MOTHER OF PEARL Giveaway!

Today I wanted to introduce you to Margaret McSweeney’s second Pearl Girl book, Mother of Pearl. I'm excited about this release because I have a short essay in its pages about how I've transmitted a value I learned from my mom to my kids.

In addition, I have an e-copy of this book to giveaway. If you would like a chance to read the e-book, please leave a comment telling why your mom is special or what you've learned from her, etc.

 This collection of Pearl Girl essays celebrates the collective iridescence of motherhood and ALL proceeds from books sales go to charity. Margaret and the Pearl Girls are celebrating with a Pearl Necklace Set Giveaway during the September 4th Pearl Girl Facebook Party. Details below.

{WATCH THE VIDEO: PEARL GIRLS – THE POWER OF COMMUNITY}

{MORE ABOUT MOTHER OF PEARL}

Like oysters, women often encounter unexpected grit during their everyday lives. In response, God’s love and grace covers this grit and transforms the pain into a precious pearl that leaves a layered, luminous lining within a shell: Mother of Pearl. This brilliant luster is strong, lasting, and purposeful — just like the love, lessons, and legacies left by the special women in our lives.

Mother of Pearl celebrates the collective iridescence of motherhood. Margaret McSweeney presents a collection of heartfelt vignettes from authors who communicate the importance of the unique relationships between mothers and their children, between granddaughters and grandmothers and between children and the mother-figures in their lives.

These stories tell of the power of faith, prayer, and values, exploring coming of age, the joy of becoming a mother, the importance of motherhood, the ways to heal from a bad relationship with a mother and weathering the death of a special loved one. Poignant and thought-provoking, the stories serve to inspire, encourage, instill hope, and strengthen faith.

The proceeds from the sale of Mother of Pearl will be donated to organizations helping struggling women and children. The charities include Wings (Women in Need Growing Stronger) to help fund the Safe House in the Chicago suburbs and to Hands of Hope to help build wells for schoolchildren in Zambia.

{MORE ABOUT MARGARET MCSWEENEY}

Margaret McSweeney is a well-published author often writing online articles for Make It Better (the former North Shore Magazine) and freelance articles for the Daily Herald, the largest suburban Chicago newspaper. In addition, she has authored and compiled several books including A Mother’s Heart Knows; Go Back and Be Happy; Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace and most recently, Mother of Pearl.

Margaret has a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in international business. As is the founder of Pearl Girls, Margaret collaborates with other writers on projects to help fund a safe house for WINGS, an organization that helps women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, and to build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda through Hands of Hope. For the past 10 years she has served on the board of directors and leadership advisory board for WINGS. Margaret lives with her husband and 2 daughters in the Chicago suburbs.

Find out more about Margaret at http://www.margaretmcsweeney.com.

{ABOUT THE PEARL GIVEAWAY AND FACEBOOK PARTY}

To celebrate the release of Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith I’m hosting an evening of chat, laughter, and encouragement on Facebook!

I’ve invited the Pearl Girl contributors to join us on the evening of September 4th. I’d be so honored if you’d come too!

We’ll be giving away a ton of fun stuff {books, gift certificates and a Beautiful Pearl Necklace set}.

Mother of Pearl celebrates the collective iridescence of motherhood. We’ll gather to connect, be encouraged and make some new friends!

So RSVP today and then come back on September 4th (at 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, and 8pm Eastern) and join us for the “Pearl” party. Let’s share our stories and encourage one another.

We’ll also have an update from the charities involved with Pearl Girls, Wings and Hands of Hope.

Congratulations to the Mackinac Island Tour Winners!

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson teamed up for a tour of the island, now and then.


