Chasing the Sun Tracie Peterson

Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

My Review
Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson......Book One in Land of the Lone Star Series

I love Tracie Peterson’s books, and I enjoy Civil War stories, so I was excited about reading “Chasing the Sun.” The year is 1863 and the state is Texas. Hannah is now taking care of her younger brother and sister after her father left Texas to be with his sick mother. Hannah then hears news from Herbert Lockhart that her dad has been taken prisoner. This starts a difficult journey that Hannah had no idea she would have to face.

Tracie Peterson creates a cast of characters that are real and believable, and touch your heart in an unusual way. Ranch life was not easy for Hannah and her siblings, with the difficulties, uncertainties, and having to deal with raising her siblings and making a living to take care of them was enough for anyone, much less a young lady like Hannah.

This is a historical fiction during the Civil war times that you will sure want to add to your reading list. I encourage you to get a copy to read.

This book was provided by Bethany House Publisher for me to read and post an honest review.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.
Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family’s ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he’s surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family’s land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing The Sun, go HERE.

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

ABOUT THE BOOK

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.
Though facing eviction, Rosa can’t keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can’t help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixty Acres and a Bride, go HERE.

My Review

Sixty Acres and a Bride  By Regina Jennings

 Like several other readers, when I read the last page of this book, I was wishing it was longer, I was wanting more of this wonderful story. Regina Jennings’ debut novel, “Sixty Acres and a Bride” is a book well worth your time and money.

Does this story sound a little familiar? Is this modern day Ruth, Naomi and Boaz or what? Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law Louise have recently lost their husbands in a Mexican earthquake and Rosa agrees to go back to her hometown in Texas. Immediately hard time hit these two ladies and they both strike out to save Louise’s ranch. Rosa was content in helping her mother-in-law, and after a no love marriage, the last thing she thought about was another man. But that was before she met her husband’s cousin, Weston Garner. Weston has his own past issues that he didn’t like to think about. Could these two overcome the hurts and difficulties of their past and make a life with each other?

Rita Jennings creates a cast of characters that will take hold of your heart and keep it until well after you finish the book. Rosa was a special, humble young lady that I loved from the beginning. And I really was routing for she and Weston. I was so intrigued with this story that I couldn’t put it down. And I can’t wait for more books from Regina Jennings. She is now a new favorite author for me!

A copy of this book was provide by Bethany House for me to review. I was responsible for giving my honest opinion, which I have here.

Purchase this book at Barnes and Noble

About the Author

A Word from Regina:
See me laughing. That’s what I do when someone calls me an author. Yes, it’s always been my dream, but I still can’t keep from giggling over it.
Other things I am – a Christ-follower, a wife, a homeschooling mother of four, a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and a voracious reader.
Getting reading time isn’t easy. Seems like my family does more than our share of traveling. My husband is an insurance adjuster (I know, save the hate mail) and travels with the catastrophe team often. That’s allowed us to see a lot of the United States. True many times it’s in the middle of a hurricane or blizzard, but after spending three weeks in a hotel room with six people, you’ll brave anything to get out and see the sights – no matter how damaged they might be.
We also serve on the Missions Team at an amazing church, so we break out the passports frequently. Highlights include singing at a leper colony in India, holding church inside a Mexican prison and showing the Jesus film to a tribe in Senegal who’d never heard the gospel.
But I don’t have to go far away for unusual. My family provides plenty of colorful material with their love for practical jokes, pithy observations and strong agricultural roots. Because of the family business, a significant chunk of my life has been spent at sale barns and auctions – often behind the scales where I weigh pigs. I like to think of myself as a “redneck bluestocking” but I brought an entire marketing team’s discussion to a screeching halt when I said those words, so you didn’t hear it from me.
When I have spare time I love to talk books and quirky characters (real and fictional).

