Parade Day and Graduation with a Linky

It was Samantha's Parade Day and High School Graduation last Friday. Parade Day is a unique tradition at her high school for the Grade 12's. The photos above are of her with her best friends. (She's on the left in the first pic and on the right in the second.) She still has final exams to write, but she's finished with her schooling. High School in South Africa begins in Grade 8, so she's been there for the past 4 years of her life. Both guys and girls shed tears in the school hall at the final ceremony as a big part of their lives comes to an end.

No one received a certificate of graduation, because the final exams are only just underway. The students will collect their diplomas from the school office in the new year. University will also start in the new year, so that's why some things are a bit back to front. Samantha's already been provisionally accepted at Stellenbosch University and has been allocated a room in a res that she will share with another girl.

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Samantha is in the middle

Inside the School Hall

Art inside the School Hall

Snacks and Refreshments were served in the Old Hall

Related Posts:

Prom in South Africa

University of Cape Town

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Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

St. Petersburg, Florida - Part 7

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My Latest Book Review:

My Second Chance

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Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
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and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

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This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.
Please load page as http and not https.

How to use the linky widget:

First make sure that you load this page as http and not https if you want to see the linky. Type in the name of your blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

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My Second Chance and a Linky

*** If you want to comment or join the linky, then please make sure this page's permalink loads as http and not https! Also, my blog is hosted by Blogger, which uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and is best viewed in Google Chrome. ***

My Second Chance

About the Book:

Title: My Second Chance | Author: Judy Corry | Pages: 283 | Genre: Romance/Drama | Theme: Teen Pregnancy | Recommended Age: Young Adult

Book Description:

They broke the rules. He broke her heart. Does their love deserve a second chance?

Sixteen-year-old Juliette Cardini has been keeping a secret for months. Before she went to her semester abroad in Paris, she dated her best friend's older brother, Easton Stevens. What had started as a whirlwind romance filled with forbidden meetings, came to a crashing halt when they crossed a line together that neither of them could return from.

Now she's back in Ridgewater and has to face everyone she left behind. But there's one more secret she is afraid for anyone to discover. She's pregnant. And Easton is the father.

But she has a plan: go to her grandma's house for the next few months. Keep the baby a secret. No one will ever have to know. But when Juliette sees signs that Easton might want a second chance, she wonders if keeping everything to herself is the best choice.

Can a relationship built on such a rocky foundation have a chance at a happy ending? And what will Easton do if Juliette's secret comes out?

MY SECOND CHANCE is a standalone novel in The Ridgewater High series, a collection of simmering YA contemporary romances. If you like sweet romance with ballad-worthy chemistry, swoony kisses and endearing characters then you'll love Judy Corry's latest book.

This is a clean romance with a positive message.

Purchase on Amazon:

Kindle | Paperback

My Review:

My Second Chance is a nitty-gritty novel about a teen's unplanned pregnancy. 16-year-old Juliette has been keeping her secret for months, but a secret that life-altering requires a string of lies. Now she has to deal with all the consequences. Relationships are challenged, including her best friend and ex-boyfriend. Her mother is supportive in her own way, but hardly ever around. Juliette is constantly having to make adult decisions when she is still a kid herself. Because life is messy, things don't always go as planned. 

This story deals with real teenage issues. This is not a straightforward HEA. The author explores every possible outcome and leaves the reader guessing until the end.

The writing style flowed so naturally that I felt the girl's anxiety. It could have been me in the story, that's how real it felt! This heartfelt story should be mandatory reading for all teenagers.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

About the Author:

Judy Corry

Judy Corry has been addicted to love stories for as long as she can remember. She reads and writes YA and Clean Contemporary Romance because she can't get enough of the feeling of falling in love. She graduated from Southern Utah University in an area that has nothing to do with writing. Some of her favorite things are chick flicks, singing, and playing the piano. She believes in swoon-worthy kisses and happily ever afters.

Judy met her soul mate while in high school, and married him a few years later. She and her husband are raising four beautiful and crazy children in Southern Utah.

