Travels, Jesus, and other gods

Last week I posted two pages from chapter one of my new book 'No other gods' on Facebook. Why?

First of all, to kindly introduce potential readers to my not-so-complicated writings 😁 Second of all, to give potential readers a taste of the journey they will travel when reading that book.

Each chapter in 'No other gods' starts with a memory from my own travel experiences over the past decades. India, Thailand, Egypt, Peru, and Bolivia.. each country with its own specific culture and religion (s).

And then there's the Bible. A book that describes a lot of traveling as well. Travels of the ancient Israelites throughout hostile lands, each with its own specific culture and religion(s).

In 'No other gods' I have woven all of this into a story about God, the Creator of the universe, the God of Israël. 'A warm story of truth', as someone on FB called it.

I am not saying anything negative about other cultures and religions but... I am saying a lot of positive about our God!

👉And then, I posted a giveaway last week. I collected your comments on FB, Instagram, and other social media outlets. The winner is: Colinda.

I will send you a free copy of 'No other gods' and I hope the book will encourage and inspire you in your own faith walk, for we are all sojourners, aren't we?!

Giveaway 'No other gods'

Let's start the new year with a giveaway. Why not? Hopefully, it is on your wish list for 2024 to read more books 😁

Why not read my latest release 'No other gods', especially now that you have a chance to win a free copy. I think a new book release is not complete without a blog giveaway, so let's do it.

Last month 'No other gods' hit the shelves. It is the tenth and final book in a series (all books can be read separately) about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century and it is based on the first commandment: You shall have no other gods before me.

‘You shall have no other gods before me’ means so much more than just refraining from worshiping idols. It is a call for undivided loyalty towards the God of Israël and to honor Him as the supreme God, the Creator of heaven and earth. It is also a call to not be ignorant about the destructive influence of principalities and powers, demons and deities, false religious practices and forces of darkness.

I am calling all readers to stand up and take back what the enemy has stolen from us. Let’s make it our aim to live life as God intended it, which is for us to be:

• blessed and fruitful,
• content and encouraged,
• thankful and inspirational for generations to come.

👉So, how do you enter this giveaway? Simply like this post when you see it on social media. Leave a comment if you can, and share the post! Yep, that's it. I'll put your name in the hat and next week I'll ask my husband to draw a winner.

No other gods is available as e-book and paperback on Amazon in your country.

And the winner is...

Thank you all who responded to my giveaway on various social media outlets. The release of a new book does call for some festivities, doesn't it? 😊

One thing festive, for sure, is receiving favorable reviews. I got one for my new book First Love from Reader's Favorite, quite a surprise to me since I did not ask or pay for it.

I'll quote from the review:

"Marja Verschoor-Meijers knows her stuff. I have been a minister for over 45 years and have read thousands of books. In my humble opinion, First Love does a better job at explaining Law #7 than any other author I have ever read. She uses the Scriptures and not only exegetes this commandment, but she also gives practical application."

Quite humbling, I must admit. If you want to read the full review, please CLICK HERE. I have been receiving some comments from readers by mail and social media as well... but I could use more!

So, when you are reading, or have finished reading, First Love, please let me know your thoughts. Did it inspire and encourage you? Did it speak to your heart?

👉And now.... the winner of last week's giveaway is Francesca Spataro (Italy). 

She will get a free copy in the mail! She has been a faithful reader of my books and even translated several into Italian, so I am sure this one will be a welcoming addition to her library.

First Love is available as e-book and paperback on Amazon in your country.

Giveaway 'First Love'

Yeah, summer is on the way. Hopefully, you will take the time to read a good book.

Why not read my latest release First Love? Especially now that you have a chance to win a free copy. I think a new book release is not complete without a blog giveaway, so let's do it!😃

Last month First Love hit the shelves. It is the ninth book in a series (all books can be read separately) about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century and it is based on the seventh commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Not exactly an easy or popular topic to write a book about, but I certainly believe that First Love holds a beautiful and inspiring message about God's faithfulness and love. His love for Israel, for humanity, and for you as a reader. 

