
ISBN-13: 978-0802413871

Synopsis: "I love my child, but parenting is hard."

Whether you find parenting intuitive or impossible, we could all use a hand here and there. Let child psychologist and father Todd Cartmell walk you through the nuts and bolts of healthy, effective parenting.

Using examples from his home and 20 years of professional practice, Todd gives eight essential and practical tools to help you:
Maintain a healthy relationship with your child
Develop a nurturing home culture
Correct behavior in lasting ways

Designed for busy parents, 8 Simple Tools breaks each tool into five short chapters that include a summary tip and application questions. Use even half of the tools in your parenting, and your family dynamics will thrive. Your relationship with your child will be built on love and trust, providing you with fertile ground for planting God’s wisdom in their heart, and ultimately, seeing them flourish.

Review: This is a very easy to read book. It is divided into 8 sections of 5 short chapters (5 pages or less) each, which makes it simple to read about each tool on its own.

There are stories included in each section of actual situations where the tools were used, showing how each one can make a real difference in the parent-child relationship.

While the book is largely psychological, there are also scripture and scriptural principles included. Each chapter also ends with a brief one or two sentence tip which sums up the main point--and there are four pages at the back of the book which put all those tips together in one place.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Five stars

SPECIAL OFFER
Discount code good for 50% off retail price when purchased at moodypublishers.com
GREATKIDS16
Effective April 15th through May 15th.

Free access to the HEARTS AT HOME "ESSENTIAL WORKSHOP COLLECTION FOR PARENTS" with every purchase: http://www.8simpletools.com/purchase-with-offer (so readers not only get 50% off with the coupon code at moodypublishers.com, but also get access to a slew of freebies).

About the author

I am a child psychologist who has been working with children, teens, parents, and families for the last 18 years, most of that in a group practice in Wheaton, IL. On a personal note, I have been married for 24 years to my wife, Lora, and we have two young adult sons who are currently attending college.

I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. We then moved to Columbus, OH, where I completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Wright State University at the Children’s Hospital. Since then, I have done my clinical work at Summit Clinical Services in Wheaton, IL, where I continue to see children, teens, and families on a full-time basis.

I have written five parenting books (faith based), which you can learn more about on the Books page. My latest book (general audience) which is soon to be released is an ebook titled: Raising Flexible Kids. I have presented many parenting workshops at mom’s conferences (Hearts at Home, MOPS International), MOPS groups, churches, and schools, which you can read about on the Workshop page. I have also recently developed a skill-building game for kids called The Flexible Thinking Game (see the Store page).

In my free time, I enjoy doing anything with my wife, spending time with my boys whenever possible, reading, running, and playing jazz piano any chance I get. My Christian faith is an important part of my life and thinking, and I am continually thankful for God’s grace, of which I am an undeserving recipient.

SOCIAL CORNER

Official Website- www.8simpletools.com

Dr. Todd Cartmell's FB: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Todd-Cartmell-193405444025914/

Sunday, April 3, 2016

MY WINTER IS BOOKED BONUS READ: The Hole In The Middle by Kate Hilton

Book Information

Genre: Women's Fiction

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: NAL (January 5, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451476697
ISBN-13: 978-0451476692

Synopsis: The heartfelt and hilarious, international bestselling debut about having it all without losing your mind.

Sophie Whelan is the kind of woman who prides herself on doing it all. In a single day, she can host a vegan-friendly and lactose-free dinner for ten, thwart a PTA president intent on forcing her to volunteer, and outwit her hostile ‘assistant’ in order to get her work done on time.

With her fortieth birthday looming, and her carefully coordinated existence beginning to come apart at the seams, Sophie begins feeling like she needs more from her life—and especially from her husband, Jesse.

The last thing Sophie needs is a new complication in her life. But when an opportunity from her past suddenly reappears, Sophie is forced to confront the choices she’s made and decide if her chaotic life is really a dream come true—or the biggest mistake she’s ever made…

Review: One of the best books I read in March! Sophie is approaching 40, and looks like she has it all, and has it all together. On closer look, however, things are not what they seem: she's put upon at work, never seems to have enough time for her family. When she's faced with choices which could change everything, what will she do?