Join Judy's VIP Readers Club for access to
deleted scenes, great deals and exclusive extra’s!

To find out more about Judy and
her books visit her website!

You can also find Judy on social media.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #286

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.co.za/" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

Weekend Linky

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

Read More

University of Cape Town, a Birthday, and a Linky!

Last week I shared about all 3 girls and what they've been up to with photos of Samantha's prom. If you missed that post, then check out Prom in South Africa! This week I promised to share photos of the University of Cape, which is a beautiful campus set in a beautiful location.

Today was also an important birthday, so I've got 2 bonus photos for you as well. It's Samantha's 18th birthday! She had school today, so the photo is of her in her school uniform. The birthday card was handmade, but not by me. I bought it at a craft market. I chose it for Sam, because she's headed off to Europe with her grandparents and another granddaughter next summer.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

***************************

Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

St. Petersburg, Florida - Part 6

*********************

My Latest Book Reviews:


Green Princess Trilogy
Fallow - Book 2




Dragon School Books 17 and 18

*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center><a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

Read More

2nd Book in The Green Princess Trilogy and a Linky

The Green Princess Trilogy:

Fallow (Book 2)

About the Book:

Title: The Green Princess Trilogy: Fallow (Book 2) | Author: H.L. Burke | Pages: 259 | Genre: Fantasy | Recommended Age: Young Adult

Book Description:

Joined by magic. Separated by kings. United in love.

Two years ago, Kit's blossoming plant magic put a target on her back and forced her to flee for her life, leaving her beloved Prince Bryce behind. Now established as the leader of the rebel flora magi, she clings to hope that they can be reunited. However, the arrival of the charming and persistent Regyn, heir to the supposedly extinct quickened magi, challenges her fidelity.

The events surrounding Kit's flight broke Bryce's heart and damaged his faith in his family. Now he buries himself in his work as a Keeper, hunting bandits in the wilds. He longs to find Kit again, though his uncle's magic prevents him from seeking her. Then his manipulative cousin, Crown Prince Langstyn, offers him a chance at a truce, but only if Bryce agrees to a political marriage. Angering Langstyn could cost Bryce everything, but how can he betray the vows he made to Kit?

As powers within the kingdom fight for dominance, Kit and Bryce are caught in the currents of schemes not of their making. Schemes that could bring them together, or tear them apart forever.

Purchase on Amazon:

Kindle | Paperback

My Review:

Fallow, Book 2 in The Green Princess Trilogy, is even more exciting than the first book! There are more characters, more plot twists, and more romance. They face betrayal, unrequited love, and death, but there's also loyalty, love, and new life. Friendships are forged, while bonds are broken. Peace is falsely offered, while war is eminent. This story is appropriate for young adults and up, but the life experiences are especially suited for older teenagers and new adults.

Check out my blog post,

Meeting Author H.L. Burke!

Heidi Burke and Christina Morley

Check out my recent
author interview of H.L. Burke!

Want to See More H.L. Burke Books?
Check Out My Other Reviews:

Green Princess Trilogy - Book 1

Spice Bringer

Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon

Cora and the Nurse Dragon

A Tale in Two Parts

Dragon's Curse - Book 1

Dragon's Debt - Book 2

Dragon's Rival - Book 3

Dragon's Bride - Book 4

Beggar Magic

Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

Lands of Ash

About the Author:

H.L. Burke

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

For information about H. L. Burke's latest novels, author news and events, or to contact the writer, go to the H.L. Burke author website.

*********************

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #285

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.co.za/" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

Weekend Linky

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

Read More

Prom in South Africa and a Linky

Getting ready for Prom (Matric Farewell)

In South Africa our two youngest have just begun their third term school break. The school year begins mid January and ends the beginning of December. On Wednesday was Samantha's prom night. She doesn't have a boyfriend, so she went with a friend. In South Africa the year you graduate is your matric year, so here it's called the matric farewell.

On Thursday night we went to see Amanda's school concert. Her school performed three mornings and three evenings, so she was super busy. I don't have a photo, but we'll be buying the DVD when it's available at the school.

