Wordless Wednesday Link Up 5/22/13 ~ Come link up your Wordless Wednesday on Mom Loves 2 Read

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday on Mom Loves 2 Read!

 Playing Peek-A-Boo

Review ~ Twice a Bride by Mona Hodgson

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

Love lost doesn’t mean love lost forever. 

Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows? 

Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek.  When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn. 

With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West.  Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow?    

Filled with the resonating questions that all women face, this romance awakens hope against grief, love against loss, and dreams against life’s unexpected turns.


My Review:
Once again author Mona Hodgson has taken the story of the Sinclair sisters to new heights of adventure.  This story tells of two widows who find new love and new life, but face their fears with God and their loving friends at their side.
This story is well written, intriguing and kept my interest from page one til the end.  It is a Christian Fiction novel so there is mention of scripture and faith.  It is not "preachy" and is easy and fun to read.
I love all the stories in the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series, and this one does not disappoint.  I can't wait to continue reading and see what happens next with this amazing family.

I received one or more items for this review through the Blogging for Books program for reviewers. All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion and are not influenced nor reviewed by the sponsor prior to posting. If you have any questions or comments, please see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.

Sponsored Guest Post ~ TIps for Turning Dating into Love

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

Guest Post provided through Moms With Voices Media:

5 Ways to Turn a Date into Love

Going out on the dating scene just to have fun is fine for a time. After a while, you soon begin to realize you want a little more out of dating than just a casual fling. That is how I felt after bouncing from one half-hearted relationship to another. Upon reflecting on my foibles, I began to realize true love is what everyone should be after when dating. This does not mean you will find love the first time out but if you put a few tried and tested principles to work, you might very well discover finding love is not as elusive as you would think. Also understanding what love is enables you to recognize it when it finally comes along. Although a bit philosophical and not your average ‘self-help’ or ‘love-finding’ guide, I found this real, biological explanation about love most enlightening.

Maytag You're It Daily Sweepstakes & $100 Giftcard for h.h. gregg GIVEAWAY on Mom Loves 2 Read

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

h.h. gregg, one of the nation's leading and fastest growing retailers of home appliances and consumer electronics with over 220 locations.  In Promoting their “Maytag You’re It” sweepstakes, they are giving away a Maytag laundry pair every day during the month of May.

 

Win a Maytag Washer & Dryer Set - New winner EVERY DAY in the month of May!
Prizes include:
* Maytag Front Load Combo approx value $2,200
* Maytag Top Load Combo approx value $2,000

You can enter the Daily Sweepstakes using this link:  http://hhgre.gg/144Yjmq

To celebrate this fun event, Mom Loves 2 Read has partnered with h.h. gregg to provide a $100 Giftcard that can be used in any h.h. gregg Store! Just enter below using the giveaway form provided!
Giveaway ends on 5/31.
To find a store near you, CLICK HERE 
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HH Gregg Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/hhgregg
https://twitter.com/hhgregg

I received compensation for posting this giveaway event from the sponsor, h.h. gregg. If you have any questions or comments, please see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.

Mom Loves 2 Read ~ Follower Love Giveaway 5/17 - 6/17

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

Welcome to Mom Loves 2 Read's 
Follower Love Giveaway!

I am hosting this giveaway as a special 
thank you to all my faithful followers 
(and new followers)!

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story ~ Review on Mom Loves 2 Read

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013) by Dee Henderson

ABOUT THE BOOK
It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. 
She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage. 
She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family. 

If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.


My Review:
I have previously read Dee Henderson's O'Malley series and loved each and every one of them.  I had planned on re-reading the series over this coming summer.  Now that I've had a chance to read Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story I am even more excited about rereading the O'Malley series as soon as I can.
This story is sweet and heartwarming.  I loved the characters and her growth in her Christian faith.  The story is a quick read and kept my interest from beginning to end.  I was sad when the book ended, and wanted to read more and more. 
This is a wonderful read for Christian Fiction lovers, those who like softer stories and those who love a good story of finding faith with some sweet romance included.

I received one or more items for this review from the sponsor mentioned in the post. All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion and are not influenced nor reviewed by the sponsor prior to posting. If you have any questions or comments, please see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.

Sponsor ~ Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach ~ Review & GIVEAWAY

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! The whale tells his side of the story.

