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Sunday, April 30, 2023

My Thoughts - Wheeler’s Design Author: Rachel Skatvold

 


About the Book

Book: Wheeler’s Design

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: March 28, 2023

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?

Sabrina Wheeler, single mom and business owner, won a scholarship to expand her pottery studio on Luamua Island. Now, she can finally have the career and life she’s been praying for. The scholarship includes a mentor, and Sabrina is anxious to make a good impression.

For Chad Berkley, an impromptu business trip to the Suamalie Islands couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Aside from it triggering his OCD personality, he also has important obligations in Yorkshire, and being absent for a month was not in his plans. The new assignment is an honor, however, and a huge step up in his career. He can’t risk disappointing his boss now.

But then he sees Sabrina. After their brief meeting at the business conference, he hasn’t stopped thinking of her. How had he missed that she is the business owner he’s been sent to mentor? Talk about distractions on his first big assignment. Will he be able to push his personal feelings aside and keep his focus on business?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. Rachel has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

 

More from Rachel

Sabrina Wheeler’s life has not gone quite the way she imagined. As a single mom, waitress, and in-home art studio owner with many responsibilities, she often wonders how her life could have gone if she’d taken a different path. After attending a small business convention and winning a scholarship to launch her mobile art studio, Sabriana sees her path shifting. Could this signal a new beginning for her? Find out in Wheeler’s Design.

Wheeler’s Design is inspired by the verse, Isaiah 64:8. “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.”

During hard times we can all feel as though our lives resemble lumps of discarded clay. Yet, the truth is, we are God’s masterpiece in progress. He is still molding and shaping us into what we are meant to be. He will never discard us if we are His children.

During high school, I discovered a love for making pottery. While learning the art, it amazed me clay can be recycled over and over if the project doesn’t turn out right. It only has to be dried out a little and wedged until all the air bubbles are out before it can be molded into something new. As a busy homeschool mom and author I don’t have as much time for art, but it is still something I enjoy and have taught my children how to throw a pot on our pottery wheel at home. This special experience with my kids provided the inspiration for the relationship between Sabrina and her daughter, Hazel, who both share a love for making pottery.

Thank you for following the celebration tour for Wheeler’s Design. Please remember to follow the blog stops this week and don’t forget to enter in the giveaway!


My Thoughts

Wheeler’s Design is book two in the Suamalie Island series. The series is written by multiple authors and is centralized under the Suamalie  Island theme. This book is written by  Rachel Skatvold. Sabrina Wheeler, single mom and business owner goes to a vendor event and enters to win a scholarship to  expand her pottery studio on Luamua Island. She meets a mysterious stranger who she cannot get out of her mind.  She has been dreaming about expanding her pottery studio for awhile. When she finds out her name is drawn and that a mentor will be arriving to assist her she can't believe her dreams are finally coming true. 

Chad Berkley shows up at Luamua Island and is shocked to see that Sabrina is the winner of the scholarship. He has landed his dream job in assisting Jean Luc (we met him in the previous series Independence Islands). He left London to take the job - and his mother is ill. He is pleasantly surprised when he sees Sabrina holding his namecard  at the airport. She had made an impression on him at an event that he spoke at. He is impressed with Sabrina's daughter and the pottery that Sabrina makes. I loved seeing their relationship develop throughout the book. 

I enjoyed meeting Chad and Sabrina. I loved learning about all the pottery. I also loved the cameos from Carly and Jean-Luc. I love this series so far - it's off to a fantastic start. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 


Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, April 22

She Lives to Read, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 25

Aryn The Libraryan ðŸ“š, April 26

Texas Book-aholic, April 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 28

Sylvan Musings, April 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 3

Simple Harvest Reads, May 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, May 5

Splashes of Joy, May 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/258b6/wheeler-s-design-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts -Odette’s Alphabet Written by Sandrine Marlier

 

Odette’s Alphabet Awareness Tour, sponsored by Sandrine Marlier
The Children’s Book Review

Join us on the virtual book tour for Sandrine Marlier’s mindful picture book Odette’s Alphabet!