I'm delighted to share the winners with you. This list will be updated as I hear from the bloggers:

Robin Lee Hatcher                         Kathleen with Lane Hill House

Cara Putman                                   Lauren Miller
Melanie Dobson                             Carol Gehringer

Casey Herringshaw                        Dawn Crandall

Colleen Coble                                Karen Schultz
Tracey Bateman                             Laura Jackson
Leslie Gould                                  Linda Letsom

Nancy Mehl                                   Cathy Richmond

Ashley Clark                                  Lindsey Harrell

Jill Nelson                                      Paula Osborne
Tamera Alexander                         Stacey Daniel
Nicole O'Dell                                 Pam K
Jill Eileen Smith                             Judy Burgi

Jenny B Jones                                Robin Stevens

Janna Ryan                                    Cherie Kasper Hamby

And the Grand Prize winner, selected by random.org from 435 entries, is Laura Jackson, commentor 240 as we worked our way through the tour. 

All winners, please contact me at cara at caraputman dot com so we can get your books to you. And a big thank you to all who joined us on the tour.

Knowing Him

Yesterday our church had a guest speaker...a man who's headed overseas to minister to Muslims. After spending eight weeks in another country, I have a greater appreciation for what uprooting your family involves. For the strangeness of being a visitor in another land. It's uncomfortable, zone pushing, and risky. But for us, the rewards were so worth it.

Anyway, this man preached out of Luke 24...the passage where after His resurrection, Jesus meets two disciples on the road. It's probably as familiar a story to you as it is to me. One that we've read numerous times. This time what struck me was something the guest speaker didn't even say.

As he talked about the two disciples and all they'd given up for Jesus (even though they weren't part of the close 12) and how disappointed they must have been...how much they must have questioned God's plan and where He was in the midst of their disappointment and hurt, my eyes strayed a bit further down the passage.

In Luke 24:30-31, the disciples have urged Jesus to stay for a meal with them. And it says that when He broke bread with them, then "their eyes were opened and they recognized him..." What was it about breaking bread that caused them to see who He was? They'd spent time with Him, conversing, walking...but it was only as they partook that their eyes opened.

I don't know about you, but that challenges me to remember I can really only know God and Jesus when I spend time in the Word. I want to hear His quiet voice. I long to be quick to do His will. That means investing time in knowing the Bread of Life. In listening to what He has to say. Asking for eyes that really see.

Father, grant us eyes that are open to see and recognize You!

Dying to Read Review

This was the first book of this author that I've read. I was in the mood for a light detective novel, and this fit the bill. Cate Kincaid is a young woman who hasn't quite found her place in life. While she's trying, she takes a part-time P.I. job with her uncle. In what should be a simple matter of confirming whether someone lives at a home, she instead stumbles on a dead body. The police may believe it was an accident, but she doesn't. Where most people would walk away, Cate keeps finding people who need her help and questions she has to answer.

Cate's way of looking at things is simplistic and she doesn't seem to have any of the skills a PI needs. Yet in her search for answers she learns how to begin to follow her instincts. She also learns how to walk away from the shadows of her past that keep her isolated. She also forms alliances with an interesting assortment of characters. In the process she just might find herself.

This book was an enjoyable read. It made for an entertaining whodunit. And I have to admit that I didn't anticipate the full solution to the mystery until it was revealed. That made the story that much more enjoyable to me. It's perfect for those who enjoy a whodunit that stands alone but gives you the hope of meeting the characters again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.

Mackinac Island Blog Tour & Giveaway: Day 5

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Join us this week for a tour of the island, now and then, with authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries.
Today be sure to visit these stops:

Friday Rachel Hauck http://rachelhayeshauck.blogspot.com/2012/08/blog-tour-mackinac-island-with-cara.html Jill Eileen Smith http://www.jilleileensmith.com/blog/new-releases/new-in-christian-fiction-a-visit-to-mackinac-island/ Jenny Jones http://www.jennybjones.com/2012/08/24/mackinac-island-giveaway/ Janna     Ryan   http://cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-trip-to-mackinac-island-with-cara.html

Mackinac Island Blog Tour & Giveaway: Day 4

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Join us this week for a tour of the island, now and then, with authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries.
Today be sure to visit these stops:

Jill	Nelson	http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.html
Tammy	Alexander	http://www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com/2012/08/mackinac-island-books-and-fudge.html
Nicole	O'Dell	http://nicoleodell.com/2012/08/be-transported-mackinac-island/