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

List Price: 12.99
ISBN: 978-1-4143-6111-6
Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4

Binding: Softcover

Release: May 2012

Book Blurb

–>Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.
Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.
As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert
Awww finally another Candace Calvert book! I’ve been waiting on this since set informed her readers the story was in the making, and let me tell you it is well worth the wait! I love Trauma Plan, as well as all of Candace’s other books! Yes I am a Candace fan!
Hospital Chaplin Riley Hale needs to be back in ER at her old nursing job. That’s what she loves to do. But because of an earlier assault, her Doctors haven’t released her to do that job again, and her fellows workers are not sure she is competent enough just yet.
And then there is Dr. Jack Travis. Or could we say drill sergeant Jack? Dr. Travis worked as an ER Dr. and also ran a clinic for those who couldn’t afford high hospital bills. Since the run-down clinic was near a high and mighty sub-division, Jack was constantly being harassed by the rich folks from the wealthy community. This, and other things in Jacks past life cause such deep anger and bitterness in Jack that his fellow workers found him very difficult to be around.
And it seemed that Jack especially had it in for Riley, one thing he really didn’t care for her job as Chaplin at the hospital. He felt it was a total waist of time. Then why did he offer to let her help at the clinic? And Riley working at the clinic throws she and Jack together more. Could there be an attraction between them? Well I for one would like it, but then we will have to wait and see!
There is so much going on in this story that you will not want to put this book down once you start reading it. And with so much going on, we see Candace Calvert’s expert writing ability in full force, because she does a wonderful amazing job of pulling all of the characters and situations together to pen an unforgettable medical drama. And to read all about it, I highly recommend that you go grab a copy of “Trauma Plan” to read and enjoy for yourself.
And I save the best ‘til last. If for no other reason, read the book to meet Bandy and Hobo. Of all the characters in all of the many books I have read, Bandy and Hobo are the most special, heartwarming characters yet! And don’t read spoilers about them, it will ruin it for you!
Tyndale House Publishers provided a copy of this book for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

To See The Sun by Peggy Blann Phifer

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Peggy Blann Phifer

and the book:

To See the Sun

CreateSpace (January 6, 2012)

***Special thanks to Peggy Blann Phifer for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader and loves to escape between the covers of a good book. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband Jim.


To See the Sun is Peg’s debut novel, released January 2012

Visit her blog, Whispers in Purple.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Pregnant and widowed hadn’t been part of her “happily ever after” dream. And now, someone was trying to kill her . . .

Erin Macintyre never expected to be a widow and a new mother in the same year, anymore than she expected mysterious notes, threatening phone calls, and a strange homeless man who seems to know all about her. The thought of raising a child without a father is daunting enough—worse when you have no idea who might want to harm you. Put an old flame into the mix, and her life begins a tailspin into a world she never knew existed.

When P.I. Clay Buchanan, stumbles upon Erin at her husband's gravesite, he’s totally unprepared for her advanced pregnancy. Her venomous reaction at seeing him, however, was predictable. But Clay can’t let her distrust, or his guilt, get in the way—not when he has evidence that proves Erin’s life is in danger.

With few options left, Erin begrudgingly accepts Clay’s help . . . and it just might be her undoing.

Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 356 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (January 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1468121081
ISBN-13: 978-1468121087

My Thoughts on this book!

To See the Sun by Peggy Blann Phifer

Erin Macintyre no only looses her husband, she’s about the have a baby, which will now be a fatherless baby. Erin thought she knew her husband Justin very well, and sure didn’t think he was keeping any secrets from her, but when the notes and phone calls started coming, making it obvious that someone was following her, she wasn’t sure anymore. And to make matters worse, old flame and PI Clay Buchanan pops in on the investigation. Turns out Clay had been talking to Justin all of these years that Erin thought he was in hiding, so Clay knew more than Erin ever dreamed. Erin was thrown into having to work with Clay, and even trust him to do what was best.

With a debut author, you never know what you are in for when reading their first book, and I can say that Peggy Blann Phifer stormed the Christian fiction world with a novel that will be talked about for a long time to come. With characters that grab your heart from the beginning and hang on until the very last page, and with twists and turns that will keep you hanging on to the edge of your seat, “To See the Sun” takes you on a whirlwind journey of a lifetime.

Losing Justin was so sad for Erin, especially since they were so much in love, and expecting their first child after so many years, and then finding out he had been keeping secrets, well Erin didn’t know what to think. She still didn’t want to trust Clay though, even though the letter from Justin told her too. And of course Clay was still in love with Erin and would do anything to win her back, but he had to take it easy, she wasn’t ready to hear this. As this story unfolds, it seems that people come out the woodwork that’s had a part in Justin and Erin’s lives for years. I was beginning to wonderful if anyone could be trusted! And as for Clay, well I was cheering for he and Erin to get together, even though that was the last thing on Erin’s mind.

