Book review – Faithgirlz! Whatever.
Posted on January 8, 2013 by Melissa Staehli

Faithgirlz!  Whatever:  Livin’ the True, Noble and Totally Excellent Life

Author:  Allia Zobel Nolan

ISBN:  978-0-310-72534-3

USD:  6.99

Reviewed By:  Melissa Staehli

Rating: * * * * *      



In a day and age where every girl is rolling their eyes and saying this one word we all have heard a million times before…whatever!  The author, Allia, takes that sarcastic word and turns it into a word that you will want your girls to become.  A girl (s) who is ready to live a life that’s more than…whatever!

This book is based on the scripture Philipians 4:8-13 - Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy; think about such things.

I really love this book!  It’s a 90 day devotional for girls 9 and up.  I actually have been reading this book to my young 6 year old son, Caleb, because I believe he can learn from the stories and lessons talked about in this book as well.  It may be a bit over his head, but I try and pull out the important things that I think he will remember.  Caleb has already memorized Philipians 4:8-13.  All of us could benefit by applying this scripture into our everyday living.

I took this ‘Whatever’ book to my sons private school and began reading it to some young girls in the aftercare program.  One little girl in particular became very interested in every chapter I would read to her and she would write down every bible verse that Allia spoke about.  This little girl is 8 years old, and is open to filling her head and heart with these everyday virtues taken straight from Philipians 4:8-13.

Every chapter of this wonderful devotional book starts out with a different scripture that goes along with the story and lesson.  The chapters are only a page and a half long, and at the end of every chapter Allia has a little recap for the girls – Food for Thought, Second Thoughts, Divine Thoughts  ~

Allia has really done an outstanding job with this book!  It’s simple, yet very impactful. Every youth group would benefit from having this book in their church.  I couldn’t put it down!

This is my own honest opinion and I received no monetary compensation of any kind for my review.

Melissa Staehli ~

Author of – I Love You to the Moon / Charlie’s Gingerbread House

Title:  Hugs & Kisses, God

Author: Allia Zobel Nolan

ISBN: 978-0-310-72263-2

SRP: $6.99

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

I really enjoy reading this book to my son, Caleb.  It reminds me of what Caleb and I do on a daily basis, and that is...to be thankful for all that God gives us in this life to enjoy. When we go on walks together, we like to point out Gods beauty that we see around us like...leaves on the trees that are turning a beautiful shade of red, orange or yellow. Looking up at the sky and seeing that the sun has turned a lovely orange-pink with a hint of yellow.  Seeing the squirrels hurry around gathering their nuts and enjoying the day.  Or birds singing sweet songs of praise as the fly so elegantly across the sky.  All of these things make my heart smile, and Caleb's too.  That's why I like 'Hugs & Kisses, God' so much.

This book is a Lift-The-Flap Book.  Fun for kids ages 3 & up.  The children in this book are children from all over the world who are learning and understanding how to be thankful for everyday gifts that God gives them.  Saying your prayers in the morning before you do anything else - is showing God you love him.  Being thankful for the food you eat - is showing God you love him.  Smelling fragrant flowers along the way - is showing God you love him.  Helping a friend and showing that you care - is showing God you love him.  Blowing bubbles and catching fireflies, along with sparkling stars that light up the sky...are all ways that children say - Thank you God for this day.  Learning about God's word - is showing God you love him.  These children are giving Hugs & Kisses up to the Lord for all that He has done.

I highly recommend this book for all young readers.

Reviewed by: Melissa Staehli 

Hi everyone!

I have just returned home from a wonderful 2 week long vacation with my family. We had a blast together!! We went to so many different places.  First we went to Hershey, PA to visit some of my husband's family and then went to the chocolate factory, which was really fun.  From there we headed to Atlantic City, NJ to take a dolphin cruise and play by the ocean.  This was our son's first time seeing the ocean.  Caleb loved seeing the ocean and playing in the sand.  It was priceless!  We stayed there for a few days then headed to Maryland to visit some more of my husband's family.  After that...we drove to Washington DC to spend the night and tour around the next day.  What a fun day, though!  We took awesome pictures of everything we could before we left at 3:00 to drive halfway to Cape Cod.  I'm tired just telling you everything we did.  We finally made it to Cape Cod on Sunday evening, September 16th. We spent the entire week there at Jared's uncle's motel. Some of my family met us there.  All of us had the opportunity to go to Martha's Vineyard for a day.  It was awesome!  Beautiful sunny weather with a slight breeze.  Just lovely!  Our boys - Jared, Ken, Caleb & Gabe were able to go fishing with Jared's cousin, Troy one evening.  They caught many a fish!  We even ate the one Ken caught - Sea Bass.  It was pretty good.  We went to see Plymouth Rock of 1620 and the Mayflower.  Barnstable had a whale watching cruise we were able to go on before we started heading back home to Ohio.  It was awesome!  We made great memories on this trip.  I feel so blessed & thankful that I had time like this to share in, with my nearest and dearest - Jared & Caleb.

