Review & Giveaway: A God For All Seasons by Patti Tingen

A Time For All Seasons is a year long reflection in author Patti Tingen's life. She notes from the beginning that often we reflects our lives based on the seasonal changes of winter, spring, summer and autumn. In this book she discusses how our lives should and do changes through the months and how those changes help us to grow spiritually.

Mixed with Biblical scripture, stories of her husband's journey, and her own personal journey, her month to month reflections help to guide the reader into a deeper understanding of a relationship with the Creator.
She divides the book first by the seasonal changes in a introductory manner, then she breaks the seasons down into months. Each month reflects upon certain Biblical passages with emphasis on a particular word.

Overall, the book follows well the scripture stated on  the back cover of her book. It is meaningful and relative. It points to living in the now and the season you are in, to work through it until the next season is upon you.

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven." ~Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Unlike sitting and reading this book in one sitting, as I did, I suggest you take A Time For All Seasons and use it as it is intended, a meditative reflection based upon each month. 

Even though I did read the book all at one time, I still was able to grasp notions that she hits upon. Some things struck me in such a way that I found myself underlining them. In one instance, I even texted a whole sentence to my husband as it reflected our lives now. Again, this is what the book is truly meant for, reflection! I am sure if I read it again later, that I would learn something new.

This book gets 5 stars.

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Disclosure: Although this book is meant to be directed at those of Christian faiths, I am open to all walks of spiritual paths and will review books of other faiths if I wish to do so. I purposely will not share what my affiliation to any faith is on any of my blogs because I feel it is too hot of a subject to do so.

I did received this book for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon

Facebook

 

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Patti Tingen is generously giving away one of my readers a copy of her book. Enter in the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway will end on Feb. 16, 2014 at 12 midnight MST and is open to US only. The author is responsible for prize shipment. The giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook or any other social media site.

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Review: The Supermarket Guy III by Daren Doucet

Blurb:
The Supermarket Guy III: Supermarket Dominium takes off from a peaceful time of robust growth for Harold's supermarket chain. With the evil Jon Acadou behind bars in a maximum-security prison, nothing seems to be threatening these prosperous and peaceful times. A new supermarket chain, the Edmundo Market, is just on the heels of Harold's own franchise. He soon finds out that it only takes a few days for his world to turn inside out. 

Mr. Acadou escapes from prison, with his heart set on retaking the helm of the Edmundo Market after having his own one-sided, deluded religious conversion. He discovers much has changed with his foster son, Edmund, at the reins, and Edmund refuses to hand over control. Instead, Edmund plans on world domination with an engineered concoction that will make everyone duly follow him. 

Suddenly, Jon Acadou needs the help of his old rival in order to stop him in his tracks as the police, military, and total population swing over to Edmund's thinking. All of Harold's friends now rush to abandon him. Harold and Acadou become wanted fugitives. Having lost everything, now Harold must trust and rely on an old foe who continues to accidently cause him near-death experiences along the way. A seemingly harmless bite from an experimental singing sheep gives Harold super sheep powers. But will it be enough to stop Edmund's bewildering plot to blow up the entire world under a total nuclear assault?

My Review:
Harold Wannapus is an unlikely hero as the things he manages to get himself into seems almost unreal and in many aspect are. He is not the smartest of guys it seems but yet can manage to get himself almost out of anything like, getting thrown out of a moving airplane or almost getting eaten by a lion. He does after all run the top supermarket chain in the world...at least for awhile.

Harold gets caught up in mystery, intrigue and James Bond-esq mayhem all the while helping his arch enemy regain control of a company that was taken away from him. Does this seem unlikely? Well, yes, but that only adds to the humor of this book. 

To give Harold Super Hero status, he gets a bite from a special sheep that gives him, of all things, super sheep powers. This includes beautiful and soft hair and the ability to whip his sheep tail around to grab things needed just at the right moment. With these powers he is able to save the day!

This book is for people who enjoy a bit of tongue and cheek humor. In all fairness, the author does tell you that this is the case in the preface of the book. The Supermarket Guy III is a completely different look at how world domination could happen. However, in this case it is through the use of supermarket products and chains.
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This is one of those books that as you are reading along you wonder why. This had to be one of the stupidest books I ever read but in truth, funny. I really did laugh out loud at some of the antics of Harold, the supermarket hero in the book.

