This Week We Celebrate Christmas in July
We’ll be reviewing Christmas stories this week. Also included will be a wonderful collection of children’s stories! (There will be a few next week, too!)
CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!
Category: Books, reviews and more
iRead Book Tours Presents: Gingersnap Snatcher by Vicky Weber with Giveaway
Join Us for This Tour: December 7th to December 17th
Book Details:
Book Title: Gingersnap Snatcher by Vicky Weber
Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 32 pages
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Trunk Up Books
Release date: December 2021
Formats Available for Review: print-softback USA, e-book (PDF)
Tour dates: December 7 to December 17
Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
Book Description:
Buy the Book:
Amazon
Vicky Weber’s Gingersnap Snatcher was such a fun book for me to read. It was amusing to watch my granddaughter as I read it to her. The cat napping in the tree and the dog snoozing on the couch made her grin and giggle. And it was delightful to watch her excitement when she learned who had taken the cookies!
Gingersnap Snatcher will appeal to youngsters. The pace, rhythm and rhyming characteristics of the tale pique their imagination. The twist near the end, where the children discover the culprit, is perfect as it’s someone no one would suspect!
The illustrator, Svitlana Liuta, has drawn adorable pictures that faithfully follow the narrative. The colors are bright, the three siblings and the animals are endearing, and the adults are not overexaggerated, vapid, vacuous or two-dimensional, as is the case in many preschoolers’ stories.
My granddaughter enjoyed it so much that as soon as I finished reading it the first time, she insisted that I read it again.
At the end of the story, the author has included a fun sing-along. She’s also included a code for getting the gingersnaps recipe. I’m now looking for the best egg substitutes to utilize when making gingersnaps with my granddaughter (who is allergic to eggs). Kid’s books that are interactive or include things like recipes, such as the Gingersnap Snatcher, are among my favorites. I enjoy making and creating things almost as much as my granddaughter. However, she is a LOT more enthusiastic about it than I am.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review
Author Interview
When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
I’ve always wanted to be an author but never thought it was a possibility. I just assumed it would always be a dream. One day, my husband asked me: “If you could do anything, what would it be?” I told him that I wanted to write picture books. His response? “Let’s figure out how to make it happen.” And that’s exactly what we did. I truly couldn’t have done it without his support.
How long did your first book take from when you started writing to release?
I had my ideas written out for a long time before I started learning the publishing industry. From the time I started researching, editing, and producing my first book, about a year had passed. Now, I have seven children’s picture books, two chapter books under a pen name, and several more books releasing before the end of the year.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned going through the self-publishing process?
When I first started out, I had no idea how much of my time would be spent marketing. Lucky for me…I love that part of being self-published! That isn’t the case for many of the authors I work with. In fact, there are a handful of common mistakes that new authors make at the beginning of their career: doing steps out of order (i.e., not getting the book edited before illustrations), assuming they’ll learn as they go, waiting to market until after the book is released, not having a strategy for release, trying to cut corners, and not researching the industry. I’ve seen it happen all the time which is why I try to help people through coaching, courses, and other resources. Knowledge is power!
Are you an illustrator?
Noooo. Nope. I couldn’t draw a decent stick person if my life depended on it. I’m just an author who has the pleasure of working with some highly talented professionals.
What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
I love to go for walks and spend time with my family. I also love to read and help others learn the publishing industry. That’s why I started an author coaching business!
Meet the Author:
Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children’s literature. As a Puerto Rican author of Taíno descent, she strives to create picture books that are fun, engaging, and educational. All her current titles are based on her background in music education or her heritage. While she has taught a variety of grade levels, primary level education is where her passion lies. It has long been a dream of hers to teach children through the magic of books and she hopes you love reading her works as much as she loved writing them.
connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ goodreads ~instagram
Tour Schedule:
Dec 7 –Rockin Book Reviews– book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 7 –Kam’s Place– book review / author interview
Dec 7 –Cover Lover Book Review– book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 7 –Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting– book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 8 –Splashes of Joy– book review / giveaway
Dec 8 –A Mama’s Corner of the World– book review / giveaway
Dec 8 –@booking.with.janelle– book review / author interview
Dec 8 –The Momma Spot– book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 9 –icefairy’s Treasure Chest– book review / giveaway
Dec 9 –@jayme_reads– book review / author interview
Dec 9 –Locks, Hooks and Books– book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 10 –Hall Ways Blog– book review / giveaway
Dec 10 –@twilight_reader– book review / guest post
Dec 10 –Triquetra Reviews– book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 13 –Writer with Wanderlust– book spotlight / guest post
Dec 13 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / giveaway
Dec 13 –Older & Smarter?– book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 13 –Sefina Hawke’s Books– book review
Dec 14 –Gina Rae Mitchell– book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 14 –Jazzy Book Reviews– book review / giveaway
Dec 14 –The Page Ladies– book review / giveaway
Dec 14 –Westveil Publishing– book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 15 –Bound 4 Escape– book review / giveaway
Dec 15– Pause for Tales– book review / giveaway
Dec 15 –Sandra’s Book Club– book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 15 –Lisa’s Reading– book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 16 –Captive Dreams Window– book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 16 –Reading is My Passion– book review / author interview
Dec 16 –She Just Loves Books– book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 17 –Bigreadersite– book review / giveaway
Dec 17 –Chit Chat with Charity– book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 17 –Books for Books– book review / guest post
Enter to Win Below:
https://gleam.io/J7iqe/gingernap-snatcher-book-tour-giveaway
GINGERSNAP SNATCHER
(one winner/USA only)
https://gleam.io/J7iqe/gingernap-snatcher-book-tour-giveaway
#christmascookies #holidays #celebrate #gingersnaps #childrensbooks #kidsbooks
Review Coming Tomorrow!!!!
