Wednesday, February 5, 2014

booklook critia

BookLook Bloggers Reviewer Guidelines

Introduction

Thank you so much for joining BookLook Bloggers in our efforts to inspire the world through our products. As reviewers you are extremely important to us and we want your experience to be both enjoyable and worthwhile. We have provided some reviewing guidelines for your benefit and we hope these will be helpful and informative. Please read the guidelines that pertain to the product you are reviewing.
After you have requested a book you will receive an email that contains more information about that particular title. Each email will have a link to the book’s BookLook Bloggers product page, and a link that will allow your readers to preview the book. Please post both links at the end of your review.
To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or retail site review that the publisher has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through BookLook Bloggers. Click for details. If you have any questions or are unclear about our guidelines you can reach us at booklookhelp@harpercollins.com.
BookLook Bloggers will not stand for any personal attacks against authors whose books are submitted for review on our site. If there are any instances of this, Book reserves the right to remove bloggers from the program.

Fiction

First and foremost, we want nothing but complete honesty in your reviews. If you loved the story, that’s great! That’s what we are striving for at BookLook Bloggers. We want to consistently produce quality fiction that inspires, entertains, and challenges readers. If you didn’t enjoy a certain novel, well that’s great as well! Of course we want every title to be a home run with readers, but when they aren’t we want to know why. The only way we can continue to bring our readers consistent and quality fiction is to receive honest and unbiased feedback from them. We’re not asking for positive reviews in return for free review materials. We’re simply asking for complete objectivity.
We ask that your reviews be 200 words or more. We do recommend you don't get too long though. This word count allows you to be informative without being too informative. We want your reviews to be read and most people tend to shy away from long reviews. Here is our recommendation for the structure of each review:
Title
For the title of your post please include the title of the book and the author (e.g. House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo)
Summary (50-100 words)
Please make sure your summary is in the first few sentences of the review.
  • What’s the story about? How would you describe this story to someone in 3 or 4 sentences?
  • Be careful not to give away major plot points, twists, or surprise endings.
Your Reactions (100-150 words)
Let us know what you liked and didn’t like about the novel.
  • Was the story suspenseful, frightening, or romantic? How did it make you feel?
  • Consider story elements such as plot, character development, dialogue, description, and scene. What worked and what didn’t?
  • Was the overall message inspiring? Were you challenged in your faith? Were you entertained?
  • Would you recommend this novel to others?
Please keep in mind that we prefer our fiction reviews to be spoiler free. We don’t want to take away from someone’s reading experience. If you think a line or a sentence from you review is too revealing it’s usually best to omit it or rewrite it.
Please sign in to your account at http://booklookbloggers.com/ and post the link to your review. If at all possible, be sure to provide the specific link to the post where your review is found.
After you’ve posted the review on your blog and our website, post your review on at least one consumer site such as ThomasNelson.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, or Christianbook.com. To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or retail site review that BookLook Bloggers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. Click for details.

Non-Fiction

First and foremost, we want nothing but complete honesty in your reviews. If you loved a title, that’s great! That’s what we are striving for at BookLook Bloggers. We want to consistently produce quality non-fiction that inspires, informs, and challenges readers. If you didn’t enjoy a certain book, well that’s great as well! Of course we want every title to be a home run with readers, but when they aren’t we want to know why. The only way we can continue to bring our readers consistent and quality non-fiction is to receive honest and unbiased feedback from them. We’re not asking for positive reviews in return for free review materials. We’re asking for complete objectivity.
We ask that your reviews be 200 words or more. We do recommend you don't get too long though. This word count allows you to be informative without being too informative. We want your reviews to be read and most people tend to shy away from long reviews. Here is our recommendation for the structure of each review:
Title
For the title of your post please include the title of the book and the author (e.g. For the Tough Times by Max Lucado)
Summary (50-100 words)
Please make sure your summary is in the first few sentences of the review.
  • What is this book about? What’s the overall gist of the message or topic?
  • Summarize the message of the book in 3 or 4 sentences.
Your Reactions (100-150 words) * Was this book interesting to you? Did it challenge, inspire, or enlighten you in any way? * Did the author(s) make you think? Did the author(s) hold your attention? * Was the information presented in a cohesive, yet appealing manner? * Did the author(s) successfully convey Biblical truth? * Would you recommend this book to others?
Please sign in to your account at http://booklookbloggers.com/ and post the link to your review. If at all possible, be sure to provide the specific link to the post where your review is found.
After you’ve posted the review on your blog and our website, post your review on at least one consumer site such as ThomasNelson.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, or Christianbook.com. To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or retail site review that BookLook Bloggers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. Click for details.