Author Daren Doucet does tell a good tale but the cover on his book leaves something to be desired and in truth, I probably would not have bought this book based on that alone. It also may be a good idea to read the author's first two books so that the reader can have a better idea of who the characters are and what makes them tick. I did not have that opportunity before I read this book.

All, in all, the book was ok and because of that, I can give it 3 stars.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The reviews expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon

Review: Whaley's Big Adventure, Illustrated by Alexander Luke and Presented by, Carole P. Roman

Whaley's Big Adventure tells the very large tale of Whaley the blue whale who sets off in the ocean to find some other whales that live in the ocean too.

Along the way Whaley  meets different sized whales who have some fun names like, Owen the orca and Brody the beluga whale. With each page turn the reader discovers what part of the vast oceans each whale lives in and a particular trait or two.

In the end, Whaley returns home full of knowledge and new friends in the ocean.
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I have been privileged to receive an advance pre-publication copy of this book from the author. I was not sure what to expect because I knew ahead of time the author's grandson had helped write this book. What I actually found was a well thought out book with adorable illustrations by 5 year old Alexander.

The illustrations are simple, colorful and cute as only a 5 year old would do. I loved the storyline and the fact that children and adults could learn a thing or two about the different types of whales that live in the ocean. I know I did!
I do recommend this for ages 3 up to probably about 7 years of age. If you are an animal lover, then this is one for you.

Congratulations Alexander, you now have your first 5 stars from me.
~Naila Moon

Giveaway & Promoblast for: The Genesis Project by Tigris Eden

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post except a link on the Rafflecopter. Once Upon A Time is not responsible for prize shipment. I am only helping promote this author. ~Naila Moon

Title: The Genesis Project

Author: Tigris Eden

Release: Jan 28, 2014

Buy Link: Amazon

Book Description: Old earth has been deemed unsuitable for life, New Earth is home. With the Uni-Wars over, races have joined together in order to sustain their way of life. All life was considered worth saving, but only one race failed to submit. Humans.

Now extinct, humans are a thing of the past. The people of New Earth won’t acknowledge their hand in their eradication, but they have benefited from it. Dr. Vaggo Blackmore has found the answer, he’s restored his races way of life- sustenance through farming. The one thing that will give them back their long lives….. Blood, human blood.

Biologically engineered in a lab, Genesis Blackmore has always been different. Her father has told her it’s due to her enhancements, the Federated Council sees her as a genetic mutation; and her fellow peers see her as the shiny new toy. Gen has had better days.

Everyone on New Earth has milky white skin, platinum blonde hair, and electric blue eyes. It’s the norm. Genesis’ glossy, black hair, ice blue eyes ringed by gold, would have almost made her socially acceptable- if it wasn’t for her golden skin and blue, gold veins. In a sea of milky white she alone is the dark anomaly.

All Pars get their life’s nourishment through blood plasma. All Pars find their match through the tasting. Gen can do neither, forbidden by her father to do so. She can neither taste, nor be tasted. Something that’s never bothered her until now.

There is really not much to say... I love to write, read, and listen to music. My attempt at a music career sadly ended at the Apollo one warm night in May. LOL (Side note: I was not booed just outdone by two munchkins rapping to Biggy Smalls, they were good. 

Military brat extraordinaire; have traveled to a lot of interesting places.  This February I will be going over to the other side of the pond where I will spend two weeks in Europe.  I will be in Cambridge, London, Paris, Versailles, Bruges, and hopefully Cardiff.

The very first time I put pen to paper in story fashion (for fun), was in 6th grade.  The story was called, The Case of The Missing Pepperoni. It was a cute mystery where all the ingredients and shop appliances came to life when the store owner closed up for the evening.  See, pretty boring stuff. I always say I'm not the interesting one, but the people around me.

