Dragonspell

Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul (Waterbrook Press, 2004)

I have discovered a favorite author!

Donita K. Paul is not new to the field of writing. Nor is my love of her characters and writing style recently discovered. I have been reading her books for several years. Notice my worn copy of this first book in her DragonKeeper series.

After stumbling upon her books while searching for a new read, there has been no turning back. Dragonspell has delightful and real characters set in a fairy tale world. The world of Amara has a spiritual base of Christianity. Wulder and Paladin guide the inhabitants of Amara who choose to follow their leading. Others who choose the opposite follow Risto and his plans.

Meet Kale, a used-to-be-slave-girl, who is recruited by Wulder as a gifted dragon keeper. She has the special talent of discovering dragon eggs. In the scheme of things, there is one very special egg, a meech egg, that is diligently sought out by Risto, who has not so good plans for the egg.

Paul has the fine fingers and voice of storytelling. Realistic details, character personalities and actions, and social interactions of beings on a quest make for a very good read. Paul's writing reminds me somewhat of C.S. Lewis. Now you have to read her books.

Check out Donita K. Paul's Web site to find out about other books, e-books, and even Monday night chats. Visit www.donitakpaul.com.

Happy 10th Year of Publication (2014)!

Tuesdays at the Castle

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc., 2011)

Princess Celie has a special relationship with the castle. The castle in return, seems to favor Princess Celie.

Not a normal castle by any means, this castle sprouts new rooms, makes new pathways and shortcuts, and even boots out unwanted guests. Everything is fabulous as Princess Celie spends her time mapping new rooms and routes. And then the King and Queen disappear.

This story is great for elementary readers (and some adults, like moi). I enjoyed the imaginative setting, creativity, and fun writing of this book. Perhaps I shall make sure my grand-daughter reads it when she is a bit older.

Definitely a good read.

Stronger, Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength

Stronger, Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength by Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family; with James Lund (David C. Cook, 2010)

"...choosing the broken road that leads to God and greater strength. We've also explored some forks in the trail that offer more choices. When we choose well, the paths of surrender, relationship, acceptance, and trust lead us even closer to Him and His power." (p. 125).

Tales of tragedy, heart break, loss - brokenness - fill this book with real life examples of people who have gone through storms, no hurricanes, in life, and have survived. Survived stronger.

Jim Daly (with James Lund) simply tells stories from peoples' lives. And then shares how Scripture and the strength of God are available to help us get through terrible situations. Not around them or to make them disappear, but how to get through them. And come out better on the other side. In fact, God uses seemingly insurmountable events to draw us closer to Him; and to make us stronger as we rely on His strength. But first, we have to choose our reaction to the situation - are we going to be beaten, bitter, or broken?

If you are dealing with any significant issue in life, ANY issue, there is probably a story similar to yours in this book. Don't think you are going through this alone. Reach out for help and hope. Read this book.

The Dragon and the Turtle

The Dragon and the Turtle and The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark (sorry, I would give publisher and date, but the books are at school!).



I love books! I recently received (autographed!!!) both The Dragon and the Turtle and The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari.

After chatting with Mrs. Paul (yes, she has a Monday night chat group that chats about writing and plots and characters and food and stuff), she helped me get copies of the books for my classroom of wild and rowdy boys. Who love adventure. And dragons. And safari's (sleep overs). Thank you, Mrs. Paul and Evangeline!

The books were a hit. Being a group of all boys, they especially liked the crunchy bug bits and the sleeping out in the tent. They were very attentive to the illustrations and problem solving in both books. The friendship theme is especially helpful when working with young children (even older children) who are just learning what it means to be a friend.

So jump on board the wonderful fantasy world(s) of Donita K. Paul and her daughter, Evangeline Denmark. Roger (turtle) and Padraig (dragon) will entertain you and the young ones in your life.

www.donitakpaul.com


(I told them to hide their faces but look at the books!)



(Yet another weird blog thing. This photo IS correct on the computer and camera, but sideways in this blog...they are excitedly discussing the illustrations and story I have just read.)

How to Etch Glass, A Guide to Personalized Glass Etching

How to Etch Glass
A guide to personalized glass etching, Eric Robert (2012)

Email: eric@glassetchingsecrets.com
www.glassetchingsecrets.com
Copyright 2012. Eric Robert



This handy e-book found me! And it's free!

If ever you wanted to know anything about etching glass (and I didn't know there was so much that you could know!), this is the source for you. Eric Robert's e-book includes excellent photos and step by step directions on how to etch glass. Many different projects and ideas for projects are included.

For instance, I didn't understand that you could sand-blast etchings. Voila! You can. It's also possible to use a safer and less harsher chemical to etch glass. Conversely, I suppose you could also use the more dangerous and skin melting option to etch glass (FYI: not recommended). I truly appreciate the great ideas of ways to use glass etching.

No longer a thing of the past, but a fun and useful skill/craft/hobby.

Try it. You'll like it. Visit the Web site above to download your free copy. :)

Tell Eric that Angie sent you.


P.S. This is the link for the free e-book. Click on it or copy and paste. Enjoy!
http://www.glassetchingsecrets.com/howtosteps.html

Rook

Rook (Hunter's Oath, Book 1) by Ken Nobles
(Green E-Books, April 2013)

What a find! One of my good friends FB'd me and told me her husband had published his first book. We met eons ago in Germany. We haven't physically seen each other since, but remain friends. From that trip, she knows I enjoy reading fantasy and good books.

Welcome to a new series (again, I have started reading a series that is not complete...hurry up Ken!). This book is a great adventure filled with interesting characters, relationships, and mystery! Danger, mythical creatures, and the discoveries of delving deeper into the history of the characters and their story came together to make me want the next book available now.

So, I say, find this book for your e-reader. And help put some pressure on Mr. Nobles to get crackin.'

PS I tried to get a photo here, but was unable to do so. You are on your own. Check Amazon.

I Want My Hat Back

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen (Candlewick Press, 2011)



I want this book! It cracks me up. The illustrations perfectly marry the text. Simple, funny, catchy...It even rated several "Read it again!" comments.

No wonder it won awards. Read it.