Bibles

First and foremost, we want nothing but complete honesty in your reviews. If you loved the layout and structure of a particular Bible, that’s great! That’s what we are striving for at BookLook Bloggers. We want to consistently produce Bibles that are not only accessible, but informative and conducive to quality Bible study. If you didn’t enjoy a certain type of Bible, please tell readers why! We’re not asking for positive reviews in return for free review materials. We’re asking for complete objectivity.
We do not expect you to read the entire Bible for this review. We recommend you pick one of you favorite books of the Bible to read and get a feel for the Bible.
We ask that your reviews be 200 words or more. We do recommend you don't get too long though. This word count allows you to be informative without being too informative. We want your reviews to be read and most people tend to shy away from long reviews. Here is our recommendation for the structure of each review:
Title For the title of your post please include the name of the particular Bible you are reviewing and the version (e.g. The Chronological Study Bible, NKJV)
Description of Content (50-100 words)
Please make sure your description is in the first few sentences of the review.
  • What kind of Bible is it? (Study Bible, Daily Reading Bible, Children’s Bible, etc).
  • What kind of special content (if any) is in this Bible? (Commentary, Family Content, Devotionals, Maps, Indexes, Concordance, etc.)
  • What version is it? (NIV, TNIV, NASB, NKJV, etc).
Your Reactions (100-150 words)
  • What are you overall feelings towards this particular Bible? Is it easy to use?
  • Are the study tools helpful and informative? Does the commentary convey Biblical truth?
  • Is the Bible durable?
  • Do you like/dislike the typeface and print in general?
  • Would you recommend this particular Bible to others?
Please sign in to your account at http://booklookbloggers.com/ and post the link to your review. If at all possible, be sure to provide the specific link to the post where your review is found.
After you’ve posted the review on your blog and our website, post your review on at least one consumer site such as ThomasNelson.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, or Christianbook.com. To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or retail site review that BookLook Bloggers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. Click for details.

Children’s Books/Gift Books

First and foremost, we want nothing but complete honesty in your reviews. If you loved a title, that’s great! That’s what we are striving for at BookLook Bloggers. We want to consistently produce quality products for readers of all ages. If you didn’t enjoy a certain book, well that’s great as well! Of course we want every title to be a home run with readers, but when they aren’t we want to know why. The only way we can continue to bring our readers consistent and quality material is to receive honest and unbiased feedback from them. We’re not asking for positive reviews in return for free review materials. We’re asking for complete objectivity.
We ask that your reviews be 200 words or more. We do recommend you don't get too long though This word count allows you to be informative without being too informative. We want your reviews to be read and most people tend to shy away from long reviews. Here is our recommendation for the structure of each review:
Title
For the title of your post please include the title of the book and the name of the author and illustrator (e.g. Moon Shines Down by Margaret Wise, Illustrated by Linda Bleck)
Summary (50-100 words)
Please make sure your summary is in the first few sentences of the review.
  • Be sure and designate what type of product this is (Children’s Book or Gift Book).
  • What is the story about? What is the message/purpose of the product?
  • What age groups is the story appropriate for?
Your Reactions (100-150 words)
  • Is the message of the product presented in a clear and interesting manner?
  • What are your thoughts on the quality of the illustrations?
  • Did the author(s) present a strong, spiritual message?
  • Would you recommend this product to others?
Please sign in to your account at http://booklookbloggers.com/ and post the link to your review. If at all possible, be sure to provide the specific link to the post where your review is found.
After you’ve posted the review on your blog and our website, post your review on at least one consumer site such as ThomasNelson.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, or Christianbook.com. To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or retail site review that BookLook Bloggers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. Click for details.