I was drawn into this story from the first page, and couldn't put it down until I reached the end. I laughed, I cried, and I truly felt for Sophie--both the Sophie of the past and the present. There are some surprising twists along the way, but I was very pleased with the way it all played out in the end.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

About the author

The Hole in the Middle is Kate’s first book. It was originally self-published in April 2013, but received such an enthusiastic response from readers that it was re-published by HarperCollins Canada in November 2013. It will be published in the United States by NAL Penguin Random House in January 2016.

Before turning to fiction, Kate worked in law, higher education, public relations and major gift fundraising. She has an English degree from McGill University and a Law degree from the University of Toronto. She is a working mother, a community volunteer, a voracious reader and a pretty decent cook. On good days, she thinks she might have it all. On bad days, she wants a nap. Kate lives with her family in Toronto.

BOOK BLAST: Braking For Bodies (Cycle Path Mystery #2) by Duffy Brown

We're thrilled to be hosting DuffyBrown's BRAKING FOR BODIES Book Blast today! Pick up your copy!

Title: BRAKING FOR BODIES (Book 2 Cycle Path Mystery Series)
Author: Duffy Brown
Publisher: Penguin Berkley Prime Crime
Pages: 304:
Genre: Cozy Mystery

No one knows why Peephole Perry came all the way to Mackinac from LA, but when he winds up dead things are looking bad for Evie’s BFF who once worked for the jerk. Now Evie has to gear up and get a grip on the truth if she wants to clear her friend and find a killer.

It’s murder and a mystery weekend on Mackinac Island for the rag reporter, his mistress and the wife who wants them both dead.

For More Information

Braking for Bodies is available at Amazon.
Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.

Book Excerpt:

“What’s going on?” A guy called down from the porch above us. “Is somebody there? Did somebody fall?”

Sutter and I exchanged uh oh looks and a woman on the porch squealed. “Ohmygoodness! It’s a body! This is fantastic! I know what this is. It’s one of those murder mystery weekends right here at the Grand Hotel. The victim’s right there, I can see him all sprawled out on the ground. Oh this is so much fun.”

“Look, lady,” Sutter shot back. “This is no mystery weekend party this is a real crime scene here.”

“Of course it is,” she squealed again. “You all are great actors, this is amazing. What a fantastic surprise right here on Mackinac Island.”

About the Author

While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy Brown longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. Today she is a National Bestselling author and conjures up who-done-it stories for Berkley Prime Crime. She has two series, the Consignment Shop mysteries set in Savannah and the Cycle Path Mysteries on Mackinac Island.

For More Information

Visit Duffy Brown’s website.
Connect with Duffy on Facebook.

Giveaway!

Duffy is giving away 20 BRAKING FOR BODIES Cinch Totes & Notepads!

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

Twenty winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Braking for Bodies Cinch Tote & Notepad

This giveaway ends at midnight on April 3.

Winner will be contacted via email on April 4.

Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Antiques & Avarice (White Mountains Romantic Mystery #1) by Jane Firebaugh

Book Information

Genre: Cozy mystery

Series: White Mountains Romantic Mystery #1

File Size: 776 KB
Print Length: 276 pages
Publication Date: November 27, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B018ND2KK8

Synopsis: Olivia McKenna is a young woman with a passion for antiques and a penchant for mystery. Owning her own little antique finding business is just enough to keep her and her Golden Retriever, Molly fed, housed and happy. While shopping for antiques in a quaint little store, she discovers a body and becomes embroiled in a murder investigation, soon finding herself the victim of a stalker. The investigation is being handled by a handsome State Police Detective named Josh Abrams. Josh and Olivia feel an immediate connection and attraction. Can she and Josh discover who is after her before they wind up in more trouble than they can handle?

Review: A great debut novel from this author. It's easy to tell that she knows the White Mountains area well, from her descriptive writing.

Olivia is an easily likable character. She seems like the sort of person I would want to get to know in real life. We could go antique shopping together, and solve mysteries together. And the fact that she's an animal lover is definitely another plus.

Ms. Firebaugh has a unique writing style which makes the story come alive for the reader. There is romance involved in the story but it doesn't detract from the mystery. I look forward to more books in this series.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Jane Firebaugh was born and raised in eastern Tennessee.
She's had numerous interests in life, from antique collecting to jewelry design.
When she isn't in front of her computer writing, Jane can usually be found hiking with her dogs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during temperate weather seasons, skiing there during cold ones or occasionally melting in the Florida sun.

