Children's Books For Valentine's Day

I know it's just over a month away, we've just finished celebrating Christmas and New Year's, but Valentine's Day is just around the corner. With that in mind, check out these two adorable children's books from Zonderkidz. They sent them to me for a review and I just love them!

Words to Love By for Little Ones
by Rick Warren
Illustrated by Ag Jatkowska
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 9780310753575

Summary:

If you’re looking to start the little boys and girls in your life along the path of wisdom and kindness, look no further than Words to Love By for Little Ones—a simple, inspirational board book that shows children how to use their words to encourage, forgive, express gratitude, heal, and love.

My Review:

What an absolutely delightful book. It's so important for children to learn at an early age how impactful their words are. Reading to a toddler you can be animated with the story and give them teachable moments. As your child grows into a preschooler, each page gives and opportunity to talk about how they can show love to others with respect, kindness, thankfulness, etc.

The illustrations are perfect with the text on the page. They give kids ways to relate to the children on the page. They can see tangible ways to show love whether it's with a friend, a stranger, or a family member. This is one of my favorite children's books I've read in quite a while.

Words to Love By is a great gift for a child or just because. It's one you'll go back to often!

Love You, Love You
Illustrated by Alison Brown
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 9780310768418

Summary:

Heartwarming read-aloud rhymes that show the love between family members of all kinds, and sweet illustrations, make Love You, Love You the perfect board book to tell the precious one in your life, “I love you!”

My Review:

This is such an endearing bedtime book! I think my favorite part of this book is that the children are put to bed by various family members. It's not always mom & dad putting a child to bed. Wouldn't this be the best book for family members to have when your child is spending the night with them?

The illustrations are absolutely delightful. Mouse mom, hen aunty, and sister cat are just a few of the family members we meet in the story. They each have a different way of putting the little ones to bed.

Now, this isn't a faith based book, but it's a cute book that would make a good transition for bedtime or nap time. I think this will be a favorite of any child.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Guarded By Sara Davison

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for Guarded, the second book of The Night Guardians series by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT GUARDED

Series: The Night Guardians, Book 2 

Author: Sara Davison 

Release Date: February 1, 2020 

Genre: Suspense / Thriller

The tip the stranger left sent Nicole a painfully clear message. The past is no longer in the past.

Nicole is fighting to bury the memories. Someone else is fighting to keep them exposed.

Detective Daniel Grey is back in town, and diner owner Nicole Hunter isn’t sure how she feels about that. It’s been almost seven years, and now she doesn’t just have herself to think about but her six-year-old son as well. If she does find the courage to take a chance on love, her heart could be smashed into pieces. Again.

And it’s not only her heart that is in danger. Someone is working hard to disrupt her present with reminders of the past she has worked hard to forget, especially her darkest memory—of the night her husband was gunned down in the street in front of her. As much as she might want to push Daniel away, Nicole needs him closer now than ever before.

But the one she trusts to keep her and her son safe has a secret that may prove to be the biggest threat of all.

Here's the Cover:

PURCHASE LINK*: Amazon

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novels The Watcher and The Seven Trilogy. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including the Word Award for Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards, and is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara has a degree in English Literature and currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Sara Davison is offering a $25 Amazon card to the winner - US and Canadian residents

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 4, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US/CAN mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture Blu-Ray

Are you taking time to recover from the holidays? I can't believe how incredibly busy last month was.  I had a daughter come in from overseas and my oldest daughter & her husband as well. One of my most anticipated movies for 2019 came out on Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Code last month!! Wondering what to do with gift cards you received? Are they burning a hole in your digital wallet? Then grab Downton Abbey! I received mine for review and I'm in my happy place!

We saw this movie the first weekend it came out in the theaters! I tell you what, we weren't disappointed! This movie was just as amazing as the tv show and picked up right where it left off.