Well I could tell a lot more, but I won’t. You really need to run and grab a copy of Peggy’s book and read it for yourself. You will be very happy you did!

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Friday, March 26, late afternoon

What a fantastic day. A bid won. A contract signed. The job of a lifetime that would put Stuart and Macintyre at the top of the construction heap, not just in Las Vegas, but all of southern Nevada.

Whistling, Justin Macintyre pressed the keyless remote of his Cadillac Escalade, tossed his briefcase across the console to the passenger seat and slid behind the wheel.

To top it all off, after seven long years, he and his wife, Erin, were going to have a baby. A baby! He laughed aloud at the overwhelming joy of it.

"Hey, world, I'm going to be a daddy!"

He shifted the SUV into gear and pulled out of the Mt. Charleston Lodge area onto Kyle Canyon Road and headed down the mountain to the Las Vegas Valley below. Despite the successful day, Justin couldn't banish his worry over a recent discovery of some irregularities in the company's finances. Nothing concrete, and his Uncle Sebastian, S&M's CFO, assured him everything was fine. Nevertheless, Justin's uneasiness had prompted him to send what little proof he had to his long-time friend, Clay Buchanan, a private investigator in Texas.

Preoccupied with his thoughts, he vaguely registered the yellow and black blind curve warning sign. Too late he saw the stalled car across the center line. No time to stop! He spun the wheel to the right.

I'm going too fast! God, help me . . .!

###

Seconds passed and silence settled once more over the mountainside. A shadow emerged from behind a Joshua tree and stepped to the edge of the ravine. After a moment, the form walked to the car in the road and drove away.

###

Erin Macintyre stretched her arms along the balcony's balustrade of her twenty-seventh-floor condo above the streets of Las Vegas. Beyond that, the lower edge of the setting sun kissed the still snowy peaks of the Spring Mountain Range and Mt. Charleston.

Justin would be home soon.

"Erin, where's the zester?"

Erin returned to the kitchen. "In the utility drawer."

"Which is the utility drawer?" Magie Gifford, Erin's dearest friend, pulled out drawer after drawer.

Erin giggled and reached across Magie's arm and slid out the utility drawer.

"You changed it." Magie snatched the zester and bumped the drawer shut with her hip. "That's not where it was last time."

Erin wrapped her arms around her friend and hugged. "No, Mags, I didn't change anything." She waited a beat. "Can I interest you in a memory enhancement program?"

"Very funny." Magie pushed Erin aside and proceeded to rub a lemon across the gadget and then whisked the zest into a frothy mixture of olive oil, Italian herbs, and balsamic vinegar. "Okay, just drizzle this over the salad and stick it in the fridge."

That done, Erin checked on the lasagna in the oven. The garlic toast waited on the foil-lined cookie sheet ready to pop under the broiler. Everything was ready.

Erin glanced at the kitchen clock. "He's late."

"Posh. You should know by now how those meetings can drag on."

"Yeah, I know. It's just—"

"Get over here, Erin. He'll be here when he gets here."

Erin joined her friend in the breakfast nook off the kitchen and adjacent to the balcony. She scooped up a dozing Siamese cat from her chair and sat, settling him back on her lap.

"You spoil that critter." Magie brushed off the chair cushion before sitting.

"Yeah, I do. But you love him, too. I saw you sneaking him some treats earlier." Erin smiled. "Not to mention the romp you had with him in the living room when you got here."

"Busted. But he's so much fun, aren't you, Kazimir?"

At the sound of his name, the cat uncoiled, left Erin's lap and jumped onto Magie's. ShA COMMENT ON THIS POST WHEN THE TOUR COMES AROUND! e snorted. "So much for protecting my black slacks."

"Thanks for coming over to help with this meal. I wanted it to be special and I never know when the nausea will hit." She raised an eyebrow. "But you will leave as soon as Justin gets here."

"You think he'll get that bid?"

Erin tapped her heart and nodded. "I know he will."

The first five descending notes of Welcome to My World sang out in the condo's foyer. Justin! No, he wouldn't ring the doorbell. Puzzled, she stepped across the tiled floor and rose on tiptoes to peer through the peephole. She gasped and jumped back.

The doorbell chimed again.