Brought to you by B&H Kids, Available May 1, 2013.
This book is just $9.99 and will entertain you and your kids! Available here.

Oh sure, we'll all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale a hundred times. But have we heard it from the perspective of the whale who experienced that history-making event?

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! imagines how that great sea creature from the incident might tell his side of the story, helping kids ages 4 to 8 discover a creative way of learning about that guy who was supposed to go to Ninevah.

The "Parent Connection" feature will help moms and dads take the story further with scripture references and tips on how to talk with their children about what really happened. There's even a free online app to make this bright retelling even more animated and interactive.

Plummet Falls Adventure Water Slide Giveaway on Mom Loves 2 Read

Welcome to the Summer Adventure Event featuring Banzai Plummet Falls Adventure Slide Water Park Giveaway!

organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

Special thank you to our co-hosts: Celebrate Woman Today, Capri's Coupons, Jack of all trades, Master of Mom and The Nurse Mommy.

The Plummet Falls water slide/pool allows kids to plummet down the Banzai waterslide, refresh in the splash pool and get drenched in the falls, all without leaving the backyard. This water slide park comes with everything you need for hours of summertime fun.

What would you do this summer with a backyard of fun?  Would you invite friends over or keep it all to yourself?  I think I might do a little of both!  So sign up below for a chance to WIN!

One lucky winner will receive a Banzai Plummet Falls Adventure Slide Water Park!

Giveaway ends June 5th at 11:59pm, open US, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.  Mom Loves 2 Read is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Wordless Wednesday Link Up on Mom Loves 2 Read ~ 5/15/13

I've been missing my "Mom" a lot this year.  She passed away three years ago this past March.  With Mother's Day over the weekend and my birthday yesterday, I feel her loss but am thankful she no longer suffers.  In honor of her memory I'm posting a picture of her in her younger days for this "Wordless Wednesday"

Win a Schwinn on Mom Loves 2 Read ~ Giveaway ends 5/30

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

Schwinn Windwood Women's Cruiser Bike Giveaway   

Just in time for summer fun, biking with the family or just for yourself - enter to WIN a new bike!  What fun and great excercise!

Sponsored by: Mom Blog Society | She Informed | My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life | Frantic Mommy  

Co-Hosted by: Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | Swank Savings 

The classic Schwinn Windwood women's 26-Inch cruiser evokes the simple style and grace of traditional bicycles, making it a great choice for cruising to the store, the beach, or around town.

Designed for easy, relaxed riding, the Windwood boasts a sturdy steel frame with a low stand-over height, making it easy to get on and off the bike. The rustproof 26-hole alloy rims and rear coaster brakes, meanwhile, allow you to stop on a dime. And riders will love the classic chrome fenders and rear storage rack.

Other details include a comfortable wide-spring saddle, a single-speed design, pneumatic tires, and curved back handlebars.  

About Schwinn Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that's long been synonymous with quality and innovation. The company has built some of the best-known and best-loved bikes of multiple generations, including the Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate, and Homegrown.
Today, Schwinn continues to innovate with such releases as the redesigned Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes.
With a continued dedication to quality forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom, and performance to people of all ages.

Enter below using the form provided for a chance to win one for yourself!  Giveaway is open to USA only and runs from 5/15 12:01 am through 5/30 12:59 pm

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Mom Loves 2 Read is not responsible for contest or prize distribution.

Check out the Adventures in Odyssey Summer of Service A.C.T.S. blog tour to discover how fun it can be to serve others!

Discover how much fun service can be with Adventures in Odyssey’s A.C.T.S. challenge and contest! 

For the next three weeks Mom Loves 2 Read has partnered with Adventures in Odyssey to bring you the Summer of Service Challenge - starting with the theme: Discover, continuing with the May 22nd webcast hosted by AIO actors Katie Leigh (Connie) and Chris Anthony (Chris) to launch A.C.T.S. Katie and Chris will share more about the contest and prizes, and will reveal the destination of the grand prize mission trip!

Then in June, the theme of Imagine bringing giveaways of the Imagination Station books!  Then in July, with the theme of Grow, with a giveaway of the book: Adventures in Odyssey 90 Devotions for Kids!
So much fun!

Join Adventures in Odyssey this summer to discover how fun it can be to serve others!