Odette's Alphabet Book Cover

“Odette’s Alphabet is the perfect guide to teach kids the power of creating an internal sacred space. It is a charming, compelling, and heartwarming story about friendship, adventure, happiness, and peace.”

—Terri Cole, psychologist, author of Boundry Boss

To learn more, follow along on the virtual book tour and enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a paperback copy of Odette’s Alphabet and a $25 Amazon gift card!


About the Book

Odette's Alphabet Book Cover

Odette’s Alphabet

Written by Sandrine Marlier

Ages 5+ | 64 Pages

Publisher: Belle Isle Books | ISBN-13: 9781953021519

Publisher’s Book Summary: One day, Odette the ant wakes up feeling stressed. After realizing that all she does is work, Odette decides to leave her anthill in search of the freedom to create her own world. Along the way, she meets Marcus, a lost mouse, and together they discover simple ways to feel better. Inspired by her journey and this wonderful new friendship, Odette finds her way back home to the colony with a new sense of being.

Odette’s Alphabet is a mindful story that offers a map to handle big emotions with kindness, unity, and courage. Fun and easy activities support each of the chapters, along with letters of the alphabet to provide additional opportunities for learning while encouraging young readers to explore meditation practices.

Buy the Book

About the Author

Sandrine Marlier woke up one day in her New York apartment feeling out of sorts. She realized that no matter how many trips she would take around the world, thanks to her modeling career, only a journey within could bring her peace. Eventually, she trained with world-renowned meditation teacher davidji. That training inspired this book, as she found herself drawing an ant and a sound: A, the beginning of all beginnings. Sandrine is a mother, meditation teacher, transformational coach, and Reiki practitioner. She shares free meditations about healing and empowerment on Instagram (@sandrinemarlier).

You can connect with her through her website, www.sandrinemarlier.com.

Sandrine Marlier: Author Headshot

Thanks for following along with us on Sandrine Marlier’s Odette’s Alphabet awareness tour!


My Thoughts

Odette’s Alphabet is a children's picture book that is written by Sandrine Marlier. This is a beautifully written and illustrated story about Odette. Odette lives in a colony of ants.  Odette wakes up one morning and is not feeling right. Odette realizes that she is stressed and we go on a alphabet quest to mindfulness. I loved that each page has an activity at the bottom that you can do with your children to help destress. 

I read this story with my 9 and 11 year old. We all enjoyed it. It provided a lot of good tips for my son who suffers from anxiety to help recenter himself. Thank you to the author, publisher and Children's Book Review for allowing us to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.  


A book review of Odette’s AlphabeOdette’s Alphabet Virtual Book Tour Dates

Monday, April 10, 2023
The Children’s Book Review
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Writer with Wanderlust

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Cover Lover Book Review

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Thursday, April 13, 2023
The Fairview Review
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Friday, April 14, 2023
Confessions of a Book Addict
A book giveaway of Odette’s Alphabet
Monday, April 17, 2023
Life Is What It’s Called
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
icefairy’s Treasure Chest
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Barbara Ann Mojica
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Shooting Stars Mag
An interview with Sandrine Marlier
Friday, April 21, 2023
My Reading Getaway
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Monday, April 24, 2023
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Lisa’s Reading
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Me Two Books
An interview with Sandrine Marlier
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Joanasbookshelf

A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Friday, April 28, 2023
Crafty Moms Share
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Monday, May 1, 2023
Because I Said So
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
The Momma Spot
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Odette’s Alphabet Book Giveaway

Friday, April 28, 2023

My Thoughts -Blind Trust (SNAP Agency) Author: Natalie Walters





About the Book

Book: Blind Trust (SNAP Agency)

Author: Natalie Walters

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

Release date: April 11, 2023


Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous—to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

About the Author




My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.


Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cxla3i
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kQ4UgN
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3l39V63
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/30buJju
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My Thoughts

Blind Trust is book three in the SNAP Agency series that is written by Natalie Walters. I have not read the other books in the series, and I did not have any issues following along. This is  Lyla and Nicolas's story. Lyla is very great at her job, however she is very impulsive. This grates on Nicolas and his nerves. They both seem to push each other's buttons. They both clearly are attracted to each other - and it's true what they say -- opposites attract. They are both VERY different. Lyla finds herself targeted by a man she helped put into prison - and the team is worried about her impulsiveness. Will Nicolas be able to save her?

The story is chock full of action and suspense with lots of twists and turns along the way. 
The book is well written. The author has done a great job with a plot that pulls you in within the first few chapters. Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Thursday, April 27, 2023

My Thoughts: Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates by Dr. Rachel B Wellner

 




BOOK TOUR: Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates by Dr. Rachel B Wellner








I WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS TOUR

Join Us for This Tour from April 17 to May 5

Book Details:

​Book Title: Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates by
​Rachel B. Wellner
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 43 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Wellner Media
Release Date: January 9, 2023
Formats Available for Review: print- Softback (USA only), e-book (Gifted KINDLE, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: April 17 to May 5
Content Rating: G - No profanity, sex or violence

Book Description:

​Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team Kirby Koala, Louie Llama and Terence Toad may live in Australia, but they travel the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Picnic Pirates, they fly to the United States to find out why bear cubs in the Tumbling Potomac Pirates won't practice their somersaults, cartwheels, or handsprings. Will Doctoroo discover what is wrong? Will she have the answer in time for the cubs to perform on the Fourth of July, America's Independence Day?
Buy the Book
Amazon


Meet the Author:

Dr. Rachel Wellner is a board-certified general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Society of Surgical Oncology-trained breast oncology surgeon.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads






Tips for Packing Nutritious School Lunches

By Dr Rachel Wellner

Packing a nutritious lunch for school is an important aspect of helping children lead healthy lives. Not only does providing them with healthy meals at school contribute to their physical health, but it also helps them develop good eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Eating healthy foods can provide children with the energy and nutrients they need to stay alert and focused during class, as well as ensuring they get adequate servings of essential vitamins and minerals.

In addition, packing healthy lunches can help prevent childhood obesity by limiting the amount of high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks that are often found in cafeteria menus or store-bought items. Studies have shown that unhealthy eating habits during childhood can lead to poor physical health later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for parents to instill good nutrition practices in their children from a young age by providing them with well-balanced meals when at school.

How do you make sure your children will eat their healthy lunch? Keep foods simple and nutritious. This could include items such as sandwiches made with whole grain bread, a side of cut-up vegetables and dip, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, fruit or even leftovers from dinner.

What makes a nutritious lunch? Focus on creating balanced meals that combine protein with carbohydrates and healthy fats. Protein-based foods such as beans or tofu, lean meats, nuts and nut butters all provide essential nutrients without excessive calories. (Make sure your children have been assessed for nut allergies.) Carbohydrates offer energy and should come from whole grains like oatmeal or brown rice. Healthy fats like those found in avocados can help reduce inflammation; these can be added as toppings for sandwiches or salads.

Rather than relying on pre-packaged snacks, make your own healthy snacks at home. Have your children help! Homemade fruit and cereal bars are easy to make and provide an alternative to processed snacks full of artificial ingredients.

Lunch preparation can be a breeze with the right techniques and planning. Try to do meal prep early in the week. To start, plan out what types of meals you would like to make for the week ahead. Incorporate healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables as well as items like sandwiches and wraps into your meal plans.

Once you have your plan, start prepping! This could include chopping up veggies for salads or sandwiches, pre-cooking meats or grains, baking muffins or other snacks—anything that will save you time during the week. Involve your kids in this process by having them help you prepare items like sandwiches or snacks. This will give them an opportunity to learn about food and nutrition while having fun! Lastly, think of ways to present food in a fun way that kids will enjoy. Even something as simple as arranging food on a plate in an interesting shape or pattern can be exciting for kids. You could also try cutting up sandwiches into shapes with cookie cutters or packing multiple small items in a bento box.

By taking the time to prepare healthy lunches, you can ensure your family receives the proper nutrition they need to maintain their health while instilling positive eating habits that will last a lifetime.