Goodreads Giveaway Wins!(and future reviews)

 Goodreads Giveaways=Free Books!

Who doesn't love free books?

I have been using Goodreads Giveaways for years! I love that there are always so many listed for you to enter to win. There are print and ebook formats that you can choose from. You can narrow down your search by genre, and/or when the giveaway ends.

Or, like me, you can scan through the list and enter just about all of them. 

These books are posted/sponsored by either the author, or a publishing company;i.e. Random House.

There is no purchase necessary, and the only "rules" are agreeing to the terms of each giveaway.

For example, you must give your mailing address if you win a physical book in order for it to be sent to you.

You must agree to Goodreads terms and conditions, which basically says you cannot hold them responsible for anything. Once you enter the giveaway, it is solely under the author or publisher's terms and agreement.

I'm pretty sure we've all read similar before, but it is always a good idea to read through the rules, and make sure you understand them.

Goodreads has been such a wonderful website that supports all types of authors, readers, and reviewers. I have never had any issues with receiving a book I have won. I will add, there have been times, it has taken over a month to receive the book (physical), but, honestly, it's a free book!

I'm sure you have something to read while you wait. 

Each giveaway will show how many copies of that book are available to win. That can be anywhere from 1 to 100. It all depends on who is posting the giveaway. Usually, it will also show how many entries there are for each giveaway.

I will say, I have won a book where there were only 20 copies available, and maybe 2,000 entries.

I've also lost when there were 100 copies and only about 900 entries. It's all about luck.

My advice is to look through them often, and enter as many as you want.

Here are the 4 that I have won just in the last two months!

Hereafter: The Telling Life of Ellen O'Hara by Vona Groarke

Description:

(copied from Bookshop.org)

A lyrical portrait of a young Irish woman reinventing herself at the turn of the twentieth century in America

Ellen O'Hara was a young immigrant from Ireland at the end of the nineteenth century who, with courage and resilience, made a life for herself in New York while financially supporting those at home. Hereafter is her story, told by Vona Groarke, her descendant, in a beautiful blend of poetry, prose, and history.

The Nurse's Secret by Amanda Skenandore

Description:

(copied from Bookshop.org)

A thrilling historical novel of the dark side of gilded age New York City.

Based on Florence Nightingale's nursing principles, Bellevue is the first school of its kind in the country. Where once nurses were assumed to be ignorant and unskilled, Bellevue prizes discipline, intellect, and moral character, and only young women of good breeding need apply. At first, Una balks at her prim classmates and the doctors' endless commands. Yet life on the streets has prepared her for the horrors of injury and disease found on the wards, and she slowly gains friendship and self-respect.

Just as she finds her footing, Una's suspicions about a patient's death put her at risk of exposure, and will force her to choose between her instinct for self-preservation, and exposing her identity in order to save others.

On the Way to Christmas:Three Stories by Sheila Roberts, Melissa Ferguson, and Amy Clipston

Description:

(copied from Bookshop.org)

A Christmas Do-Over by Sheila Roberts

Darby doesn't want to go home for the holidays, but a career fail sends her slinking back to the small town she always wanted to escape. No one there is especially glad to see the former mean girl--especially not her sister, Erica, or childhood best friend, Gregory. Darby is working hard to be a better person, but has she eaten enough humble pie to make amends?

Dashing Through the Snow by Melissa Ferguson

When Willow's boyfriend of seven years dumps her on the eve of a romantic getaway, she decides to take the two-week train trip on The Christmas Express alone. Hurt as she feels, she can't anticipate how the hilarious rebound ride with conductor Oliver, elf Ian, and aging world adventurer Clarence will heal her heart--and renew her sense of worth.

A Perfectly Splendid Christmas by Amy Clipston

Kacey adores the metropolitan life, but when she gets away to help her sister during a family crisis and run her bakery, she falls in love with former classmate Drew. The problem: he's a small-town man, and she's a big-city woman. Is their love big enough to overcome such a major difference?

More Than You Can See: A Mother's Memoir by Barbara Rubin

Description:

(copied from Bookshop.org)

Barbara Rubin writes this story of joy and sorrow mixed with humor and rage as both mother and advocate for her daughter Jenn. In this role, she witnessed firsthand the battles that come when a person is the most vulnerable, but she also saw the gift of human kindness and the difference it can make in another person's life. She hopes that her journey, lived through her daughter's injury, will help others understand the lessons that can be learned from tolerance and will give hope to families whose paths have also been darkened by tragedy. This is her first book. Barbara resides in Washington Crossing, PA.

Wow! I don't know which one to read first!

Each one appeals to me for different reasons.

I'm always a sucker for a good memoir, or historical fiction based on fact. On the other hand, maybe a cozy holiday book soon would work. Ah!