Celebrating Mother's Day with Humor on Mom Loves 2 Read

 

I found several poems about mothers online and quite a few of them were so funny, I decided to take some of the bits and pieces and share them with you.  Here is MY version of the "things Mother's Teach us".

Things Mother's Teach Us

Mother’s Teach Us LOGIC…

“If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can’t go to the store with me.”

Mother’s Teach Us MEDICINE…

“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to freeze that way.”

Mother’s Teach Us TO THINK AHEAD…

“If you don’t pass your spelling test, you’ll never get a good job!”

Mother’s Teach Us RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

Mother’s Teach Us the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

Mother’s Teach Us TO MEET A CHALLENGE…

“What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you…Don’t talk back to me!”

Mother’s Teach Us HUMOR…

“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

Mother’s Teach Us IRONY.

"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

Mother’s Teach Us about WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

Mother’s Teach Us how to BECOME AN ADULT…

“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.

Mother’s Teach Us FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

Mother’s Teach Us about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

Mother’s Teach Us about GENETICS…

“You are just like your father!”

Mother’s Teach Us about my ROOTS…

“Do you think you were born in a barn?”

Mother’s Teach Us about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.

"Stop acting like your father!"

Mother’s Teach Us about the WISDOM of AGE…

“When you get to be my age, you will understand.”

Mother’s Teach Us about ANTICIPATION…

“Just wait until your father gets home.”

Mother’s Teach Us about RECEIVING…

You are going to get it when we get home.

And Mother’s teach us - JUSTICE

“One day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU..then you’ll see what it’s like.”

Hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!  I know I will! 

Make Family Trips Fun with the Inspired Vacation Journal - Review on Mom Loves 2 Read

Learning takes place in school, but also in everyday life. The Inspired Pencil knows that you can teach your children writing skills without a homework battle or nagging when you sneak the learning into their world. Secrets of the Pencil reveals how we have carefully crafted our writing activities using research and best practices in education.

So, when planning for that next family vacation - why not take an Inspired Vacation Journal along for each child.  You children will enjoy being able to create their own lasting memories in their personal journal.

Review of the new Disney Music CD with the starts of Shake It Up

"This article may contain a book or product sample and/or links to other website(s). See my FTC disclosure for more details." 

The stars of Disney Channel’s hit television series “Shake It Up,” Bella Thorne and Zendaya (currently seen on ABC’s "Dancing with the Stars" and is one of the youngest contestants to compete), kick off the all-new Shake It Up: I (heart) Dance soundtrack, from Walt Disney Records.

Shake It Up: I (heart) Dance features songs by Bella and Zendaya as well as fellow Disney stars Selena Gomez, Bridgit Mendler, Roshon Fegan and Caroline Sunshine, in addition to up-and-coming stars Coco Jones, McClain Sisters and more. The Shake It Up: I (heart) Dance soundtrack is currently available for $9.99 on both iTunes and Amazon.com.

Audie the Angel Review ~ A cute children's book by author Erika Kathryn

About Audie the Angel

Audie the Angel and the Angel Army is the first of three volumes in a Middle Grade fantasy adventure series that make up The Angel Archives. Audie, a seemingly typical twelve-year-old girl, is summoned from her middle school one day. She travels through a windmill farm to Heaven where she is told that she is actually an Angel and, more importantly, that she is of Phoenix descent. She is the pivotal and final member of an assembly of others her age, called The Angel Army. The army includes Luce—the dangerously handsome dark Angel predestined to fall from Heaven—and Cave—a stowaway from Earth who is crushing on her hard—as well as eight Angels with magical talents, a feisty Fairy, and a nimble gnome. 

Audie’s ordinary life becomes drastically different as she transforms; she sprouts gold wings, receives a halo passed on from the mother she never met, and her fellow Angels teach her to use her hand-me-down Phoenix powers. However, before she even learns to fly she is told of the real reason she is needed: an evil Elder Angel has discovered a way to dominate Heaven. Haunted by dreams of her past Phoenix life, puzzled by her feelings for both the charming Luce and her human friend Cave, Audie has to conquer her new found powers quickly because the future of Heaven rests on her gold wings. Can she fight against flying Dare Demons, the Marsh Master, the Frost Fairy, and Evil Souls to save Heaven? Can Audie change destiny and save Luce from falling to his fate?