Haven: A Stranger Magic--Book Review

Haven: A Stranger Magic by D.C.Akers is a little different from most books I've been reading lately. It was a good different though. I was intrigued from the beginning as the book starts out with Sam Dalcome being chased by an unknown creature. I was immediately drawn in as the detailed descriptions by the author make you feel like you are actually in the story.   Sam's seemingly normal life takes one interesting turn after the other from the moment he first notices the stranger staring at him from outside his window. Surely if he told anyone they would think he was crazy. So he keeps what he has seen to himself and goes on about his daily life being picked on by his older sister, Sarah, and spending time with his best friend, Travis.   As the book goes on, the reader becomes aware that Sarah's life isn't as perfect as it seems to be and she is dealing with her own odd events as strange things seem to happen any time she gets mad.  

The reader also learns in the story that Sam and Sarah's father passed away when they were young, but it's not until the end of the book that the reader begins to understand what happened to their father.   Sam finally lets Travis in on his secret about the stranger outside his window when he and Travis visit the caves they often frequent and experience a magical encounter together that neither can explain.   At this point in the story, the reader can begin to speculate about what is going on with the Dalcome family, but it is not until the end of the story when the stranger reveals himself that the pieces really begin to fall together and the reader learns more about the history of the Dalcomes.   I really enjoyed reading this book and once I picked it up, I could not put it down! The way the book ended left me wanting to pick up the second book and find out more about the Dalcome family and their mysterious past.   I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
 

Banana Cat

We expanded our family about a week and a half ago. Audrey's kitten Sparkles was in a freak accident and passed away. SO she wanted a new kitten.   We took her to animal control and let her pick one. She was bound and determined to get a "girl" cat but she ended up picking an orange striped (as Brent say, Garfield) very much a boy kitten.   After getting the kitten, Audrey was sitting in the car going over names. Possibilities included: Milkshake and Butter. But then she declares that he has a name and it is: Banana Cat (I guess she had food on the brain).   So Banana Cat it was and is.   Audrey is learning some responsibility with Banana Cat as she is in charge of his food and water and I think that has been good for her. (Yes I double check behind her ALL the time).  

The huskies are not sure about Banana Cat. They want to play with him so bad, but considering he is the size of their paws, that isn't happening. Their whining at him is a solid reminder to me that they just don't think it's fair that they can't play with that new orange toy.   Banana Cat LOVES to eat and he knows exactly when it is time for him to be fed twice a day. If you walk by him first thing in the morning or about five in the evening, he begins talking to you to let you know he is hungry. Any other time he is sleeping or climbing. The cat has a built in clock.   Another unique thing about Banana Cat is his tail. It's like a "half bob tail". It's not completely gone, but it's only like half as long as a normal cat tail. It's kind of cute though.   Hope you enjoy the kitten cuteness!      

10 Things I Love about Being Pregnant

So many times I hear people complaining about pregnancy (and that's ok sometimes--we're growing a human here!), and while I am miserable at moments, there are some things I absolutely love about being pregnant.   1). My husband doesn't question my cravings. For example: Yesterday I wanted Sour Punch Straw SO bad, like right then. He doesn't question it. I later find myself enjoying that sour goodness. But when I throw out a random craving like that when I'm not pregnant, I just get weird looks and no special trips to the store.   2). Lots of naps. So I figure, I can complain because I'm tired all the time or be thankful for the fact that I am able to take frequent naps. I pretty much take a nap every chance I get. While I don't love being tired all of the time, I love the naps.   3). Gaining weight is a good thing. I'm not a number watcher anyway--I'm still blessed to have my metabolism. But any woman knows it's nice to rejoice in a snug waistline versus freaking out because you have an entire closet full of those size pants and CANNOT outgrow them.   4). Baby Kicks. While baby can be quite invasive with a swift kick to the bladder or ribs, I cherish each one. Every roll and kick brings a smile to my face--even the ones where she quite literally takes my breath away.   5). Foot rubs. Okay, maybe not everyone's husband is as awesome as mine, but my he has been pampering my poor feet this pregnancy. They have been throbbing and he will sit down and give me 30 minutes or more of the most amazing massages ever for my not happy feet. Seriously. Best Ever.   6). The anticipation. I love wondering what it will be like to add one more to our family. A lot of time is spent wondering if she will be like Audrey or quite the opposite. Will she even have time to talk with Audrey has her big sister? What will she like? Will she drag us to softball while Audrey drags us to ride horses?   7). Baby Shopping. Shopping for baby makes for fun times. I especially love shopping for a little girl--making sure we get a good mix of frills, tutu's, football, and fishing.   8). Bonding with Baby. I love the point at pregnancy I am at now. Cate can hear my voice and I can feel her movements. From now until September, I get some quality bonding time with her all to myself. That is something special that only mommies get.   9). New Friends. I have had the privilege of meeting some awesome ladies also due in September. I've made some great new friends and I love keeping up with them. It's amazing how each of my children have brought wonderful people into my life through different ways.   10). Experiencing a Miracle. Okay, so maybe this one seems a bit corny, but have you ever really stopped to think about the miracle of new life? I mean really stopped to think about it? It's incredible. I can't thank God enough for blessing me with this experience for the third time now.  

   

Air Walker Bounce Castle {Giveaway}

Air Walker Bounce Castle Giveaway
Brought to you by Blast Zone

Host: Inside My Head 

Co-Hosts: Reviewz & Newz and Java John Z's

Full Review HERE

Product Description: The Blast Zone Air Walker Bounce Castle provides bouncing fun for up to three kids, and is fully enclosed by heavy-duty netting to ensure safety.