Help me choose!

Which one should I read first?

Watch for the reviews of these books later, too.

Have you entered any book giveaways lately?

Have you won any? I'd love to know!

Book Review: Feeling All My Feelings/Feeling All My Anger by Kim T.S.

 Feeling All My Feelings
and 
Feeling All My Anger

by

Kim T.S.

I was honored to receive free pdf copies of both of these books from the author, 

Kim T.S.

You can also follow her on Goodreads, Click Here!

In these two books, Kim opens up a way to help everyone learn about different feelings. We all have feelings, and they are all valid. How we share them with others, and how we react, can make a huge difference.

Children need to see a healthy way to deal with all their feelings. Together we can set an example, learn, and teach each other.

Author's note from book:

We are firm believers that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Learn about different methods, but trust your own instincts. Always be kind to your children, to others, and to yourself. Remember, that we are all just trying our best!

(both books were read aloud with my daughter. All opinions are our own)

Feeling ALL My Feelings

18 pages

Kyle is a little kid with a lot of BIG feelings- just like many kids! It's ok to feel all our feelings, because those feelings are normal and real. 

At the same time, there are things we can do to help us calm down when our feelings get TOO big!

Join Kyle and his friend, Tiny the Mouse, as they find ways to accept and overcome the littlest and biggest emotions.

Review:

This is definitely a little book that makes a big impact!

From the very beginning, Kyle comes to life with amazing illustrations by Chel Labayo

His character takes us through a variety of emotions and some of the ways he reacts to them.

Like when something is funny,... he laughs until his knees buckle.

Kyle learns that his brain is a superpower. He has the power to control his emotions and learns ways of coping when he is scared, sad, or angry.

It seems like such a simple message, yet I think each of us forget that we hold this power at times.

This is a story that can be read and definitely re-read over. A lesson we all need a reminder of.

Hooray! to Kyle!

My daughter absolutely loved the animation in his character. We found ourselves saying, "Hey, you make that face." several times throughout the book.

Feeling All My Anger

18 pages

It's important for everyone to remember that ALL feelings are okay. There's a reason for every feeling, including anger. Instead of hiding it, we should try to understand WHY we feel that way and find healthy ways to release it. Otherwise, our anger might explode!

Join Max the Lion as he tries to find ways to understand, accept, and overcome his anger.

Review:

Have you ever taken away your child's ipad or tablet? How did they react? If your kid is anything like Max the Lion, or my daughter, I bet there was some strong anger shown!

When Max doesn't get his way, he finds himself roaring with anger.

He wants to scream and shout. He wants to kick and run; and make his feelings heard.

Luckily, he has a mommy that sticks it out and is there for him when he's ready to be calm. He also has Tiny the Mouse to help him along the way. To understand his feelings and how they can hurt others if they aren't gotten under control.

Again, this book also helps us understand our emotions, and how we can help others express them in a healthy way.

Tiny the Mouse is a hoot! Make sure to catch all her little text. 

Maybe, she'll get a book about how she's feeling...

I adored both of these books, and so did my daughter. She'll be 9 this week, and these were easy enough for her to read alone if she chooses. We've already discussed them twice. Once, after reading, and again before I started writing this review. We both found we could relate to the characters, and remember a time when we've shown our emotions. We discussed how we dealt with them and if we used our super brain power to control them. If not, what could we have done different. 

Very clear and understandable message.

I think Kim T. S. has a wonderful series started here! I cannot wait for the next book!

5 stars all around!

Book Review: What Good Is A Dragon by Patrick Carlson

 What Good Is A Dragon?

by 

Patrick Carlson

Children's

Kindle edition/ 32 pages

I received a copy of this book from the author to read and give an honest review.

Thank you, Patrick Carlson(Goodreads author link)

From the cover:

It's the queen's birthday and Alexander must deliver a dragon before the party starts. What does the queen need with a baby dragon? Come with Alexander while he travels across the kingdom to deliver this special gift...and discover what good a dragon is!

My Review:

When receiving this book, my first impression was, Wow! The illustrations are wonderful!

I'm definitely a visual person, as well as a mom. I believe a great children's book must have eye-catching pictures to pull kids into the story. This book definitely hit the mark. Throughout the book, the pictures are vibrant, and seem to pop right off the pages!

The story tells of Alexander's travels through the kingdom and all the creatures he meets along the way. Each of them believe they have an even better gift for the queen than the baby dragon he is sent to deliver. Alexander never questions taking along each gift to be delivered. But, when he arrives to give them all to the queen, which gift will she be most excited about?

I love the message this story gives that even with the best of intentions, others may not know exactly what we need or want at that moment, and not everyone seeks beauty and power. I feel it also shows that just because something isn't important or special to one, doesn't mean that for everyone.

