13-year-old Teodor has found a way to escape from kidnap, how long before he is safely home?
13-year-old Guy Erma has run away from everything he has even known and no longer knows what the future holds.
They escaped through dark tunnels and back alleys but they also discovered a hidden terror that now threatens their entire planet.
Two boys as different as two boys might be. Their adventure has forged an unexpected friendship, but do they really trust each other?
Dare they share their darkest, deepest secrets?

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Poisons...antidotes...Seriously action packed and a book that I couldn't put down. I loved every single segment of this series and I honestly can't wait to convince the boys that they ought to give it a try. Granted, they're not the readers that their mom is but I do manage to sneak one their way from time to time. My advice to all of my readers? Don't let the fact that this book is geared towards the young adult crowd stop you from picking it up. Adults and young adults are going to love this book and I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's already on the Amazon top 100 or even top 10 list for this category. 

As for me, I'm thrilled to have found a new writer that I'm going to be watching for in the future!




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How to Blog a Book, Revised and Expanded Edition shows you how to plan a successful book that you can then blog into existence while building your platform and attracting potential publishers. Aspiring authors learn how to create a blogged book with a well-honed and uniquely angled subject, targeted posts, and a readership large enough to get noticed by an agent or a publisher.

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As a blogger and writer, this is an idea that I've seen thrown around more than once. I was thrilled when I got a digital copy of this book because I wanted to learn more and learn I did! The author takes the time to break down complex terms and gives clear explanations on everything. Every step involved in the process is laid out so there's no guesswork involved. Heck, even the legal aspects are covered! Honestly, if this is something that you've ever considered as a blogger, a writer, or some combination of the two, this would be a great book to have on your shelf. I know that I'm going to be adding this book to my Amazon wish list so that I can have it to reference, jot notes in, and just have on hand.



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Far too many people in contemporary culture feel they don't have enough time to "get it all done." The stress of this chronic overwhelm creates a disorganized mind that leads to a chaotic life. Based on her highly acclaimed "Energy Management" workshops, and drawn from over 25 years of counseling and coaching experience, professional trainer and speaker Jackie Woodside shares her breakthrough methods that lead to becoming the least stressed, most productive person you know!
In Calming the Chaos, you will learn the step-by-step skills and thought processes that lead to increased productivity and peace of mind. Jackie's approach stems from the new frontier of human performance called energetic consciousness. Part philosophy, part psychology, fully practical application, you will learn:
- Why there is no such thing as time management and what to do instead.- How to manage your energy instead of your time and stress.- The three-step formula for managing every component of your life for the rest of your life!- Why "to-do lists" are a set up for failure and what really works.- "The Three Strikes Rule" that will end procrastination for good!- How to always know that you have the time for what you want and need to do!
Many books promise to change your life. Applying these principles will make this a reality!

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Another book for the bin of books I will come back to time and time again! Honestly, this is just one of those books that you have to pick up and read for yourself to truly understand just how great it really is. There are so many principals in it that I intend on applying to my own life and so many that I already have. I love the fact that she does say that clutter in the home is clutter in the mind. It's something that I've said for years and years and that I am now very solidly applying to my own life. I always thrive in clutter free zones and it's good to see that when I came up with the theory that a cluttered home often equals a cluttered mind, I wasn't crazy.

So, kudos to the author for agreeing with me...lol! Also, tons of love goes out to her writing for being such an easy, down to earth read. The personal stories were not only easy to relate to, but often immensely helpful. Like I said, this book will be in my basket of books that I come back to time and time again.



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Get inspired to step out of your box and into a world full of potential. From the corporate world, to the arts, to working with the disenfranchised the message is clear. There is no such thing as a normal way to live your life and no one right solution to any problem. Selected from amongst over 100 interviews, the stories shared here open a window on the journeys of seven women and three men who have charted their own path, including Ruthie Davis top U.S. luxury shoe designer and the winner of the 2014 AAFA Footwear Designer of the Year award and Geir Ness whose perfume is a staple in Nordstrom, Disney World and on Disney Cruise Lines. Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes into the unique ways these individuals chose to deal with life's challenges and how they define success in their careers."