Within a few short minutes of opening the box, your Air Walker kid's outdoor inflatable bouncer is ready to use. The included fan provides constant airflow into the bouncing castle while your kids bounce away. The BlastZone.com Air Walker Bounce Castle stores easily in the included bag.

Blast Zone uses reinforced construction, and commercial vinyl bounce surfaces for extended durability. Impact zones are double and quadruple reinforced.


Get those kids outside playing and moving this summer. This prize would make the perfect entertainment for kids outside on these upcoming summer days!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Enter Through The Rafflecopter Below To Win

Blast Zone Air Walker Bounce Castle

Open To US Residents Only

5/20 -6/20

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The Crimson Key Book {Giveaway}

This book was awesome, scary and definitely gave me the hebie gebies!

~ D. Love, Yesterday & Tomorrow Reads

I read this in one night, unable to put it down and hanging on every word to see what happened next.

~ Dawn Gray, author of Fire Storm

Buy at Amazon!

The truth can be deadly.

Brylee Branson’s best friend and boyfriend have fallen victim to a horrible curse that haunts her home. With the witches who cast it dead she has no choice but to rely on the ghosts inside the Brown house to help her find a cure. But time is not on her side, because Lynley's illness is spreading rapidly. 

Confused and scared, seventeen-year-old Brylee must confront a new ghost in the house she has never spoken to before. This spirit is not a Brown relative and makes no promises to help them … unless she can re-unite her with a loved one.

The fate of those she loves now rests on her. Can Brylee put the pieces of this puzzle together in time to save them? Or will the Brown house claim another victim?

The Visitor’s Series continues to scare and entice its readers with this gripping second book.

TWITTER PARTY!

Tuesday, May 21 at 8 pm eastern

#CrimsonKey

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A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by Anchor Group Publishing. The giveaway is sponsored by the author. Luker Family Tales is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Pink Blush Maternity Review & {Giveaway}

Finding fashionable and practical maternity clothes can be SUCH a challenge. I've found some cute clothes, but I find that with most of them they are just not practical. I'm pregnant, but I still want to look cute!

In saying that, I also want to be comfortable. I don't want to be tugging and shifting my clothes all day long. With dresses specifically, I have a hard time finding dresses that are long enough to cover my expanding bump and still be a decent length.

For this review I received the Teal Crochet Top Maternity Dress from Pink Blush Maternity. Pink Blush Maternity offers trendy maternity clothes for us expecting moms. I put this dress to the ultimate comfort test for this review by wearing it for an entire day of shopping. I am all about feeling comfortable when I'm going to be spending an entire day on my feet. 

The first thing I noticed about the dress is that it covers my bump and is still long enough for me to feel comfortable wearing it (with some more room for my growing bump!). That is really important to me. I also noticed the quality of the material that the dress is made of appeared very durable and is not flimsy at all.

So many times I find myself tugging at maternity clothes because of where the elastic hits me. That was not the case with this dress. In fact, the friend I was shopping with even commented that she hadn't seen me pull at or tug on the dress all day (which is a big deal for this pregnant lady!). 

Another thing I love about this dress is that I'll be able to wear it after baby is born. It's not so obviously maternity wear that it won't do for after baby. I love that quality of versatility. 

So, after an entire day of shopping and wearing myself out, not once did I regret wearing a dress for the trip. It was very comfortable and cool in this Alabama heat. I was able to shop while comfortable without feeling like I was dressed like a slob. I felt proud to show off my growing bump in this dress. If you are looking for some fashionable and practical maternity clothes, check out Pink Blush Maternity--they've got some great sale prices on quality maternity clothing right now!

Pink Blush Maternity is giving a $25 e-gift card away to one lucky Luker Family Tales reader! I am very excited about this, and I know you are too!

*Giveaway will run from midnight on 5/20 through midnight on 6/7. You are not eligible to win this giveaway if you have previously won a giveaway from Pink Blush Maternity in the past.

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*Disclosure: I was provided the product reviewed above in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and may differ from yours. This giveaway is in no way associated with any social media platform. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  

Spring Coach {Giveaway} Event

Welcome to the ALL Coach, ONLY Coach Spring Event hosted by Dixieland Mom Product & Travel Reviews and Virtual Musings of a Chic Momma! We are excited to offer 3 (THREE!!) winners a new Coach!  Entry is simple! Just follow the instructions on the Giveaway Tool below! But first, we have to give you the fine print, aka, official rules for this sweepstakes. ********************************************************************************* OFFICIAL RULES:  No Purchase necessary to win. Void where prohibited by law. Open to persons age 18+ residing in the U.S and Canada. Luker Family Tales is not responsible for shipment of the prizes.  Sweepstakes will begin on May 20th, 2013 at 12:01 am and end on May 31st, 2013 at 11:59 pm eastern standard time. Winners will be selected on or before June 5th, 2013 and notified by email. Winners have 48 hours from date/time of email to respond. If no response is received within the time limit, winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be drawn. PRIZES: 1st Prize is an Ashley Lace Leather Satchel- ARV- $498.00 2nd Prize is a Coach Gallery Optic Signature Tote- ARV $348.00 and 3rd Prize is a Madison Diagonal Pleated Patent Accordion Zip Wallet- ARV- $258.00.  Value of all prizes total $1104.00!   All taxes are the responsibility of each individual winner. This sweepstakes is blogger sponsored. ********************************************************************************* Enter Below! Good Luck! All entries will be verified.Remember--you can't win if you don't enter!

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