Connect with Tigris:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

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#WintersRespite Read-a-thon Plans

As you should know by now I decided to join in on the read-a-thon this week. The main rule you ask? Read, read and read some more. Yes, there are prizes and yes, there is the twitter chats too but mainly...reading. Believe it or not, I received two books in the mail just today.

Since Michele of True Book Addict is the face behind the book...I mean read-a-thon, she asked us to try to read novels or novellas. However, quick to point out that kid's books were ok too. Again, in essence, no real rules involved but to read. This I can do!

As I said, I received books just today and even though I have a growing TBR stack, I decided to begin with one I received which just happens to be a novel of sorts. It will take me a couple of days to finish it and then I will move on to the children's books I have to complete.

This is my plan for the week. It is a good solid plan if I do say so myself. Wish me luck!
~Naila Moon

Review of Fox Talk by L.E. Carmichael & Giveaway

I had the opportunity to review the e-book Fox Talk by L.E. Carmichael and was somewhat fascinated. This is a non-fiction science book based upon the domestication of foxes. Several years ago a group of scientist were attempting to figure out communication of dogs with humans and other species.

As dogs, wolves and foxes are all related they chose to study the different  foxes over a course in time. They bread them and watched them to see if over time their DNA would change to become domesticated. Through experimentation the scientist were able to learn communication and how that relates to other animals in their same species, in this case, dogs. They were also able to domesticate a group of foxes so well that now they can be pets. The scientist were careful as to not 'train' the animals but allow natural evolution to occur over time.
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There are only two issues I did have with the book that I must mention. The first is the print was really small and that made it a bit difficult to read. It is possible that was due to it being an e-book. The second issue I had was some editing issues which could easily be corrected and may again be because it was an e-book.

However, overall, I really liked this book and could see a middle-elementary school child even up to young teens liking this book. This is the kind of book that animal lovers would dream about and want to know more just based on the book alone.

A great feature for Fox Talk  was words highlighted in orange that when hovered over gave the reader a  full definition. Also, blue dots on some pages when clicked on gave the reader a question to further enhance reading or let the reader ponder a particular point.

This book gets 4 stars.
~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I received a free e-book copy for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed her are 100% my own. This review is also a part of the blog tour for Mother/Daughter blog tours of which a giveaway is attached. See below to enter.

Where to find the author L.E. Carmichael:

Amazon
Goodreads

*Blog\ToBlog Tour launch for the non-fictional, educational title "Fox Talk" by L.E. Carmichael. Includes giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash + an author Skype visit to a school of the winner's choice. Naila Moon of Once Upon  A Time is not responsible for prize delivery. Open WW. Ends Feb. 21, 2014 Open WorldwideGiveaway*

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, Ashby-BP Publishing and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Winter Read-a-thon week #WintersRespite

This week I will be participating in a Read-a-thon. I found this via another blogger who posted that she too was going to participate. This looks to be just what I need to get that to be read pile down to manageable. Of course is the pile ever really manageable. I think not! That is the joy of reading!

Anyway, I look forward to this seemingly laid back week. The only main rule I have seen is that you must read some novels or novellas during the week. You can read other books too including children's literature which for me, is a good thing.

If you want to join in, hit the link above and sign up. I believe there are to be prizes too. Stayed tuned for more this coming week.
~Naila Moon

#Giveaway: Carole P. Roman's Mega Bash #3-"I Want To Do Yoga Too" book & #Yoga Mat for kids (5 winners)

I have read and reviewed this cute book by Carole P. Roman. You can read that review HERE.

Award winning author, Carole P. Roman is having a Mega Book Giveaway. She loves to write children's books and loves that children imagine and play the way they do. Her I Want To Do Yoga Too book was born out of  her own love of yoga.

Carole P. Roman is wanting your children to learn a little yoga too. She is doing this by having this mega giveaway for 5 winners of her book, "I Want to Do Yoga Too" and kid's yoga mat.

Hurry and enter below today before this giveaway sails away to the high seas!

About Carole P. Roman:
Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

Disclosure: There will be 5 winners for this giveaway.

This giveaway is arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Carole P. Roman who is responsible for the giveaway. Once Upon A Time is promoting this giveaway and has been compensated for this post.

All 5 winners will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.

