Elimination Communication

I tried EC with one of my daughters. I gave up too quickly because of issues taking care of my Dad. I am hopeful to try again. I am also excited to share this link from Sensible Living. This is a contest for a free EC Starter Kit! I am entering, and hope that all my friends with babies will read this blog for great info on EC!!

The Vanishing Sculptor-Review

The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul is an excellent novel. I used to love fantasy novels. I have stirred clear of them since I became a Christian (except for C.S. Lewis), because too much of the plots or characters glorified sinful lifestyles. However, this book was very wholesome, with no bad content, unless you disagree with talking animals.

This novel has such amazing characters. The story is told from the point of view of an emerlindian girl and a parrot! Many of the characters have hilarious personalities. I especially enjoyed the banter between Fenworth and his librarian.

The Vanishing Sculptor is definitely a page turner. It is going to be a great read aloud for my children. I am sure they will love to join the quirky band of friends on this amazing quest.




Book Summary:
Donita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly crafted fiction novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.
In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.

Author Bio:
Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs , Colorado , where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at donitakpaul.com.

Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart-Review

I am excited to say I finally read a book by Chuck Black. Roo had read one of his novels in the past and really loved it. Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart is Book 3 in the Knights of Arrethrae Series.

Well, I really loved this book. The characters are so realistic. I was riveted by the plot. I was impressed with the Christian allegory throughout the book. The passion of the characters for their King and Prince is moving. It also portrays the dangers of being lukewarm-a very good lesson for our children.

I am thankful for authors like Chuck Black. This novel is an adventure story that I can trust my children to dive in and enjoy. We can't wait to read all of the books in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series.



Summary:
Sir Dalton, a knight in training, seems to have everything going for him. Young, well-liked, and a natural leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow knights, and especially the beautiful Lady Brynn.

But something is amiss at the training camp. Their new trainer is popular but lacks the passion to inspire them to true service to the King and the Prince. Besides this, the knights are too busy enjoying a season of good times to be concerned with a disturbing report that many of their fellow Knights have mysteriously vanished.

When Sir Dalton is sent on a mission, he encounters strange attacks, especially when he is alone. As his commitment wanes, the attacks grow in intensity until he is captured by Lord Drox, a massive Shadow Warrior. Bruised and beaten, Dalton refuses to submit to evil and initiates a daring escape with only one of two outcomes–life or death. But what will become of the hundreds of knights he’ll leave behind? In a kingdom of peril, Dalton thinks he is on his own, but two faithful friends have not abandoned him, and neither has a strange old hermit who seems to know much about the Prince. But can Dalton face the evil Shadow Warrior again and survive?

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes Giveaway!

I was given a free copy of Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes to offer as a giveaway on my blog!

Please leave a comment by Tuesday, June 16th including contact information such as email address or blog address. I will post the winner Wednesday, June 17th.

Thank you for entering this contest and for reading my review!

Blessings,
E.M.

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes-Review

I was pleasantly surprised when I read Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn. I was very thankful that this novel invited me to have some good, clean, fun with the characters. It is difficult sometimes to find a novel, even by a Christian author, that doesn't have too much inappropriate imagery or subject matter. I like how Gunn touches on deep emotional issues, without having to describe all the ugliness of human nature. I related to the characters, and enjoyed watching them mature spiritually in the midst of struggle. I also like the theme of Godly friendships. I think many women would enjoy the Sisterchicks series. I look forward to reading more that Robin Jones Gunn has to offer.

Here is a summary of the book:

When a mammogram result comes back abnormal, midlife mama Summer Finley makes a snap decision to relegate fear to the back burner and fulfill a lifelong dream. Summer heads for Holland where she meets up with tulips, wooden shoes, and her best friend, Noelle.

Pen pals since fourth grade, Summer and Noelle have never met face-to-face. Through decades of heart-level correspondence, they have sustained a deep friendship. A week of adventure helps both women trade anxiety for a renewed and deeper trust in God. When Summer confides in Noelle about the abnormal medical report, Noelle finds the freedom to share a long-held heartache, and both women discover they needed each other more than they realized.

Women ages 35 and up, readers of Christian Boomer Lit, and fans of books such as The Yada Yada Prayer Group will enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s humorous and uplifting style. True-to-life characters and moments of poignancy bring a deeper understanding of the value of life and the gift of true friends. Readers guide and bonus material included.

Author's Bio:

Robin Jones Gunn is the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television. www.robingunn.com www.sisterchicks.com

Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here (http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1) about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.

The Night Watchman

I recently had the opportunity to read and review the novel The Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir. I have included the summary followed by my opinion of this novel.

"Ray Quinn is a tough, quick-witted homicide detective in love with his partner, Trisha Willis. She gives Ray something to live for—something to hope in. Until a barrage of bullets leaves Trisha murdered and Ray crippled.

Struggling with his new physical disability and severe depression, Quinn turns to whiskey, scorn, and a job as a night watchman to numb the pain. But when a pastor and dancer are found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, the pastor’s sister approaches Quinn for help.

Reluctantly, Quinn takes the case and is plunged into the perilous Orlando . Soon he discovers that, not only was the pastor murdered, but the case may be linked to his and Trisha’s ambush. Torn between seeking revenge or responsibility, Quinn is thrust into the case of his life.

Author Mark Mynheir gives readers his most profound police thriller to date with The Night Watchman (first book in The Night Watchman Private Detective Agency Series). Readers of all ages will devour this gripping murder mystery that bristles with tension and intrigue. In a taut cop-style all his own, Mynheir delivers an inside look at the thoughts, feelings, fears, and challenges police officers experience while investigating violent crimes and the lost souls who commit them. "

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I highly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more titles from author Mark Mynheir. The plot is intricate and suspenseful. And very believable. I started out not liking Ray Quinn, the main character. Toward the end, I was rooting for him and hoping that he would find God's peace. You can read more about this fascinating novel here-E.M.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Palm Bay Police Department, Mark Mynheir investigates violent crimes and writes riveting Christian fiction. A U.S. Marine with a passion for martial arts and firearms training, Mark has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and myriad high-risk situations. His four novels offer a realistic glimpse into the gritty world of law enforcement and the rarely seen raw emotions behind the badge. Mark lives in Florida with his wife and three children.