Friday, April 1, 2016

RELEASE DAY: Spies and Spells (Spies and Spells #1) by Tonya Kappes

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Book Information

Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Series: Spies and Spells #1

Print Length: 189 pages
Publication Date: April 1, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B01BMOE41I

Synopsis: While Maggie waits for her Witchy Hour, she works at the family diner with her mom, aunt Meme and Lilith, her sister - all witches. Soon Maggie gets entangled with a mysterious handsome stranger, Mick Jasper, and his secret U.S. organization, SKUL. Has she found her calling?

Review:

This is the first book in a new series from Tonya Kappes. Maggie works in the family's diner as she waits for her Witchy Hour, when she will learn her calling as a witch. She finds herself involved with a handsome stranger and his secret organization known as SKUL. Maggie and her familiar, who just happens to be a car (a very SNARKY car), soon find themselves in the middle of SKUL's latest case.

The characters in this series are very engaging and fun. I love the relationship between Maggie and her car, and between Maggie and Mick, the handsome stranger. His suspicions of Maggie and her family will no doubt continue to lead to some "interesting" conversations.

Tonya works her own brand of magic in writing this story, as I am sure she will continue to do with the remainder of the series. Can hardly wait for more adventures from Maggie!

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Here is my author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Follow me on Twitter! https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Tonya has written over 15 novels and 4 novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including USA Today. Best known for stories charged with emotion and humor, and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband, three teenage boys, two very spoiled schnauzers and one ex-stray cats in northern Kentucky and grew up in Nicholasville. Now that her boys are teenagers, Tonya writes full time but can be found at all of her guys high school games with a pencil and paper in hand.
Become a member of Tonya's STREET TEAM! It's a gathering place of readers who love Tonya Kappes novels and Tonya gives away prizes! To sign up for Tonya's STREET TEAM, newsletter, view book trailer, and upcoming news, check out Tonya's website, Tonyakappes.com.

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Summer At Little Beach Street Bakery (Little Beach Street Bakery #2) by Jenny Colgan

Win a Print Copy of

SUMMER AT LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY

Little Beach Street Bakery #2

Jenny Colgan

Releasing March 22nd, 2016

William Morrow

The New York Times-bestselling author of Little Beach Street Bakery and Christmas at the Cupcake Café returns with a delightful new novel--with recipes!--that is already an international bestseller and is perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Meg Donohue, and Sophie Kinsella.

For fans of Jojo Moyes and Elin Hilderbrand, an irresistible novel—moving and funny, soulful and sweet—about happiness, heartache, and hope. And recipes.

A thriving bakery. A lighthouse to call home. A handsome beekeeper. A pet puffin. These are the things that Polly Waterford can call her own. This is the beautiful life she leads on a tiny island off the southern coast of England.

But clouds are gathering on the horizon. A stranger threatens to ruin Polly’s business. Her beloved boyfriend seems to be leading a secret life. And the arrival of a newcomer—a bereft widow desperately searching for a fresh start—forces Polly to reconsider the choices she’s made, even as she tries to help her new friend through grief.

Unpredictable and unforgettable, this delightful novel will make you laugh, cry, and long for a lighthouse of your own. Recipes included.

Review: I've read several books by this author, and I have to say this is my favorite so far. Mount Polbearne is such a wonderful community, with (mostly) wonderful people living there. Polly Waterford has found real happiness there--until her entire world gets turned upside down. What she has to go through to bring her life back to "normal" is the main focus of this story.

This is a fun, easy read that would be perfect for enjoying on the beach this summer. There is drama, intrigue, romance and danger, and a cast of characters that anyone who has ever lived in a small town will recognize immediately. I love the relationship between Polly and Huckle, and can't wait to see how it progresses in future books. And Neil the puffin makes for great comic relief!!

Although this is the second book in the series, it is easily read as a standalone without feeling lost and confused.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

BUY NOW

Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

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Jenny Colgan is the New York Times-bestselling author of numerous novels, including Christmas at the Cupcake Café, Little Beach Street Bakery, and Meet Me at the Cupcake Café, all international bestsellers. Jenny is married with three children and lives in London and Scotland.

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