Universal City, California, November 5, 2019 – DOWNTON ABBEY, the global sensation hailed as “a grand, cinematic experience” (Mike Reyes, Cinemablend) welcomes fans back for a spectacular homecoming on Digital November 26, 2019 and on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand on December 17, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Earning an “A” CinemaScore, the film, which is celebrated by critics as “a true love letter to the fans” (Catalina Combs, Black Girl Nerds), arrives just in time for the holiday season with a broad variety of bonus features, including exclusive conversations with the cast, deleted scenes and a series recap that whisks audiences away to a world of grandeur.
 
Based on Carnival Films’ Emmy^® award-winning television series, the feature DOWNTON ABBEY sees the original cast return, alongside a host of newcomers. The incredible ensemble cast been applauded by critics as “funny and charming as ever” (Caroline Siede, The A.V. Club). The film chronicles the Crawley family one year after the conclusion of the series, as they prepare for the most important moment of their lives: an impending visit from the Royal Family. Join the glitz, glamour and spectacle as the special visit unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue on the fan-favorite family and its staff members. Lauded as “a delight” (Stephanie Zacharek, TIME), the film comes from the series screenwriter and producer Julian Fellowes, and producers Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

The motion picture will also be available in a Deluxe Limited Edition, featuring the Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and Digital Code, presented in exclusive packaging along with a collectible photo book and recipe cards. Available only while supplies last, this special offering is the must-own gift for any Downton Abbey fan or to add to your own collection.
 

BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

• Deleted Scenes
• Cast Conversations – Exclusive roundtable interviews with the cast.
  • Upstairs Cast
  • Downstairs Cast
• The Royal Visit – A look at how the royal visit proved to be an ambitious event both on and behind the camera.
• True to the Twenties – Fans of DOWNTON ABBEY are charmed by the sheer grandeur of the aristocracy in the early 20^th century. Learn how DOWNTON ABBEY maintains a reputation of being true to the time period.
• Welcome to Downton Abbey – A behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of Highclere Castle and how it serves as a cornerstone in the Downton Abbey franchise.
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes – Writer Julian Fellowes has created a story and beloved characters that resonate with people across the world. This piece celebrates Julian’s brilliant creativity and reveals his approach to bringing Downton Abbey to the big screen.
• Downton Abbey Series Recap* – Whether you’re new or just need a refresher, this series recap will catch you up on the story so far.
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engler

*Available only on Blu-ray™ and iTunes

DOWNTON ABBEY will be available on Blu-ray^TM, DVD and Digital. 

• Blu-ray^TM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
• MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray^TM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.

For artwork, please log onto our website at www.uphepublicity.com
Website: http://uni.pictures/DowntonAbbey
Trailer: http://uni.pictures/DowntonAbbeyTrailer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntonAbbey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DowntonAbbey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtonabbey_official 
#BringDowntonHome

Serving Up Love - Harvey House Brides Collection

Serving Up Love
by: Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764232695

It's been forever since I've read a novella and when Karen Witemeyer gave me the opportunity to review Serving Up Love, I couldn't resist!

Summary:

On the Menu for These Ladies?
Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance!A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. Celebrated historical romance writers Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano offer four fun, romantic tales of Harvey girls whose western adventures lead to love. 

Tracie Peterson - A Flood of Love
Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life--with a daughter, no less--will she ever be the same?

Karen Witemeyer - More Than a Pretty Face
Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won't catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her? 

Regina Jennings - Intrigue a la Mode
When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the railyard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House--who has secrets of his own--needs her assistance. 

Jen Turano - A Grand Encounter
After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York's pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She's determined to hold fast to her life of independence--but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold.

My Review:

I've forgotten how quickly a novella story goes! You have to be prepared for it to go fast, and I wasn't quite prepared. HA!

What I loved about Serving Up Love is know how each author writes and finding their style with each novella. What I didn't realize was how familiar I am with each of their styles. Tracie Peterson tends to have a more serious toned storyline and that came through with her plot. I think for me, hers was the hardest to get into. The reason may be because they already had a history the reader didn't get to experience and we don't get to build up their relationship at the same time. Does that even make sense? I liked the characters and the story. I probably would've enjoyed it more as a full novel. There was so much more I wanted to know about their back story.

