Free Kid's eBooks from Barnes & Noble!

Barnes & Noble just released several kid's ebooks for FREE! (for a limited time)

Get the FREE NOOK Reading App for your smartphone or tablet, and check out all the thousands of great books in this FREE COLLECTION. There's books for ALL reading levels!

 

Cultivating the mind (with books) into who you want to be

Here's one of my FAVORITE FINDS on the internet this week... an amazing article I'd like to share with you all! >>>

Rewired: What Your Smartphone Can’t Give You (But Books Can)

article by Emily @ The Tansy Patch blog

"Scroll. Tap. Ding! The era of the smartphone has completely changed our society. Virtually any information is available at our fingertips. Constant entertainment is accessible at the tap of an app. Numerous social media options pretend to quench the thirst for human companionship.

Quiet is a thing of the past. We’ve forgotten how to still our minds. We’ve rewired our brains to crave constant noise, entertainment, and shallow stimulation. You’ve heard this message before.

I get it, you say, be careful with social media, limit internet usage, stop texting all the time and pay attention to your family and those around you. All of this is wise advice. But it goes deeper than that. We’re missing out on so much more...."

— Continue reading at THE TANSY PATCH

Let's discuss it!

How often do you choose stillness over entertainment?

What can you do differently in 2020 to rewire your brain towards books you can "chew" on vs. checking on your smartphone and social media?

My Top 5 Books on Top 5 for 2019 [Five Fall Favorites]

Today we're bike-riding together for the Five Fall Favorites event! We can ride and chat, right?

So come along with me, and let's discuss some good books  + relish in some bonus fun!



Today's Topic:

FAVORITE READS OF 2019

My Top 5 Books 

 

  

Night in My Darkest Night by Catherine Marshall

(my review)       (add to Goodreads)

Jamie MacLeod by Michael Phillips

(my review)      (add to Goodreads)

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

(my review)       (add to Goodreads)

The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

(my review)       (add to Goodreads)

Mistress Pat by L.M. Montgomery

(my review)       (add to Goodreads)

That's my list of good books for today! I hope you may have found some new books you're interested in. If you haven't yet, you should check all of my past posts from this week for my other Top 5 lists!

.....And now..... it's time to pick a winner!

To find out the winner of the Fall reading basket, head over to the main hub of the event, over at Rebekah's blog!

Also, Rebekah has a booklist PDF download freebie... which contains the booklists of everyone who participated in Five Fall Favorites 2019!

Check out MORE bloggers' Top 5 posts about FAVORITE READS OF 2019 (to make your personal booklist positively explode), on the other participating blogs + there's a Kindle freebie every day this week (you just have to hunt for it!)... 

 

Let's discuss it! What are YOUR favorite reads from 2019?

Giveaway for writers // from author Susan K. Marlow

Win a copy of Writers Roundup on author Susan K. Marlow's website!

This is a recent 2018 release and is an excellent writing resource...

Get ready for a wild ride through the world of writing and publishing. Writers Roundup benefits young authors in all areas of interest and at all skill levels. However, the lessons are especially designed for those who love to write fiction stories and want to develop a story that is ready for publication.

Two winners! Giveaway runs January 8-15.

The contest is open to everyone, all ages, and worldwide. If someone wins internationally, a PDF e-book of Writers Roundup will be sent. U.S. winners receive a print copy of the book.

> > ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE < <

The Power of Storytelling for Christ

C. S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, and the Power of Storytelling

article by Warren Cole Smith

"Artists such as Madeleine L’Engle and C. S. Lewis help us remember that the Bible is more than just a collection of stories. The bible is itself a magnificent story of the creation, fall, redemption, and ultimate restoration of all things...."

— Continue reading at rabbitroom.com

Let's discuss it!

Who are some of your favorite Christian storytellers?

What kind of storytelling do you think is missing from the market today?

Best deals + freebies in Christian Indie Books! >> Giveaway, Exclusive Interview ++

Welcome! I wanted to tell you about a HUGE sale that is going on this weekend! There are over 150 titles available and they are all either $.99 or FREE! There are also a long list of paperbacks for sale at incredibly discounted prices as well! And the good news is they are all clean reads! Be sure to go check out this amazing sale HERE. <<<<<<<<

There is also an amazing giveaway going on! Grand Prize winner receives 20 paperbacks and the 2^nd place winner gets 20 e-book titles from the sale for free! 



Angie Thompson is one of the authors featured in this sale and giveaway... and also in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW here on the In the Bookcase blog!

Let's start the interview!


