Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Book Blast - THE ONE WHO SEES ME

Welcome to the book blast for THE ONE WHO SEES ME by Kandi J. Wyatt

The One Who Sees Me Cover 

The One Who Sees Me by Kandi J. Wyatt 
Teenage slave girl Faru’s life has been turned upside down when she discovers she’s been traded to a new master, forcing her to leave all she‘s ever known. Upon her arrival, Faru meets a friend, Cailean, who helps her adjust to life in the strange location. Life settles into a new pattern, and romance blossoms between the young friends. But as soon as they plan to get married, another proposal comes about – one that cannot be ignored. Being a slave means not always marrying who you love. On a daring journey to heal her heart, Faru encounters the Existing One. Will she trust Him and do His bidding even if what He requests is so hard?

Follow Faru’s tale in author Kandi J Wyatt’s retelling of a Biblical story found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, showing that when things don’t make sense, God will guide the way.


Praise for the book 
"Kandi Wyatt has taken historical fiction and elevated it to a higher level. Her world building pulls you in and puts you right in the middle of the adventure. This is why I love her books." - Sandra Stiles

"Well worth the read. Kandi has done an wonderful job bringing this captivating story to life!" - Christianonfire2 on Goodreads


  add to goodreads

Excerpt 
My most recent book is The One Who Sees Me. It is about a slave girl, Faru, who is exchanged for a wife for the king. She finds herself in a new home with a new master and life is always going up and down. We’ll join her in chapter 2 when she is leaving her home for the new one:

The carriage pulled to a halt, and Lord Cegrol looked up from where he sat. The ride had lasted close to half a glass, Faru estimated, and in that whole time, the lord had not said a single word to her, nor had he looked up from his folded hands. Now he graced Faru with a smile. It was a sad smile, but a smile nonetheless. “What is your name, child?” his musical voice inquired. “Faru, milord.” He seemed to see her for the first time. His eyes took her in, and Faru felt the heat rush to her face. “Well, Faru, welcome to our home away from home.” He paused as he looked out the window. “It is nothing like my Castle Fearann, but it is comfortable.” They descended from the coach onto a cobblestone drive surrounded by blooming rhododendron plants. The whites and pinks softened the harshness of the reds. Beyond the bushes, Faru noticed the house that loomed up above her. The dark bricks were a stark contrast to the stone she was accustomed to. Lord Cegrol led the way up wide, winding stairs to the front door. Torches on either side flickered against the brickwork, which seemed to trap the light instead of sending it out to welcome the master home. As Cegrol opened the door, he was greeted by a portly, elderly lady. “Lord Cegrol, welcome home. You must be exhausted. Let me get your cloak. You just go up to your den. I’ll have Trystan bring you your evening meal.” “Thank you, Kadi,” Lord Cegrol replied. “I would appreciate that. First, though, we need to help Faru get settled.” “Don’t you worry at all about that. I’ll take care of everything.” Lord Cegrol nodded and slowly plodded up another wide staircase. The motherly woman turned to Faru. “And you are?” “My name is Faru, ma’am,” the young slave girl replied, trying not to fidget with her long curly hair. “Lord Cegrol told me your name. What I want to know is, why are you here?” Faru shivered, not just from the draft that flickered the candles in their sconces, but also from the internal cold. “Ma’am, a glass ago, I was preparing my mistress’s evening meal as I have done since I was old enough to help my mother. The queen came and brought me to a parlor where King Cyning and Lord Cegrol and Lady Cwen sat. King Cyning walked off with Lady Cwen, and my mistress showed Lord Cegrol and me to the door where the carriage was waiting. Lord Cegrol brought me here. I do not have anything with me. I am at your disposal.” “You are right about that,” the woman said. “I am Kadi, the housekeeper. Anything that happens in this house, I direct. That includes you.” Kadi paused, sizing up the new servant before she continued. “What besides serving meals are you good at?” This was territory that Faru understood. “I clean rooms. I’ve done some cooking, but more so, just helping the cook prepare food. I’ve taken care of little ones so others can do their work, and I’ve been taught to weave.” “I see,” Kadi stated, pursing her lips. “You won’t have much opportunity to take care of children in this household unless it is servants’ children.” She stood, looking Faru up and down before she continued. “I suppose for tonight, you can just get settled in. Tomorrow is early enough to start. Follow me.”

