iPad Mini Giveaway

When it comes to summer reading indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers. Here’s a list of ten titles from trending indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook.

In a time of uncertainty, Nova Rose created a fantasy epic of high adventure spanning 1500 years with its unique mythology and characters--of which Galdin is the final book--where the lowliest of people overcome impossible odds to save the land they love. 

Reviewer Comments
This book had me hooked right from the beginning and kept me going through to the end. You find yourself quickly immersed in an intense new world and the characters are both compelling, identifiable, fresh, interesting, and mysterious enough to keep your attention. The plot is exciting and does a good job of creating an intricate believable world while keeping up the action. Very well crafted story.

Be sure to follow the author on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest publications.

Special Price Cut Book was $5.49 and is now available for $0.99


A top-ranked Amazon thriller sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

More About The Book 
A fast-paced thriller centered on a brutal, time-obsessed serial killer. The expression "killing time" rarely means murder, but here, the victims of a serial killer must pay for time they've wasted, often with both their money and their lives. In a brutal scene from the opening chapter, an entire family is murdered after a stranger invades the family's home and accuses the patriarch of wasting his time. Veteran cop Max Larkin is on the case. Unfortunately, he's also been assigned a new partner; though she's green in the field--she has "very sad eyes" and prays upon arriving at the first crime scene--she gives the hardened old detective a new perspective he never knew he needed. But as the serial killer claims more victims, a pattern emerges that neither Max nor his new partner can ignore. With brisk pacing, Thiede's debut brims with action, violence and, occasionally, emotion. Though the book takes a while to find its heart, procedural fans will feel right at home. Larkin feels like a guy worth rooting for, despite filling the shoes of the beaten-down, grizzled, old loner cop trope a little too well. His interactions with his new partner, plus the twists and revelations regarding his past, give him enough of a pass to get readers invested in the story and looking forward to his next outing. Larkin's story doesn't break any boundaries, but it'll keep crime and thriller fans wrapped up in its twisting plot, fast pace and memorable detective. Plenty of shock value and a charismatic, if formulaic, male lead. - Kirkus Reviews

Read more about the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble


Lee Fishman has written an action-packed thriller that's a story for our times, a story of America the hard way! 
More About The Book
What’s it like to be on your own in a new country? While Rija, a young wife and mother, confronts the challenges of her new life in America with gritty determination, her husband, the charming Josef, takes off. Falling into a life of crime, he hooks up with the Russian mafia and turns up with piles of cash and trouble at just the wrong time. The action starts early and keeps building. This is a great beach read!


If you don't like just plain old vanilla and want something different, read, Reluctant Gods III - Reset from the series that transcends fiction fantasy by crossing genres into romance, humor, science fiction, and mystery and is sure to entertain while you enjoy the best of summer.

Reviewer Comments
I loved Reluctant Gods III-Reset! As a science fiction fan, I couldn't have asked for more. It covers so much of what I enjoy reading about, with a story that keeps you interested through the end. My husband didn't want to read it by the description at first, but I urged him to just try it. It's now one of his favorites! He's even gone back and read the first two in the series, although you can keep up even if you haven't. I did read them first and am glad I did. Personally, I like to know the in's and out's of the stories that I read, so I just had to read the others first. - 5 Star Amazon Review


Slum is a page-turner that's been called an intoxicating love story and a tale of hope for a dying child, played out by a wealthy New Yorker and a poor ex-stripper from a Caribbean slum. 

Reviewer Comments
From Clarion Reviews: "Enticingly entertaining... Julianna and Robert are well-drawn, credible characters... descriptions of the slum are evocative, realistic, and insightful... safe to assume that the realism in the novel emanates from Dan Carroll's firsthand knowledge and experiences in the slums."

Special Price Cut .99 cents on Kindle, iBookstore, Nook 


“Powerful novel … extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense … sure to keep you up late against your better judgment - don't say I didn't warn you.” Norm Goldman, Bookpleasures/The Examiner 

More About the Book
“Author Avraham Azrieli wades into controversial waters with his fifth novel, "The Mormon Candidate." His main character, Ben Teller, is a photojournalist who, with his motorcycle has joined the Marine Corps Veterans' Annual Ride in Washington, D.C. when a terrible accident results in the death of one of the bikers. Suspicious by nature, he senses that Hinckley's death was not an accident. His investigation leads directly into the political nest of the man running for president of the United States, Joe Morgan, a successful businessman and active LDS member. Throughout the novel, details are revealed about the daily practices and social beliefs of members of the Mormon Church. A well-written page-turner, this is an entertaining novel.” Kel Kanady,Mercury News

You can also find Avraham Azrieli on Good Reads and Library Thing.
Special Price Cut E-book is now $2.99. Paperback is $13.49.


For the first mystery from Ritch Gaiti he has attained some excellent reviews on a socially significant mystery that is far more than a casual read. (Amazon 4.7 –23 reviews) 

Reviewer Comments
 “…masterfully conceived, dramatically atmospheric…Highly recommended.” Literary Aficionado “…a home run with fiction lovers… keeps the reader guessing until the very end.” Pacific Book Review


The book provides much needed insight into how to manage a long and successful career in the Information Technology field from an author who has spent twenty-four years working as an IT tech in many environments. 

