Book Review and Giveaway - Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen Created by Alexa Palmer and Catharine Kaufman Illustrated by John Martinez and Hayden Mills Hosted by The Children's Book Review

 

About the Book

Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Created by Alexa Palmer and Catharine Kaufman

Illustrated by John Martinez and Hayden Mills

Ages 4-10 | 60 Pages

Publisher: Palmer and Kaufman | ISBN-13: 978-0-615136301

Publisher’s Book Summary: Jolene loves junk food. She loves it so much she wears red licorice in her hair–and pink taffy underwear! The Munch Bunch calls her “The Junk Food Queen.” Then, one night in her dreams, she meets a bunch of cool characters who take her on an incredible, edible journey into a world of juicy fruits, super salads, and yummy smoothies.

Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen naturally lends itself to lessons on nutrition that would be easily adaptable for every level from preschool through grade school. The authors have also included recipes for healthy smoothies at the back of the book, which makes it even more fun!

—The Children’s Book Review

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About Alexa Palmer

Alexa Palmer resides in Rancho Mirage, California, where she has raised three daughters- Alexandra, Stephanie and Christina. A preschool teacher who has been passionate about writing since the age of 8, Alexa also has a background in performing arts from the University of London and Oxford University. She is a published songwriter formerly studying under the tutelage of the late Buddy Kaye and is excited about launching the musical version she created for Jolene.

Stay in touch with Alexa:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

About Catharine Kaufman

Catharine is a nationally syndicated food columnist, blogger, author, magazine writer and TV chef. She credits her growing expertise in good nutrition for her survival and recovery from breast cancer and shares that expertise to help keep her family, friends and fans in good health. Writing her columns under the moniker “The Kitchen Shrink,” Catharine dispenses advice on topics that include smart grocery shopping, food facts and folklore, unforgettable dinners on a shoestring, solving cooking disasters and putting the skids on colds, flu and other ailments with healing ‘food chemistry.’

Showing off her humorous culinary savvy, Catharine was featured in a “Kitchen Shrink” mini series produced by Time-Warner, which included such segments as Kitchen Play Date with Kids, and Pantry Preparedness. She also did a stint as radio host and sidekick of restaurant reviewer and food guru Merrill Shindler on KLSX, Los Angeles. As a founder and partner of www.FreeRangeClub.com, the healthy gourmet cooking and food safety blog, Catharine has been garnering kudos from foodies around the world for her featured columns on that long-established site.

Through its offbeat humor, Catharine’s well-received children’s book with collaborator Alexa Palmer, “Jolene – Adventures of a Junk Food Queen,” motivated her two daughters and other children to participate in her cooking classes, as well as to acquire healthier eating habits than many of their peers. “Jolene…” has also been endorsed by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and is being sold on Amazon and other outlets. Ever since discovering her inner foodie, Catharine has been in her element, focusing her energy and passion on weaning as many people—but especially children and young adults—off toxic foods and guiding them on a fun journey to healthy living.

My Thoughts

Jolene: Adventures of a Junk food Queen is written by Alexa Palmer and Catharine Kaufman. The book is illustrated by John Martinez and Hayden Mills. This book is aimed towards children ages 4-10 and is about 60 pages long. I read this book with my 9 and 11 year old sons. We enjoyed this book very much. I have one boy that loves his junk food - and this book made him realize he cannot eat to much of it. 

Jolene loves junk food. She loves it so much she wears red licorice in her hair–and pink taffy underwear!  She even has popcorn pillows she hides her snacks under. One day she meets the Cavity Ranger. He comes to warn her about how her teeth are rotting from all the sweets she has eaten. Jolene then goes on as she learns that too many sweets is a bad thing. 

Jolene is a good example on teaching kids that sweets are ok in moderation. That healthy food can be fun. The boys and I loved this book. Thank you to to the author, publisher and the Children’s book review for allowing me to read a copy of this story - all thoughts are my own.

Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen
Virtual Book Tour Dates

Monday, September 19, 2022 The Children’s Book Review A book review of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 The Fairview Review A book review of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Crafty Moms Share A book review of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Thursday, September 22, 2022 Lisa’s Reading A book review of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Monday, September 26, 2022 Heart to Heart An interview with the authors

Tuesday, September 27, 2022 icefairy’s Treasure Chest A book review of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Me Two Books A Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen book activity

Thursday, September 29, 2022 Life Is What It’s Called A book review of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Monday, October 3, 2022 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers An article by the authors 5 Tips For Healthy Eating

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Because I Said So A book review of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 Book Zone Reviews An interview with the authors Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen Book Giveaway How to Enter Fill out the required fields in the form above. It may take a moment to load. You can also gain daily bonus entries. The giveaway begins September 19, 2022, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 19, 2022, at 11:59 P.M. MT. The giveaway is only open to legal residents of the United States and is void where prohibited by law. Full Terms & Conditions above.

Book Review and Giveaway - To Belong Together Author: Emily Conrad On tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: To Belong Together

Author: Emily Conrad

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 28, 2022

Fame and money have a way of complicating love.

Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most.

Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her.

At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together?