Because our limited human love fails us, we need His divine love in our lives in order to be able to love others. It all starts with receiving His love, renewing our understanding of that love, and refreshing the way we love Him back. What God wants to establish in our spiritual lives, He will surely use in our day-to-day natural circumstances. After reading this book, you will:

• have a better understanding of God’s love for people
• know that you are loved by God
• feel encouraged about refreshing your relationship with God, your spouse, and other people
• be inspired to love others as God loves you
• be able to ban boredom from your life
• be determined to remain faithful until the end.

👉So, how do you enter this giveaway? Simply like this post when you see it on social media. Leave a comment, and share the post! Yep, that's it. I'll put your name in the hat and next week I'll ask my husband to draw a winner!

First Love is available as e-book and paperback on Amazon in your country.

Downsizing: how decluttering graces your heart and home

We live in a very (and I mean: very) small house in The Netherlands. Everything is tiny: the living room, the kitchen and the bedroom. Because we have such limited space, we do not have a lot of stuff. I do not collect anything (well, books maybe) and we do not keep things we do not need.

When we resided in Southern California, we were living in a huge farmhouse. The many rooms were filled with furniture, collectibles, and other stuff. The total opposite of our little home in Holland. And you know what? We have learned to be happy in the big as well as in the small house. Why am I sharing this with you? Because downsizing does not have to be horrible. Getting rid of clutter can be fun and bring incredible relief.

fellow author Susan Rohrer

In our 👉 Christian nonfiction lovers book club on Goodreads, our book of the month February is Susan Rohrer's book: Downsizing: how decluttering graces your heart and home. I read it last year and it is more than an inspiring read, it is very helpful. Rohrer proves that the practical and spiritual work together quite well and effectively. It is truly a joy to read how the author uses Biblical principles to help us clean up stuff and organize our closet space.

I like her practical approach, and especially the chapter about having to move a parent to an, often much smaller, elderly home and how to prepare everyone in the family for the challenges such a move will bring. I highly recommend this book if you seriously want to learn how to live with less!

We have added a #giveaway in our Goodreads club as well. We have asked members to enter the giveaway by simply sharing their personal thoughts on downsizing. Do you need help decluttering your own home? Are you daunted by the idea of downsizing your elders' belongings? Do you have a downsizing tip to share?

Just post a few lines in the Goodreads thread and you'll be entered to win a Kindle edition of Susan's book.

Value your readers!

In my previous blog post I wrote about my different kind of give-away: 'It is my greatest joy to see the messages God gave me, touch people's lives. If it helps them to grow in their faith, if they are encouraged and inspired... I am happy.'

Whether you are a blogger, writer or author... you have a story to tell and if what you write touches a person's heart... you did not write in vain.

In this picture I am giving a copy of my latest book In My Name to Zhenya Venidyktova. She is one of my lovely interpreters when visiting Ukraine. She speaks Russian and English fluently and it is such a joy to hang out with her. Oh, how we love to minister together to those who are hurt and in need of a touch of God.

I wish I could visit Ukraine more often and hang out with people like Zhenya.... talking about God, books, history and the future of our nations. She finished reading In My name and she wrote me a note:

"Your latest book gives a fresh look at one of the 10 commandments, not to use the Lord's Name in vain. I liked that it shows us how to really use the Lord's Name for His glory, how we can do what the Holy Spirit tells us to do. I also liked the examples from your life & ministry. It helps me to hear the Holy Spirit & to obey Him."

I thought I 'd honor her, one of my many readers, with this blog post because I truly value her!

Do you have precious comments from readers that you would like to share?

PS: If you haven't done so already, you can order the e-book on Amazon for just 2.99.

I am looking forward to your comments!

A book: the best gift!

In my previous blog post I promised to give away a free copy of my newest book: In My Name. That post received a lot of comments on FB... yeah, like more than one hundred!

But since no one really shared the give-away, I decided to give 5 books to people I hand picked 😉

Last week we were in Ukraine, we participated in a summer camp for people from faith-based drugs- and alcohol rehabilitation centers. 230 men and women and children were present, we had a fantastic time. My husband and I taught several classes on 'the new life'.

See our non-profit blog for more pictures!