On Saturday we drove to Cape Town where Jessica (who is in her second year at university) took a three hour enrollment test. She will finish this year with a certificate in accounting and is looking at studying further either through the University of Cape Town, online, or staying at her present university. I'll share my photos of the campus next week as this post will get too long if I add them below.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Sisters: Samantha and Jessica

Jessica, my mom-in-law, and Hubby
(we were in the peanut gallery)

***************************

Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

St. Petersburg, Florida - Part 5

*********************

My Latest Book Reviews:


Dragon School Books 17 and 18




The Billionaire's Reckless Marriage

*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

Read More

Dragon School Books 17 and 18

Dragon School:

Dust of Death

About the Book:

Title: Dragon School: Dust of Death | Author: Sarah K. L. Wilson | Genre: Fantasy Adventure | Pages: 84 | Recommended Age: Young Adult

Book Description:

Will Amel arrive in time?

A new story from USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah K. L. Wilson

With the armies of Baojang at her back and her own army of dragons, Amel might seem unstoppable, but she is far from the heart of the Dominion where the true battle rages and time is running out. To make matters worse, Amel is finally starting to uncover the motives behind the war, but her answers bring even more questions.

Will she solve this riddle in time?

Fans of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Riders of Pern and Christopher Paolini’s Eragon will love Dragon School.

DUST OF DEATH is episode seventeen of Dragon School – an Episodic Fiction series that combines the fun of reading with the fast-paced excitement of your favorite tv show. Expect a new episode every eighteen days!

Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Dragon School: Dust of Death is Book 17 and another fast paced story. With the destruction of a city behind her and the guilt still fresh in her mind, Amel has to face one of her greatest fears ahead, but Raolcan will be by her side. She ponders on what it is that everyone wants from the Dominion while leading the dragons toward another battle. And, she makes the toughest decision of her life while Raolcan vehemently objects. This episode has my favorite scene with Leng in it!

Dragon School:

Troubled War

About the Book:

Title: Dragon School: Troubled War | Author: Sarah K. L. Wilson | Genre: Fantasy Adventure | Pages: 98 | Recommended Age: Young Adult

Book Description:

War has come.

A new story from USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah K. L. Wilson

With the Dusk Covenant's armies rushing to join the battle around Dominion City, Amel has one chance to trap them and hold them in place while her slower allies catch up. But with Ifrits and Magikas fighting against her, a hidden plot meant to entrap her, and a surprise show-down between two enemies, will she be able to stop them, or are the odds stacked too strongly against her?

Fans of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Riders of Pern and Christopher Paolini’s Eragon will love Dragon School.

TROUBLED WAR is episode eighteen of Dragon School. Expect a new episode every eighteen days!

Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Pre-Order on Amazon

My Review:

Dragon School: Troubled War is Book 18 and possibly the most intense and saddest story in the series. Amel and her friends have been fighting epic battles, but this is all-out war and, in many ways, a final last stand. The Dusk Covenant with their powerful Magikas and demon Ifrits are not so easily vanquished. Will Amel and her friends survive the battle? Like most of the books in this series, this one ends on a cliffhanger!

More Dragon School Books:

First Flight (Book 1)

Initiate (Book 2)

The Dark Prince (Book 3)

The Ruby Isles (Book 4)

Dragon School Books 5 and 6

Dragon School Books 7 and 8

Dragon School Books 9 and 10

Dragon School Books 11 and 12

Dragon School Books 13 and 14

Dragon School Books 15 and 16

More Books by Sarah Wilson:

Unweaving Chronicles

The Ex-Pacifist

The Splitting

The Matsumoto

FREE Dragon School Wallpaper
by Sarah Vaughn

About the Author:

Sarah K. L. Wilson

USA Today bestselling author, Sarah K. L. Wilson, hails from the rocky Canadian Shield in Northern Ontario where she lives with her husband and two small boys. Her interests include the outdoors, history, and philosophy. Her books are always about fantastical adventures in other worlds.

Website | Twitter

Disclosure: I received an ARC for each book. These are my honest and voluntary reviews.

Read More