Friday, May 30, 2014

Guilt Free by Karen John Blog tour




About the book:Guilt Free: Using Remorse to Escape the Adversary's Tool

“Men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips” (Elder Russell M. Nelson). Guilt is a debilitating, forceful emotion with power to slow or stop our progression. We all feel guilt at some level, but Karen John, LCSW, explains how you can use remorse to access the Atonement and heal from unresolved guilt and pain.


About the author:

Karen W. John earned a Masters Degree in Social Work at Walla Walla College and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has years of counseling experience including, but not limited to, individuals, marriage and family, and all forms of addiction. She has taught Social Work classes part-time at BYU-I and speaks often at the university and at ward and stake functions. She currently resides in the Rexburg, Idaho area.



My Review: Guilt Free: Using Remorse to Escape the Adversary's Tool

5 STARS

I think this book was written for me. It reminds you of eternal truths that we can be made whole through Christ's Atonement. That guilt is Satan's tool and not Christ's tool. His is remorse.


We are not perfect but we need to keep trying. I like his example of a toddler learning to walk. The toddler might fall a lot but keeps getting up and trying again and again. Only one person was perfect in this life.

We need to forgive others but we don't have to keep or accept abuse from anyone.

We need to also forgive are self. We need to talk better to ourselves and stop beating yourself up.

This is a book I think would be smart to read often. It is not a simple process to change yourself but we can if we will turn things over to Christ. We will keep making mistakes, hopefully they will be different ones.

Karen uses scripture, personal examples and quotes from leaders to teach these truths in a way that is easy to understand and follow.

I learned or relearned a lot reading Guilt Free by Karen John

I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review of it and be part of its blog tour.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Goddess Born by Kari Edgren






Goddess Born

Pennsylvania, 1730

Selah Kilbrid keeps a dangerous secret: she has the power to heal.

A direct descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid, it’s Selah’s sacred duty to help those in need. But as the last of the Goddess Born living in the New World, she learned from an early age to keep her supernatural abilities hidden. The Quaker community of Hopewell has always been welcoming, but there’s no doubt they would see her hanged if her gift was revealed.

When a prominent minister threatens to try her with witchcraft unless she becomes his wife, Selah has only one hope—that her betrothed, a distant cousin from Ireland, arrives as planned. Marrying Samuel would keep her secret safe, preserve her sacred bloodline, and protect her from being charged as a witch.

But when news of Samuel’s death reaches the Colonies, Selah is truly on her own. Terrified, she faces an impossible choice—forfeit her powers and marry the loathsome Nathan? Or find an imposter to pose as her husband and preserve her birthright?

My Review: Goddess Born by Kari Edgren

4 STARS

Goddess Born is full of drama, good characters, action with a touch of the paranormal or fantasy. The plot keeps your attention and leaves you wanting to see more of the characters in the future. It also deals with history of Pennsylvania in the 1730. It is also a clean read.

Selah Kilbrid is the main character. She is a young woman who is beautiful, she has a secret that she can't tell. She does not want to marry a Quaker minister that is black mailing her.

Henry goes by different names at time. He is sold to Selah by his ship captain for seven years. Their is another who wanted to buy him and was unhappy that Selah bought him.

Selah's fiancé died crossing the ocean. If she returns without a husband she will be forced to marry the minister or he will accuse her of witch craft. She makes a bargain with Henry if he will pretend to be her cousin and marry her in name only she will let him go in one or two years.

Their are two groups who we know want to harm them but their is more working against them in secret. Selah also has many friends who are on her side though too.

The paranormal part of the story is Selah Kilbrid is a descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid. She has the gift of healing.

We see a little bit of what the Quaker lives were like in 1730. I did not know anything about Brigid. So that was nice to learn about too.

It was easy to read and follow at a good pace. I want to read more from Kari Edgren in the future too.

I was given this ebook to read and in return I agreed to give honest review of a Goddess Born.