We were very grateful for the team of interpreters that stood by our side, without them we could have done nothing. They helped us with the classes, with counseling sessions and personal talks throughout the whole week. I gave several books away as a thank you. Julia (in the picture) was very excited to receive a book. She loves the English language and she loves the Lord!

Another interpreter, Zhenya, emailed me the other day... "Marja, I am already in chapter 10. I love it!" It is my greatest joy to see the messages God gave me, touch people's lives. If it helps them to grow in their faith, if they are encouraged and inspired... I am happy.

So my dear blogger and author friends, keep writing if that is what you love to do. We never know how, when and where readers will be blessed by the very words we penned down.

You can order your Kindle book on Amazon for just $2.99.

Giveaway 'In My Name'

When my latest book came out, I promised to set up a giveaway on this blog. Well, since you're all in a festive mood celebrating the 4th of July (which happens to be my wedding anniversary)... let's do it!

In My Name is the 7th book in a series about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century and the back matter reads:

‘Lord’ is not a word to end our sentences with when we talk to Him, nor is it a filler to make our prayers sound more holy and authentic. ‘Lord’ is His personal revelatory name and He gave it to us for use on a daily basis.

It is one thing to claim we don’t use the Lord’s name in vain, but what do we do? Are we bringing honor to His name? Do we have a genuine love for His name? And most of all, is everything we do and say then, done in His name? The letter of the Old Testament law says ‘do not use the Lord’s name in vain’, Jesus however urges every believer to ‘honor His holy name’. We will find out how such a commandment can become practical and applicable for believers today, not by focusing on what we cannot and should not do, but by focusing on what the Holy Spirit wants to do in us and through us. The Holy Spirit desires to change us from the inside out.

May we all discover a new and fresh way to bring honor to His name. May we use God’s name with power, purpose and reverence in effective ministry all over the world and in doing so be a generation that fulfills the ancient scriptures right here and now in the 21st century.

So, if you would like to win a free copy of In My Name:

• leave your comment on this blog and
• share this post on social media.

That's all! I'll be drawing a name when I come back from my travels after next week. In the meantime you can check out reviews here:

Jeanette's blog : "A life changing book.."

Cecelia's blog : "Another outstanding book..."

Amazon : "Marja has an uncanny ability to make a difficult biblical truth both simple and profound."

Reader's Favorite : "An excellent read..."

Blogoversary continued...

The party isn't over until it's over! That certainly goes for my 10 year blogging anniversary.

I am thankful for everyone who participated in my blogspecial Bloggers@work. If I have learned something, it is that we bloggers/writers don't like editing and that we should never, ever give up on writing!

Susan Reinhardt threw in a giveaway and I asked her to draw a name. She writes: "I drew a name, but made an executive decision :) Since May was also my blogoversary month, I'm going to bless all three of these ladies!"

• Susan will send a paperback of The Moses Conspiracy to Cecelia
• Jen will get a Kindle version of The Christmas Wish
• Elsie will get a Kindle version of The Moses Conspiracy

Isn't it great to celebrate together?! Thank you Susan, for your kindness.

To top it off, Cecelia Lester posted an interview with me on her blog and a review of my latest book Spirit of Truth. I quote:

"Marja delves into the nuances of being truthful about what we share with others. She approaches the issues involved with a magnifying glass and sheds light on issues most of the people would only think about in passing."

I am looking back with a grateful heart at a this blogoversary and I hope yours will be a blast as well, in due time. Let's keep on blogging!

Bloggers@work: Susan Reinhardt

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogoversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I am hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). This week Susan Reinhardt shares...

Susan at a book signing with mom in the background

What is your current WIP?

Right now, I'm working on a contemporary Christian novel. My prior books were all near-future stories, so this genre is new to me. Here's my blurb: A runaway pastor and a runaway boy discover answers they weren't expecting. 

This is the first book in a series. The working title is: Days of Elijah, but I'm not happy with it. If I go with a traditional publisher, they'll have the last word on the title.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

In a word: editing. I love writing the story, but re-working parts and going over it a gazillion times bores me. This time around I hired a professional editor. Although I still have to make the changes, I've learned so much from her. Editors coach, as well as pick up on manuscript problems (depending on the type of edit you get).