I actually read this book twice. Once alone and then again aloud to my 8-year-old daughter.

Ele:

She agreed the pictures were her favorite, and the story was well liked. Her takeaway from this was, a bit different from mine, but I love that she formed her own opinion and found something that I missed.

*spoiler*

She thought when the queen received all the gifts, and seemed to only notice the baby dragon, that she should have been happy with all her gifts.

Sometimes we focus so much on that one thing we need or want, we forget about all the other gifts we've received.

Is my 8-year-old wiser than me???

We decided to give this book 4 stars. I do wish the ending had maybe been a little clearer for younger readers. It does give you the reason, in pictures, but then just kind of trails off. 

Ele wanted to see pictures of the queen's birthday party.

Again, thank you, Patrick Carlson for this wonderful opportunity to read and review this book.

 If anyone would like to get a copy of this book, here is the Amazon link(no affiliate):

What Good Is A Dragon?

Happy Reading!

Audiobook Mini Reviews and other book business

Where are all my book reviews?
I know I haven't done one in a bit, but I promise there are more to come soon.
I definitely have been reading a ton and endlessly trying to get my To Be Read list shortened, rather than continuously growing!
It's a real challenge not to add 4 or 5 books every time I'm logged onto my GOODREADS account.
I've also been obsessed with Thriftbooks.com lately. They've changed up there rewards program and not only do you get free shipping; now you also earn points with each purchase towards a free book!
I know! I know, so cool!
I've also recently added The Libby App to my phone. This is the sister app for Overdrive(amazing also). It has 10,000+ books to choose from...for FREE!
I only use it for audio books, but they do have ebooks available. I'm so much of a paper, ink and bindings kind of girl but I recently realized how far behind I am on my challenge for the year, sooo I'm a sorta-cheater and using audiobooks to play catch up. That is one of the reasons that my reviews have been lacking. I just don't feel the same when it is an audio. I mean, I have gotten some good books, but they don't make me want to write like the actual books do.
Does that sound weird?
It is also hard to get my quotes, notes, etc that I normally add into my book reviews.
I don't want these books to get pushed completely aside or forgotten.  I am going to give this a try and see where and how it goes.
Here is my first...

Audiobook mini reviews:

The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
An English nurse brought to a small Irish village to observe what appears to be a miracle-a girl said to have survived without food for months-soon finds herself fighting to save the child's life.

I started this book solely because I read ROOM years ago and fell in love with it!
The Wonder pretty much crushed my love for Donoghue.
Sadly it was not what I had expected. It was very drawn out and repetitive. I felt like the characters were annoying with all the half secrets and a lot of the tale was just not believable.
I wasn't impressed. Also the audio made it into a 12 1/2 hour long book.

Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
Summer of 1876: San Francisco is in the fierce grip of a record-breaking heat wave and a smallpox epidemic. Through the window of a railroad saloon, a young woman named Jenny Bonnet is shot dead. 

Ms. Donoghue can redeem herself quite well! I have to say I enjoyed this book much, much more. The narrator~.Khristine Hvam was perfect for this book. She had just the right twang and spunk to make the characters come to life. I would even say, if they made this into a mini movie; I would buy it!
Who doesn't love a good western struggle story?

Matched(Matched #1) and Crossed(Matched #2) by Ally Condie
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe.
So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. 

Okay, now I don't know any of the actual legalities of plagiarism but if there ever was a case...these books scream it!
The Giver, The 100, Taken just to name a few.
I'm all for a great dystopian read but when you take three amazing ones and try to cram them into a new series,....you get Matched!
Nope, not for me.

Well, I hope this keeps you reading until I get more to write.
Always happy reading!
Do you prefer book, ebook, audio?
Please share which you like best and why!

Book Review: The Priest's Graveyard

The Priest's Graveyard

By

Ted Dekker

Quote:

" Of course. Of course. There's nothing worse than injustice. I've always believed that those responsible for it should be brought to their knees even when they come in small, frail packages." ~ Danny pg. 129

Started: September 13, 2017

Finished: September 27, 2017

hardback cover, 360 pages

* This posts contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from the link, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
(TIA for adding to my book fund ;)

From the cover:

Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man, soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate bound by a perilous love.

Danny Hansen came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother's life. Now he's a priest, incensed by the powerful among us who manipulate the law for their own gain, uncaring of the shattered lives they leave behind. It is his duty to show them the error of their ways, even if he must put them in the grave.

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in the pursuit.

But when Danny and Renee's paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.

My Review:

I bought this book from ThriftBooks a few years ago but it had been put up and forgotten. I went through a huge  Ted Dekker phase and read about 5 of his books almost back to back. I absolutely love his writing style and amazing stories. I think I jut burnt myself out and moved on to something lighter and this book got forgotten. I'm so glad I found it and decided to read this one. 