Author Kari Edgren

Kari Edgren did not dream of becoming a writer. Instead, she dreamed of everything else and was often made to stay inside during kindergarten recess to practice her letters. Despite doting parents and a decent school system, Ms. Edgren managed to make it through elementary school having completed only one book cover to cover – The Box Car Children, which she read approximately forty-seven times. Things improved during high school, but not until she read Gabrielle Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude in college, did she truly understand the power of a book.

Ms. Edgren aspires to be a Vulcan , a world-acclaimed opera singer, and two inches taller. She resides in the Pacific NW where she spends a great deal of time torturing her husband and children with strange food and random historical facts. Ms. Edgren hasn’t stopped dreaming, but has finally mastered her letters enough to put the stories on paper.




Tour Schedule

May 27th
I Am A Reader – Guest Post
Whatever You Can Still Betray – Spotlight
Cherry Mischievous – Spotlight
Cuzinlogic – Interview
Kelly P’s Blog – Spotlight
The Stubby Pencil – Review

May 28th
More Than A Review – Spotlight
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
Addicted Readers – Spotlight
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight

May 29th
Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys – Spotlight
Readsalot – Review
readalot – Review
Curling Up With A Good Book – Interview
Extaordinaryreads – Review

May 30th
Bookworm Lisa – Review
Mythical Books – Review
A Caffeine Addict’s Books – Review
sarit yahalomi – Review
Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader – Spotlight

May 31st
Book Lovers Life – Spotlight

June 1st
CBY Book Club – Spotlight
Cici’s Theories – Review
Such a Novel Idea – Review

June 2nd
A Night’s Dream of Books - Spotlight
Brooke Blogs – Review
Indie Author How-to - Guest Post
Tifferz & Her Sisterz Book Reviewz – Review
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Spotlight

June 3rd
Mel’s Shelves – Review
lovely reads – Review
The Written Adventure – Spotlight

June 4th
Once Upon a YA Book – Review
BookHounds YA – Interview
Spiced Latte Reads – Review
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight

June 5th
Vonnie’s Reading Corner – Review
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Review
Triquetra Reviews – Review
From the Bootheel Cotton Patch – Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight

June 6th
Hope To Read – Review
books are love – Review
Sweeping Me – Spotlight
Confessions of a Librarian in Training – Spotlight

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Review: LABYRINTH SOCIETY: THE VERSAILLES VENDETTA by Angie Kelly

Description

When 12 year-old Mia Cornell is sent to live at the Tarpley Estate, her ninth foster home, she has no idea what she's in for. Having a kind but mysterious foster mother and three quirky foster sisters is all well and good. Discovering that her new family is a secret society—they use a portal in their garden labyrinth to travel the globe seeking lost art, artifacts, and OSOs (objects of supernatural origin)—is something else entirely.



Mia barely has time to wrap her head around the truth when the Society's latest job, tracking down Marie Antoinette's necklace, goes sideways. Mia and her new siblings—Tomi, the historian; Devon, the hacker; and Lily, the muscle—must use their wits, plus a few cool OSOs filched from the Society's vault, to stay a step ahead of a sinister enemy from their foster mother's past. But just how far back does Mrs. Tarpley's past go? And will Mia stand by her new family or cut and run when they need her the most?
Astraea Press publication: May 27th 2014 ISBN 9781621352891


My Review:LABYRINTH SOCIETY: THE VERSAILLES VENDETTA by Angie Kelly

5 STARS

I can see a lot of places this series can go. It is a fun adventure. The characters are likeable, young, adventurous that you want to see more of them. The setting was from Ohio to France. It has a good plot and a little paranormal on the side. It is a clean book that anyone can enjoy reading and dreaming.

Mia is 12 year old in foster care. She is taken to live at Tarpley Estate to a mansion. There she finds Tome, Devon and Lily already living with Mrs. Tarpley. Mia realizes that they are hiding things from her so she decides to find out. She ends up following them to France when she grabs one of the other girls.

There they find out that others want the same thing they are after. Two henchman try to grab them but they split up. Their is lots of action and drama, there is kidnapping, rescue, fire, ghosts and lots of fun adventure as they try and trace down Marie Antoinette's necklace that has been lost to history.