Hi, Angie! I've heard great things about your books. I'm excited to read some of your titles soon. What is your favorite genre to write in?

Angie Thompson: Ugh…this is payback for all the times I’ve asked this question, isn’t it? At least you asked about writing, not reading… No, I take it back; that’s still such a hard question!

Since I bounced back and forth like a ping-pong ball trying to answer this, I decided to go to the official source—my story files. And the answer is…historical! Which is funny, since only one of my published stories so far has been historical. But I’ve started more historical stories than any other genre, so there you have it! (If anyone is curious, contemporary appears to be my second favorite, followed by sci-fi/futuristic, kingdom adventure, and random things like allegory that defy me to put them into a genre.)


What kind of research have you found yourself involved in by writing? Is there anything you're researching now for your next story?

Angie Thompson: I definitely think there should be some sort of official author status on Google, just to let anyone who’s monitoring my internet searches know not to put me on a watch list! I was seriously a little spooked about what kind of red flags I might be raising when I started searching for pictures/layouts of the airports my characters were supposed to fly into/out of. 😊

I also have a bad habit of injuring my characters or making them sick, so I’ve ended up doing a lot of medical research for different stories. That’s especially difficult for historical fiction, because when I want to know about the treatment for scarlet fever, I’m not looking for fifty articles advising me to go to the hospital immediately… On the other hand, I decided not long ago to create a fictional medical condition for a futuristic story and suddenly found myself with piles of research on how to actually make it work in a convincing way. Did I mention I had also saddled myself with a main character who was a doctor? Oh, dear…

The good news is that my next story has passed the plotting stage and is into rewriting/editing, so hopefully I get a break from the random research for a while. Except that in the back of my mind, I’m still plugging away at that new medical condition…


What are some of the biggest inspirations you have regarding your writing? (Are there certain people, or books, or TV shows, etc.. that impact what you put into your writing?)

Angie Thompson: I get inspiration literally everywhere. One of the most bizarre (although also one of the most prolific) is dreams. If I have an interesting dream and enough time to mold it into something that halfway makes sense the next morning, watch out, world! My next book (or at least the one I plan to publish next) was inspired by a conversation my family was having one night, a movie I watched part of the same night, and the dream that melded them together the next morning. The idea for my first published book, Bridgers, was sparked by an episode of an audio drama. Other recent inspirations have been a Bible study, a kids’ movie, a favorite name, and—I kid you not—the most cliched opening line in history.



Since we're nearing the end of the year, tell us... what has been the most surprising book you've read in 2018? And (on a slightly different note) what is your favorite read of 2018 (granted you don't end up finding another favorite by year's end)? :D

Angie Thompson: Seriously?!? Favorite genre was unfair; this is just cruel! *sighs and goes to dig through my massive pile of favorite books*

Okay, there are several good candidates for the most surprising book, but I think I have to go with Castaways by Jes Drew. I volunteered to read it pre-release because I love survival stories, but I had no idea it would be so hilarious! Much better than I was even hoping for!

Now…if I’m counting my favorite read as a book I read for the first time in 2018, I think I have to give it to Becoming Nikki by Ashley Elliot. (It’s such a narrow margin, though!) If re-reads count, The Rivers of Judah by Catherine Farnes would be my hands-down favorite. Whew—that was grueling! Now I need chocolate. 😊

--- Find Angie online! ---

www.quietwaterspress.com

Goodreads

 

You can sign up for the giveaway in the Rafflecopter entry form at the bottom of THIS post!

Giveaway runs from November 22^nd till November 26^th @12AM ET Grand prize open to US winners only. 2^nd place prize is open Internationally. 

 

2nd Place Winner Receives 20 E-books

Gather Round the Fables by Erika Matthews

The Case of the Tabloid Tattler by Perry Kirkpatrick AudioBook

The Twelve Cats of Christmas by Perry Kirkpatrick Audiobook

Coffee Shop Christmas Ebook by Ryana Lynn Miller

The Land of Cotton ebook by Ryana Lynn Miller

Entertaining Angels, Entertaining Angels Book 1 by Emerald Barnes

Secret’s Kept by Jennette Mbewe

The Firethorn Crown by Lea Doue

Beyond Broken Pencils by Julie C. Gilbert

Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert

Soldier On by Vanessa Rasanen

Burning Rose by Hope Ann

Iced and Nailed by Avery Daniels

Imani Earns Her Cape by Bokerah Brumley

October by J. Grace Pennington

Disowned by Sarah Addison Fox

My Compass Home by Michaela Bush

Summer Shadows and Necessary Evil by Killarney Traynor

Grand Prize Winner Receives 20 Paperbacks

Mythical Doorways by Jenelle Schmidt

Faith is the Victory by Faith Blum

Kiera by Kate Willis

Because Anonymous Diana L. Sharples

After: Book One in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah Jezowski