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Every so often I run across a book that by the time I'm done I just know that it's going into my "come back to this" basket. This was one of those books. All ten stories were of individuals who didn't let life stand in the way of their dreams. This is such an important message for all of us. We all have challenges and struggles and there will be times that it would be easier to give up than to keep going, but I read stories like these and I think to myself, "Hey, if these guys can do it, so can I." I know that when I'm struggling, this is a book that I will come back to time and time again to remind myself to let my drive, determination and creativity flow.



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HUNTED. Part 2 of Guy Erma and the Son of Empire

The new serialisation of Guy Erma and the Son of Empire.

"Guy Erma and the Son of Empire by Sally Ann Melia is a fast-paced and exciting YA military sci-fi read. Don't miss this one!" — Brent LeVasseur, author and illustrator of the Aoléon The Martian Girl series.

How dare you? How dare you hold me captive?

13-year-old Teodor was taken by the vicious Battle Borgs of Dome and now he must fight to survive.
13-year-old Guy Erma has been offered a chance to fight for his place in the Dome Elite. Only who will be his opponent? Will he face a Battle Borg of Dome?
Once they were heroes. These men died as heroes in battle. Now they have been reincarnated as the fearsome vanguard of the Dome Elite. They are the Battle Borgs of Dome
Two boys as different as any two boys might be. They face the same enemy, the same danger, the same fear - dare they trust each other? 

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Remember how great I said the full book was and then how I said the same thing about Part 1? Well, that hasn't changed for Part 2. The book is still fast paced, exciting and full of adventure. Honestly, I'm thinking about assigning my boys each a book to read over the course of the summer and I think my youngest is going to get handed this one. It's right up his alley. After all, who can resist reading about the Borg? Well, he's a teenage boy so he could just to be persnickety, but I have a sneaking suspicion that he's going to start reading this and then he'll keep reading it because it's just that good and honestly, if you can get a kid who is generally a non-reader to sit and read, you know the book just has to be good.



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Amazon wants you to sell a lot of books. And How to Sell Your Books by the Truckload teaches you exactly how to do it. Internationally renowned Amazon book marketing expert, Penny Sansevieri, has created the ultimate guide for mastering the Amazon marketing system.

And in moments it can be right at your fingertips! The savings in time you’ll gain is enormous—when compared to painstakingly researching this information yourself.

When you follow Penny’s time-tested proven formulas you’ll instantly skyrocket the exposure you receive and kick your book promotion campaign into overdrive!

Plus, you can bypass all of the misinformation out there about how Amazon works. That’s because every secret you need to know to understand the Amazon marketing system inside and out is right here. Penny Sanseveri takes you step-by-step through simple and dynamic processes that show you how to:

    Get top visibility for your book on Amazon
    Increase sales through perfectly-timed pre-order campaigns
    Leverage a secret tool to get hundreds of reader reviews
    Use Kindle Unlimited to your greatest advantage
    Boost sales by knowing when to give away your e-book – it really works!
    Use keywords and book descriptions that puts your book in front of tons of buyers
    Identify and locate secret categories that drive bigger sales

Get your booked ranked #1 in your category!

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As someone who has not one, but two books that I'm working on writing, I was really excited to get my fingers on this book. Once my books are done, I intend to put them up as ebooks on Amazon and after reading through this book, I have a far better understanding on how to do this! I've heard that Amazon actually makes it quite easy for the novice, but this book is filled with tips and tricks that will make that process even simpler. While I was more interested in the first half of the book, the second half on how to get reviews is also handy for those who want to get the word out about their book. Honestly, if you have a book that you're intending to publish via Amazon, get your fingers on this book and use it!

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Bianca Corrotti's vineyard is more than a piece of mouth-watering real estate in Tuscany. It's an inheritance; a storehouse harboring the secrets of her Uncle Egisto, a world-class sculptor, and his troubled wife -- a woman whose destiny converges with Mussolini's when WWII overtakes them all. Based on a true story, Bianca's Vineyard follows a devoted family of strong-willed men and lion-hearted women waging an epic battle against a gathering storm intent on destroying their lives.

