The Sara Chronicles by L. Hughes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sara Chronicles is a debut book series by L. Hughes.  This is the first book in the series and introduces you to Sara and sets the scenes for future books.  Sara is a great teen with a not so great life.  Despite being mistreated at home she is able to feel deep inside that she is special.  Sara later finds out how special she is and about her gift and connection to others with similar gifts.  She learns that she and two other children are connected and hold the power to help in a battle between good and evil. The author eloquently weaves the story of good vs. evil while including very important lessons about self esteem and other issues such as family dynamics.  This is a great read for middle grade and teen readers.  I am an adult reader and really enjoyed Sara Chronicles.  This story is very well written without strong language, violence or questionable subject matter.  I look forward to following the series through.

Disclosure: As a member of Reader's Spoils, I was given a copy of The Sara Chronicles in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own.


View all my reviews

Goodreads Star Rating System:

  It was amazing

      Really liked it

          liked it

              it was ok

                 didn't like it

Available in paperback and e-book:

Bring Back Beatrice! by Jennifer Griffin ~ Book Review

Bring Back Beatrice! 1,108 Baby Names with Meaning, Character and a Little Bit of Attitude. By Jennifer Griffin is a great read for anyone thinking of having children.  Naming your child is an important and sometimes stressful task since their name will stick with them throughout life.  When we found out that we were having a baby I will be honest.  I didn't consult any of the hundreds of "baby names" books out there.  My husband and I had come up with a girl name several yrs before and a couple of possible boy names as we never could come up with a boy name that we just loved.  When our bundle of joy arrived she fit perfectly with the name we had in mind and we breathed a sigh of relief that we didn't have to make a decision on a boy name.
Bring Back Beatrice!  Is a book that I would have loved to have around when we were discussing baby names.  The author beautifully spells out her purpose of writing the book and her endeavor to save children from being named fad or made up names.  Does she really expect everyone to name their daughters Beatrice?  No.  The author simply wants thought to be put into the names we are giving our children and the history of those names.  What if you have your mind set on a fad name?  The author lists alternatives to the name and provides history behind the name.
I'm not in the market for baby names but found the book very refreshing and think it would be a great resource for anyone.  How many times have you cringed when you heard the name someone was planning to name their child?  Do the child a favor and let the expectant parents know about this book and that it provides a refreshing new option to the old baby names books.  The child just might thank you!  This would also make a great shower gift.

* Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of the book for review purposes.  No compensation was received.  This post is my own honest opinion and was in no way influenced by the sponsor.

The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond

I was given the opportunity to review a sweet little book for bedtime reading.  The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond is a board book for you to read to your infant and to read with your toddler.  This is a sturdy book and is sized well for toddler's little hands.  In this book we follow a child on their way to bed saying Night Night to things that filled their busy day before finally reaching the bed to lay down to go Night Night.  It is written in a way that helps your child wind down before laying down to sleep.

The cover is only a sample of the artwork that is contained in this book.  While I would describe the illustrations as bright and entertaining they are also masterfully done in tones that are soothing.

I would recommend The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond.  The book is available at most bookstores as well as at Amazon.com.  This book also qualifies for Amazon's 4-for- 3 promotion meaning that you can mix it with other promotional items to buy 3 and get a fourth one free!  Books make great gifts for children.  Keep this book in mind when shopping for baby showers, birthdays, Christmas and other Holidays.

*Disclosure:  I was provided with a copy of The Night Night Book for review.  The review posted is my honest opinion.  I was not compensated for this review.

Here, Home, Hope by author Kaira Rouda ~ Book Review

I enjoy reading but rarely allow myself enough time to enjoy a good book.  I am so glad that I participated in the One 2 One network book review of Kaira Rouda's book Here, Home, Hope.   I really had trouble putting this book down.  The main character Kelly was so easy to relate too.  Kelly lives in "Grandville" which ironically we find is not always grand.  We are taken on Kelly's midlife journey to change the direction of her life now that her children are getting older and that she is facing her 40th birthday.  Kelly introduces us to several of her friends and through her journey she gains insight that things aren't always what they seem.  Those she has been envious of are actually envying her life.  This book is a quick read.  I would say it is a must read for this summer.  I was also very excited to see that this is only the first of several novels Kaira Rouda has planned taking place in Grandville.  I've included the book's video trailer but honestly it doesn't do the book justice.




Visit Kaira Rouda's official website here.  Check out the book tour here: http://www.kairarouda.com/events/ .   Follow Kaira Rouda on Twitter and Facebook.

If you are an Amazon shopper Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda is currently available for $10.20 (List $15).  This would make a great book for a book club or for you to read and share with your friends.  I'd love to hear your feedback after you've read Kaira Rouda's book Here, Home, Hope.  Please stop by and let us know what you think about this book.

*Disclosure:  As a member of One 2 One Network I received a copy of Kaira Rouda's Here, Home, Hope for review.  The review is my own work and honest opinion.
 

