Thicker than Blood Review

TitleTrakk.com Blog Tours Presents:

Thicker than Blood
by C.J. Darlington
Published by Tyndale House

Winner of the
2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest!

Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?

***
Everything about Thicker Than Blood was well worth the read, A touching story about two sisters, that are going through a rough time; Both have not been in touch with each other since their Parent's funeral  years before.

Both of the sisters have qualities I could relate to, each in a different way. I was immediately drawn into the story of their lives. Christy is an alcoholic haunted by her past decisions and May has struggled with feelings of abandonment ever since her sister left. The Characters drew me in, but the drama and suspense is what held my attention to the very end.

 
I  hope to see more from CJ Darlington!***

With careful attention to detail, emotion, and scene-setting, C.J. Darlington scores with her debut effort. Here is a special writer you won’t want to miss.
--Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best selling author

If you love a good read filled with adventure and ultimately redemption, I encourage you to brew the tea, settle into your favorite chair and pick up the page turner that is C.J. Darlington’s imaginative new novel of a modern day sisterhood that triumphs over separation and the raw challenges of life to find the real endurance of both family ties and God’s amazing grace.
--Rebecca St. James, Grammy award winning Christian singer and bestselling author

With Thicker than Blood, C.J. Darlington proves she's a novelist for the long-haul, a strong new voice in Christian fiction. This book speaks to the heart, from the heart, about the heart. Readers will not soon forget it.
--Sibella Giorello, Christy award-winning author of The Rivers Run Dry & The Clouds Roll Away

Watch the book trailer:

About the Author:
C. J. began writing the story that would become Thicker than Blood (her first novel) when she was a fifteen-year-old homeschool student. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores similar to the one described in the novel before cofounding her own online bookstore. Thicker than Blood was the winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel.

C. J. co-founded the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. She makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com for more info.

QUICK LINKS:

• The 1st chapter of Thicker than Blood
• The "Story Behind the Story" of Thicker than Blood
• More endorsements from Jenny B. Jones, James Scott Bell, Susan Meissner, and more!
•  Interview with C.J. at TitleTrakk.com
  
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Christianbook.com
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Amazon.com
• List of the other 85+ Thicker than Blood blog tour participants!

A Thousand Years of Pirates Review and Tundra book giveaway

 

My Boys love pirates, while I have really never fully understand the fascination with them, they inspire their imaginations and creative play.Maybe it is their adventurous nature or their treasure hunting skills, that make pirates appealing to kids, I am not sure.

A Thousand Years of Pirates
  Written by William Gilkerson

ABOUT THIS BOOK from Tundrabooks.com

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For as long as they’ve existed, pirates have conjured up visions of high-seas adventure and skullduggery, sea chases and bloody battles, dangerous coastal lairs and buried treasure. Rightly so, for ever since ships have carried valuable cargo, pirates have enraged monarchs and struck terror into the hearts of honest seamen with their willingness to risk life and limb for an undeserved share of the riches. Whether the cargo was gold or silver, spices or silks, animal or human, there have always been villains ruthless enough to kill or be hanged for it.

From the days of the Vikings to the present and in all the oceans of the world, pirates have made their presence known and feared. Recorded here are their stories along with striking images of ships, storms at sea, and secret harbors where “black ships” could be re-stocked and refitted.

Award-winning author and artist William Gilkerson has spent years researching and painting their colorful history. From the terrible Black Beard to the fascinating Granuaile, or Grace O’Malley as the English called her, they have come to life under his brush. One can almost hear the creak of timbers, the snap of canvas while turning the pages. This gift book is a rich treasure in its own right.


Category: Juvenile Nonfiction - Adventure & Adventurers; Juvenile Nonfiction - History
Imprint: Tundra Books
Format: Hardcover
Pub Date: November 2009
Age: 10 UP
Trim Size: 11 x 9
# of pages: 96
ISBN: 978-0-88776-924-5 (0-88776-924-1)
CDN Price: $35.99 / US Price: $32.95



AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

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William Gilkerson is a sailor, painter, journalist, and historian. He is the author of ten nonfiction books on nautical topics as well as works of satire, art commentary, and fiction. His two-volume treatise on the development of ship’s weapons, Boarders Away, is a standard text. His drawings, watercolors, and oils have been featured in several major exhibitions and have been reproduced in books, magazines, and on film. William Gilkerson lives in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.

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A Thousand Years of Pirates is a picture sequel to William Gilkerson's previous book on the same subject, award-winning Pirates Passage.

"From Viking times to present day, and in all the seas of the world, Pirates have made the presence known and feared." excerpt from introduction.