Specter: Book Two in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah Jezowski

Leandra’s Enchanted Flute by Katy Huth Jones

Eagle Eyes by Tammy Lash

London in the Dark by Victoria Lynn   

When Beauty Blooms by Victoria Lynn

Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset by Sarah Ashwood

Iced and Nailed by Avery Daniels

There Was Always Laughter in Our House by Sarah Holman

Bridgers: A Parable (paperback) by Angie Thompson

Love Blind (paperback) by Angie Thompson

Code by Angie Thompson

Christmas Eve at the Backdoor by Rebekah Morris

The Seven Drawers by Kendra E. Ardnek

He's Making Diamonds: A Teen's Thoughts on Faith Through Chronic Illness by Sara Willoughby

Participating Authors

Kate Willis

Hope

C.B. Cook

Vincent Trigili

Malachi Cyr

E. J. Willis

Diana L. Sharples

Sarah Addison-Fox

Annie Douglass Lima

Marc Secchia

Katy Huth Jones

Savannah Jezowski

Kandi J Wyatt

Joan Lightning

Angela Watts

Ava Mallory

Sara Bourgeois

Jaye L. Knight

Sarah Ashwood

Killarney Traynor

Zanna Mackenzie

Valerie Howard

Bokerah Brumley

Kat Bellemore

Faith Blum

RJ Conte

Abigayle Claire

Tayla Alexandra

Kristen Iten

Emily Selby

Stephanie Damore

Erika Mathews

Frances Hoelsema

J. Grace Pennington

Rebekah A. Morris

Frankie Bow

Martha Fuller

Lena Karynn Tesla

Allison Tebo

Sarah Monzon

Victoria Lynn

Sonia Parin

T.I. Lowe

Lia London

Tammy Lash

maria grazia swan

Deany Ray

Paige Sleuth

Jenny Berlin

Annie Louise Twitchell

Jordaina Sydney Robinson

Kelsey Gietl

Kendra E. Ardnek

Frances Hoelsema

Stacy Juba

Laura Guenot

Michaela Bush

Tricia Mingerink

Hailey Rose

Ryana Lynn Miller

Angie Thompson

Nadine C. Keels

Kellyn Roth

Angie Thompson

Vanessa Rasanen

Julie C. Gilbert

Jennette Mbewe

C. S. Johnson

Amy Williams

April Lynn Newell

Lauren Lynch

Lea Doue

Kelsey Bryant

Avery Daniels

Sarah Holman

R.M. Archer

Emerald Barnes

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Cathy Perkins

Laura Jackson

P.D. Workman

Emily Hinkle

Hannah Loviisa

Claire Banschbach

Rebekah Jones

Faith Potts

Sara Willoughby

a Rafflecopter giveaway


And... while you're here...
Check out my own giveaway and A Literary Christmas reading challenge!

Favorite Finds #49 {2 Giveaways + DIY Intrigue}

Here's a week's worth of interesting and genius things I've found online...

Be sure to check out my holiday giveaway prizes!!



Giveaway: Christmas Cupcake Ornament Trio
{Pixel Berry Pie Designs}

On my Etsy blog, you can win your choice of 3 cupcake ornaments from Pretty Witty Cupcakes! Open to US & Canadian residents. // PIN IT //

Giveaway: Handcrafted Turquoise Zuni Earrings
{Pixel Berry Pie Designs}

I'm also offering (for your chance to win!) this enchanting pair of earrings from the CarolesArt shop. Open to US residents. // PIN IT //

Travel Memory Boxes
{Iowa Girl Eats}

Yes. Aren't these boxes gorgeous? // PIN IT //

Upcycling Old Boat Into Bookshelf
{Upcycle Us}

A rowboat turned bookcase. Mind blown. Need this. NOW. // PIN IT //

Recipe: Holiday Chalkboard Sugar Cookies
{A Turtle's Life for Me}

What a unique cookie idea! // PIN IT //

Favorite Finds #48 {Giveaway, Writings Tips & Crafty Bits}

Just a few interesting things I found on the web!