Some good news to share with all of you...my second book 'Charlie's Gingerbread House' will be here in November, just in time for the holidays!  I am very excited!  Children ages 6 & under will LOVE this fun & colorful book.  If you would like to pre order this children's book please let me know.  Jared & I will be getting the website up next week and it will be set up to take paypal.  Feel free to email me at - melissakay1968@gmail.com  Thank you so much!

Local Author Book Signing

Hi friends and family!  I know it has been awhile since I have posted anything.  Life seems to be very busy right now because it is Summertime. I have been out and about with Caleb just about everyday since school has been out.  We are usually on some kind of adventure.  We love to explore!  Caleb and I have gone on a lot of bike hikes, and nature walks.  We have enjoyed swimming, going to the park, fishing, and playing ball.

My husband and I celebrated Caleb's b-day on July 3rd.  We are so thankful and blessed!  Caleb is now a big 6 years old!  I can't believe it!  Where does the time go?! He has had several b-day gatherings with friends and family.  Caleb is a very happy little guy!  We love him with all of our hearts.

Life has had it's ups and downs these last several months.  We have had several people we have known pass way.  Some due to sickness, suicide, or  an awful accident.  We also have lost our furry family members Cassie & Carley.  Cassie was 15 years old and Carley was 14.  They were both pretty sick and we knew it was time to say our goodbyes.  It has been really hard not having our sweet dogs with us, but we are hanging in there.  God is good even in times of sorrow.

An update on my book (s).  I will be at a local author book signing this Friday, July 27th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  at Barnes and Noble in Fairlawn, Ohio if you would like to come out and say hello.  As for my second book - Charlie's Gingerbread House - Amy Rottinger has brought the drawings to final pencil.  Next is color.  I am very excited to see the final product!    If you would like to check out my facebook author pages feel free at - I Love You to the Moon  or Charlie's Gingerbread House  Thank you so much!  Also, if anyone would like to support me on Amazon and write a review or just click the 'like' button you can go here - Amazon

Well, I guess that is it for now.  I am off to another adventure with my son!  Have a great rest of your Summer!  I will update soon.

Many blessings,
Melissa~
I Love You to the Moon

Hi friends!  May 1, 2012

Well, my husband and I finally got our Kickstarter project done so we could share it with you. We need your help to back this project up. Would you be willing to share this link with your friends?  Like on - Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and any other place you can think of.  We have just 30 days to make this project "successful."  So, I could definitely use your wonderful help. Here is where you can go  - Kickstarter Charlie's Gingerbread House book project.  Remember, you will receive rewards for your donations to this book project.  Make sure you read about the rewards once you are on the kickstarter site.

Thank you!  Thank you!

Blessings,
Melissa~

Hi Friends!

Kickstarter will take a few more days to get going.  I am very excited to share it with you, though!


On my other website/blog - Christian Children's Authors - is my post for today.  It's called, We Have This Moment Today! 


Please stop by and take a look, and be encouraged today.


Blessings,


Melissa~

Hi everyone!


Spring is here!!  I Love Spring because it's a sign of new life.  New life is all around us right now.  Flowers are blooming.  Trees have their lovely leaves back on their branches.  Birds are singing sweet songs.  The squirrels are running and playing.  The smell of fresh cut grass fills the air.  All of these things puts a smile on my face.  I hope it does the same for you.

I will be at Barnes & Noble in Fairlawn, Ohio tomorrow, April 21, 2012 from 11:30-2:00 signing my book
'I Love You to the Moon.'  


I would love it if you could come out and see me.


Also, I will be at the Dayton Book Expo on April 28th if you are out that way. Stop on by and say hello.

An update on my second book - Charlie's Gingerbread House.  My illustrator, Amy Rottinger, has done a very rough sketch on the entire book.  The next step is to bring it to final pencil.  Once I approve that then we move on to color.  'Charlie's Gingerbread House' will be out this September just in time for the holiday season.


My husband and I decided to put this project up on 'Kickstarter.' Kickstarter is a place where you can go to raise support for any project. Jared and I will have things ready and uploaded on Monday for you to see.  People who are willing to back this project up, get rewards for doing so.  It's a pretty nifty thing, and I'm excited to see how this goes. 


I had a birthday a few days ago on April 17th, and there is a write-up about my book and my adoption story at this website/blog - Happy Birthday Author. Please take a look.  I hope it touches your heart.


I, along with 11 other children authors, take turns writing on our website/blog called - Christian Children's Authors.  We post things on - Parenting, Grandparents, Nutrition, Bible, Devotions, Book reviews, Crafts for kids...we are trying to reach children and their families with God's love.  So, come on by and let us bless you today.


Psalm 96:1-2


Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise  his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.


Blessings,
Melissa~