There many magical items with power that the girls sneak out with them to help them accomplish there missions. The girls also use there talents to help. Their brains , physical skills and fast thinking.

I would love to read more of this series in the future. I would also like to travel like they can from Labyrinth to Labyrinth anywhere in the world fast.

I was given this book to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Net Galley.

The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller (The Brides of Bliss County #1)

The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! See how it all begins in this enthralling new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller...

Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right—or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever!

Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away
Series: Hqn

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (May 27, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373778708
ISBN-13: 978-0373778706


My Review:The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller (The Brides of Bliss County #1)

3 1/2 STARS

I wish it was a longer story, I wanted to see more of the characters interact with each other. This did give a lot of their backstory. At times the relationships seem rushed. I like the characters. Want to know more about them.
Had s few love scenes that I skipped over.

Three friends want to get married. So they decide to make a pact. Too keep trying, too support each other, get out their. There professional lives are going great but they know they want a family.

Hadleigh Stevens at eighteen was about to get married when Tripp Galloway came in the middle of the wedding and carried her off. He told her about her fiancé some information he knew, then he left town again.

Hadleigh had a crush on Tripp for years. He was her brother's good friend. Hadleigh owns the quilt shop in town and makes and sells quilts on line. She does a good business. She is all alone after all of her family has died.

Tripp has sold his business and has come home to the ranch. He finds his step-father in bad health and ranch worn down. He wants Hadleigh to be friends again.

I would have liked to see more of Tripp and his step-father Jim. It seems like Tripp gets home and Jim leaves. Then Jim starts a fast relationship. It just seems too rushed.

The setting is small town Mustang Creek, Wyoming.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley and Harlequin.

The Cursed by Heather Graham (Krewe of Hunters, #12)

Description


www.eHeatherGraham.com

A haunted house in Key West

Hannah O'Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she's dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help.

FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim's a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down….

Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O'Brien, a member of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present!
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (May 27, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778316262
ISBN-13: 978-0778316268


My Review:The Cursed by Heather Graham

4 STARS

The Cursed I think is one of my favorite stories from Heather Graham. It has the suspense, drama, just 2 Krewe members and way heavy on the ghosts, plus humor. It does have a sex scene that I skipped over.

The plot a couple staying at the Bed & breakfast who went on ghost tour that night while staying by the pool see a ghost with bloody knife start screaming. That morning Hannah finds a dead guy just like the ghost described by her guests. After cops leave she encounters the ghost and he asks for help. She calls her cousin who is Kelsey a Krewe member to help.

Hannah has two ghosts that live with her. She sees spirits really well and can talk to them with no problem. The house has been in her family for generations.

Dallas Samson is the FBI Agent in charge of case. He has talents with ghosts too. He knew the victim and wants to find his killer badly. He decides to stay at the bed & breakfast in case the murder comes back.

Kelsey O'Brien is a FBI Agent. She and her husband are members of Krewe. She used to be a U.S. Marshall before joining the FBI.
She is also Hannah's cousin.

The setting is Key West, Florida.

The pace is fast and good. I did figure out who the Wolf was before revealed. But not to far before.

I was going to introduce all the ghosts but that would take some of the fun out of the story.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley and Harlequin.

Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery (Fool's Gold #14)

Description


New York Times bestselling sensation Susan Mallery returns to Fool's Gold, California, where it's true that sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…

Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool's Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend's bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her "wild youth" to raise her sisters. She doesn't want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would've been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam's luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?
Series: Hqn

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (May 27, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373778813


My Review: Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery

4 STARS

There is much I love about Before we Kiss but there is a lot I could do without. My favorite part about Fool's Gold series are the wonderful characters and community. You want to come back and visit all the time and catch up to all your familiar friends.

This story stars Dellina Hopkins that we have seen for a lot of books by now. She is a party planner. When she was 18 she got custody of her two younger sisters and helped raised them. She is very likeable.

Sam Ridge is one of the partners for Score. He was a professional football kicker. Now he does finance with advertising. He has bad luck with woman in his past. He also has a interesting family.

Sam's other three partners are Jack McGarry, Kenny were both professional football players. Taryn is Jack's ex-wife. Her story is When We Met.