Reviewer Comments
Being a go to Tech by Warren C. Zabloudil is a great how-to and self improvement that should be read by not only anyone going into the IT (information technology) field but any service-based career. Mr. Zabloudil uses a common sense approach pointing out the ins and outs that will make you the individual (or team leader) that everyone looks to when their computer systems are down. The book brings up several good points that we may have heard before but not in as clear and precise as Mr. Zabloudil puts it in this book. He points out how different types of attitudes can affect performance and steps that should be taken to change your outlook when going into a job or dealing with management. You will be shown the importance of listening, documenting, understanding, communication and time management. - J. Wallace 5 Star Amazon Review



In his debut novel for adults, bestselling MG/YA author Jeff Gunhus (known for his Jack Templar Monster Hunter books) has won outstanding reviews for his supernatural thriller which has drawn comparisons to Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Come see why this novel is consistently on the Amazon horror bestseller lists. 

More About The Book
Gunhus deliver a taut supernatural thriller...the powerful Nate Huckley terrifies, and the assorted cast of human antagonists add to the white-knuckle tension. All the chops of an action-packed horror tale. - Kirkus Reviews
Special Price Cut The book is now on sale for 99 cents. 


When Richard Corbett bought a modest flight school at the Modesto, California airport in 2007, he thought his dreams had come true. This from a man who’d made a career out of fulfilling his life’s admittedly lofty ambitions. 

More About The Book
Up, Up, and Away is an interesting story about a man who wanted to participate in free enterprise, and worked hard to make his business dreams a reality, but what he got instead was simply un-American. Running up against blatant corruption holding hands with Modesto government (no surprises there), Richard Corbett did all that he could to play by the rules. Unfortunately for him, the rules only apply to those who don't already have city officials in their pockets.

 Special Price Cut $9.99

Now that you've ready about these wonderful authors, make sure to place your vote today for a chance to win an iPad Mini from Reader Spoils!

Ready For Your Chance To Win?
Children Teaching Mama is excited to offer you a chance to win this amazing prize thanks to Reader Spoils
Enter To Win An iPad Mini
One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries to receive a 16GB white iPad Mini valued at $339.99! To enter, complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter form below. Don't forget to vote for your favorite book AND come back for daily entries! Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to U.S. Readers Only.
Ends on Sunday, September 15th at 11:59pm

Kindle Fire HD Giveaway


 
 
Welcome to the Kindle Fire HD Giveaway
CoHosted by LazyDay.CA  
Sponsored by MyPerfectGift.com!

MyPerfectGift.com helps you give (or get) the perfect gift by choosing and placing the things you like or love into your own personal wishlist!  You, your spouse, your kids can all make wishlists to share with family and friends or to keep track of all the wonderful things you'd love to have! It's like a wedding or baby registry, and everybody loves those! You can put anything you want on the wishlist. Clothes, jewelry, housewares, gift cards, electronics, any thing your heart desires. The possibilities are endless. I can't wait to start my list!



Here is how you can be Eligible to Win~
First ~ Sign up and create a registry and add at least 3 gifts to it - it's that easy!
{you can even sign-up with one click using your Facebook info}

If you already have a MyPerfectGift Registry just add a new gift to your existing wishlist.



One lucky winner will receive 
a Kindle Fire (US) or Paypal (Int)!!

A special thank you to the Co-Host:  LazyDay.CA


Giveaway starts August 10th at 12:01am and ends August 31st at 11:59pm
 Kindle Fire HD prize available to US residents, ages 18+ 
~ International Residents are welcome to enter but will win Paypal cash (less fees) instead of the Kindle Fire prize.

To enter please use the GiveawayTools form below. Have FUN!



Disclaimer: Disclosure: To be eligible to win this giveaway you must create an account and add at least three items in your registry. If you have an existing account add at least one new item to your registry.
 
Mom Loves 2 Read did receive compensation for this giveaway event, however my opinions are my own and may differ from yours. 
Sleep, Baby, Sleep is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  If winner lives in US he/she will receive a Kindle Fire from the sponsor.  If winner is outside the US, he/she will receive Paypal Cash from the sponsor less any Paypal fees.  Prizes can take up to 8 weeks to arrive.  Void where prohibited.

Growth Spurts

There's nothing more frustrating than finally getting to know and understand your newborn and BOOM...first growth spurt. Or when your baby finally starts to sleep for a good stretch, and she hits a growth spurt and throws everything off. A growth spurt can totally confuse everyone and mess up any pattern or schedule your baby may have had.

So what is a growth spurt?

A growth spurt is when your baby grows in height and weight, at a very rapid rate, in a short amount of time. In turn, requiring a lot more feedings to supply the demand of her rapidly growing body. During the first year growth spurts usually happen around 7 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months.

What does a typical growth spurt look like?