Shoes for Me! By Sue Fliess ~ Children's Book Review

I am always excited when I am approached to review a new book for children.  I think reading is one of the best ways that we can connect with our children and encourage a lifelong interest in reading. 
I was not disappointed when I received "Shoes for Me!" By Sue Fliess.  I immediately opened it and read it to my mom.  Yes, you read right.  I was with my mom at the time so flipped it open and read it with her.  She thought it was a really cute book.  I agree.  I love the Hippo's.  I also love that the author used an experience that we all have to go through (shoe shopping with toddlers) for  a subject of a lighthearted and fun book. 
Shoe's for me is a book about a little hippo who must find new shoes and travels to the shoe store with her mother.  The hippo faces the challenge of all of the choices the shoe store offers.   I loved the flow of this book and rhyming.  This is such a fun book to read with kids.  I am looking forward to future books in this series.  Check out the author's page: http://www.suefliess.com/
I  read "Shoe's for Me!" to my 4yr old niece who loved it.  She was pointing out items in the illustrations that I had missed.  She loved the book!  She even looked for it on her next visit (I had it put up for this review) and we read it again. 
I must also mention that the illustrator Mike Laughead created the perfect illustrations for this book.  I can't tell you how much we loved the hippos!


*Disclosure:  I was provided a copy of "Shoe's for Me!" by the author in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own.  I received no other compensation for this post.  I am an Amazon affiliate. Purchasing this book through the Amazon link to the left helps support my blogging and is much appreciated.

The Dot Girl First Period Kit® ~ Review and Giveaway~Closed

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

We all know that information is power. I had an opportunity to review a product that I wish had been around when I was a teen. This little kit is a great way to prepare your daughter for her first period.  The product was developed by two sisters to help insure that your daughter's first period is a positive experience, or at least one that she will be prepared for.  The Dot Girl First Period Kit® is a stylish zippered pouch that includes:

• The Dot Girl Period Answer Book® which answers 20 most asked questions in a way your tween or teen will not be horrified.  I liked the booklet's honest approach and that it did not have pictures.
• 5 individually wrapped pads.
• A reusable heating pad for menstrual cramps.
• Two hand wipes just in case so your daughter will be prepared wherever her first period strikes.
• Five disposal bags to cleanly and discreetly dispose of used pads.

I cannot stress how much that I liked the booklet.  It was simple yet informative.  It provided much needed information in a way you can easily discuss them with your daughter.  You could read this then give this book to your daughter/granddaughter to read then expand on with you.  There were not shocking pictures or big words.  I was a little surprised by the size of the pouch.  It may be a little big for a tween or teen's purse but would be perfect for a backpack, bathroom drawer, locker or all of the above.  It is very nicely made.  I would love to see The Dot Girl's come out with a streamlined case for carrying hygiene products once girls have started their period.  Good News!  Dot Girl products has offered one The Dot Girl First Period Kit® for giveaway.  This would be perfect for those StuffSmart readers with daughter's or granddaughters.  Don't have a daughter or granddaughter?  This would be a perfect gift to pay it forward and donate to your local school clinic or runaway shelter. To enter:  Mandatory entry must be completed in order for any extra entries to count.

• "Like" Dot Girl Products on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/DotGirlKit/ and leave a comment on their wall saying that you found out about their product on StuffSmart's blog.
• "Like" StuffSmart's Blog on Facebook

Leave one comment letting me know that you have completed the mandatory entry. Extra Entries: (Optional)  Please leave a comment for each you do.

1. Follow StuffSmart on Google Friend connect.
2. Follow @StuffSmart on Twitter and leave a comment saying that you've done so including your twitter name.
3. Follow @DotGirlMoms on Twitter.
4. Tweet:  "I'm entering the The Dot Girl First Period Kit® #giveaway on @StuffSmart 's blog: http://bit.ly/gJpnjY cc: @DotGirlMoms"  You may tweet 1x per day, leaving a comment including your tweet link.
5. Visit http://www.dotgirlproducts.com/  and leave a comment about their site.  Do you like it?, Was it easy to navigate?, Did you find anything else you want to share about their products?, Did you see another product you liked?  Just make sure that I know by your comment you did take the time to visit their site.
6. Write a blog post about this giveaway linking back to my blog (at least 100 words).  You get 5 entries for this.  Please comment with your blog link  and a comment for each entry #1-#5.

The giveaway is open to US residents only.  Please make sure your email is accessible in your blogger profile or in your comment so that I can contact you if you are the winner.  Contest will begin 2/22/11 at 1:00 am EST and end 3/1/11 at 11pm EST.  Winner will be chosen using Random.org.  Winner will be emailed and have 48hrs to reply to email or another name will be drawn. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

EcoSmart All Natural Insect Repellent Review and Giveaway!