Mackinac Island Blog Tour & Giveaway: Day 3

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Join us this week for a tour of the island, now and then, with authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries.
Today be sure to visit these stops:

Leslie	Gould	http://www.lesliegould.com/2012/08/two-mackinac-island-novels/
Nancy	Mehl	http://nancymehl.blogspot.com/2012/08/fort-mackinac-now-then-giveaway.html
Ashley	Clark	http://ashleyclarkwrites.blogspot.com/2012/08/mackinac-island-giveaway.html

My Pop-Up Bible Stories Review

I don't know about you, but I'm in the season of baby showers. So many young families around us are having babies. And I'm always looking for a great gift that has meaning. My Pop-Up Bible Stories is a great example of that type of book.

My 4 year-old and 20 month-old have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pictures are intriguing to children with warm colors. It covers tried and true favorite stories from Moses to Daniel and the Lion's Den to Jesus raising the little girl from the dead. My 4 year-old can read it without me worrying about her breaking the book. I want to watch my youngest with it.

This is the kind of book that can become a favorite storybook, one children return to over and over. At the same time, it can help parents and others introduce children to key stories in the Bible. More detail would have been nice in the book, but when you keep in mind that this is only a starting point and to remember you'll have to go to the Bible for the full story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Mackinac Island Blog Tour & Giveaway: Day Two

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Join us this week for a tour of the island, now and then, with authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries.
Today be sure to visit these stops:

Tuesday Casey Herringshaw http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com/2012/08/special-post-return-to-mackinac-island.html Colleen Coble http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/2012/08/meet-our-good-friend-cara-putman.html Susan Meissner http://susanmeissner.blogspot.com/2012/08/mackinac-island.html Tracey Bateman http://traceybateman.blogspot.com/2012/08/blog-tour-melanie-dobson-and-cara-putman.html Elizabeth Luwig http://theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/2012/08/guest-blogger-cara-putman.html

Mackinac Island: Now & Then + Giveaway

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson have teamed up for a tour of the island, now and then. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries.

Live to Give by Austin Gutwein

Live to Give by Austin Gutwein is a book targeted to a young adult audience. It's a book filled with inspiration and motivation to help young adults see how they were created to partner with God. From a launching point of the boy with the five loaves and two fish, it explores how God chose to work with each of us and challenges readers to search for ways God can use them. At the end of each chapter, there are five questions that walk readers through applying the principles to their lives. 
In a time when our focus is often inward, I loved the way the author encourages readers to look at how they can work with God to solve problems. It's a great companion to Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. And it exemplifies a generation that wants to be used by God. Made me think of my niece who for her 16th birthday had her friends help her serve a meal in a homeless shelter. And instead of gifts, she asked people to bring times they could put in blessing bags that could be given to the homeless. 
This is a great book that will challenge others to think outside the box and in big ways.

Mackinac Island Blog Tour & Giveaway: Day 1

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Join us this week for a tour of the island, now and then, with authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries.
Today be sure to visit these stops:

http://writespassage.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-tour-of-mackinac-island-with-cara.html
Robin Lee Hatcher  http://blog.robinleehatcher.com/i_was_just_thinking_/2012/08/a-tour-of-mackinac-island.html Cara Putman http://blog.caraputman.com/2012/08/mackinac-island-now-then-giveaway.html Melanie Dobson http://www.melaniedobson.com

Fresh Revelation

One thing I love about coming home is the chance to talk long and deep with my folks and siblings. Our lives usually move so fast, that we don't get as many long phone conversations as we should. As a result, I CHERISH those times that I can ask what they're learning, what God is teaching them. I want to ride their coattails and have my own faith expanded and built.

This week, I've had some deep conversations. With my Dad it revolved around water baptism and the role it plays in our faith. This is an area of passion for Dad because of the freedom it brought him. I love how God continues to reveal nuances and shades of meaning to him on a topic he's studied for years.