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Another up all night read! This book pretty much had it all -- mystery, romance, war, tragedy, and family. If nothing else, this book is an amazing family saga filled with characters who all have their own personalities and flaws. Too often, writers forget that people are flawed and leave out those imperfections. Not in this book though! On top of that, the attention to historical detail and just detail in general is fantastic! It was very clear to me that the author spent ages doing her research into not only this story, but the times and locations surrounding it. Honestly, the whole book just made me want to visit Italy and stay in some exotic villa while I explore the countryside. I may have to put that on my things to do list...

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Aoléon, Gilbert, Bizwat, Helios, and Zoot make it to their final destination - Cydonia where Aoléon’s parents are being held captive. They infiltrate a secret underground base and are confronted by a small army of sentrybots.
Bizwat lends Aoléon and Gilbert some of his advanced combat skills via a psionic brain dump. However, this may not be enough to save them from overwhelming hostile forces that will do anything to stop them.

They finally meet Pax - the Martian who originally set them out on the mission to discover the truth about the Luminon and his plans to invade Earth. However Pax is not who he seems to be, and through a turn of events, they uncover the true power behind all that has been happening on Mars.

Will they be able to rescue Aoléon’s parents and save Earth from invasion?

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in the conclusion to this exciting middle-grade science fiction and fantasy adventure!

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What?!? It's over?!? This is the final segment?!? Seriously, I have enjoyed this series as much as anyone of any age could. The characters are fun, the pacing is fantastic and the graphics? C'mon, you know they're wonderful and I'm betting that there are fans of this series who would love to get their fingers on some prints for their walls. I have to say that the ending was a bit of a surprise, but an ending it was. There are no cliffhangers, but I sure hope that doesn't mean that Brent is done writing. Personally, I'm looking forward to any/all books that he comes out with in the future.



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I don’t want to go… Do I have to go?

13-year-old Prince Teodor of Freyne knows his duty to the memory of his father and his kingdom. Always, he must help those less fortunate than himself. Yet a frightening nightmare fills him with foreboding, but still he must do - into the Dome.

13-year-old Guy Erma lives in the shadow of the Dome, he has no father and no mother and his future is uncertain, he must start earning a living when he turns 14. He knows not where he will live or even how he will eat, and his only dream is to enter the military academy - at the heart of the Dome.

Two boys as different as any two boys might be. One act of cruelty will throw their lives together, but who dare they trust?

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I know what you're thinking... "But you just reviewed this!" and you'd be right, except for one teensy tiny detail. The author has decided to break down the book into segments that are going to be available as ebooks! That means that I now have the opportunity to share with you my opinions on each segment. I know you're excited about this. You might as well admit to it.

In Part 1, I love the science fiction and fantasy elements. Not to mention that the descriptions completely captured my imagination. I was really getting into it when suddenly I realized I was on the last page. Thank goodness there are more parts coming because just like the last time I read it, I'm looking forward to the next part of the adventure!


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Bridges of Paris is a large-format photography book with over 350 original color images which casts new illumination on the City of Light. The 37 bridges over the Seine River emerge as beautiful, historic destinations rather than unnoticed thoroughfares. The book features stunning portraits of each bridge as well as intimate riverside moments. Once you've experienced this river tour, you will never see Paris the same way again. Living as a Parisian for a year, author Michael Saint James left his American lifestyle and spent his days and nights capturing images from over, on, beside and under the bridges of Paris. With over 30 years experience as a photographer, educator and world traveler, Michael immersed himself in French culture to search out his authentic artist self. The result is a visual treasure to share with everyone.

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Normally, I veer away from large, cumbersome books. They don't fit nicely on the shelf and quite often, they're not something that I want sitting on my coffee table long term. This book completely defied all of my normal "rules" and before I knew it, I was lost in Paris. I've never been there, but I'm a lover of architecture and of history and this book combines both of them into one marvelous volume. With over 350 beautiful photos, I found that I couldn't put the book down. I couldn't wait to see which bridge he had spent so much time at next and all of the information about it. Honestly, if the tourism industry in Paris doesn't take this book and run with it, they're crazy. I mean, if this girl from the midwest suddenly has dreams of exploring bridges in Paris, then there have to be a lot of others who would enjoy that experience.

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Aoléon and Gilbert have become the Luminon’s top priority in stopping the Martian resistance movement, and after being chased by the Royal Paladin Guard, they are forced to flee the Martian Megalopolis. Aoléon, Gilbert and Zoot escape with the help of Bizwat and his newly found friend, Helios, a first generation soldierbot.