Sponsored by Tomoson.com



When I first heard about EcoSmart I was very excited to learn more about their products.  I am always trying to further reduce my carbon footprint and maintain a safe environment for my family.  I viewed their product website and chose to review the Safe Home Value Bundle which includes:  14 oz can -Ant and Roach Killer, 24 oz spray bottle Home Pest Control, 14 oz can-Flying Insect Killer, 6 oz bottle -Insect Repellent. ($31 Value.  Their bundles offer significant savings!  Bundle price is $24)

One of the great things that attracted me to EcoSmart is that their products are safe to use around children as well as being non-toxic.  Upon receiving this bundle I started reading the ingredients and was pleasantly surprised by the list of natural plant derived oils and ingredients.  Thankfully because of the cold weather there aren't really pests around but I did treat indoors with the Home Pest Control Spray.  The products smell so good.  I will say though I would recommend that you treat your home in sections or heavily ventilate.  I treated all at once at night in the dead of winter so didn't have any ventilation other than ceiling fans and the smell was quite strong but that was my fault.  It didn't take long for the spray to dry and smell to dissipate.  Hopefully I am now well prepared for the ants who like to come marching in when we have spurts of warm weather then arrive in full force when spring arrives.  The all natural insect repellent will be perfect for warding off pest during outdoor play and cookouts.

I also read on EcoSmart's website and you can too that their products are used for woodworm treatment.  To be honest I wasn't familiar with woodworms until I read about them on their site.  Basically they are pesky wood eating insects whose damage is compared to that of termites.

You will also be glad to know that you can conveniently order Ecosmart products online or find them in stores near you with their store locator tool.  I know that Home Depot carries their products.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised too that the price of EcoSmart's products won't break the bank like some Eco-Friendly products do.  Their prices are competitive to other name brand toxic products so why expose your family to toxins?

I have great news!  EcoSmart is sponsoring a giveaway here on StuffSmart.  If you would like a chance to win a value pack of your choice from EcoSmart please read the rules below. 

If you are not the lucky winner please check out the EcoSmart blog (link on their homepage)  for special offers and coupon codes.

RULES:

This giveaway is open to US residents except AK & HI. No p.o. boxes.  Contest will begin 2/5/11 at 12am EST and end 2/15/11 at midnight EST.  One winner will be chosen using random.org and be contacted via email (please make sure email address is available in your profile or comment) and have 48hrs to reply or another winner will be chosen.  Entries are limited to one person per household.

Mandatory Entry (must be completed for all other entries to be valid):

Visit EcoSmart via one of the links above and tell me something about their products that I haven't mentioned.  Please try to list something not listed by another entrant.

*For those not familiar with blogger you can follow a blog via Google Friend Connect without having a blogger account. You will be given the choice to use twitter, yahoo, open id etc. if you'd like.

Extra Entries (optional): Please leave a separate comment for each entry ex: extra method worth 2 entries make 2 comments label 1st "type of extra entry" #1, 2cnd comment "type of extra entry"#2.

1. Follow StuffSmart publicly via Google Friend connect for 2 extra entries.
2. "Like" StuffSmart on Facebook for 5 extra entries (please leave first name of fb account you follow by so that I may verify)
3. Follow via Network Blogs (located in left sidebar) for 2 extra entries.
4. Follow @StuffSmart via Twitter for 2 extra entries.
5. If you follow via all methods 1-4 give yourself 3 extra entries for being a Super Follower!!!
6. Tweet about this giveaway.  You may do this up to 4x's per day but tweets must be at least 2hrs apart.  Please leave a link to your tweet in your comment.  Tweet: EcoSmart All Natural Insect Repellent #Review and #Giveaway! on @StuffSmart blog: http://bit.ly/h1bIzs #EcoSmart #EcoFriendly
7. "Like" EcoSmart  on Facebook AND Post on their blog that StuffSmart blog sent you and include a link to this post. 2 extra entries.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

The Flightless Goose Book Review

When I volunteered to review a new children's book I had no idea what a treat that I was in for.  The Flightlesss Goose is based on a true story.  The story is written by Eric Goodman and beautifully illustrated in watercolor by his wife Nataliya.  The book is Published by The Writer's Lair Books.

The title cues you in on the book's story.  The author has taken the story of a goose to help teach children that we are all different and have different talents or gifts.  This is not a story with a fairytale ending however is a story with a realistic, true and honest ending that can give hope to adults and children alike.  The author uses the book to show children that no matter what our limitations might be each of us has a gift and we need to use it.  I would encourage educators, parents, grandparents and anyone who has a child in their life to check out this book.  I would say it would be a must have for any school library.  Check out The Flightless Goose  which is a fun site offering a sneak peek into this amazing book and The Writer's Lair Books for information on the book from the publisher.  The book is hardback and retails for $15.95 and is available for purchase through The Flightless Goose Website   and Amazon. A fun read-a-long CD is available through the book's website.

I love giving books as gifts so don't forget that this would make an excellent Christmas gift for children or teachers!

*Disclosure:  I was given a copy of the book and audio CD in exchange for my honest review.  I received no monetary compensation for this post.