It is a stand alone and I love that I wasn't getting in to a commitment...I have so many on my TBR list that I have slacked off on series unless, I already have the whole set.

Dekker did not disappoint!

As with all of his books, I was hooked from the first page.

He has an amazing way of saying just the right words to make you immediately ask the question, "What's happening here?"...and you have to keep going to figure it out.

Always action packed from the beginning.

In The Priest's Graveyard, it starts out with Renee asking a priest if he will listen to her, or rather Danny's confession, but only if he is 100% he will keep confidence and have time to hear the full story and hopefully understand Danny better. 

The Priest assures her God can forgive anything, but Renee isn't so sure... this time.

Danny's confession, written out in a journal, describes how it all started. How he became the priest who claims the lives of those who have done evil and gotten away with it. 

It details how he became who he now is and the events he has been involved in.

Throughout the book, Danny and Renee's relationship takes many turns and their lives become more entangled. They become teacher and apprentice, friends, partners, and even foe.

Much of Renee's life has been forgotten or at the least regressed memories that her brain isn't ready to deal with just yet. Will Danny uncover her secrets and be able to help her through the memories...or will he help to destroy her and the life she is now building with him?

How will all these events play out and what are the final consequences? Who really gets the final say?

I don't want to spoil the story for you readers. So, ....READ IT!

I can only say good things about yet another awesome Dekker book!

Make sure you check out all of his great books over at Goodreads!

Have you read any of his books?
Which is your favorite?

Shop now for thousands of quality used mystery, thriller & suspense books starting at under $4

Goodreads Giveaways Awesomeness!

I WON!!!

I did! I won a free book. Not just 1, but 2 free books! I absolutely LOVE Goodreads for so many reasons! They have everything you need or want in a book website. Books, recommendations, reviews, blogs, challenges, quizzes, links to sales, author pages, free lists and a place to keep track of EVERYTHING you need to keep your reading organized(Y'all know I need all the organizing help I can get), and they have GIVEAWAYS!!! A chance to win free books with no purchase or commitments required. You simply jump over to the list of giveaways and choose only the ones you want to enter.

There literally are thousands to choose from all the time!

I have entered hundreds! Anything from children's to self help, cookbooks, series, anything. Obviously, the more you enter or the more copies a publisher or author are giving away the better your chances are of winning.

This week I probably entered 20-25 giveaways, AND I won 2 of them!

The first one I won is:

Poison by Galt Niederhoffer

This giveaway was given by St. Martin's Press through Goodreads

The second book I won is:

The It Girls by Karen Harper

This giveaway was given by William Morrow through HarperCollins Publishers

I am super excited to receive both of these books!

Make sure to jump over to GOODREADS through any of my links! Check out these great books and don't forget to ENTER A GIVEAWAY! You can also shoot me a friend request!

HAPPY READING!

UPDATE:

I've won another book! Woo hoo! That is 3 books in less than 2 weeks!
I am super excited!
Seriously, y'all need to start entering some of these Goodreads Giveaways!
Happy reading!

TBR and....Thriftbooks deals!

TBR and....Thriftbooks deals!

I am a book hoarder and...I regret nothing!

I just ordered more books!!! (Squeals)

I couldn't help myself.

Years ago I had ordered a few children's books for Christmas presents and done the whole subscribe with your email blah blah stuff in order for them to send you periodic deals and savings tips.

I honestly haven't used the site since about 2014 but every now and then I actually would get an email.

20% your next purchase

Huge online savings!

We've found a book on your wish list!

Order soon!

Anyway, I always just deleted them or never took the time to actually click the included link to browse the site.

But, ...

since I started my blog back up, I do need new material to read and review.

So a couple days ago, I got yet another email reminder for a book I had added to my "wish list" way back whenever. (I actual have the book now and have read it).

I decided to look up the site and just see if there was anything "cheap" enough to consider ordering or just to add more books to my wish list.

I found a huge deal...

They are having a Thriftdeals sale. Which is a sale on there already "marked down" used books. If you buy 2 books it's $7, 3 for $10...and so on!

And 4 or more books gets you FREE SHIPPING!!

So, I bought 6 books for $18 and no shipping charges!!

Score!

Thriftbooks Deals

Here are the 6 books that I ordered and the titles can all be found over at GOODREADS on my TBR list.

Orphan Train~ Christina Baker Kline

Someone Knows My Name~ Lawrence Hill

These Is My Words~ Nancy E. Turner

The One I Left Behind~ Jennifer McMahon

Left Neglected~ Lisa Genova

The Invisible Wall~ Harry Bernstein

Happy Reading and happy deal hunting!