The giveaway is open to US & Canada. It begins on Jan. 24 at 12AM MST through Feb. 8th at 12AM MST.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.


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#Giveaway: Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan (3 winners)

I receive no compensation for this post other than a link on the Rafflecopter and to help promote this author.

In an attempt to get the attention they need from you, your child dies.
What would you do? How would you cope? If your child called you for help & you were to busy to take their call!

It's been seven months since her son's death and Megan has come to Moonlight Creek with her teenage daughter Jenna, hoping that a change of scenery might help with the crippling grief that has taken over their lives.

But Megan soon begins to sense that something strange is happening in Moonlight Creek. The water has a will of its own. It can think, move, even transform. Just as easily the water in this town can give life, in a heartbeat it can also take it away!

Has  Megan realized in time that their lives are in danger or will she lose another child? 

 Drowned Sorrow is a must read for anyone that loves the suspense of a great thriller. 

About the Author: Her novel, Drowned Sorrow, was inspired by horror films such as Dark Water, Dead and Buried, The Wicker Man, and Dagon.

She is also behind the popular Avalon Cat Cartoons.

The film based on her book, The Strangers Outside, is currently in production; Drew Barrymore is slated to direct Drowned Sorrow.

Her screenplay, A GOOD MAN, is in production to become a feature film.

What others have to say:
"The female version of Stephen King" - Pedro Chaves, director of Reiki

"Vanessa Morgan has the gift of pacing and spookiness" - Scott Nicholson, author of They Hunger and The Farm

"A startling new voice in horror" - Lucky McKee, director of May and The Woods

The author has graciously offered to give a copy of Drowned Sorrow in the winners choice of format to 3 lucky readers. 

Giveaway Dates: 01/24/2014 to 02/24/2014

Disclaimer: Naila Moon of Once Upon A Time is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.
Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Review of Tom T's Hat Rack by Michele Spry

Blurb:
Shelby Summers has a zest for life that can't be tamed. Tom Tucker has a dream of helping others who are facing the challenges he faced not too long ago. Shelby and Mr. T join forces to give back to their community.

My Review:
Tom T's Hat Rack is a feel good chapter book for kids ages 8-12. This book tells the story of Tom Tucker, known throughout the book as Mr. T, who has an almost grandparent-like relationship with sweet Shelby Summers. It is revealed early in the chapters that Mr. T. had suffered from cancer the past year and Shelby often went with him to his doctor appointments and chemotherapy. She would stay by his side throughout and often cheer up other patients too. In addition, Shelby's Dad is Tom Tucker's doctor.

One Summer just as Shelby is going to be headed to 5th grade, Tom and Shelby embark on a yet to be revealed project. Everyday Shelby arrives at Mr. T. and Mrs. T.'s home eager to get to work on their project. After the Summer is almost gone, Shelby discovers that the project they have been working on are hat racks for the cancer center.

Shelby and Mr. T. deliver the hat racks along with several hats, to the cancer center on a very special day. The sweet twist that goes along for this event is truly special.
Only a week later does Shelby decide that something more needs to be done and even lends her own allowance to get it done.

In the end, Shelby is awarded not by "what's in it for her" but by what she has done to give back.
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I loved this book! The character Shelby is not your average going-to-be 5th grader. She is caring of others, sweet and kind. She goes out of her way to appreciate all of the teachers she has had, her friends and her family.

She works constantly to see what others may need before she thinks of herself and has fun in doing so. I think this is something maybe we all need to take a page from.

Author Michel Spry wrote this book based upon her relationship with her own Mr. T. who has suffered and fought cancer. She felt that she needed to give back and partnered with her local school district in Missouri to do just that. Even the purchase of this book goes to help the Pay It Forward foundation.

In addition, Michele Spry leaves directions in the back of the book for how to make your own hat rack to donate to your local community cancer hospital. She challenges all of us to find a way, even if it is small, to make a difference in our own communities.