Fingers trembling, Erin released the security lock and opened the door to two uniformed police officers.

"Mrs. Macintyre?"

Erin nodded as Magie moved to her side.

"What is it, officers?"

"I'm afraid there's been an accident, Mrs. Macintyre. Your husband . . ."

Behind the Veils of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby

Behind the Veils of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby




About this book

Women began to arrive in the entry hall, peeling away their black outer coverings. I watched in amazement as shimmering bodies emerged from the black shrouds. One woman sparkled in a purple silk caftan, her arms gleaming with gold jewelry. I smiled to myself. If people only knew what was under those veils. I looked at their faces, artfully painted with makeup, not at all how they appeared in public: dark eyes in narrow black slits. They were like the beauties of Arab folklore. I was awed by the transformation.

With only prayer and a faith that always seemed too small, Audra Grace Shelby departed with her husband and children on a one-way flight to Yemen...deep into the heart of conservative Islam.

With honesty and passion, she shares her harrowing journey as a Christian woman thrust into a culture dangerously different from her own. From the friendships she forged, to her gnawing doubt and fear, to her offers of hope when her new friends' religion failed them, she gives us glimpses of a world most have never seen: behind the veils of real Muslim women--and how the grace of God touches lives in the midst of an Islamic stronghold.


My Review

 I always enjoy missionary stories, so I wanted to read this one. Audra Shelby packed her family up and left for Yemen to minister to the people, no knowing what would happen, nor how they would survive. Nothing. But she did really have something and that is a love and passion for the Yemen people. I can’t imagine the fears a mom would face bringing her children in the danger situations that they would face.

Audra Grace Shelby doesn’t sugar coat their experiences as they ministered to these people. Their family struggled, Audra struggled just as the rest of us do. Audra shows herself as being real, and facing the real issues of life. She is honest about their journey, the fears as they we introduced to the Muslims, their culture, women, just their entire lifestyles.

I have a lot of respect for this author in the way she just left her home, and trusted God for her future. Things were not always great, in fact there were many struggles along the way, but they faced them, no matter how difficult they were. I am glad to have the chance to see a world I wouldn’t have seen had I not read this book. And as we saw in this story, God’s grace is always with us, He can and will reach out and touch the lives of those around us, even in Muslim situations.

This is a great read and I would be good for anyone to read really. So go purchase your copy and read the story for yourself.

I rec’d a copy of this book from Bethany House to read and review. The opinions here are mine. I have written my honest opinion on what I feel about this book

About the Author

Audra Grace Shelby served nine years as a Southern Baptist missionary in the Middle East, alongside her husband and four children. The daughter of career missionaries, she speaks frequently at conferences and in churches across the United States, and she has been on local and national radio talk shows and broadcasts. Audra and her husband remain actively involved in reaching unreached people in the Middle East and around the world through ministries such as Faith Comes By Hearing.

The Essential Guide to Healing by Bill Johnson and Randy Clark

The Essential Guide to Healing by Bill Johnson and Randy Clark




About this book

You can help people stop suffering.
You can make a difference in your world.
You can help deliver God's healing power.

For the first time, pastors and bestselling authors Bill Johnson and Randy Clark team up to equip all Christians to minister healing. Sharing inspiring and exciting stories—and grounded from start to finish in Scripture--Johnson and Clark lay out practical, proven, step-by-step guidance to ministering healing, including how to

• understand your authority in the ministry of healing
• walk out the ministry of healing with anyone you meet and in your personal life
• receive and relay words of knowledge
• implement and apply the five-step model of healing prayer

The ministry of healing is not reserved for a select few. God's miraculous healing is part of the Good News, and you, too, can become a powerful conduit for the healing power He loves to manifest.

"It is our hope that each of you will begin to pray for others to be healed after reading this book... and that some of you will discover that God has given you a gift of healing." --Randy Clark and Bill Johnson

My review

These two author have teamed together to bring readers a book on God’s healing power. This book is written in three parts; Our Personal Journeys in Regard to Healing; A Theology of Healing; and The Practice of Healing. And in each section there are chapters that cover topics on each of these. The author’s use personal experience and lay out a plan that is practical, proven and is a step by step guide to ministering healing to those in need. Readers will find so many tips and ideas, as well as love and concern as these two authors write about their passion and their knowledge of healing through the power of God.