Sam and Dellina spent last Valentines Day together at Dellina's things went right and then a mix up sent Sam running out. Now he is in charge of a big party for his company and they want to hire Dellina to be the party planner. Sam has to work with her.

There is a lot of humor in Befor We Kiss. Also a lot of community helping each other. One scene that combines them is their is a fire in a storage unit. Everyone is upset about the Rabbits. The town comes to the rescue and it ends up being hundreds of Rabbit costumes they use every Easter in a parade. I can just see all the people running with arms of costumes.

There are so many relationships that exist. We get to see a lot of old familiar characters. I really enjoy the different relationships in each book. It is not just a story with the main characters.

Okay the part I don't like is all the love scenes. also the sex talk. I could not handle to have Sam's mom. She was funny and even funnier was Sam's reactions to his parents visits.
Before We Kiss was easy to read and a great escape into a book. Which I really appreciated today after fighting with a different book to get through.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of by Netgalley and Harlequin.

Monday, May 26, 2014

One Night with a Quarterback by Jeanette Murray (The Santa Fe Bobcats #1)

Description

She’s daddy’s little girl…or she would have been, had he known she existed. Cassie Wainwright thought her father—head coach of the Santa Fe Bobcats—ignored her purposefully. Come to find out, he had no clue she’d ever been born.

Now Cassie is determined to meet the man who’s always been missing from her life. Her mother warns her, being the long-lost daughter of a well-known NFL coach won’t be easy, but Cassie’s determined to stick it out. And before her life turns upside down, she wants one more night of fun.

Starting quarterback for the Santa Fe Bobcats, Trey Owens is tired of being in the limelight. Lucky for him, the beautiful brunette he meets at the club isn’t a local. She has no idea who he is…and she’s down to party.

Tomorrow, Cassie will think about her father. Tomorrow, she’ll think about her future. But tonight is for herself and the hottie she found on dance floor. It’s a matchup made in heaven—if only for a night…
Publisher: InterMix (June 17, 2014)
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00GYA55XC

My Review:One Night with a Quarterback by Jeanette Murray (The Santa Fe Bobcats #1)

4 STARS

I liked the characters. The relationship between Trey, Josh and Stephen. That they were there for each other in work or play good times or bad times. I liked how Cassie kept trying to be part of her new family. She tried to be a big sister. Cassie was trying hard to make a relationship with her father and not giving up.

I did not like planned one night stand or all the love scenes. Also did not like the swear words.

The plot was good. There was a good storyline. You cared what happens in all the characters lives not just the main couple.
Cassie was just told who were father was. A head coach of Santa Fe Bobcats. She would meet him in the morning and her simple life will never be the same. She goes clubbing with a friend and decide to leave with Trey for a one night stand. Cassie has no idea who Trey is.
Trey likes to be liked for who he is not for the job or money he has.

Cassie is 28 single from Atlanta. She is a computer nerd. She is smart, scared and dealing with a lot right now in her life.

Trey is a quarterback for Santa Fe Bobcats. He hates how he can never go anywhere without fans coming up to him all the time. His friend gives him glasses and takes him to a dark nightclub. Trey is a good friend to have.

There is lots of drama with different characters in the lives of Cassie and Trey. They are keeping their relationship a secret for different reasons. Lot of love scenes.

I would love the read more stories with the Santa Fe Bobcats series in the future.

I was given this ebook to read and asked for honest reviews of it in return.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer by Will Summerhouse

Description

Eleven-year-old Orion lives with his stodgy grandfather in eastern Maine, where nothing exciting ever happens. But then a series of strange events draws him into the mystery of a lost explorer, and Orion is swept up in a whirlwind of adventure that takes him to the top of the world. To survive he must outwit a scheming treasure hunter, team up with a gang of flimps, and take on a tyrant with an anger management problem. Can Orion solve the mystery and get back home alive? And just what are flimps, anyway?