This book deserves its 5 stars from me.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Naila Moon
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Where to find Michele Spry:
Facebook
Amazon
Web site

Carole P. Roman's Mega Bash Book Giveaway #2-Four Book Series of Captain No Beard (5 winners)

Award winning author, Carole P. Roman is having a Mega Book Giveaway. She loves to write children's books and loves that children imagine the way they do. Her Captain No Beard Series of books was born out of the imagination of play time with her grandchildren and a dare from her own son to write a book.

Carole P. Roman is wanting your children to have a chance to sail along with Captain No Beard and his crew. She is doing this by having not one but five winners for this mega giveaway.

Hurry and enter below today before this giveaway sails away to the high seas!

About Carole P. Roman:
Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

Disclosure: There will be 5 winners for this paperback set of books.

This giveaway is arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Carole P. Roman who is responsible for the giveaway.

All 5 winners will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.

The giveaway is open to US & Canada. It begins on Jan. 24 at 12AM MST through Feb. 8th at 12AM MST.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.


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Carole P. Roman's Mega Book Giveaway #1- Cultural Book Series (5 winners)

Award winning author, Carole P. Roman is having a Mega Book Giveaway. This is giveaway #1.

She loves to write children's books and loves that children imagine and ask questions the way they do. Her Cultural Books Series was born out of the questions from her grandchildren and trying to explain different cultures to them at a level they could understand.

Carole P. Roman is wanting your children to learn about other cultures in the world we live in. She is doing this by having not one but five winners for this mega giveaway.

Hurry and enter below today for your chance to win.

About Carole P. Roman:

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

Disclosure: There will be 5 winners for this paperback set of books.

This giveaway is arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Carole P. Roman who is responsible for the giveaway.

All 5 winners will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.

The giveaway is open to US & Canada. It begins on Jan. 23rd through Feb. 8th at 12AM MST.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.

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Code of Honor

The Code of Honor....
Be true to self and have fun.

Review of: I Wanna Be A Firefighter by The Brothers

I used to teach preschool. Across from the school was a firehouse which always intrigued the kids. They could look outside and watch the firefighters leave in their trucks. We also took a field trip once a year to visit the firefighters who lived there. It was a big deal!

The Brothers Publishing wrote this book called, I Wanna Be A Firefighter which certainly plays up to the big deal-ness of being a firefighter. On each page, a young boy in a fire suit is seen showing off some aspect of being a firefighter. Inset is a yellow post-it note that has a "did you know" that supports the main idea and gives more information.

The end of the book reminds children and parents at home to be properly prepared in case of fire. The book also tells children that fire is not something to play with and if they see things like matches to leave them alone.
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I had a couple of issues with this book. First, they did not show both boys and girls as firefighters which is somewhat understandable since the authors wrote the book for their sons. However, that would have been nice to see as both genders today do like firefighters because it still is a big deal.

Secondly, the illustrations were nothing special. A young child would be easily bored after the first couple of pages.

Lastly, although I like the inset of the post-its, I think it would have been better suited just to put the words below the pictures. Each picture has only one sentence and as this book is slated for 6-12 year olds there are not enough words for a reader even as young as 6. Possibly the age range needs to be lowered.

Overall, an ok book and for that reason, I give it 3 stars especially for the informational aspect.
~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I bought this book for my Kindle and the opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

#Sponsored Post: $50 Paypal & All Four Books Signed by Michael Phillip Cash

I have had the chance to read every single one of these books. Trust me when I tell you they are top notch! Check out my Amazon reviews of them.

You have seen his books and been mesmerized. You have heard he has been on the #1 best sellers list. You want to see more books written. 
Well, stay tuned. There is much more coming from Michael Phillip Cash.

For now, Michael Phillip Cash wants you to enjoy reading his books again and have a little money in your pocket too. He is generously giving away $50 Paypal cash and all four of his published books. Wow! 

Enter this giveaway today because just like his books, this giveaway is sure to be a thriller!

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Michael Phillip Cash and is being coordinated by Away We Go Media. Naila Moon was asked to help promote this giveaway, is being compensated for this post, and is not responsible for prize shipment. Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. Winner has 48 hours to respond to an email sent to them or an alternate winner will be chosen. Winner must have an active Paypal account and money will be paid in US dollars only.
Giveaway is open Worldwide. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,YouTube or any other social media site. Giveaway ends Feb. 2, 2014 at 12AM MST.