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

As a seat-of-the-pants writer, I start off with an idea and know where I want the story to end. Apart from that, it's as much of an adventure for me as for the reader. I love asking the Lord to give me characters and situations that will reach deep into readers' hearts. I'm blessed as the story unfolds and first readers/critique partners express their enthusiasm.

Susan's books... and more to come!

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

Last year at the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference, I took a Continuing Session with Alan Arnold. He talked about writing our stories with the Lord. Have you ever done something and then understood the principles behind it at a later date? This is what happened to me. 

Whether you're a plotter or a seat-of-the-pants writer like me, writing can take on a whole other dimension when you bathe the process in prayer and ask Him for direction. Many times I've been at a standstill, unsure of where to take a plot. After asking the Lord what should happen next, He's always come through. I'll read something that sets off a brainstorming session, wake up with the answer, or even dream an entire portion. 

Another helpful suggestion: Never pour out every idea onto the page. Leave the last thought/scene unfinished. You can then pick up the thread at your next writing session and continue. It's a great way to avoid staring at a blank page.

More about Susan:

susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt

Member ACFW

Represented by Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency

Susan is a blessing to many bloggers. I have been reading her blogs... well, for a long, long time. And guess what? She is throwing in a giveaway! Make a chance to win a Kindle Edition of one of her books, simply by leaving your comment on this post. She'll draw a name next week!

And the winner is...

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogoversary. Believe it or not, but I penned my first blog post in May 2006, not knowing where the adventure would lead me.

I started the month with a book giveaway. I asked my husband to draw a name and the winner is.... Cindy Moquin.

Congratulations girl, you have won a copy of my new book Spirit of Truth which has just been released. Please let me know where I can send it to.

To further celebrate I am also hosting several bloggers in a blogoversary special: Bloggers@work...

Jeanette Levellie kicked off, followed by Aileen Stewart.

Next up on this blog will be Lynn Mosher.

Let's celebrate blogging!

Bloggers@work: Aileen Stewart

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogiversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I'll be hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). Jeanette Levellie kicked off with her WIP, now it's Aileen Stewart's turn, she writes children's books!

Aileen Stewart at a book signing

What is your current WIP?

Currently I am revising a picture book wip. It is the story of a shy duck who must find his voice in order to save a friend.  It seems I have a thing for ducks and farm animals in general.

I recently attended a critique group sponsored by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators where I received some pointers on how to polish this particular manuscript. It should be ready for submission very soon which is always an exciting place to be at when working on a wip.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

My biggest struggle with this project and many other projects is remembering to show and not tell. Thankfully, passive voice is fairly easy to correct.

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

Every project I work on is a blessing because the ideas and the words are my gift from the Father. Each new idea shows that I am indeed made in the father’s image. He created the world and all that is in it, and I create imaginary characters and worlds on paper.

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

The three p’s serve well no matter what a person is working on. Patience, Perseverance, and  a Positive attitude. Remember everything is in the Lord’s timing. Never give up. And above all, look at the positive aspects and choose joy no matter what.

More about Aileen:

www.funwithaileen.com

www.aileensthoughts.com

Bloggers@work: Jeanette Levellie

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogiversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I'll be hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). Jeanette Levellie kicks off.

Kev & Jeanette Levellie

What is your current WIP?

My current WIP is a book on prayer, Touchable God, a two-part book. Part 1 is a compilation of stories from my own life chronicling how the Lord taught me how touchable He is--that we can come to Him anytime, with any kind of request or anguish of heart, no matter how small or enormous, and He is right there with all the grace we need.

Part 2 is a series of prayers for friends in crisis--ones who have lost a job, whose children are wayward, those facing surgery, etc. I hope these prayers will encourage readers in their walk to the Throne of Grace, to expect God to act on their behalf.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

My biggest struggle is that I often feel like a hypocrite, as I don't always pray with as much faith as I'd like to, and as I encourage others to in my book. So condemnation slips in. I think, "How can I teach on prayer when my own prayer life is lacking or my faith wanes?"

Then the Lord reminds me that what I'm writing is truth, whether I practice it or not! Nevertheless, my own words of exhortation are often the kick in the pants I need. You've heard how many preachers choose sermon topics they need to hear? It's true of writers too!

