FREE Children's Audio Book plus a $5 Amazon Gift Card

 


Would you like a FREE copy of my sister's first audio book - Pirates of Rocky Crag Bay and Other Stories? She is thrilled to actually have one of her books professionally recorded on audio and available for purchase on Amazon, Audible or iTunes. Just follow the three easy steps below to receive your very own copy! (If you already have a Swagbucks account, just skip step one.)

Step One:
Sign up for a free Swagbucks account. Swagbucks is a great way to earn a little extra spending money through Amazon or other gift cards! With just a few minutes a day you could earn a $5 gift card every month.

Step Two:
Use this link to then sign up for a 1-2 month trial of Audible for just $1 per month PLUS receive 600 Swag Bucks for completing the offer. That's more than enough points to redeem for a $5 gift card!

With this trial offer, you will receive 1 credit for each month (up to two months) for just $1. Your credit can then be redeemed for a FREE audio book of your choice. If you do not want to continue past the first or second month, you will want to cancel as soon as you use the credit for that month so that you don't accidentally get charged full price for an additional month.

Step Three:
Once your account is set up, search for Pirates of Rocky Crag Bay and add it to your cart. Your total will be $0. Complete your purchase and download the audio book to your computer, tablet, or smartphone, and you are ready to listen and enjoy!

That is like getting PAID to get this book for yourself and children to listen to! You will spend $1-2 out of pocket and receive enough points back to redeem for a $5 gift card plus having 100-150 points left over to put toward a second gift card!



** The Swagbucks link above is my referral link. If you would prefer not to use it,  you can go straight to the website.**

New Book Triple Creek Ranch Book One 99 Cents TODAY ONLY!

My sister is celebrating the release of her newest Book

Triple Creek Ranch - Unbroken 

with a count down sale on Amazon! Today only the Kindle version of the book is only 99 cents!!

Triple Creek Ranch Book One is the first in a series of three books, and has been named by her test readers as my sister's best book yet!! If you love to read or have children or grandchildren who love to read, my sister would be THRILLED if you would consider purchasing it.

If you'd like to get a little taste of what the book is like, you can read the first 10, 000 words here.

"The blazing sun was well past mid day, and the air was hot and heavy. The fields were green with rows of fast drying hay turning golden brown. Soon it would be time to load the hay wagons, and Jenelle shook her head at the thought of the long, hot days before them. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and opening it she found a neighbor boy.
    “Pa and I were just in town and picked up your mail for you, Mrs. Mavrich. Pa didn’t think you’d be getting there this week.”
    Jenelle smiled. “Why thank you, Ted. I’m sure we won’t. Not with Norman trying to get the fences fixed so they can move the horses. Tell your Pa we’re much obliged.”
    Waving, Ted ran back to the wagon which was waiting for him at the end of the lane.
    Thumbing quickly through the mail, Jenelle paused and looked at the last envelope with a frown.
    “This looks important,” she murmured dropping the rest of the mail on the table and stepping out into the heat..."

Black Friday Sales

Here are a few more Black Friday sales for you!

Tropical Traditions is offering a $10 off coupon code for all orders over $12.99. Just use the coupon code 111328 at checkout to receive your discount. I just placed my order for their Organic Palm Shortening as I was almost out! This is perfect for all the holiday baking coming up! I use it in place of Crisco and it works GREAT!




More Than Alive is also having a big sale! And on top of their sale prices, they're also offering a coupon code for 20% off! Use the code BFSALE20 at checkout for your discount! They carry many different items including one of my favorites, the Berkey water filters!








Light of Faith Resources is in the middle of their biggest sale of the year! If you're looking for Christ-Centered books, DVDs, audios, or other resources you'll want to check out their sales!

Have your children ever heard the Jonathan Park radio dramas? Those would make GREAT Christmas gifts - especially at 40%-50% off!

Do you have young children? Light of Faith carries a huge selection of Melissa & Doug products,  and right now you can also get them for 40%-50% off! Hurry before the supply runs out!

Are you looking for a good Christmas movie? Our family just previewed and very much enjoyed Silver Bells which you can also get during this sale! :)

There are many, many other products as well, and if your order today, I just might be the one who processes the shipping label for your package! I'm heading over to my brother's house very soon to help with all of the orders! Don't you want to give us more work to do this afternoon and evening? :)

The Sparkle Box Review and Giveaway (US & CANADA)

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Comission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Here we are already in the beginning of November, and Christmas is just around the corner!

I am excited to bring you a special book review and giveaway! In our ME centered society, it's so refreshing to find a children's Christmas book that turns our focus away from ourselves and helps us to focus on others. And that's just what The Sparkle Box does.

About The Sparkle Box - A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas
Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, looking forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's mom explains that the things that they've been doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him.

       

        Written by Jill Hardie
        Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
        Available now!
        Hardcover with jacket, 10 x 10, 32 pages, with a fold-out sparkle box included!
        ages 4 to 8

I was given the opportunity to review this book, and was eager to do so. The book itself is a nice quality hardback and has a dust jacket with a glittery silver Sparkle Box right there on the front which is sure to attract young readers. The illustrations are beautifully and realistically done, and the story itself is well written.