Karen's story was delightful. If you've read The Patchwork Family Series then you'll appreciate this little addition! I didn't realize this novella went along with the series, so when I hit chapter 2, I felt like I was having deja vu. Turns out this follows Book 2 of the series. I liked how once again Rosalind was trying to escape her past, but it wasn't to be. I felt like we got the full story even in novella form. You can always count on Karen's stories to satisfy your love of a couple falling for each other. Don't you love books that feel like a warm, cozy chair?

I've only read one other Regina Jennings books and enjoyed it. There was more mystery surrounding her story. That definitely added intrigue that I really appreciated. I really liked Willow because she is is comfortable in her position as a Harvey Girl. Graham comes along and disrupts her life unintentionally. The writing kept me turning the page because the story really pulled me in. Also, as a side note, I'm reminded once again that Pinkertons are somewhat new to me and I wonder if there are any novels out there about them.

We know my love for all things Jen Turano. As with all of her tales, this one had me laughing out loud. Jen's characters also have the best names. Myrtle learns very quickly that Jack, a guy who always seems mute in her presence, has a fondness for her. How she finds out is hilarious and is thanks to his brother, Walter. Unfortunately for Jack, Myrtle has sworn off men. Oops! There's a bit of miscommunication, which is no surprise when it comes to Jen's writing.

About the Authors:

Tracie Peterson - A Flood of Love
Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Karen Witemeyer - More Than a Pretty Face
Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Regina Jennings - Intrigue a la Mode
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com. 

Jen Turano - A Grand Encounter
Jen Turano, (www.jenturano.com) a USA Todaybestselling author, has written four historical romance series. She is a member of ACFW and RWA and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

The Moon Is Always Round By Jonathan Gibson

The Moon Is Always Round
by Jonathan Gibson
Illustrated by Joe Hox
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN: 978-1-64507-027-6

I was sent a complimentary copy of The Moon is Always Round by New Growth Press for review.

Summary:

Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God's goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances.

In this beautiful, full-color illustrated book, he allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister's death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds them that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life.

A section in the back of the book offers further biblical help for parents and caregivers in explaining God's goodness to children. Jonathan Gibson reminds children of all ages that God's goodness is present in the most difficult of times, even if we can't always see it.

My Review:

What a compelling story for children who have tough questions or have experienced loss. The Moon is Always Round was unexpectedly beautiful to me.

The text in the story is written to flow along with the illustration. The style and bolding of words certain words brings emphasis throughout the story. The illustrations go along beautifully with the story, which help make the reader become invested emotionally in the story.

When I read the story, it pulled on my heartstrings for any family who has endured loss, and for that reason needs to read a book like this to their child. On the other hand, this is such an important book for families to have in the face of loss. I'm sure it can be hard to know how to have such a difficult conversation with a child, but this book will help.

What I liked most about this story is how it gives a concrete example of how God can exist even when we can't see him, just like the moon when it waxes and wanes. Also, because this is based on a true story, you have an appreciation of how the author understands how to relate loss to children in a simple, but straightforward way.

I appreciate at the back of the book the lessons that will help children grasp the story on deeper levels. The catechism at the end will help adults and children have a discussion about the moon while relating it to how we know there's a God even when we can't see Him.

About the Author & Illustrator:

Jonathan Gibson (PhD, Cambridge) is ordained in the International Presbyterian Church, UK, and is associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He is coeditor with Mark Earngey of Reformation Worship, contributor to and coeditor with David Gibson of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her, and Covenant Continuity and Fidelity: A Study of Inner-Biblical Allusion and Exegesis in Malachi. He is married to Jacqueline, and they have two children: Benjamin and Leila.

ILLUSTRATOR

Joe Hox was raised on a farm in southern Iowa where he doodled whenever he wasn’t spading thistles or feeding pigs. Everyone knew by his crooked hay rows that he would choose art over farming. Joe earned his BA in Art and Education from Dordt College and his MA from the University of Nebraska. Today he lives with his wife and four children in Pella, Iowa, where he illustrates and teaches art. Joe has illustrated all of the Good News for Little Hearts series.