Jen's work in progress

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

The biggest blessing working on this project is that I'm reminded how approachable our Father truly is. He is not mad at us--Jesus has already taken away our sins. He is not far off on the shore, barely listening to our cries for help--He is in the boat with us, calming the storm. His love and grace are deeper than our sins and kinder than our blunders, and we can run to him with our broken hearts and find healing every time. 

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

A word of wisdom? Don't give up. Ask for the Father's help on your WIP. He wants to help  you! He has equipped you to write, and He always finishes what He starts. Also, sometimes we have to force ourselves to sit down and do what God has called us to do. We simply tell our bodies, "NO!" when they want to be lazy.

I often tell myself, 'Just write one sentence or paragraph' when I don't feel like working. When I get that first sentence out, the muse is stirred up and the ideas begin to flow. It's taking that first step of obedience to the Holy Spirit that helps form a good habit. 

More about Jeanette Levellie:

Shock the Clock: Time-Management for Writers and Other Creatives makes a perfect gift for all your time-challenged friends!http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103510/

Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top, a humorous devotional: http://amzn.to/1O6bJ5z

The Heart of Humor: 60 Helpings of Hilarity to Nourish Your Soul, http://amzn.to/1YkFUMa
www.jeanettelevellie.com

http://on.fb.me/1P766rm

PS: Don't forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway!

Blogoversary giveaway!

Yep! It's coming up: my 10 year blogoversary. Believe it or not, but I penned my first blog post in May 2006, not knowing where the adventure would lead me.

Not knowing that I would meet so many other bloggers and writers online, sharing the same passion and drive to be an encouraging and positive voice on the world wide web.

I have learned a lot from you all. I am thankful for your visits and comments on my blog posts and appreciate your likes and retweets. A blog will not survive without a faithful group of readers and it is time to thank you all again for following, reading and sharing.

Let's welcome the month of May and begin the celebration with a giveaway. As you may have read in previous posts my new book Spirit of Truth has just been released. The subtitle says: 'Finding certainty and standing firm in a troubled world'.

It is an encouraging message that will inspire and equip readers to stand up and say no to the negative voices of the world (lies, accusations, fear, worries, pain and defeat) and yes to the Truth of God's Word.

I will send you a signed copy of Spirit of Truth with some other goodies, wherever you live. You can enter this giveaway by:

• leaving your comment and
• sharing this post on your social media

Please do this before May 10th, 2016. I will draw a name and announce the winner on this blog. To further celebrate I will also host several bloggers@work...

Let's celebrate blogging!

Good news blog

Wishing you all a blessed and inspirational 2015 full of pleasant surprises from our heavenly Father!

In a world that seems to continually scream bad news at us, I have yet again made a commitment to write short (I know how busy you all are) encouraging, uplifting and positive blog posts in 2015 and to share good news  items whenever possible. After all, we are called to share the good news, not to spread and repeat the bad stuff (which we will leave up to the secular media).

It is my wish that a visit to my blog will make your day brighter, so you can pass the light on to others... Let's do it!

If you can think of a topic that needs a fresh (biblical) perspective, please do not hesitate and send an email to meijers.marja@gmail.com. Who knows it will turn into an interesting blog series.

Elsie Amata, you have won the December give-away. Please, send me an email with your address and I will make sure the two books will come your way. Congratulations and have fun reading!

December give-away

Dear readers of this blog,

At the end (almost) of yet another beautiful and inspiring blogging year I want to thank you for reading along, for commenting and for sharing the posts. Your input and responses make each post a valuable interaction about the deeper issues of life.

I cannot thank you all personally, some readers desire to stay anonymous and that's just fine with me, but I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who visits this blog, whether you are a reader, a blogger or a writer (to be)... Without your encouragement this blog would not continue to exist. As a way of saying thank you I will be hosting a give-away this month!

You can win a copy of My Neighbor's House and, as a bonus, a copy of any other book in the Ten Commandments series you desire. The only thing you need to do is to leave your comment underneath this post and describe in six words how you have experienced 2014. (This is a great opportunity for the writers and poets among us to practice writing a six-word-story.)