After their saucer is destroyed, they crash land somewhere in the deep Martian desert, and they set out to locate Kyrios and the secret base where Aoléon’s parents are being held captive.

After battling the forces of nature, starvation, a Klyklon dust storm, (and not to mention a giant slor that almost swallows them alive), they finally make it to their destination. However, after Kyrios gives Gilbert some basic training to develop his budding psionic power, they learn that their journey is far from over.

Will Aoléon, Glbert, Bizwat, Helios, and Zoot be able to rescue Aoléon’s parents and stop the Martian invasion of Earth in time?

Read part 4 to find out!

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in this exciting middle school sci-fi adventure!

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I cannot believe that this series is almost over! With his amazing graphics and action packed storytelling, Brent has kept me captivated for this entire series. His imagination pulls you in and before you know it, another segment of the story is done and you're eagerly awaiting the next one. Sadly, for this series, the next one will be the final one. Fingers crossed that he doesn't stop writing though! I want to learn about new worlds, new creatures and chuckle some more at the funny acronyms that he comes up with. Honestly, with his amazing grasp on how to write dialogue and ways to share his technical knowledge without boring the reader, I think children and adults could and will enjoy his stories for years to come.


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Guy Erma and the Son of Empire is a swash-buckling, roller-coaster, action adventure thriller for boys and girls. 

The story should appeal to those of you who enjoyed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Harry Potter books by J K Rowling. 

The story begins when 13-year-old Prince Teodor and heir to two thrones lifts his voice to lead a children's choir and instead of music, a violent explosion marks the start of a vicious kidnapping... The immediate fall-out will be dead infants and murdered teachers... 

Teodor has fallen into the hands of the ruthless yet charismatic Chart Segat, a populist politician, he is also head of the military crack space troops: the Dome Elite. 

Teodor’s mother, Regent Sayginn of Freyne 2 will use every resource at her disposal to find and free Teodor … The only question is can they get to Teodor in time? 

Meanwhile in the shadow of the Dome, living a life of desperate poverty is another boy: 13-year-old Guy Erma. His only dream is to join the Dome Elite, and the only way he can do that is by ‘doing whatever Chart Segat says.’ Whatever he says!

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Just when I'm ready to say that science-fiction isn't really my thing, along comes a book that proves me wrong yet again. Guy Erma & the Son of Empire, while geared towards teens, certainly didn't let this grown up down. Filled with a brand new world and all sorts of new characters, I had a hard time putting this book down. Honestly, if you enjoy sci-fi, then this could be the perfect rainy day afternoon read for you. That, or plan on staying up late because you're not going to want to put it down until the very end.
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The three horses Jack, Max, Lax and their friend Donkey are back!

In Horse Valley it is a perfect day to go kite flying. Jack, Max, Lax, and Donkey decide to get creative by putting together their own homemade kites. However, Donkey's kite doesn't turn out very good. No matter how hard he tries to get it to fly, it just keeps tumbling to the ground.

How will poor Donkey get his kite to fly? Well, a friendly goose named Gusty is delighted to help him out.

In this Horse Valley Adventure, Donkey learns not to give up when all seems hopeless. They all learn a lesson about helping others and true friendship.

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What can I say? Liana-Melissa Allen has another wonderful book on her hands. The illustrations are still fantastic, the writing still fun and at a level that children can understand and there are even more lessons to be learned and talked about. The illustrations alone are going to hold a child's attention with their colorful storytelling. At this rate, little Harrison is going to have one fantastic library and he isn't even here yet!

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"The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey" is a tale (based on the "Three Little Pigs"), about three little horse brothers who suddenly lose their house that is destroyed by a fire. The young horses are totally alone and thrust into the reality of having to depend on themselves and each other against a bully donkey, who wanders the forest wrecking homes and bullying the other animals. This warm-hearted tale promotes strong values and has a fun premise. Written and humorously illustrated in vivid color throughout by Liana-Melissa Allen, the story is a proven winner for reading aloud to children.