If you are hurting, have an illness that you are dealing with, why not get a copy of “The Essential Guide to Healing” and see if these principles will help you as it did both of these great authors.

I rec’d a copy of this book from Bethany House to read and review. The opinions here are mine. I have written my honest opinion on what I feel about this book

God Helps Me Bible

 

GOD HELPS ME BIBLE

Author: Juliet David Illustrated by: Clare Caddy

Pages: 104
Size: 4.7 x 6.85 inches
Ages: 1 to 3
Published: 2012
Rights: NA Imprint: Candle Books
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-85985-916-2
Format: Spiral bound

Description of this little Bible:

Specially designed for very young children, the God Helps Me Biblefeatures a spiral binding that allows the book to lay flat on a table, floor, or lap, which leaves little hands free to turn the pages and point out fun details in Clare Caddy’s darling illustrations.The twenty-five favorite Bible stories use words and concepts tailored for the youngest reader, so each story clearly emphasizes how God loves and helps His world and people.

My Thoughts on God Helps Me Bible
God Helps Me Bible

This is a really cute Bible for small children. The stories are short so that some children can even memorize them. I really like the spiral bound, and especially since they have the spirals covered up, and the pages open easily. The illustrations are adorable, with beautiful colors and cute child-like characters so children can relate to the characters. One especially nice feature is the thickness and quality of the pages. My three year old niece plays with and reads this Bible all of the time, and the quality of the Bible keeps it nice and in great shape even though it is a constant book she looks at and reads. And she does read it, she knows most of the stories, so she looks at the pictures and makes up her own little story, so adorable.

I appreciate authors like Juliet David, illustrators such as Clare Caddy and publishers like Candle Books and Kregel Publishers for Bibles for children that they can look at and read in their own little way. It is never too early to teach children about Jesus, and this precious Bible is one of the many ways we have to do just that.

My only disappointment with this Bible is that there is no story on Jesus giving His life so that we could have eternal life through Him. I know why it was left out, but this being the most important thing in the Bible because it is our only way of a home in Heaven, I feel it should be included. This is why the 4 stars instead of 5. Everything else about the Bible I love.

I received this book free from Kregel Publishing. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions here are my own.

PUYB Tour Super Luke Faces His Bully…by Dr. Jackie C. Cogswell

About Super Luke Faces His Bully

Super Luke Faces His Bully is a fun loving adventure spoken straight from the heart of a super-sweet eight-year-old bully victim, Luke Giggleheart. The Word of God is used as a lens to examine some of the issues that can make a person act like either a bully or a victim. During this adventure, Luke, our tender-hearted bully victim, learns about fear, being courageous and getting adults to help, while praying for his enemies.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Bullies are everywhere. At school, in your neighbor, and even at church. What should we do about someone that bullies us? Or what should be done to you if you are the one who bullies other people? In her book “Super Luke Faces His Bully,” Dr. Jakie C. Cogswell addresses the issues that come with someone being bullied.
Harry Jones was not someone Luke wanted in his life. Why? Because he had to face the abuse of being bullied by Harry whenever they were around each other. And the things that Harry did to Luke were not nice at all, they were embarrassing and they caused a lot of different emotions and attitudes with Luke.
Luke had a lot of channels in his head, and if we think about it, we all really do. He had a scary channel, attitude channel, yummy channel, God channel and more. Luke’s mom was always replenishing the God channel with good things when she meets with Luke and his buddies at their Bible Buddies Club. When Luke had the God channel on, this put good things into his brain to think about. I love the idea of the channels. How true this is of every person really, and this is an awesome way to describe what goes on in our minds. And to put it on a child’s level as the author did, well this is just good professional and unique writing by Dr. Cogswell.
There is so much packed in this book I could go on and on talking about the different things, but you really need to grab a copy of this book for yourself to read and to have for your young readers.
This book is just plain good! The author uses God’s word to teach principles to your children of all ages how do deal with others doing things to them.
The book as a wonderful layout, and the illustrations are adorable. The entire inside and outside of the book is eyecatching and captures your attention, I highly recommend this book to everyone! Even adults will benefit from the lessons learned in this book,
This book was provided by PUYB Tours. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this book are mine only.