I'll ask my husband to draw a name, later this month!

The Scent of Fear Blog Tour

Bloggers love writing and bloggers love books... well, most of us do! Susan Reinhardt sets the tone when it comes to writing a fabulous blog and she sets the pace when it comes to publishing books :) yes, she has done it again!

First came The Moses Conspiracy, now comes..... The Scent of Fear.

The Zimmermans enjoy the tenuous peace in the wake of their hair-raising year battling the New Patriots. Unexpected visitors once again throw them into turmoil.

Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the plan to break up a hate group ravaging the Christian community. Now, his enemies are out to eliminate him. Should he make a run for it or stick by his tried-and-true negotiating skills?

Monty Addison, a topnotch operative, carried out his assignment in Bird-in-Hand. A plot to destroy his boss sends him on a mission. Without agency sanction, it may cost him everything - his career, his family, and maybe his life.

Dr. Abby Weaver strives to save infants and toddlers in Holmes County, Ohio. When she meets two strangers, she can't get the tall, handsome one out of her mind. Will their paths intersect again or will dangerous times keep them apart?

The Scent of Fear is available at:

~~~Amazon~~~

~~~Barnes and Noble~~~

About the Author

Susan J. Reinhardt's publishing credits include her debut novel, The Moses Conspiracy, as well as devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.

You can connect with Susan at her Blog, on Twitter, and Facebook.

Blog Tour Schedule

December 16 ~Diane Estrella, www.dianeestrella.com

~Pamela Christian, http://pamelachristianministries.com/pamelas_blog

December 17

~Sandie Czosek, http://chattycrone.blogspot.com/

~Linda O'Connell, http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com/

December 18

~Lynn Mosher, http://lynnmosher.com/

~Jill Ivy, https://lucky4jill.wordpress.com/

December 19

~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

December 20

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

~Lee Privette, http://faithfamilyfrugalityandme.blogspot.com/?m=1

December 21

~Patti Smith, http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/

~Carene Havel, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440085.Carlene_Havel/blog

December 22

~Darlene Arroyo-Lozada, http://lovebookslozada.blogspot.com/

~Karen Korb, http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com

December 23

~Maria I. Morgan, www.mariaimorgan.com

~Beckie Stoneking, www.inaminute-beckie.blogspot.com

December 26

~Leah's Good Reads, http://leahsgoodreads.blogspot.com/

~Marja Verschoor-Meijers, http://sacredsabbath.blogspot.com

December 27

~Jennifer Van Huss, http://oneheartonefamily.com

~Brittany McEuen, www.brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com

December 28

~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com

~Lori Drake, http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com

December 29

~Kim Justice, http://breathoflifebookreviews.blogspot.com/

~K. Dawn Byrd, Www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

December 30

~Ruth Schiffmann, http://outonalimbshywritergoessocial.blogspot.com/

~Janette Dolores, www.janettedolores.com

December 31

~Cindi Clubbs, http://ccclubbs.com/

~Kathleen Maher, http://kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com/

January 2

~Jen Cudmore, http://www.jencudmore.com/

~Karen Lange, http://karenelange.blogspot.com/

January 7

~Jeanette Levellie, http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Giveaway Open to US addresses only. One person will receive a $25 Amazon GC and a copy of The Scent of Fear. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered: a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be chosen from those entries and announced January 17, 2014. Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as e-mailed, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Diane at That’s What I’m Here For… and sponsored by the author, Susan J. Reinhardt. The author provided me with a free copy of The Scent of Fear to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway in return for the free book.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Homeschool Co-ops 101 Book Tour

Yep! Things are on the move in blogging land... this time fellow blogger Karen Lange has penned a great and helpful book and I am happy to join her efforts to get the word out!

Homeschool Co-ops 101

Essential co-op tools, tips, and options for today’s homeschool families

Thinking about joining or starting a homeschool co-op? Not sure if a co-op is a good fit? Homeschool Co-ops 101 weighs the pros, cons, and creative options available for today’s homeschool family.