Confessions of a worn-out Mom

Do you ever have days where if you uttered one word of advice you’d be a fraud?

I've had several of those recently.

We were a week back from Germany, and I was absolutely-completely-stick-a-fork-in-me done. I took the weekend slow, and then jumped back into all of my activities because that’s what I do…I am after all super mom. But these Wonder Woman bracelets are feeling a wee bit tarnished.

So today I just want to admit…publicly…that being me is exhausting. It’s wearing and I don’t do a good job of taking care of me. And that leads by extension to not doing a good job with all the roles I juggle.

Can anyone relate?

How Important is Family?

Shucking Corn with Grandma

This week my kids and I made the trek to Nebraska to visit family. Anytime we make the trip it is a drive with a capital D. It takes 14 hours to get from our home in Indiana to North Platte, Nebraska, where my parents, siblings, and their families live.

To my kids, it's a time of COUSINS. Yep, the all caps is quite intentional. Family is important to me. Very important. And to me, my family includes the extended family. I want my kids to grow up as part of a clan. With the idea that they are a part of a bigger picture. That their identity at part comes from having great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who all love God and chase after Him.

I long for my children to own their faith, but to also see how they fit into a larger picture of faith. That they are part of a legacy. While that won't substitute for personal faith and relationship with Jesus, it gives a context and heritage for that personal faith.

Driving lessons with Great-Grandpa

But there's also something to having people in your life who cheer for you when you tackle something hard. Who push you when you're being lazy. Who provide an escape when you need it. Who love you no matter where you are or what you've done. People who will set aside days in their schedule to just be with you.

Last night I played board games with my kids, nieces and nephews (that were old enough). They'd tell you I was being silly, but that was intentional. I want them to know they are important to me. And that's often accomplished best by time.

What about you? What's your family like? Is it as crazy and extended as mine? Or is it more intimate?

Over the Edge Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Over The Edge Bethany House (August 1, 2012) by Mary Connealy

Mary is a master of writing historical comedic romance. Over the Edge had me laughing throughout the pages...often catching me unaware by a blast of sarcasm or twist of a word and phrase. I wasn't sure how she could make Seth an appealing hero -- since he's been kind of hapless in prior books -- but I loved him! And Callie, the heroine, is so likeable I rooted for her from her first chapter. This is the third book in a series that tells the story of brothers in Colorado in 1866 -- about the time I wondered how Mary could keep it interesting and fresh, yet she threw in twists that kept the pages absolutely turning. This book has a forgotten wife, an unknown son, an out-of-the-blue brother, and a hint of suspense. Those who have read the first two books will love seeing everything wrap up...but I have to admit, I'd love just a few more pages with these characters. They feel like family!

Tidewater Inn: Review

My daughter received an ARC of Tidewater Inn and refused to let me touch it until she'd finished it. Now Colleen is one of her favorite authors -- as she's long been one of my favorites. Tidewater Inn is Colleen's first book set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The setting plays a strong role in this book -- I can't imagine the story taking place anywhere else. 

Libby inherits a hotel from a father she thought died years earlier. The problem is her friend has disappeared and now the cops are looking at her. A Coast Guard lieutenant tries to find her friend, but isn't sure what to think about Libby. The plot twists and turns through a hurricane and the race to fine her missing friend. Through in love, sibling rivalry and the decision whether she can keep the inn keep the plot moving. This is a cast and locale that I loved and can't wait to return in another book. Please?!? 

With over thirty-five 5 Star reviews, Tidewater Inn is sure to be a favorite. 

Karen White, New York Times bestselling author had this to say about Colleen's new release, "Tidewater Inn is a story as hot and sultry as its Outer Banks setting. Old architecture, a missing woman, a sudden inheritance, and a great mystery with unexpected twists make this a hard-to-put-down book. The characters' faith and their relationships aren't eclipsed by the riveting plot, but instead complement each other to make this a fun and compelling read."

For the Romantic Suspense Lovers Among Us

As y'all know I've been a reading fiend since I got home. The ability to read books without relying on digital is WONDERFUL. For those of you who like suspense and romantic suspense, here are three books you should consider adding to your reading list.