About Dr. Jackie

Dr. Jackie Chirco Cogswell is a family physician, wife, mother, former school teacher, and now author of a series of Christian children’s novels, the GIGGLEHEART ADVENTURE SERIES. Writing Christian books and reading the Bible has become her passion.
In recent years, Dr. Jackie has been led to teach children of all ages how to prevent and stop bullying. As a Christian mother, the issue of bullying became very personal to her when her child was bullied in elementary school. Through the many struggles her son had with bullies, Dr. Jackie learned from firsthand experience how to tackle bullying from a Christian perspective. SUPER LUKE FACES HIS BULLY was inspired by her son’s personal struggle and the good Lord, “Who equips us for every battle and gives us strength.”
Visit Dr. Jackie only at www.giggleheart.com

The UnHappy Little Dragon…..Lessons Learned By Carolyn Wolfe Illustrated by Leslie Mathis

Welcome to Pump Up Your Books Tour For:

The UnHappy Little Dragon…..Lessons Learned

By Carolyn Wolfe Illustrated by Leslie Mathis

Little Dragon Synopsis
This is the tale of a little Dragon who has a big problem, he cannot control his fire!
After a major mishap, he runs away into the forest and has a wonderful adventure where he meets new friends, learns that every creature has a unique gift, and also finds out the special way in which he can use his own remarkable gift of fire.

Little Dragon Excerpt
Shelley asked, looking at Happy expectantly.
Shelley The Turtle said,”Let me ask you something son, when you practice your fire burning skills-what do you tell yourself?”
“Tell myself? What do you mean?” asked Happy not understanding what his new friend was getting at.
Shelley answered, “Well, maybe I should ask instead, how do you feel when you practice holding in your flame?
“Oh that! I feel scared, so scared that I will fail and burn everything up!” Happy answered sadly.
“Well now, I have a suggestion for you. Try feeling like you will not burn everything up. Instead tell yourself you will succeed in keeping your fire to yourself!” Shelley told him.
“But I am so scared. I really don’t think I can tell myself that I won’t burn everything up when I know I will!”
Happy argued in a worried little voice.
Shelley looked at Happy’s very unhappy face and said,”I have news for you Happy, and I want you to listen to me now!”
Then Shelley continued to explain.
“Dragons aren’t the only ones who have special gifts, Happy, no, no! All of the animals were given a special gift of one kind or another. All of us had to learn how to use it wisely, just like you. You sort of have to grow into your gift, like growing up! That’s why the animals need a teacher.
Can you guess what my special gift is?” Shelley asked, expectantly.
Happy didn’t know the answer so he shook his head and just kept quiet.
“Why Happy, I am a teacher!” Shelley said proudly.
My Thoughts on this book!
What would happen if you couldn’t control your fire? Well that is if you were a dragon. This is a serious problem Little Dragon had to deal with. Once after being so frustrated, Little Dragon ran into the woods, just to get away. He ran and ran. And ran. While in the forest, he started meeting friends. First it was Shelley the turtle, then Betty the bird, then Barney the beaver, and on it goes. Each of Little Dragon’s new friends loved his fire, and encouraging him, telling his it was his gift. As with Little Dragon’s gift, the other forest friend each had their own special gift that they shared. Read this wonderful book and take a trip to this forest of gifted friends.
In “The Happy Little Dragon,” Carolyn Wolfe writes a wonderful story to teach young readers that they are special, no matter how different they are. Using the animals in the forest helps teach children to feel differently about their fears and disappointments. Carolyn Wolfe has a special gift herself in writing stories like this to teach valuable lessons to her young readers. And the illustrations are adorable. The Little Dragon and the forest animals have a sweet childish personality, with colors that invite you in the pages. I highly recommend that you grab a copy of this beautifully written and illustrated book to read to your child.
This book was provided by PUYB for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Wolfe’s Bio
Carolyn Wolfe is a free lance writer, poet, and author of six books including her
collections of poetry, short stories and bedtime stories for children. In this, her sixth book, “The Unhappy Little Dragon, Lessons Learned” she reveals the journey of Happy, The Unhappy Little Dragon, who, while trying to understand how to master his uncontrollable gift of fire, has an exciting adventure in the woods. His forest friends help him understand his gift and that he really is a very special dragon indeed! Ms. Wolfe lives in the Shenandoah Valley with her Photographer, husband Scott, and her houseful of animal companions.