Not Too Late to Preorder for Free Gift!!
No Journey Too Far is a Great Sequel to No Ocean Too Wide! Be sure to take advantage of the pre-order offer. Releasing June 8, 2021!
Emily Lex Watercolor Package and Classes! GiveAway Included!
I was recently offered the opportunity for a fantastic review. I have often admired and truth be told envied a little those who are very artistic. I have seen some gorgeous watercolors, so when I was offered this review, I jumped on it.
I received the following items:
- A Flowers watercolor workbook
- An Animals watercolor workbook
- Truth for Today cards
- Kids Truth for Today cards
- A brass stand for the Truth for Today cards
- PLUS, free registration for 3 online, go at your own pace watercolor classes, including one for kids!
You can’t imagine my joy at the chance to learn to watercolor! (I’ll post some of my before and after pictures soon.)
Each workbook begins with a note from Emily Lex. Then it transitions into information about watercolors and supplies.
As you get into each workbook, Lex provides pencil drawings with step-by-step instructions on the best way to color them. In addition, she supplies blank pages for you to draw the picture on your own and color it.
Emily Lex’s classes for adults and children are down-to-earth and easy to understand. She explains things well and makes the classes exciting.
If you have ever wondered if you could learn artistic ability, Emily Lex’s classes prove you can. I can’t wait to go further in my learning!!
I received Emily Lex’s Workbooks and Classes through FrontGate Media. All opinions are my own.
Don’t Forget the GiveAway
https://emilylex.com/may-flowers-ga/
#EmilyLex #Watercolors #WatercolorClass #MayFlowers #favoritethings #emilylexstudio
UPDATE-Giveaway for It’s Never Too Late!
There is a giveaway for a free copy of It’s Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford at https://www.blessedfreebies.com/its-never-too-late-giveaway.html
Original post with more information about It’s Never Too Late: https://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/2021/04/26/sneak-peekits-never-too-late-by-kathie-lee-gifford/
#kathieleegifford #itsnevertoolate
Promo for Over 50, Defined
Take the quiz in the meme! If you answer yes to one or more of these actions, this book is about YOU! Don’t miss the laughs! The book is now available at: https://amzn.to/3eg1Yso #over50defined
Tuesday Teaser
I’m so EXCITED!!!
I got a sneak peek at OVER 50 DEFINED! It is loaded with many laugh-out-loud moments! I haven’t stopped laughing at some of the words, they define me well!!! Check it out:https://amzn.to/3uVUh0Z #over50defined
Interview with Stacey Thacker, Author of Threadbare Prayer
Life sometimes brings difficult situations or circumstances that can leave us feeling run-down, drained, worn-out, and threadbare. Illness, the death of a family 
member, the loss of a job, natural disasters, a pandemic. The events of this year have left us struggling in ways we cannot articulate. These are the times we most desperately need prayer, but they can also be the times we simply don’t have the words to form a prayer. How do you pray when you can’t find the words?
In Threadbare Prayer: Prayers for Hearts that Feel Hidden, Hurt, or Hopeless (Abingdon Press), Stacey Thacker presents 100 simple yet heartfelt devotions to guide readers on the days they don’t know what to pray. Each entry in this attractive, gift-worthy devotional contains a Bible verse, a brief thought, and a simple, concise prayer to encourage the reader’s heart.
Interview with Stacey
Q: What is a threadbare prayer?
A threadbare prayer is a simple prayer based on Scripture that is easy to remember. Sometimes we go through seasons when we are feeling hidden, hurt, or hopeless and want to pray, but we just don’t have the words. I’ve gone through those times and found focusing on one simple prayer at a time was the key to holding on to Jesus.
A threadbare prayer can also be something we whisper in our hearts because we don’t have the strength to voice them aloud for others to hear. In those quiet moments, we can be sure that Jesus isn’t threadbare at all, and He will hear us and hold us together.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your new book, Threadbare Prayer. Who did you write it for and how is it intended to be read?