Irene Hannon is an author that when her books arrive at my house, I don't do anything else until I've started (and usually finished) the book. Her books have character I love in jobs I found fascinating. Lethal Legacy is no exception.

 In Lethal Legacy, Kelly Warren is determined that her father did not commit suicide. By a twist of bad timing Cole Taylor is the detective who meets with her when she finds new evidence. The more they talk he wonders if she's on to something. Then she has an accident due to a food allergy. From there the action picks up to full speed. This story not only lets us into the hero and heroine's heads. We also get glimpses into a couple of the bad guys.

This is a book that will keep you up as you try to read just one more page in the race to find the truth, catch the bad guy, and just maybe fall in love along the way.

Top 5 Back-to-School Deals for This Weekend (August 3-5, 2012)

If you're like me, back-to-school shopping can get pricey -- and I homeschool! Here are some tips for this weekend only from Crystal Paine, The Money Saving Mom.

Kid's Jeans for $9 Shipped From Old Navy: Old Navy has all their Kid's Famous Jeans on sale for $10through August 15, 2012. This sale is both in-store and online.  If you are planning on purchasing multiple pairs, you can sign up for Old Navy emails to get a $10 off $50 coupon. Plus, shipping is free on orders over $50. So you could potentially get five pairs of jeans for just $9 shipped each.  Kid's Jeans for as Low as $8 Shipped from The Children's Place: The Children's Place is offering free shipping on all denim orders, no minimum. Plus, you can use coupon code E6H76QDP82 to get an additional 20% off your order. They have jeans priced at $10, making them just $8 per pair shipped after this coupon code.  Crayola Crayons for $0.25 at Toys "R" Us: Through Saturday (August 5, 2012), Toys "R" Us has Crayola Crayons on sale 4 for $1. You must purchase in quantities of 4 to get this price. You can price-match at Walmart, if that's more convenient for you. These make a fantastic addition to Operation Christmas Child boxes.  Backpacks for $0.01 After MaxPerks Rewards at Office Max: Use your MaxPerks card to purchase a backpack or messenger bag from OfficMax and you'll get 100% back in MaxPerks Rewards minus $0.01. For example, if you purchase a backpack for $39.99 out of pocket, you'll $39.98 back in MaxPerks Bonus Rewards via an email coupon within 90 days. You can use this email coupon like a gift card to purchase anything at Office Max. This offer is good through Saturday, August 4, 2012.  Get In Free Weekend at Sam's Club: Non-members can stop by Sam's Club this weekend (August 3-5, 2012) for their Get In Free Weekend. Non-members are able to enjoy the same prices as members during this special weekend, no coupon is required. Sam's Club often has great deals on bulk office and school supplies, as well as bargains on electronics.  Crystal Paine is a wife, mom of three, author of The Money Saving Mom®'s Budget. Visit her blog, MoneySavingMom.com, for the best back-to-school deals and for practical ideas and inspiration to get your li

What Makes a Job Great

Watching the Olympics got me thinking about my favorite job in college. Back during the 1992 Olympics I worked for the smallest NBC affiliate. It was a great job for someone who loved journalism and thought that was where her future lay (there's a reason my first contemporary  heroine was a tv reporter). That was an amazing time to work at a tv station...especially for an Olympics junkie. The sports director would ask me for the updates on what wads happening, who was competing, how it ll fit together. Perfect for me! I wish I could do that every Olympics!

That got me thinking about work. Our lives are filled with work. That is a good thing. But what makes a job wonderful? Something you can't wait to do?

Me? A Swagger Wagon Mama?

I honestly never thought this day would come. I put it off until my oldest got too tall to climb into the backseat of our Chrysler Pacifica. I LOVED that vehicle. I put off this day until I got tired of not being able to take other kids with us to events. Until I got tired of paying for rental minivans so we could fit all of us and luggage in the vehicle to drive somewhere. So in honor of all moms who drive "swagger wagons", here's the Toyota video. I guess I'm one now, too.