Book Giveaway! "The Treasure Hunt" by Kate Willis

That I get to write this post is amazingly cool to me!

One of my sisters wrote a book as a gift for one of our younger sisters (whose birthday happens to be today!), and she wants to give a signed paperback copy to one of you. And being the super-cool person and great older sister that she is, she wanted to have an unusual sort of giveaway. Before we get to that, though, here's a little bit about her recently released book:

From the back cover:

When they reached the gnarled, old apple tree something white lying in the compost pile caught David's eye. He came to a sudden stop and jumped off his bike. Picking up the small package, he dusted off the grass mulch and carefully unwrapped a wooden block with strange carvings on one side. The paper, however, was more than just wrapping. "Your father's favorite pastime and your favorite foods are the keys to this mystery. Signed, Das Alte und Langweilig," read David as he studied the paper. They were silent a moment each thinking of the strange clue and even stranger signature.

Anna was first to speak. "It seems like some sort of treasure hunt."

This is a short and sweet tale that would make a fantastic family read-aloud! It's also completely clean and perfect to hand to any young reader. I love the fact that a large amount of the setting and characters are based off real family life.

Obviously, the author is my sister, but even if she wasn't I would be thrilled to recommend this book to anyone who loves delightful and wholesome reading material.

Enter for a chance to win! (Open to U.S. residents, only, because of shipping costs.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't think you can wait to see if you've won? Know someone who needs this book as a gift? Buy a signed copy directly from me at a discount (only $5+shipping). I take cash, check, PayPal, or credit--whatever is easiest for you!

A Parents' Guide Review of "The Treasure Hunt":

(Since I don't know your family's reading standards, nor am I responsible for raising your children, I provide you with the info you need to make your own decision. As always, I recommend parents pre-read their children's books.)

Genre: Contemporary Fiction (Homeschoolers)

Rating: G

Recommended for: All ages, family read aloud

The story of homeschooled children on summer break following clues to their very own treasure hunt.

Concerns: none!

Specific questions? Just ask!

Book Giveaway! "The Sparrow Found a House" by Jason McIntire

I asked the good folks on my Facebook Fan Page to raise their hands if they like free books. A whole bunch of them did, so here we go...

Jason McIntire, a homeschool graduate and author at Elisha Press, offered a paperback copy of his family-friendly homeschool fiction, "The Sparrow Found a House" as a giveaway. I just know you're gonna love it.

Here's why...

In which I praise "The Sparrow Found a House":

It's not often that you can find a good fiction book about being a homeschooler. And, to be honest, I've never read one with as interesting a premise as this: 

What if your new stepdad was a Bible-toting Army Sergeant?
Fifteen-year-old Jessie Rivera is living every teenager’s nightmare. Her widowed mom has married a man who wears his heavy Christian values like his sergeant’s stripes – on both sleeves. Glenn Sparrow is persistent, immovable, and not afraid to be firm. Worse than that, he’s loving, kind – even fun – and he has Chris, Moe, and Katie completely won over. But Jessie is determined that she won’t be won over, or give up her “freedom” without a fight. She knows what she wants, and it isn’t what they’ve got. Or is it?

This book is truly a story of family transformation. It is an enjoyable read with realistic characters (can I just say Sergeant Sparrow is awesome?), an interesting plot, and meaningful lessons and depictions of personal growth throughout.

This book would be a great family read-aloud and might prompt some interesting dinner-table discussions. I could also see this being a very encouraging story for families just starting on the homeschooling journey.

I fully intend to read this book to my children when they're older. (they really wouldn't get it at 21 months and 5 months!) In the meantime, I'm going to encourage all my homeschooling friends to check it out. 

I highly recommend "The Sparrow Found a House." (And I wasn't required to say that. It's my own opinion. Just sayin'...)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't think you can wait to see if you've won? Know someone who needs this book as a gift? Buy a copy directly from me at a discount (only $10+shipping). I take cash, check, PayPal, or credit--whatever is easiest for you!

In which I share my Parents' Guide Review of "The Sparrow Found a House":

(Since I don't know your family's reading standards, nor am I responsible for raising your children, I provide you with the info you need to make your own decision. As always, I recommend parents pre-read their children's books.)

Genre: Contemporary Fiction (Homeschoolers)

Rating: G

Recommended for: All ages, family read aloud

The story of children trying to adjust to their new stepfather (married their widowed mother) and his ideas about godly parenting and homeschooling.

Concerns: some of the children (especially the eldest) have bad attitudes to begin with, run-ins with school bullies, some lying (but it’s dealt with properly), skeptical relatives, and a non-stressful run-in with a social worker.

Specific questions? Just ask!