IESODO's GIVEAWAY

Meet IESODO (pronounced YAY-Sa-Doe), a wise dove whose name means 'The Way Of Jesus'!

Here is a quick review of the story:

Iesodo and his lovable feathered friends live in the Holy Land in a beautiful Cypress Tree on the shores of a vast lake (or as we know it, the Sea of Galilee).
The birds are an unlikely group of friends, but though they have their differences, they have one thing in common: since they met Iesodo, their lives have never been the same.

Note: For those who missed it, the entire review can be seen (HERE)

And the good news is...

EDIFYMEDIA.NET, a sponsor of IESODO's  is offering one of Live and Dream a little dream's readers a copy of Love and Faith. 

All you have to do is place a comment on this post and tell me you wish to be considered for the giveaway! 

Giveaway open until Midnight on 25 April 2014 and US residents only!


Happy Easter Folks!

For Us...

Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman, Book review

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (January 17, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1414389752
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

After her father’s death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father’s farm, the only home she’s ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father’s rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Frederick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade’s careful eye, he unearths more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal, and murder threatens the well-being of the ranch, endangering those who hold it dear. As the days dwindle until the rest of the Donovan clan arrives at the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed changes their futures forever.

My thoughts:

Pam Hillman's affinity for the Old West is felt from the very beginning of Claiming Mariah.
I always enjoy a good story about life in the West by such as Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey but this book negate the adage that writing westerns is solely a man's world, Pam Hillman's second novel is certainly proof of that! 

The heart warming introduction by the author is one that will set your imagination to run:

'I originally wrote Slade to be larger than life, but first readers scoffed at his amazing broad shoulders, a 6 ft 4" frame, gorgeous green eyes, large hands that can soothe a small child, manhandle an ornery cow or bring a newborn calf in the world but I know the truth....That man does exit, I married him.'

Set in the state of Wyoming in the Spring of 1882 the arresting plot line has just the right ingredients to satisfy any reader: adventure, mystery, revenge, love and a good dose of solid faith, the sort you need to get through even the toughest days. It also portrays the kind of men and women who built this country despite or perhaps because of the odds!

Seth Malone and Jack Donovan were once mates but treachery separated the men. Now that both have passed away, Malone's daughter Mariah and Slade, Jack's son are left to see that justice is met.

Claiming Mariah brings to life the best and the worst of a wild west, a lawless epoch where a man and a woman defined riches through the land they owned and fought to defend it and their loved ones no matter the cost!

Great entertainment and earning 4 stars!

Be sure to check out the link below for additional reviews and Pam Hillman's giveaway!

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/phillman

About the Author:

Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. 
Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. 
Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of! Claiming Mariah is her second novel.

Visit her website (HERE)


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book courtesy of LITFUSE as part of this book promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday derives from the Latin mandatum or commandment. This was Jesus' message and is found in the story of the Last Supper when He humbled himself to wash the feet of His apostles prior to the traditional Passover meal or Seder. 
He then commanded them to 'Love one another as I have loved you' (John 13:34)

(Source Here)

Traditionally in the UK, HM the Queen takes part in the Ceremony of the Royal Maundy and gives coins called Maundy money to deserving senior citizens.

(Source HERE)

We pray that Your grace be with us, that we may be slow to judge, and willing to forgive. those qualities that You taught us to hold close. Amen.

(Source here)

Storming The Black Ice by Don Brown, Book review

• Series: Pacific Rim Series
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (February 25, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0310330165
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

When British geologists discover the world's largest oil reserves under the desolate, icy tundra of Antarctica, Britain and Chile form a top-secret alliance for control of petroleum resources that will rival the economic power of OPEC. But when their discovery is uncovered by an Argentinean intelligence officer, a surprise-attack against a secret British outpost in Antarctica triggers a war. 

Britain and Chile are in a military standoff against Venezuela and Argentina, and when the war escalates, Britain asks America for help. For two couples separated by the battle, the outcome will be either love reunited or devastating heartbreak. For a young British boy living with his mother in London, his father's life is on the line. And for Pete Miranda, an American sub commander detailed on a special military assignment to his father's homeland of Chile, will his fate be a crushing death under the icy-cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean, or a future of life, light, and a second chance for love? '

 . . the realistic scenes of submarine warfare and daring escapes, along with family, love, and romance make this a surefire hit for fans of military, war, and suspense novels.' ---CBA Retailers and Resources


My thoughts:


This is not the first time I read one of Don Brown's novels (see here for 'Thunder In The Morning Calm). His books are hard to pass (in this family, we eagerly line up!)

Storming The Black Ice is yet again a great adventure prodding us to think of 'What If?', this time set against the frigid backdrop of Antarctica and Drake Passage. Rocks, ice, wind and snow makes up a landscape seemingly forsaken by God yet it holds a treasure only He could create.

'Black Ice' is the code name for the discovery of vast amounts of oil under the ice at Camp Churchill,  a British research base in Antarctica. 
Allies Britain and Chile's aim to develop the rich oil fields secretly once military troops have secured the grounds is soon compromised when the prodigious discovery is uncovered by an Argentine intelligence officer and rapidly involves military action from not just Argentina, but also Venezuela and Russia. As expected, the USA's involvement soon follows! 

As is his characteristic, Don Brown weaves an action packed story with underwater action and naval engagements, this time set against the often brutal elements of the Antarctic, whilst showing the human side of warfare and its flip side. 
His protagonists are straight God fearing men whose allegiance encompass patriotic duty, loyalty to their loved ones and gives credence to his arresting plot. Hair raising challenges are often required from the military and not for fair hearts as we know. The hint of romance and the perception of good guys versus bad guys is prevalent but never dull under Brown's penmanship.

Finally, a faultless plot line reminds us that twice in the past Mr. Brown's intriguing novels have in fact predicted headline events.

5 Stars!


About the Author:

BESTSELLING AUTHOR DON BROWN,a former US Navy JAG Officer who served in the Pentagon, where he provided legal advice to the Secretary of the Navy and the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, now pens legal and military thrillers about the Navy. In so doing, he has developed an uncanny track record for prognosticating future events in his novels.

Visit his website (HERE)


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book courtesy of BOOKLOOK as part of this book promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Whispers Of Spring

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.

(Rainer Maria Rilke)


I enjoyed browsing through some lovely posts on Blogland about Spring in the last few days (trying to convince myself it really is here!)  I especially like to see the photos which gives me of course an opportunity to see something of one corner of the world or other and all from the privacy of our island home. It is grand!
No need for periodicals, I just 'travel' from the Flanders to the U.K., Holland, Greece, U.S.A, not forgetting Down Under of course! This time I lost my heart to a single article showcasing what is certain to be my favourite photos for the season!

I would call these myself (if I only had a smidgen of talent in the photographic department!)

Saying Goodbye to Wintertime!

 

and Hello Spring!

Don't you think these are fantastic photos?

Elena Shumilova is the photographer and she has a marvelous eye for details! Each photo (check below for source and additional photos!) reflects such love for her two children

Yaroslav and Vanya !

(All photos source HERE)

WHISPERS OF SPRING...It is here!

Palm Sunday

A Christian clutches crosses of palms during a Palm Sunday Mass at St. Paul's Church in Bangalore, India.
(Source HERE)

The most solemn week of the Christian year, Holy week begins today Palm Sunday, includes Maundy Thursday and ends on Holy Saturday.

(Photo source HERE)

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.

Matthew 21:1-11

English Standard Version (ESV)

HOSANNA!