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$25 #Paypal & Signed book of Blueberry Bubble Gum #Giveaway sponsored by Elfa Books

Not too long ago I reviewed this book for my blog. You can go and read my review HERE. Check it out because the book is really cute and has a twist to a lesson to be learned.

What happens when kids lie and don't do as their parents have told them to do? Well, it is possible that they just might be transported to Blueberry Bubblegum World! 

Get ready for adventure! School’s out, and Max is gearing up for a summer of baseball with his friends. He’s expecting fun in the sun and long, lazy days. But to his surprise, he finds himself transported to a strange and wonderful world after chewing magical blueberry bubble gum—bubble gum his parents warned him not to chew! Join Max in his adventures through Blueberry Bubble Gum World and meet the fascinating creatures who live there—the Blueberry Boy, King Erudition, and the lumpy, moldy green evil Waywards. Will Max learn his lesson and find his way home? Find out in this thrilling journey! 

Elfa books is generously giving away$25 Paypal and  a signed copy of his book, Blueberry Bubble Gum. Enter today because just like bubblegum flavor, it won't last long!

Disclosure: Away We Go Media is coordinating this giveaway and several other bloggers have brought you this great giveaway. My blog, Once Upon A Time was asked to help  promote and I have been compensated for this post. 

This giveaway is sponsored by Elfa Books and is responsible for prize shipment. The giveaway is open US only and will be paid in US dollars only.

The winner must respond to an email sent within 48 hours or forfeit prize. Giveaway runs from January 18, 2014 to February 2, 2014 at 12 AM MST. 

This is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.

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Review: Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

Over 6 million people of Jewish descent were killed during what is now known as the Holocaust at the time of World War II. Of those 6 million, 1 million were children.  

In the Lodz ghetto of Poland, thousands of Jewish people were forced to live in an already burgeoning area. Of all the people sent there only 800 adults and 12 children survived.

Author Jennifer Roy, who wrote the book, Yellow Star, tells life in the Lodz ghetto in first person narrative. Her aunt, Syvia Perlmutter (Rozines) now know as Sylvia was one of the 12 children to survive. She was 10 years old when the Russians liberated the area. This is her story told through her eyes as a young child.

The book begins all chapters with a bit of history timeline for the area. The first chapters open the book as Syvia is just 4 year old and must move from their home to the Lodz ghetto. She speaks about her older sister, Dora and her parents. She adores all of them as they do her. 

The story moves along with each year of Syvia getting older and each year a hardship on her family. Syvia is too young to work and often is left alone or in hiding so as not to be captured and shipped off by the Nazi's.

She speaks of people missing including her best friends to never return. She laments about her favorite doll being 'misplaced' knowing full well that the doll was sold in order for her family to eat. She never complains.

In more than a harrowing time, she is forced to hide with her father in a dug out ditch in a graveyard to save herself from being killed. Another time, she is hidden in a cellar, right under the noses of the Nazi's, with the 11 other remaining children in the ghetto, which includes her baby cousin. There she faces illness and always near starvation.

At a mere one day shy of her 10th birthday, Syvia had a brave streak and managed to wake her father who in turn awakened the entire community in order to save them from a mass bombing that the allies had begun on the ghetto. 

What saved them most? Their will to live, their tenacity and yes, believe it or not, their sewn yellow stars.

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This book I read in two hours. I simply could not put it down. Syvia's story must be told! 

It took her 50 years after the events to tell her niece, the author, her story but tell it she did.  

I applaud Mrs. Rozines' bravery once again to tell her painful story. Without these stories of those who survived such an atrocity of history, their names and legends would never be remembered. Worse yet, the history would be long forgotten and it should not be.

This book well deserves the 5 stars I am giving it. In fact, it deserves much more. I encourage you to visit a Holocaust Museum in your area if there is one or if you are in the Washington DC area visit the National Holocaust Museum. You might even find Sylvia Rozine there. 

~Naila Moon

Disclosure: I downloaded a free copy of this book on my Kindle. The views expressed here are 100% my own.

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Where to find the author:

Website

Amazon