  Kandi
Author Kandi J. Wyatt 
Kandi J Wyatt is a wife, mother of five, teacher, artist, and author. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy stories and Christmas programs, and drawing with graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. Kandi also enjoys photography, thanks to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey as both his model and apprentice, and she occasionally serves as his assistant when he needs a “light stand with feet.”  

50_Amazon_Paypal  

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/18/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

Earn a $5 Walmart Gift Card Easily with Swagbucks

I am sharing the following information c/o Swagbucks, where I am a long-time member. The post contains my referral link. Any opinions expressed are my own.


I'm a Swagbucks Influencer - Start Earning Now 

You probably already know how much I love using Swagbucks to earn free gift cards. As a matter of fact, I'm currently using my Swagbucks rewards toward this year's Christmas shopping. If you are not a Swagbucks member, what are you waiting for? I invite you to check it out -- it really is so easy!

Here's a current offer going on over at Swagbucks now...



Swagbucks has a new way to get a $5 Walmart Gift Card! Get your points, called SB, just for an everyday trip to Walmart.

Here's how: for a limited time, pick up a box of Hefty® Sliders at your local Walmart and earn 100SB! Purchase 2 boxes of Hefty® Sliders to earn 200 SB! Buy 3 or more boxes of Hefty® Sliders and you’ll earn a $5 Walmart gift card.

Follow these easy directions:

Send an image of your product(s) along with the qualifying receipt to iredeemedheftysliders@swagbucks.com. Don’t forget to include your Swag name in the email subject line!

Offer good in U.S. only

Just think about it, you earn SB and redeem them for Walmart gift cards. You use those Walmart gift cards to purchase Hefty® Sliders. You earn SB when you purchase the Hefty® Sliders. It’s rare you find a cycle of savings this seamless, take advantage of this offer before it runs out!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Paper Towns Now Available on Blu-ray and DVD (#PaperTownsInsiders Giveaway)

~GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED~

I am sharing this information as a member of the Fox Home ENT Insiders Blogging Program. In exchange for my participation in this campaign, I received a free copy of this film. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.


Available Now on Blu-ray and DVD
After the phenomenal success of The Fault in Our Stars, author John Green returns with another heart-warming tale in PAPER TOWNS, available now on Blu-ray™ and DVD. The story focuses on Quentin, a high school senior who has been in love with his enigmatic neighbor Margo since childhood. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears--leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Q must find a deeper understanding of friendship--and true love. 


I didn't get to see Paper Towns while it was in theaters so I'm very excited to check it out on blu-ray. Both myself and my daughter are fans of John Green and the next time my daughter is home from college this will be the perfect movie for us to have a fun Girls Night In!

Pick up your copy now and have your own Girls Night In. Paper Towns also makes a great gift for any of the girlfriends on your list.



The PAPER TOWNS Blu-ray comes with nearly an hour of deleted scenes from Q and Margo’s journey, commentary from the director and Green, and exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes. Watch a never-before-seen gag reel and learn more about the making of the film from the actors, filmmakers and Green in a three-part documentary. Take a road trip with the author and cast, watch the stars engage him in lightning round interviews and see how much fun they all have when the cameras aren’t rolling!





GIVEAWAY: 
One lucky Alas 3 Lads reader is going to win a copy of Paper Towns 

*This giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. One random winner will be selected from all eligible entries. Please make sure I have valid contact information for you in case you are the winner. Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. 

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Monday, October 19, 2015

$200 Target Gift Card Giveaway

Just in time for some holiday shopping, I've joined up with a fab group of bloggers to bring you this $200 Target Gift Card Giveaway

Good luck!



GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Prize: $200 Target Gift Card Giveaway

Organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 11/10 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!



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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Movie Trailer Tuesday - Like Sunday, Like Rain

Welcome to "Movie Trailer Tuesday - my weekly blog feature where I share movie/dvd recommendations by posting a quick blurb and movie trailer for you to check out. 

What good movies have you recently watched? Feel free to share in the comments below...

blog

Eleanor is a down-on-her-luck struggling musician who has come to a crossroads in her life. Reggie is a wealthy, child prodigy who lives a lonely life. When they meet, their lives are both changed forever.

This is not a fast-paced or action packed film so it requires a little work to stick with it. If you do, you will find a sweet but melancholy tale that is quite touching. Leighton Meester and Julian Shatkin both play their roles really well and you can't help but root for them to find some happiness. My only negative comment is the casting of Billie Jo Armstrong as the loser ex-boyfriend -- he just didn't fit well for me. Still, Like Sunday, Like Rain is definitely worth watching.