To Belong Together is the second book in the Rhythms of Redemption Romances. The men of the rock band Awestruck have conquered the music industry, but to find redemption and love, they must each face the wounds of the past. Good thing no one—and no difficult situation—is too much for grace.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life’s difficult, but relevant, questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she’s living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound rescue. She is the author of the stand-alone novel Justice and the Rhythms of Redemption Romance series, as well as a series of short stories, which she emails in installments to subscribers. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com.

 

More from Emily

Who are you?

 

On the surface, this is a simple question, but as it kept popping up in To Belong Together, I realized my characters kept asking it because their answers left them unsatisfied and insecure.

 

(Which is writer speak for: My brain kept circling back to the question because God had something to show me!)

 

At first, the answer for John seems to be that he’s a famous drummer. For Erin, it’s that she’s her father’s daughter (her father instilled her love of cars).

 

If someone I’ve just met asks me who I am, I usually say, “I’m Emily. I’m a novelist.”

 

I’m sure you have a way you describe yourself too.

 

These easy answers are helpful in conversation. In fact, I’d love for you to comment on this post with your answer, because it’s a point of connection with people we’re getting to know, and I love to get to know readers and other writers!

 

But, as I was writing To Belong Together, I realized anew that these things are not our identities. They are roles—roles we play in relationships, in our jobs, in our hobbies. Because a role is not the same as an identity, it can’t provide the lasting purpose, worth, and security we crave.

 

As believers in Christ, our eternal identity is that we are beloved children of God.

 

Because our roles take so much of our time and energy, and because they really do serve a purpose in conversation when we’re meeting someone new, I think it’s easy to lose sight of that greater identity.

 

At least, I know John and Erin struggled with it. (Again, writer speak for: I needed some reminders in this area!)

 

If you read To Belong Together, I hope you enjoy seeing that theme pop up throughout the novel and come away with a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. After all, that identity makes all the difference as we fill those beloved roles God’s blessed us with.

 

If you have a minute to introduce yourself in comments, I’d love to meet you!

My Thoughts

To Belong Together is written by  Emily Conrad. This is book two in the Rhythms of Redemption series. I have read book one - but you can read them as a stand alone. 

Erin Hirsh is a different type of woman. She has grown up around cars. Most do not understand her. Her father does, but he is struggling with dementia.  She is insecure in some ways due to holding a profession that is so male driven. 

John Kennedy (who we met first in the first book) plays the drums in the band Awestruck and has family struggles of his own. His own sister is pushing him away. John is very interested in Erin. He has some deep wounds from past relationships. 

This is a book of where opposites attract. They both bring out the good in each other. I love that the author created characters that had a deep Christian faith. With this faith they are facing trials of their own with their families. The author always writes such deep faith stories. This is a reminder of God’s grace - no matter how far we have fallen. 

The cover is beautiful, the story is well written and the author has developed her characters wonderfully. 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

Inklings and notions, September 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Texas Book-aholic, September 26

deb’s Book Review, September 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 28

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 29 (Author Interview)

The Sacred Line, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 1 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4

For Him and My Family, October 5

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, October 6 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize package of a 10 Amazon gift card, an electronic copy of To Belong Together, and 2 hand-painted and framed pine forest watercolors (US Only) or printable PDF downloads of the paintings (International)!!

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/21aaa/to-belong-together-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review -- Honorbound (Love and Honor #1) Author: Hallee Bridgeman

 

About the Book

Book: Honor bound (Love and Honor #1)

Author: Hallee Bridgeman 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

Release date: September 6, 2022

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces "A-Team" on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger--but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

About the Author

With nearly a million book sales, USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.

An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. Hallee’s oldest daughter is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, her middle son struggles as a hexagonal “autism spectrum” peg in this round world, and her youngest son fills the house with wooshes and bangs as he fights imaginary bad guys while wearing a Spiderman costume and wielding a Ninja sword.

When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.

Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between.

Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com 

Website: http://www.halleebridgeman.com

My Thoughts

Honor bound is book one in the Love and Honor series that is written by Hallee Bridgeman. This was a book that I was not able to put down. I was drawn in immediately. We meet Dr. Cynthia Myers. She is the daughter of the vice president and is practicing medicine in the war torn country of Katangela, Africa. She has been serving there since her ex fiance humiliated her and it was all over the news. Captain Rick Norton is the leader of his special forces. When one of his men get hurt, they bring him to the remote village to seek care from Dr. Myers. The war lord they have been chasing, Chukuwereijes men are also seeking care. This results with the village being put in danger. 

Dr. Myers is not happy that all this violence has now shown up on her doorstep. She has prided herself with treating members of this village and surrounding ones with no incident. This has now put a target on her back since Chukuwereijes blames her for the death of her son. Suddenly she finds herself having to evacuate with Captain Rick and his team. She finds out that the war lord knows who her dad is and wants to use her for a political pawn.

I loved this story. I could not put it down. The author did an amazing job capturing real world situations and bringing them to life through her writing. I have a masters in military history so I was drawn into the battle scenes. The author created and executed this book brilliantly. Thank you to the author, publisher and the Revell Reads blogging program for allowing me a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.