Let’s begin with who I thought about when I was writing this book. I thought about my friends, women I know from college and bump into at church or online who are feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, desperate and broken. Right now, I think that describes a lot of women—they feel worn and like they are hanging by a thread.
At the core of her heart, I think a threadbare woman is determined not to put distance between herself and God—but to draw near, press in, and cling to the hem of his robe. She shouts her ache to Jesus who she knows is holding her heart.
This book is a way to do just that. I wrote it so we could all focus on the Word, honestly pour out our threadbare hearts, and hold on to Jesus. He does beautiful work in our broken places if we let Him.
Q: How did the idea for the book come about?
I started writing Threadbare Prayer in my journal, during my Bible study. They were, from the beginning, very personal. I shared a couple on my blog and social media, and my friends and readers all said, “This is your next book!” I was actually surprised, but I’ve learned to listen to my followers throughout the years! So, I started to be a little more intentional about writing and sharing them and began to think about what a book about threadbare prayer could be.
I knew each prayer would have a verse, a short devotional, and the threadbare prayer. I also knew that a threadbare woman doesn’t have a lot of time or capacity for a deep dive into prayer. It needed to be meaningful and rich but simple. In the end, the idea for it to be a gift style book of 100 prayers emerged and I couldn’t be happier! It is the perfect book to leave on your coffee table or desk at work and give to a friend. I’m so happy with how it has turned out.
Q: In the book, you share stories of some of your own threadbare moments. Can you share some of the times when you have found yourself grasping for words to pray?
Throughout the book, there are glimpses of some of my most threadbare moments. They include a period of three years where my dad passed away, my almost 9-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a severe and relentless chronic illness, and my husband suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. I found myself alone, fearful, weeping, and wondering what God was doing.
During each of these times, I would describe my prayers as desperate and simple. I didn’t have fine or fancy words. I couldn’t remember long passages of Scripture. I just had small breath prayers that I repeated over and over. “Lord, you are my shepherd, and I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1) was one that I prayed when Mike was in ICU and later in rehab. I knew, Jesus was enough. He wasn’t threadbare, He was holding on to me.
Q: Is it always a major life event or stressor that causes threadbare periods or can these times also come from busyness and general weariness?
I think right now we are seeing that being threadbare can actually be a lot of little things that we are faced with in everyday life. Pandemic? Suddenly being HOME for 6 months, virtual learning, having to figure out how to see our parents who live in another state during quarantine?
I actually found the word “threadbare” in a book I was reading. As I read it, the word “stuck” in my heart, and I looked down and noticed my jeans had become threadbare and worn at the knee. Little by little with daily wear and tear, the hole got bigger. Isn’t that a picture of how little things can wear on us and we find ourselves hanging by a thread just trying to get the laundry finished or the groceries put away?
Q: What would you say to someone who is in the middle of a desert right now who can’t seem to see the better days ahead?
I would say that Jesus is powerfully drawn to your threadbare heart. His invitation in Matthew 11:28 is to “come to him and he will give you rest.” He is a comforter. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). He is not far off. When you are hanging on by a thread, pray. Be honest. Pour out your heart. Take one Scripture and tell your heart the truth about who He is. Praise him. And let him do a beautiful thing in that broken place.
He will. I’ve seen him do that in my own life
Threadbare Prayer: Prayers for Hearts that Feel Hidden, Hurt, or HopelessBy Stacey Thacker
Available October 6, 2020 from Abingdon Press
Hardback ISBN: 9781791008017 / $19.99
eBook ISBN: 9781791008024 / $19.99
About the author
https://facebook.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=312d9c42859d078a024ef39aa&id=f62ad86fac&e=7e3523fd46
Stacey Thacker is an author, blogger, speaker, and believer who loves God’s Word and connecting with women. Her passion is to encourage women in their walks with God and equip them to study the Bible. She created the blog community Mothers of Daughters and now blogs on her site, StaceyThacker.com.
Thacker is the author of seven books including Hope for the Weary Mom: Let God Meet You in the Mess and has written a series of Bible studies, The Girlfriends’ Guide to the Bible. Her latest book is Threadbare Prayer: Prayers for Hearts that Feel Hidden, Hurt, or Hopeless.
She worked with Campus Crusade for Christ for five years before becoming a full-time mom to four daughters. Her family lives on the Orlando, FL area.
Visit Stacey Thacker online at staceythacker.com (https://facebook.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=312d9c42859d078a024ef39aa&id=46ec430a65&e=7e3523fd46) . She can also be found on Facebook (@OfficialStaceyThacker) (https://facebook.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=312d9c42859d078a024ef39aa&id=743422281a&e=7e3523fd46) , Twitter (@staceythacker) (https://facebook.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=312d9c42859d078a024ef39aa&id=2d0b56848d&e=7e3523fd46) , and Instagram (@staceythacker) (https://facebook.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=312d9c42859d078a024ef39aa&id=c12b045cdc&e=7e3523fd46
Captive Dreams Window 