I was hoping this book would prove to be one I could give to my sister-in-law to use with my young niece and nephews, and I wasn't disappointed. I think they are going to enjoy The Sparkle Box this Christmas season and so will another family or two we are going to share it with!

If you're looking for a simple way to add more meaning to your Christmas celebrations, or if you just want a sweet  and simple story to remind you and your children of the many needs around us and that doing things (even little things) for others is doing them for Jesus, then I you'll want to get The Sparkle Box. This book may be marketed for young children, but it has a message for all of us and a challenge - what am I going to do for Jesus this Christmas season to bless those in need?

THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

Author Bio
Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday.  The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace.  Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives. 

Illustrator Bio
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life.  After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.

Would you like to win your own copy of The Sparkle Box? Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered in the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FREE E-Book: Pirates of Rocky Crag Bay

After several months of being too busy to do any blogging, I'm finally back at it again! :)

I'm really excited today to share with you a FREE book download opportunity! My sister has made her third published book Pirates of Rocky Crag Bayavailable as a free Kindle download for the next three days. If you're looking for a good read aloud book for your family, or a wholesome, enjoyable book for your children, you'll want to be sure to get your FREE copy!

Young Ned Jones is enthralled by pirate stories and when an opportunity arises for him to join a group of real pirates, he sets off with high anticipation. Follow along with Ned as he lives his dream. This story along with eleven others will interest young and old alike with a mixture of humor, tenderness and suspense. Will Nana?s spring house cleaning cause a neighbor to call the police? What surprise is Uncle Scott bringing, and who is stealing the flags from the police memorial?

Remember, you only have 3 days to download your FREE copy, so don't delay! And after you've downloaded and read this book, my sister would be THRILLED to have you leave a review on Amazon, or a comment on her blog. She's a new author and greatly appreciates your feedback.

If you like Rebekah's writing in this book, don't forget to check out her first two books Home Fires of the Great War and The Unexpected Request. And tell your friends too! :)

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Are you still looking for last minute gifts?

It's not too late to order from Joyfully Sewn Designs! I ship via USPS Priority Mail or First Class Mail depending on the size of the order. In stock items are shipped the same day or the following day and shipping time is usually not longer than 4 days.

Let It Snow Dress Set Size 3/4

White Peasant Dress

Lilla Rose Flexi Clips also make wonderful gifts for sisters, mothers, friends, co-workers, daughters or granddaughters! Orders take around a week to arrive, so get your purchases made soon!

Do you have a reader in your family or on your list of people to buy gifts for? My sister's newly released book The Unexpected Request would be a great choice for readers of many ages! It's a great family read-aloud book or it will be equally enjoyed by a single reader. The book is available from Amazon in print form or for Kindles!

Favorite Christmas Books

When my brother, sister and I were growing up, my Mom would always read aloud to us. She read us story books, biographys, history books, and much, much more! She spent HOURS reading to us, and I'm so glad for that good foundation she gave us! Even today we all still love to read!

Some of the books we read (or had read to us) as children, we still read today - like some of our favorite Christmas books. Over the years we've collected quite a few Christmas books and in that collection, along with new books we've discovered, remain some of our old favorites including Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas, A Bird's Christmas Carol, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

My sister and I still like to read these books each year either to other children just as they were read to us, or to ourselves. Rebekah is even doing book reviews on some of her favorite Christmas books on her blog this month.

What are some of your family's favorite Christmas books?

The Unexpected Request - New Book! SALE TODAY ONLY

Introducing 

The Unexpected Request

Hot off the press, brand new, and a great read!

"Ty Elliot returns to his home after an absence of two years, knowing full well the danger which threatens him each hour he lingers in the old cabin in the mountains. But with his father on his death bed and his younger sister exhausted, Ty knows he must remain for a time at least. When his father makes a strange request and begs his returned son to “find her,” Ty promises but is bewildered. Who is he to find? How can he set about the task of honoring his word? The only clues the dying man can give his son are a broken locket, a small photograph of a woman and a few last whispered instructions; “Take care of your sisters.” In confusion, Ty turns to his father’s childhood friend, Carson, for advice. Would the older man be able to help Ty and his sister, Sally? How much time did Ty have at the cabin before ‘they’ found out? Join Ty, Sally and Carson on their journey in search of the missing sister. The dangers they encounter, the hardships they face, as well as the friendly homes they visit, will keep you turning the pages. Set in the untamed west of the mid-1800s, this is a story the whole family will enjoy."


This is my sister's second published book in one year! Her first book
was published earlier this year and just a few weeks ago, this second book was released! She has been posting this story 1.000 words at a time, once a week for months on her blog, and her readers have been EAGERLY awaiting the end of the story.