Rated R

  

8 Fun Mugs on Etsy

I'm a big fan of coffee and hot tea. I literally can't wait to wake up each morning because I know I get coffee; it helps me get my day going (I take mine black and extra extra hot!). If I start to feel like I'm dragging or wanting a snack throughout the day or I'm feeling a little under the weather, a cup of hot tea always helps.

There's nothing better than enjoying my coffee or tea in a cute and fun mug. I also think mugs make great gifts. Pick a mug, add a bag of coffee or tea and a pretty coaster or spoon (or book or socks or whatever that individual might like) and WAH-LAH...the perfect, easy gift for just about anyone.

Etsy has lots of cool mugs to choose from and I really love supporting the handmade artisan community. I was browsing around recently and thought I would share a few of my favorites...




1. Matte black but first coffee - Printable Wisdom $24.00 (this could be my mantra and matte black is so in)

2. Coffee Books & Rain - Eva Design Studio (duh! 3 of my fave things; love the large bold text)

3. Tea-Rex - Lenny Mud $16.00 (seriously, how funny is this!)
* Lenny Mud is generously offering a discount to her Etsy shop thru Oct. 31 - simply use coupon code ALAS3LADS at checkout *

4. Rise and Shine - FoxyMug $15.00 (the gold text really pops & gives it a touch of glam)

5. Messy Hair Don't Care - Love & Lace Blvd $15.00 (the metallic pattern is so unique & pretty)

6. Drink Coffee Take Naps - Southern Spruce $18.00 (so sweet & that REALLY is all I want to do)

7. Oh For Fox Sake - BrieCreate $15.00 (so, so clever)

8. Be Merry - Mugsleys $13.00 (had to pick a Christmas mug; love that you can customize handle color)

Aren't they all so much fun! Which is your favorite? 

#GiftIdeas
photos c/o the above mentioned Etsy sellers

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Home Alone: Ultimate Collector's Edition - #HomeAloneInsiders Activity Sheets & Giveaway

I am sharing this information as a member of the Fox Home ENT Insiders Blogging Program. In exchange for my participation in this campaign, I received the free product mentioned below.. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. 

Available on Blu-ray and DVD Now 
Home Alone: Ultimate Collector's Edition


Can you believe that this beloved holiday film is 25 years old?! To celebrate this anniversary, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has put together the ultimate collector's edition. This must have gift set features all five films packaged together for the first time in a collectible paint can full of limited edition movie memorabilia that will keep the whole family laughing including a McCallister Christmas ornament, Kevin’s battle plan for the Wet Bandits, his tarantula and a wanted poster of the thieves – Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) – and more.
This classic family favorite is perfect for the upcoming holidays -- pick up a set to enjoy with your own family and another to share as a gift with someone special. The Home Alone Ultimate Collector's Edition is sure to be a hit with all!

I'm happy to announce that I have one Home Alone Ultimate Collector's Edition prize to give away here on my blog. Keep reading for the giveaway details, but first, I also have some free activity sheets to share. These are really cute and should be a lot of fun.






GIVEAWAY: 
One lucky Alas 3 Lads reader is going to win a Home Alone: Ultimate Collector's Edition set

*This giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. One random winner will be selected from all eligible entries. Please make sure I have valid contact information for you in case you are the winner. Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

*Giveaway ends on 10-16-15


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Movie Trailer Tuesday - St. Vincent

Welcome to "Movie Trailer Tuesday - my weekly blog feature where I share movie/dvd recommendations by posting a quick blurb and movie trailer for you to check out. 

What good movies have you recently watched? Feel free to share in the comments below...


blog

With his parents going through an ugly divorce, 12-year-old Oliver has to move to a new home and start a new school. Feeling a little lonely, Oliver begins spending time with his next door neighbor, Vincent - a grumpy old guy who doesn't like anyone, drinks too much and likes to gamble. Although theirs seems like an unlikely friendship, Oliver and Vincent soon find themselves greatly affected by one another.

I like this movie and have, in fact, watched it several times. While the story line may seem a little cliche, it really turned out to be original and heart-warming. Bill Murray does an excellent job playing a cantankerous old grump. And, as a big fan of Melissa McCarthy, it was nice to see her in a somewhat more serious role than her usual comedic characters. Definitely worth the watch!

Rated PG-13 - Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.