• Section 1 includes essential, digestible info on co-op ingredients such as planning and organization, schedules, teaching, finances, and addressing conflict and burnout.
• Section 2 shares a sampling of co-op games and activities, and
• Section 3 contains five hands-on unit studies. These ready to use studies include lessons on Leonardo da Vinci, Birds of Prey, Public Speaking, Tall Tales, and Creative Writing, and are suitable for co-op or home use. This section also includes unit study guidelines that are easily customized to suit any topic.
• Section 4 offers suggested books, curriculum, and other resources.

Karen Lange has gathered insight from years of co-oping and now shares her own and others’ experiences in this valuable and encouraging handbook.

Homeschool Co-ops 101 is available at:

~~~Amazon~~~

~~~Barnes and Noble~~~

~~~Kobo~~~

About the Author Karen Lange (click HERE for the interview I did with her in 2012), her husband, and three children were active in co-ops during their sixteen-year homeschool journey. Her experience includes serving as a local homeschool support group coordinator and consultant for a state homeschool network in New Jersey. Karen’s children have since graduated, and she is now a freelance writer and online writing instructor for homeschooled teens. You can connect with Karen at her Blog, on Twitter, and Facebook. 

Blog Tour Schedule

November 4 ~Ruth Schiffman, http://outonalimbshywritergoessocial.blogspot.com/ ~Robyn Campbell, http://robyn-campbell.blogspot.com/

November 5 ~Carol Alexander, http://lessonsfromthehomestead.com/blog/

~Diane Estrella, www.dianeestrella.com

November 6 ~Gena Mayo, ichoosejoy.org

~Marja Meijers, http://sacredsabbath.blogspot.com/

November 7 ~Sandie Crozek, http://chattycrone.blogspot.com/

~Melissa Brander, http://mkbrander.com/

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

November 8 ~Susan Reinhardt, http://www.susanjreinhardt.com/

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

November 10

~Laura V. Hilton, http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/

~Melissa & Tiffany, http://www.homegrownfamilies.net

~Janette Dolores, http://janettedolores.blogspot.com

November 11 ~Susan Sundwall, www.sundwallsays.blogspot.com

~Michelle Isenhoff, http://www.michelleisenhoff.com/wp

November 12 ~Carol Alexander, http://lessonsfromthehomestead.com/blog/

~Jeanette Levellie, http://www.jeanettelevellie.com/

November 13 ~Susanne Dietze, http://susannedietze.blogspot.com/ ~Sherryl Wilson, simplysherryl.com

~Anne Payne, duhpaynes.blogspot.com

November 14 ~Rhonda Schrock, http://www.rhondaschrock.com/rhondas_blog/ ~Abi Buening, http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

~Amber Schamel, http://www.amberschamel.com/history-blog.html

~Renee, motherdaughterbookreviews.com

November 15 ~Crystal King, http://asimpleheartforhome.blogspot.com/ ~Barb Winters, inthemidstof.wordpress.com/

~Tyrean Martinson, http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/

November 16

~Julie, soaringeagle8.blogspot.com

~Sarah, myjoyfilledlife.com

November 17 ~Amada Chavez, ascphotosanddesigns.blogspot.com

~Cindi Clubbs, http://ccclubbs.com/

~Rebecca Boerner, http://ohiohomeschool.blogspot.com/

November 18

~Carlene Havel, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440085.Carlene_Havel/blog

~Cindy Loven, http://cindylovenreviews.blogspot.com

November 19

~Karen Loethen, http://taytayhser.blogspot.com.au/

~Amy Smith, myseasonsofopportunities.blogspot.com/

November 20

~Darlene Arroyo-Lozada, http://lovebookslozada.blogspot.com/

November 22

~Sarah Bailey, http://growingforchrist.wordpress.com

~Thumb Updown, http://momsthumb.blogspot.com/

December 2

~Jennifer Shirk, http://jennifershirk.blogspot.com/

~Ticia M., http://adventuresinmommydom.org/

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 The Giveaway Open to US addresses only. One person will receive a $25 Amazon GC and a copy of Homeschool Co-ops 101. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered: a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be chosen from those entries and announced December 5, 2013. Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as e-mailed, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Diane at That’s What I’m Here For… and sponsored by the author, Karen Lange. The author provided me with a free copy of Homeschool Co-ops 101 to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway in return for the free book.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.