A Sneak Preview from the Beginning

"A bitter wind struck the two riders full in the face as they crested the ridge. The view of the Sierra Blanca was partly obscured by the low clouds which had moved in after dawn. The towering peaks were still visible, the white of their snow etched against the deep blue sky. The riders reined in, ignoring the frigid bite of the wind to take in the scene. The valley lay before them in the shadow of the clouds while the ridge they were on was in full sunlight. The horses stamped with impatience, tossing their heads, each breath a frosty white cloud in the clear air, and the saddles jingled. The older rider pulled his hat lower over his face to try to block the wind and glanced back over his shoulder at the way they had just come..." Read more here.

Reviews

"You end each chapter with the feeling that you can't wait to get to the next chapter"

-Christian age 10, Wisconsin

"A western story that shows a young man's determination to keep a promise to his father.  It has lots of unexpected twists that keep you reading!  You won't want to put it down!"

-Abigail age 16, Wisconsin 

"It is a very difficult book to put down with a feeling of anxiousness as to whether the trio will complete their quest. It has each of the character's journeys in their own faith intertwined with adventure, danger and familial compassion."

-Mrs. Paula Frisbey, Wyoming

This book is very well written and has plenty of action an excitement to keep you turning the page. It would make a great Christmas gift for someone who loves to read, or would be perfect for a family read aloud! The book is available through Light of Faith, Amazon
, or straight from the publisher.

Today, October 24th, ONLY, this book is on sale through Light of Faith for only $8.95 (retail $14.95)! Take advantage of this great deal and be one of the first to read The Unexpected Request!

Just Listed

I have been really busy these last two months trying to keep on top of my custom orders! I'm almost caught up now, and a few days ago I was able to have a photo shoot with a few of my models. I've had a bunch of skirts, jumpers, and dresses hanging in my closet waiting for the opportunity to photograph them!

 My sister (who happens to be a published author and is just about to publish her second book) teaches writing to a few of the girls at church during the school year, and she just started up class again on Wednesday. I often use class time to do modeling with the little sisters. :) They just love playing dress up and modeling for me! This week was even more fun because we added a third model to our party. :)

I'm excited to have 6 new items added to my shop, and I'm hoping to get a bunch more listed soon!

Duggars New Book

Have you seen the Duggars new book A Love That Multiplies
 yet? It's available for Pre-Order on Amazon. I'm really looking forward to getting to read this new book. I thoroughly enjoyed The Duggars: 20 and Counting!

Home Fires of the Great War

We are excited to announce that you can now purchase Home Fires of the Great War online!

Here's the synopsis of the book:
"Thirteen-year-old Maria Mitchell, known to all as Ria, and her friend Lydia have been assigned to write a report on a hero or heroine of the Great War (World War I) for a school project. Instead of picking some well known figure, the two friends decide to search for someone forgotten or unknown. When asked to help, Emma Mitchell, Ria's mom, brings out old letters she and a cousin wrote during the war. The girls are sure the letters hold the key to their success of finding a forgotten hero! But will they? Is that all that these letters bring to light? Join Ria and Lydia, Mrs. Mitchell, an old neighbor called Corporal, and others as they re-live the years of home life during the war."

And here's what one family had to say about this book:
"We used this book as a family read-aloud and all of us were crying and laughing so hard that we cried. It was one of the most fun books we have read. The characters are real and inviting. Their antics are strange and engaging. It will give you a new perspective on the war that changed America forever."

If you love to read, enjoy history, like to be drawn into the lives of the people in the story so that you can share their joys, their sorrows, laugh with them, and cry with them, see God's hand in their lives, and just enjoy a good story, I'd love to encourage you to try out Home Fires of the Great War!

You can order through Amazon, or through Barnes and Noble! You will also soon be able to order this through Light of Faith Resources, but my brother hasn't had time to get it put on the website yet. :)

Right now if you're looking for the best price (like I usually do :)), Barnes and Noble is the best way to go. Their price is $14.79 which is 48% off the retail price! PLUS, if you purchase this through Shop at Home, you'll get an extra 6% cash back on your purchase!

If you haven't already signed up for a Shop at Home account, now would be a great time to do it! It's FREE to sign up and you'll receive a $5 sign up bonus! That's like getting an extra $5 off your purchase! :)

Or, if you have Amazon gift cards you've been hanging on to from Swagbucks, online surveys, or something, you might want to choose to purchase Home Fires of the Great War from Amazon for $22.03 (24% off of retail).

The third option is to wait just a little and purchase an autographed copy through Light of Faith Resources! My sister said she'd be willing to sign books for anyone who wanted one, but those books would have to be purchased through Light of Faith either online or at one of the homeschool conventions we will be at.

So there you have it, three options for purchasing this hot off the press new release book!

Note: The links on this post are my referral links. If you order or sign up through them I get a small commission. I greatly appreciate your support! 

New Book!!

We had some major excitement at our house yesterday! For the last 6 years my sister has been working hard writing, writing, writing, and now at long last she has just gotten her first book published!! The review copies arrived yesterday!

It is so exciting to see the fruit of her labors! She is a really good writer, and I'm so glad that she will soon be able to share what she has written with so many others through her book: Home Fires of the Great War.