Giveaway: Turquoise Bird's Nest Necklace
{Pixel Berry Pie Designs}

On my Etsy blog, I'm offering this beautiful prize from the CarolesArt shop. Open to US residents. // PIN IT //

Figuring Out Your Character
{Further Up and Further In}

Sky shares some great writing tips about constructing your charaters for your stories. // PIN IT //

4 Ideas for Ending Book Chapters So Readers Will Kill to Know What Happens Next
{Helping Writers Become Authors}

Must-know techniques to hook your readers from author K.M. Weiland. // PIN IT //

Recipe: Chocolaty Melting Snowmen
{Moco Choco}

An adorable cookie idea for winter! // PIN IT //

DIY Giant Scrabble Tile Table Numbers
{Something Turquoise}

Check out this tutorial for making Scrabble-themed tiles! // PIN IT //

Favorite Finds #47

Here's a few things I've found on the web in the last week, which I thought were rather interesting. Enjoy!



Giveaway: Handcrafted Chalcedony Starfish Necklace
{Pixel Berry Pie Designs}

On my Etsy blog, I'm offering this beautiful prize from the CarolesArt shop. Open to US residents. Come enter to win before Sept. 21st!

Why I Love to Read Non-Christian Books
{Challies}

Tim Challies shares a fair view on why a person should read both Christian and secular books for a rounded reading style.

Margaret Atwood's new work will remain unseen for a century
{The Guardian}

Although I'm unfamiliar with this author, the idea of a book being 100 years old before it's ever read... now, that's intriguing!

The Moral of the Story is…
{J. Grace Pennington}

A great post on including themes and messages in your stories/writings.

Favorite Finds #46

Laura Ingalls Wilder memoir reveals truth behind Little House on the Prairie
{The Guardian}

YES! Mrs. Wilder's actual memoir is finally getting published!

Circle C & Goldtown Short-Story Writing Contest 2014
{Andi's Blog}

Author, Susan K. Marlow is hosting a writing contest (with great prizes!). Open to writers under 18.

Flourless Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cookies
{Real Girls, Real Faith}

Don't these cookies look absolutely AMAZING?

Fix My Eyes
{A Northern Belle}

A thoughtful post... "God my God let mercy sing her melody over me..."

Favorite Finds #45

To start off some summer blog posts, I've collected some various pages around the internet that caught my interest and seemed share-worthy. Enjoy!



Character-Building Book Resources For Raising Boys
{Deep Roots at Home}

Be sure to check part 1 (link above) and part 2.

12 Ways to Sneak in Extra Reading Time
{Bookriot}

A fun list! Although I probably wouldn't recommend attempting all of these methods. :-)

How Limitations Can Push You as a Writer
{One Year Novel}

Writer, J. Grace Pennington, reigns in relative points on how to use problems in your writing as good things.

Pilot Captures Crazy-Surreal Photo Series
{Huffinton Post}

This collection of photos is an absolutely amazing view of our world, from above.

Poetry Project
{Semicolon}

A blog series on poetry, revealed alphabetically. A is for Anaphora, B is for Ballad...

Favorite Finds #44

Here we are at the last Friday of the year. The last of the Favorite Finds that I'll be sharing with you in 2013. Who knows what delights I'll be sharing in 2014?! So then, take a look through some of these pages if you like. They're just a few things I happened to enjoy myself.

To start out the list... a couple more reading challenges I plan to take on...


Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge
{Reading to Know}

I'm excited to again partake in Carrie's January challenge! I plan to read the book I won from her blog last year (yay!), Akin to Anne, and also join her in reading The Blue Castle (which I downloaded online for free). Come join us if you're interested in reading any of LMM's writings for this next month!

Read Scotland 2014
{Peggy Ann's Post}

When I was invited to take part in a Scottish reading challenge, I couldn't resist! I'm joining at the "The Highlander" level, hoping to read 8 books by Scottish authors this year, including: The Sign of Four and The Hound of Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Duncan's War by Douglas Bond, The Golden Key and The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, The Young Fur Traders by R. M. Ballantyne, The Far Side of the Loch by Melissa Wiley, & The Keys of the Kingdom by A. J. Cronin. A good selection of literature by Scots, if I do say so myself.

I Scarce Can Take It In
{Inspiring Daring}

In Rachelle's words: "....Christmas isn't over, you know. The day has dawned and gone, but that Baby, that Man, that Savior, He lives. And He loves...."

5 Things Photography Has Taught Me about Creativity
{HOW Design}

My sentiments exactly! Photography has opened my brain into other angles of creative thinking that I wouldn't have achieved otherwise.

A few photographs of a festive hedgehog
{Sword of Ink}

Hedgehogs are just soo cute. But this one takes the cake!