Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern by Seth Adam Smith -- Blog Tour

Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern

Author: Seth Adam Smith

Publisher: self

ISBN: 9780997511161

Paperback 346 pages

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the author. All views and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Chased by a vengeful witch, hunted by an undead corpse, and guided by a secretive preacher, a boy must protect a magical lantern that can either save Boston . . . or destroy it.

In October of 1730, young Rip Van Winkle sneaks into a graveyard and comes face-to-face with the ghost of William Blaxton, the first settler of Boston. Warning Rip that the city is in danger, Blaxton gives him a mysterious gift: a pumpkin lantern with power over life and death. Before fading into midnight, the ghost tells Rip to take the lantern to Feathertop, a mythical pumpkin-headed scarecrow.

Pursued by Mistress Hibbins, a witch of terrifying power, and hunted by the nightmarish Midnight Minister, young Rip must rely on the aid of Jonathan Edwards, a stern and secretive preacher, and Nathaniel, a talkative, know-it-all raven. Guided by the magical light of the lantern, Rip races across New England to find Feathertop, save Boston, and become a most unlikely hero!

From the bestselling, award-winning author Seth Adam Smith comes The Pumpkin Lantern--a fantasy novel influenced by the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Lloyd Alexander, and C. S. Lewis. Loaded with humor, action, suspense, and fascinating American history, The Pumpkin Lantern is also a poignant fable about faith, family, and the power of life over death.

My Review

Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern is a delightful, story with humor, enjoyable adventures, excitement, and most importantly, heart.  Rip is a fabulous character that had me smiling many times. I really enjoyed how the author introduced Rip's family and the ending is especially sweet when things are explained to him at the end.  There are many life lessons that are very fitting to our day, even though the story was set in the 1730s.  This book can be enjoyed by adults and kids who are looking for a clean, fun adventure.  I loved the messages within, but above all, I loved the message of kindness throughout. 

4 out of 5 stars

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Marriage Isn't For You: It's for the One You Love by Seth Adam Smith -- Book Blast

Marriage Isn’t For You: It’s for the One You Love

What is the best wedding advice you ever received? For author Seth Adam Smith, it was the advice from his father who said, Marriage is not for you. It is about the person you marry. These few words completely changed the way Seth looked at his relationship with his wife-to-be. Because at that moment he realized that an expression of love is not about the person expressing it. Rather, it is about the person they choose to be with. It is about making the person you marry feel loved. Seth’s blog post on the subject was viewed by more than twenty-seven million people, and he has been featured on several national TV programs including The Today Show. Now released as a hardcover book, these sage words make the perfect gift for newly married couples, those who have been around the block a few times, or anyone who wants to learn how to make their relationships stronger.

Praise for Marriage Isn’t for You

This is raw, this is real…it reflects what a lot of couples experience… it pulls you in. ~ –TODAY Show

…a tender, honest story. ~ –TODAY.com

…overwhelmingly heartfelt and touching admission. ~ ABC NEWS

This story has become a viral sensation! ~ –The NY Daily News

The Internet is loaded with marriage advice, but rarely does one single tidbit resonate strongly with so many people. ~ –Yahoo Lifestyle

 Amazon

About the Author

SETH ADAM SMITH was born in Anchorage, Alaska. Since 2004, he has produced videos and articles for businesses, nonprofit organizations, youth groups, artists, and political causes. He is the editor-in-chief of ForwardWalking.com. He and his wife, Kim, live in Florida.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/14

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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Marriage Isn't For You by Seth Adam Smith -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Marriage Isn't For You: It's for the One You Love

Seth Adam Smith

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publish Date: May 7th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781609079024

Hardcover: 50 pages

FTC FYI: Received a hardcover copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary 

What is the best marriage advice you ever received?

For author Seth Adam Smith, it was the advice from his father, who said, "Marriage isn't for you. It's about the person you marry." These few words completely change the way Seth looked at his relationship with his wife. His thoughts on the subject became an online phenomenon. Paired with beautiful images, they are now available as a book—the perfect gift for newlyweds, those who are celebrating an anniversary, or anyone who wants to learn how to make a relationship stronger.

My Review

I saw this post when it was going around Facebook, and to be honest, I didn't read it.  So, I was very excited to be part of this blog tour to leave for myself why this went viral.  When I was reading this, I couldn't help but think how heartfelt and meaningful it was.  Amazing advice that every married couple can take to heart, not just newlyweds.  When I was done reading, I had my husband take a few minutes to read it too.  It is a fabulous lesson that marriage takes work.  Just because you love each other, doesn't mean you won't have problems and it will take effort from both parties.

"You don't marry to make yourself happy, you marry to make someone else happy.
More than that, your marriage isn't for yourself -- you're marrying for a family.
Not just for the in-laws and all of that nonsense, but for your future children." (page 20)

The book itself was published beautifully.  The layout of colors and pictures were lovely.  Give this book as a gift to any married couple you know.

Author Links

https://www.facebook.com/SethAdamSmith

https://twitter.com/SethAdamSmith

http://sethadamsmith.com/

About the author

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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