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This book was a super fun updated version of The Three Little Pigs. What can I say? The illustrations were fantastic, the story had a much happier ending and it's perfect to be read to children or read by middle elementary age kids. I loved that the story gave multiple chances to be used as a teaching tool (fire safety, the benefit of doing things right the first time, etc). This is going to be another book that goes into the future little brother pile for the boys. We're down to only about 7 weeks before he's due to join their family and we're having fun finding the perfect books for them to share with him.


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In her riotous debut novel, which was awarded the 2014 bronze IPPY for Regional Southern Fiction, Melanie Denman probes the silent sacrifices of motherhood with unflinching honesty and warmhearted amusement. Set in the Bible Belt of Deep East Texas, Visiting the Sins is a darkly funny story about mothers and daughters, naked ambition, elusive redemption, and all the torment it's possible to inflict in the name of family.

Down through the decades, the lofty social aspirations of the feisty but perennially dissatisfied Wheeler women - Pokey, the love-starved, pistol-packing matriarch; Rebanelle, the frosty former beauty queen turned church organist; and Curtis Jean, the backsliding gospel singer - are exceeded only by their unfortunate taste in men and a seemingly boundless capacity for holding grudges. A legacy of feuding and scandal lurches from one generation to the next with tragic consequences that threaten to destroy everything the Wheeler women have sacrificed their souls to build.

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There's nothing like family and nothing like an author who can make their characters come alive for the reader. This book has both. Throughout this book I was reminded of the times I'd sit around the table and listen to the family stories that my grandmother would tell. No matter how many times I'd heard them, they never grew old for me. Just like those times, this book made me laugh and it made me shake my head in wonder as each of the ladies told their part. I honestly can't think of a negative when it comes to this book. I will warn you that Pokey can be a bit on the bold side with her language, so this book may not be for a younger reader, but it's nothing that a more mature reader can't handle.

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Science Fiction Series - Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 3 The Hollow Moon (Part 3 of 5)

Aoléon and Gilbert investigate the Luminon to try and uncover the plot to invade Earth to steal it’s milk cows. In the process, they discover a disturbing revelation about the Martian leader. After overhearing the Luminon discuss his plans to use sabotage to disrupt Mars’s galact supply, the duo races to try and to warn Aoléon’s father Deimos, who is a manager at the galactworks plant before the saboteur can act.

Meanwhile, Aoleon has to take her pilots exam, which would enable her to eventually join the Martian intergalactic explorational fleet. However, during the test-run, something goes horribly wrong. The two are put in a life threatening situation that only Bizwat, a Procyon commando, and Aoléon’s friend can save them from.

Gilbert finally gets his chance to learn to skyboard. However, things go horribly wrong and they are chased by the Royal Paladin guard.

Will they survive?

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in this exciting middle-grade scifi adventure story to Mars and beyond!

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I may be running out of words to describe just how fun and wonderful this series is. In part 3, Brent doesn't let the reader down but keeps the adventures coming. The pacing is still nice and quick so as not to lose the younger readers but the imagination is still top notch! The illustrations will still capture that same imagination and before you know it, you'll be eagerly looking for part four. Luckily for me, I already have it and it's time to get reading it!



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What happens to all those socks that go missing? Monsters eat them of course! Something has been eating my socks and I'm going to find out exactly what it is. My mom does't believe me, but my best friend does, and together we will capture that monster and prove that I've been right all along. Or so I thought.

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I loved this book. The illustrations were bright, colorful and full of fun. The story itself is a lot of fun for all ages and written at such a level that is perfect for the early readers in your life. Since my boys are older now, I'm planning on passing this one down to their half-brother that is due to their dad and stepmom in May. After all, you can never stop collecting good books for a kiddo too soon! I just know that this will be one that my own boys will enjoy reading to and with their younger brother when the time comes.



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Aoléon and Gilbert receive a special mission from PAX, a wanted criminal and leader of the Martian resistance movement to investigate the Luminon of Mars, who he suspects is planning an invasion of Earth to steal its milk cows. Gilbert has an encounter with the Luminess (the mate of the Luminon) and discovers something strange about her during a procession, and the duo are chased by the Royal Paladin Guard.

At Aoléon’s home, Gilbert meets Aoléon’s family, her sister Una, mother Phobos and father Deimos as well as her overzealous pet Zoot. He is also introduced to Bizwat, a covert operator and Procyon Commando, who uses his Saturn Pizza delivery job as a cover.