FTC Regulations Compliance

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or retail site review that BookLook Bloggers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. For example:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 < http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

barefoot summer by denise hunter

BAREFOOT SUMMER
BY DENISE HUNTER

I received this book though Booksneeze.com for free, with my promise to view it. I will not be paid in any way for my review.
I am still new at doing reviews. I read many reviews and hope to get as good as some of the ones I read.
This is the first book by Denise Hunter that I have read.

Madison and Beckette come from different worlds. For her she has a family that loves her, for him his family is not there.
Madison lost her twin brother many years earlier. She never was able to get over the loss of him.  He had had a goal of being the youngest to win a sailing race, due to his death that never happened. His boat sat in a barn for many years.
Madison was studying to be a vet. Slowly she is seeing what she needs to do. She was working with a Vet as she wanted to be a vet herself. When she was asked to take a leave of absence she found that she had to fulfill her brother’s wish before her next birthday.
Not knowing anything about sailing, fixing a boat or knowing how to swim. She didn’t let that stop here. She bid on sailing lessons and wins. But something happens and she is put with Beckette. Neither really wanting to work together, they start off.
Soon Beckette realizes that Madison doesn’t know how to swim. He teaches her. But as he is teaching her, it brings back memories, ones he doesn’t want to remember.
While Madison has a great and loving family, Beckette is struggling with a brother and a father that drinks. So different from Madison, this is why he feels that even though he is falling in love, he feels he is not good enough. And how could he tell her the truth about her brother.
In the end she wins the race with Beckette by her side. She and Beckette learn that her brother didn’t drown.


I think I have become a fan of Denise. I plan to read her other books, I hope to see another one in this series.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Beyond Heaven's Door By Max Lucado


Beyond Heaven's Door
By Max Lucado

One of the smaller of Max's books I have read, yet this had the Biggest impact.

Max openly and honestly shares the bible and how it says what Heaven will be like.

There are many rooms in my Father's House; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. (John:2-3)

Max talks about us having new bodies.  
corruption, dishonor and weakness- changing to incorruption,glory and power.
Max questions us.. can we argue with these words? I know I can't.
Another question? Can you imagine a world with out sin?  If you can.. than you can imagine Heaven.
Earlier I said that this book hit me BIG... well I am broken.. in many ways.. as we all are.
Reading this book has helped me to see that yes one day I will run with 2 legs.. both of my own body and not as now one that is man made...
He will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body (philppians 3:21 TJB

This little book is a new friend..


****Disclaimer- I revieved this book through Booksneeze.com for free. I give my review in return. I am not paid for reading and/or reviewing this book.  
             

Thursday, April 4, 2013

THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT


Hi, I received this book for free from www.booksneeze.com.
With the promise that I would read and review it.
I have read many of Beth Wiseman’s books. This was a very good book showing forgiveness.


The Home That Love Built
Beth Wiseman
Booke Holloway is a single mom to Spencer and Meghan. Her Husband had passed away a couple years ago. Brooke works at the local hardware store. Her husband had his own store, which is right across the street from the hardware store. Brooke is struggling with letting go.
Owen Saunders is new to town. He just bought a big old house. Being single, people in this small town wonder why he would buy such a huge house. He tells them he just wants to take his time and fix it up.
Hunter is the “bad” kid in town. Having had robbed the hardware store when Brooke was works.  No one knows what Hunter’s life is really like at home. His parents are drug addicts and in treatment in another town. His grandmother drinks and is also dying of cancer.
Brooke’s mom and dad. She was close to her mom and hates her dad. Till for reasons she did not understand at first, brought them back together.
Uncle Denny, Owen’s Uncle. I wonderful addition to the family.

