I am really excited about this particular giveaway because it includes some books that I have really enjoyed over the course of this past year. These are books I would recommend with little to no hesitation as being good reads and are definitely on my "gift buying" list this year. They aren't necessarily just for men, but would definitely appeal to those who enjoy a bit more action and adventure in their reading. First of all, there's Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Par... Read Full Story

Unwrapping a book from under the tree has always been my favorite Christmas morning experience, and the intent of our Gift Guide and Giveaway is to provide some of our own personal recommendations as you shop for the ones you love. How about adding some Christmas books to your list? Here are a couple books that span from children to adult readers. The beauty of this classic holiday tale shines through in John Cech's new version of The Nutcracker, amazingly illustrated by Eric Puybaret.... Read Full Story

If there's one thing Southerners do right, it's iced tea. Sweet tea. With enough sugar to make you gain weight just looking at it. I could drink a big ole' glass every day (to be honest, I do most days!). As much as I adore sweet tea, it doesn't even compare to the deliciousness that is a cup of hot tea with milk. I'm thinking I might just have my status as a Southerner revoked over that proclamation, but I'm willing to take the risk. There's something comf... Read Full Story

The Love Finds You series by Summerside Press is a collection of novels that feature real towns with uncommon names. Each story draws on the history and unique features of these American gems, allowing the reader to lose herself in a story and learn more about our wonderful nation at the same time. It's no secret that I am a fan of historical fiction, and I love this concept! Although there are already many books in this series (click HERE to see them), Love Finds You in Lonesome Prair... Read Full Story

During the Thanksgiving holidays, a friend pointed out that we, as a nation, spend a day giving thanks for our blessings, and at the stroke of midnight, we begin the most materialistic season of the year. I admit that I like buying Christmas presents, and I don't intend to stop any time soon. But, I do agree that our focus can be too much on material goods, and I can only imagine how our extravagance must appear to those in need around the world. In this season of giving, we should tak... Read Full Story

Do you find yourself unintentionally reading books that have things in common? I've noticed that the books I read come in trends. Around this time last year, I read several books in a row that were about books. Reading books, writing books, stealing books, burning books, restoring books. Sometimes all of them. I didn't intentionally choose titles that had books as a major part of the story but it was definitely a theme. Other times I've noticed the stories are all set in ... Read Full Story

When my son was born I owned maybe one picture book concerning the Christmas holiday and in the three years that he has been around since, I've been on the lookout for books to add to our home collection. These are a few books that I've had the pleasure of reading through this year which I am happy to recommend to you, as well as offer you a chance to win copies for your own home! Take a look at these offerings, the first three of which are from Zonderkidz books. The first book is W... Read Full Story

Last month I saw a review for a Lap Blanket from a company called Reading Comfort on S. Krishna's Books blog. In that review, she linked to her review of the Book Buddy. I thought that kind of product would be perfect for inclusion here in the Gift Guide, so I contacted them and asked for a donation, and I'm happy to announce that they agreed. While I did not receive a sample to review myself, I was sold by S. Krishna's review. I can think of so many people who might enjoy a g... Read Full Story

Just saying the letters DK in a discussion about books instantly brings to mind quality nonfiction books like no others. Those two letters command respect, and with a library of what I imagine numbers in the thousands, it's possible to find a book on any given topic. Specifically for my family, DK children's books are go-to resources, and my oldest son has a rotating collection from our public library on his shelf at home at all times. It's daunting to even begin to review t... Read Full Story

I think it's safe to say that when children reach the older elementary school years, there begins to be a slight level of gender differences in what reading materials are most attractive. While I'm not saying that there aren't girls out there who could get swept up in the adventure and out-of-this-world absurdity of this book, Alienated by David O. Russell and Andrew Auseon definitely has preadolescent boy written all over it. At the center of the story are two eighth grade be... Read Full Story