Gilbert then gets to visit the Martian Space Academy (Aoléon’s school) where he encounters Aoléon’s nemesis, Charm Lepton and her friend Quarkina, as well as receiving a history lesson on the Martian people by Plutarch Xenocrates. After class, Gilbert and Aoléon get to train in zero-G and Gilbert is treated to a Psi-ball match between Martian Space Academy and Martian Science Academy.

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Brent is back with part two of this series and if you loved part one, you're going to love part 2 even more. The story continues to move along and this time, we're introduced to life on Mars as Aeleon knows it. Just like in the first part, the illustrations are beautifully done in a style that fits perfectly in with the story. I will say though that they really need to be seen in color to be fully appreciated, so if you're trying to read this on a black and white e-reader, check it out on your computer. You'll be glad that you did. Honestly, I could go on and on about how great the dialogue is, how fun the story is, and that's all true but what I want to say is go and get this series...if you'll have any complaint is that you have to wait for the next segment to come out.

Looking to get it now? Click here.



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Unlike most baby care books, expert pediatrician and health communicator DR. PAUL Roumeliotis takes a unique approach by emphasizing what scientific advances have confirmed-that what happens early on in life affects one's overall health decades down the road. Baby Comes Home communicates the latest science that explains how positive or negative early childhood experiences can have lifelong consequences. The book begins by describing the vital changes that occur in a baby's brain during the first 18 months. It then explores the new "Science of TLC," that shows how tender, loving, and caring relationships with babies help to positively shape their brains. The book then presents important practical information on safety in the home and outdoors, baby routines/patterns, immunizations, injury prevention, nutrition, and more. To complete this useful guide, DR.PAUL also reviews common baby care issues and concerns as well as illnesses and conditions commonly seen during the first few years of life. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, daycare teacher or child caregiver, this book is an excellent reference resource for your baby's current and future health, wellness and prosperity.

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It's been a long time since I've had babies. My two are 14 and 15 now, but I remember those early days with fondness and sometimes a sense of longing. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't precisely start over now, but there is something amazing about those first couple of years of life and whether you're a parent, grandparent, babysitter, or just someone who spends a lot of time with small children, this book holds something for you. Filled with valuable information, this is one of those books that you're going to want to keep on the shelf and pull down whenever you need it.



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An old woman who has given up hope and a boy who believes the impossible wonder if life would be perfect at the Westminster Dog Show.

Seventy-year old Bess Rutledge has dreamed of winning the Westminster Dog Show all her life. Despite her decades-long career as one of America’s top Standard Poodle breeders, she has decided she’s too old to hold on to her foolish dream. She sells off all the dogs in her once famous kennel except for the aging champion McCreery and his mischievous, handsome son Breaker. Part of her senses they might have been the ones to take her to Westminster, if only she’d dared to try.

Bess meets Benny, a teenager with mild autism who attends a therapeutic special school, and learns he has a dream of his own: to impress his self-absorbed mother. Benny is drawn into the world of dog shows and becomes convinced he has found the perfect way to win his mother’s attention. If he can win Westminster with either McCreery or Breaker, he just knows she will finally be proud of him. Getting Bess to go along with his plan, however, is not going to be so easy. . .

Up to 100% of the author’s profits will be donated to charities serving animals and children.

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When this book arrived in the mail, I cringed at the sheer size of it. This wasn't going to be a one night read, that's for sure! What it did turn out to be was a lovely bedtime read for over the course of a week or so. As someone who has always loved dogs, I fell in love with Breaker and McCreery and wished to know so much more about Bess's past as a breeder and showman. I loved the insights into how the show world works behind the scenes and I really enjoyed her as a curmudgeonly older woman who is at the point where she's having to give up her dreams, but you know that she has this secret soft spot. As for Benny, I had a bit more trouble with his side of the story. I felt as if there were blanks. Such as, how did he become such good friends with Steffie? What was the reality about his mother? What happened in the custody hearing? I also didn't feel as if it were made clear what his actual diagnosis was which made it a bit tough to relate to him.

I do love how he didn't give up and how he learned to handle his problems and his love for those dogs would make any animal lover smile. If you're looking for a fluffy puppy story, this isn't going to be the book for you, but if you're looking for a story with a whole lot of heart, pick this one up.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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