John Hadley- I think you need to read the book for this one.
Lauren – A special little girl, that brought love together.

All of this people are lost in their own little ways. Brooke is fighting letting go of her husband. Owen is struggling to forgive his ex wife. Hunter, who feels alone and useless. Brooke’s mom, who has found forgiveness.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

unglued devotional by lysa terkeurst


UNGLUES DEVTIONAL
60 DAYS OF IMPERFECT PROGRESS
BY: LYSA TERKEURST
I received this book through BOOKSNEEZE.COM. It was sent to me for free with the promise of me reviewing it and posting my review on my own blog, as a 2nd place… I use amazon.com for that one.
I am not very good at doing reviews. But the more I do them; I guess I will get better.
This is my 2nd book to read from Lysa. I am actually rereading Made to Crave.
By reading this book.. I realized how many times I have been unglued, and how at those times I was left empty. By reading this devotional, I have learned that I am not alone. God was and IS right there beside me.  
 Each day there is a bible verse, then a thought, and then finally Lysa shares ways to deal with the many ways that we can be unglued on the inside.
I have shared some of the daily passages with my mom and a few friends.
This will be a book that will be well read.. And marked with ink... it will be nice to see the growth.. 

Saturday, December 8, 2012

wisdom meets passion


WISDOM MEETS PASSION
When Generations collide and collaborate
BY DAN MILLER//JARED ANGAZA

I received this book through BOOKZEEZE for free. This is my own personal review of this book. I will not be paid for my review.


This book is co-written by father and son they each give their own view of the topics. They share many quotes that made me stop and think, sometimes I would write them down and think about them. I also did a lot of highlighting on things that both men wrote.

I will first talk about some of Dan’s views, than I will share some of what I go out of Jared’s and lastly I will share a few of the quotes and why they meant something to me.

DAN

The first thing that really hit me is when he talks about what we are doing this year that is different from last year.
For me to answer this I took some time. The main thing I changed I moved, I had a house. (Habitat for humanity) I had lived there just over 10 years. The move was necessary for many personal reasons. I will never regret the move.

Another thing Dan writes about is living large, does this mean the things you have? Or, could it be the meaning and purprose of my life?

Though out the book Dan asks many question, It actually took me a couple months to get through the book as I wanted to really put thought into his questions.
Is my life to small?
A small spark? A word said without thought?
What is my grade on living life he asks? What would I give myself.
Being pretty or smart? (me smart)
Not waiting on God.
                I had a long period that I was “waiting”.

Jared:

One of the first things he talks about and is thankful is how he was brought up.
He now lives in Africa with his family.
He talks about how the choices we make are on things that are important to us..
                Some times I thought my choice were important to me, only to find they were not.
There are many other things that Jared shares. I had a hard time with what he was saying.

Quotes

Twenty years from know you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So though off the bow lines. Stay away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Expore. Dream. Discover
                                Mark Twain

Anyone that stops learning is old- whether at twenty or eighty
                                Henry Ford

Monday, October 1, 2012

Close Enough to hear God Breath by Greg Paul

Greg relates experiences that he has encounter throughout his life. He can see how there are many different ways that if you listen, you can see that God works in everyone's life. We may not see it but, Greg brings to light that God is always there. He shares stories of many that have fallen off the path, and have come back.

One story he shares is of a man that had a childhood that I would never have wished on anyone. This man as a boy, held on to the hope that no matter what was happening God was still by his side. The man was able to over come the abusive childhood. Though he retold his story, the past would still haunt him.

Greg has shown me that I need to open my ears to listen, open my eyes to see, hold out my hand to touch, and to smell the freshness that God gives all of us.