Well, up until you may have had a very predictable baby, who wakes to eat every 2-3 hours and goes right back to sleep. Now it seems you can't get her off the bottle or breast. She will feed on demand, and very often. She will be fussy and hard to put to sleep. You will find she is awake more than she is asleep, which will make her overtired and even more cranky. If you are breast-feeding, it may be a little more difficult for you, because your body will have to supply the sudden increase in demand of your baby's growing needs. It will seem as if your baby is on your breast all day.

But guess what? This is all NORMAL. Every baby goes through growth spurts and every mom gets through them. Growth spurts typically last about 3 days.

What to do

It's going to be a tough few days but the best way to keep baby happy is to feed her when she wants to eat, even if you just did it a half hour ago. If you are breast-feeding, don't give up just because you think you won't be able to keep up. Don't forget breast-feeding works on supply and demand. So if baby is emptying your breast, your breast will in turn produce more milk. Drink plenty of fluids, get rest when you can, and try your best to tough it out. And keep telling yourself that this will only last a few days. If this is going on for more than just a few days, then it could be a sleep regression. Take a look at my article on sleep regression here.

And if you need a little humor, here is a funny letter from a baby going through a growth spurt:



Dear Parents,
 I am your brand new, wonderful baby. I have very simple needs, but I cannot communicate them to you, therefore, I am a mystery. I also am changing very rapidly, and every day will be different. I promise you–DIFFERENT. Make no assumptions, there are no patterns, just when you think you know who I am and what I like, I will CHANGE. Oh, and let me tell you about my first growth spurt. It will happen sometime when I am 2-3 weeks old, and it will come out of nowhere, like a bolt of lightning. Up until my growth spurt, I may have been a good nurser. You may have been banking on me sleeping at least 2 hour stretches at a time. You may have thought you had figured out what kind of bouncing or rocking or swaying or singing I enjoyed. You may have been gaining some confidence with your new parenting skills. HAH! I am here to tell you that my growth spurt will throw all of this out the window. It won’t just throw it out the window, it will toss it up, spit on it, tear it to shreds, set fire to the shreds, and then throw the ashes out the window all done while laughing maniacally. During my growth spurt, I will DEMAND food every hour, on the hour, and when you offer me your breasts, I will flail at them and spit them out because they will be EMPTY and so inadequate for my growing needs. I will not just be fussier than usual, I will be INCONSOLABLE. I will introduce you to several of my more distressing cries which I have been saving for just this occasion: the high-pitched wail, the piercing shriek, the crying-so-hard-I-choke-and-stop-breathing-for-awhile, the so-red-in-the-face-you’ll-think-you-need-to-call-911—these and other specialty cries I prepared for you. I will not let you sleep. AT ALL. EVER. You might have thought other parents were just joking when they said they literally got NO sleep, but really, TRULY, you WILL NOT SLEEP. You will spend 24 hours trying to comfort me. You will pull your hair out. You will wonder where you can return me to. You will question the decision you made to have a baby. You will question whey you ever wanted to have sex, ever, in your life, instead of joining a convent at the tender age of 13. You will be forced to watch an all-night Hugh Grant movie marathon in bleary sleep-deprivation while I gnaw and masticate your nipples to a pulp in my unending demand for milk, of which you are so unable to provide for me. And then, finally, when I pass out from exhaustion after wailing for 8 hours, I will only sleep for 2 hours before beginning the cycle all over again. THIS IS MY GROWTH SPURT! BE AFRAID! BE VERY AFRAID!l 

Zipadee-Zip Giveaway!

Has your baby out grown the swaddle and now you're wondering what life will be like without it? Have you been nervous about putting your baby down without swaddling, because you know she can't sleep without it? I bet you have been putting it off for so long that your baby is practically breaking free every night...and maybe even rolling over. Yea...I know, I've been there too, and so have many other parents.

I know you've been told many times that once your baby starts rolling over, it's no longer safe to swaddle. But what are you suppose to do when that's the only way your baby will fall asleep? Well...I did some research for you... and you're welcome! I have found something so genius, that I wish I had thought of it myself. It's called the Zipadee-Zip. It's a sleep sack that your baby can use if they have outgrown swaddling, and get this...your baby can roll over in it. You have to check out the videos on the website zipadeezip.com you will be amazed!

Stephanie, the creator of the Zipadee-Zip has generously offered to give away a Zippy to one of my lucky readers. All you have to do is enter through Rafflecopter below. It's really easy to use. All you have to do is login, so that I know how to contact you once you win. Then just simply complete one or more of the tasks, depending on how many entries you want to submit. Yes you can enter multiple entries! Winner will be chosen on July 3rd. Good luck everyone!

If you're not our lucky winner, but still want to purchase a Zippy, go to zipadeezip.com. Also, everyone can get a free customized sleep report from sleepsense.net.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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"The Biggest Cause of Baby Sleep Problems", explained by sleep specialist Dana Obleman.





For more information or sleep tips from Dana Obleman. Take a look at the Sleep Sense Program www.sleepsense.net