A Thousand Years of Pirates would make a good gift for anyone who is interested in learning all about the infamous pirates in history, it contains a treasure trove full of historical information. At times we did consider it be too educational though, reading more like a textbook than a Children's book.

In my opinion the book cover  is absolutely gorgeous and the silver gilded book edges stunning, it would look great as a coffee table book. Not only is the exterior beautiful the inside is as well with several beautiful illustrations throughout.




Giveaway

Number of winners: 2
Eligibility: Canada and US only
Prize Information:  A Thousand Years of Pirates
Format: Hardcover, 96 pages

Price: $32.95 US / $35.99 CAN

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head on over to Tundrabooks.com and tell me another Tundra Books tittle you would like to read.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Leave a comment for each.

1. leave a comment on any non-giveaway review post. +1
2.Follow my blog on friend connect +1
3.Subscribe to my blog via RSS feed +1
4.Grab my new button or my birthday bash button +1 each
5.Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post +3 entries
6.Follow me on twitter and tweetabout the giveaway (You may tweet daily)

Giveaway starts 12/01 and will conclude 12/08 at 11:59 pm est.

Disclosure:Undra books provided me with a free product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product. Furthermore, the experiences/ opinions  posted above are that of my own, your experience with this product my vary.

Sprout Baby Review and Giveaway

Sprout  baby is turning 1! And in celebration they are giving away $2500. Simply make a purchase before Dec. 15, 09 and you will automatically be entered to win!

About the company

Sprout baby beleives that making healthy choices should be easy, that is why they only carry exceptional products that are both healthy and environmentally friendly. They carry  a large variety of items including a line of organic baby food, feeding supplies, diapers, baby care, books and media, home care, mom care and a wonderful selection of gifts.

Review

One of the great products that sprout baby carries is a Bye Bye Monster storybook and spray gift set, which we were recently able to review.

• Bye Bye Monster: Joey's Adventure on Monster Street by Kelly Lucente illustrated by Tim Brazer
  
• Bye Bye Monster Organic 4oz Spray

The Bye Bye Monster story book is a story about a little boy named  Joey. Joey like many other children has a fear of monsters, until his mommy gave him a bottle of monster spray. Armed with his monster spray Joey is able to conquer his fear. Which leads to him befriending a friendly monster named Barley, together they embark on an adventurous journey to Monster Street.

Our experience:

My youngest son has progressed a lot since reading this story. He had been sleeping in his brothers room for the last 2 yrs. After reading this story (several times) and arming him with his very own monster spray, he has slept in his room nearly every night. He may not be completely over  his fears but he is well on his way.

Enter to win : sprout baby is giving one of my readers a $25.00 Gift Certificate to use on anything you wish!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head on over to www.sproutbaby.com and tell me your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Leave a comment for each.

1.Follow SproutBaby on twitter +1
2.Follow my blog on friend connect +1
3.Subscribe to my blog via RSS feed +1
4.Grab my new button or my birthday bash button +1 each
5.Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and www.sproutbaby.com(3 entries)
6.Follow me on twitter and tweet the following (You may tweet daily)
7. Make a purchase from sprout baby +5

Open to residents of U.S, Canada and Puerto Rico only Giveaway runs 12/01-12/08
Remember to leave a comment for each additional entry.

Cant wait to win? Make a purchase from sproutbaby.com anytime between now and 12/15/09 and enter the code SBBL115 at check out and receive 15% off your entire order and be automatically entered to win $2500 from sprout baby.

Disclosure:sprout baby provided me with a free  product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product. Furthermore, the experiences/ opinions  posted above are that of my own, your experience with this product my vary. I would also like  to add that the above coupon code is a referral link, to track purchases from my site, If used I could receive monetary compensation.

The Story of Christmas By Gwen Ellis

The Story of Christmas                           
Story retold by Gwen Ellis
Illustrated by Steve Smallman
Publisher  Thomas Nelson

The Story of Christmas from the read and share Bible is a colorful retelling of the birth of Christ. This book comes with a 15 minute animated DVD, which includes coloring pages and other fun bonus features. It is based on the Holy Bible, International Children's Bible; and begins with the birth of John the Baptist. Next comes, the Angel appearing first to Mary, then to Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, the angels' announcement to the shepherds, the Wise men and their gifts, fleeing to Egypt, and heading home to Nazareth.

 This book would be a great present for someone with a small child; that would like to teach their child the true meaning behind Christmas. It is broken up into six two paged chapters, that are extremely simple for a small child to follow. At the end of each chapter there is a question to answer, which helps the child get involved in the story. The last three pages contain pictures from throughout the story, that you child can use to retell the story in their own words.

One of the nice things about this book is the short chapters, they can be broken up and read separate as short stories or together. However, I did find this book to be a little to short and simple for my children, and would suggest it for a child between 2-5.