Orion Poe is about to find out. Join him as he laughs, cries, bluffs, and shoots his way to the heart of one of the greatest mysteries in the history of exploration. Along the way he discovers that the world is far bigger—and stranger—than he ever imagined.
Series: The Amazing Adventures of Orion Poe

Paperback: 286 pages
Publisher: Shake A Leg Press; 1 edition (May 16, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0986061409
ISBN-13: 978-0986061400
willsummerhouse.com

My Review: Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer by Will Summerhouse

4 STARS

Is a exciting adventure with surprises around every corner. The story as characters that I liked, admired, who I disliked and ones I hated. Had unknown creatures attacking in the fog. Had boat races and fights aboard ships. It is a fast paced adventure for ages 8 and up.

Orion Poe is a eleven year old. He has courage, curious mind and spirit of adventure. He lives with his grandfather in eastern Maine.
He rescues a man washed ashore. Because of that he gets to go on a adventure to find what happened to a famous explore.

Some of Orion Poe adventures having to get stuck in the ice and having to leave the ship. He gets lost, face lots of trials before it is done. You don't want to put the book down.

The setting is to the North in uncharted land and see in the fall with ice already starting to freeze.

There are many heroes that risk there lives for others and what they believe in.

This is a exciting book. A clean read. There is some violence and deaths.

I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review of it.


Friday, May 23, 2014

American Ride $50 Amazon or PayPal Blast

LETS TAKE A RIDE



American RideHost of AMERICAN RIDE, Stan Ellsworth breaks the mold of the stereotypical High School history teacher.




Former history teacher Stan Ellsworth tours the country on a Harley Davidson for the television show “American Ride.” Ellsworth’s approach to American history in AMERICAN RIDE removes the “bow tie and sweater vest” of history professors, puts on the “skull rag and denim vest” and breaks down stereotypes. His adventurous spirit and love for the United States is contagious and engaging. His approach is more like an invitation to walk (and ride) with him through the footsteps of history. He hopes the stories and “postcards” from the highways and byways of the country will make American history relevant to today’s audiences, and motivate them to take an active part in the preservation of the values this country was built upon.




Now in the sixth season, Stan takes you across the world to see how the clouds of war gathered once again and what led America to enter WWII. New episodes air each Monday 9PM ET/ 7PM MT on BYUtv. If you've missed any episodes, you can catch up with all of the previous seasons online anytime at www.byutv.com/americanride











ABOUT STAN ELLSWORTH




The 6’ 2”, 300-lb muscle-clad Harley Davidson-riding host of BYUtv’s acclaimed American history program, American Ride, would like nothing better than to inspire the next generation of George Washingtons, Susan B. Anthonys and Thomas Jeffersons. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in the Carolinas, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Ellsworth was steeped in the landmarks and stories of American history throughout his formative years. His family lineage includes such historic luminaries as Revolutionary War patriot Ethan Allen; both Generals of the Cival War, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant (also the 18th president of the U.S.); and American folk heroes Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett.




Ellsworth’s goal—both when he was in the classroom, and now in his weekly television program—has always been to “wake people up” to the stories of our founding fathers and mothers, and to the sacrifices they made in creating this nation. In his gruff baritone voice, he speaks eloquently of our heritage and extols the wisdom and bravery of those who came before.




“LET’S TAKE A RIDE” ~ Stan Ellsworth

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Blast Giveaway





$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 6/17/14




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 and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.




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Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen blog tour $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash & Review







Missing Lily
“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.

He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.

Lylin was not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.
259 pages

Expected publication: May 15th 2014 by Hidden Falls Publishing


Author Annette K. Larsen
I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.

I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.



My Review: Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen

4 Stars

Missing Lily is the follow up to Just Ella. It is a clean romance. I like the characters. It is charming story.

Lylin is the youngest daughter of the King. As the youngest of seven daughters she never expected that she would have to worry about being the heir. Or so she thought.

Lord Rhys Fallon found Lily hurt in his barn. Rhys never goes to court because at twenty he became Lord Fallon and has to keep his estate going. It was hard to be in charge at so young. He is engaged to marry but has not met his fiancé.

Princess Lylin and her escort were returning home from visiting her older sister Ella, when they were attacked. She was told to ride away while he fought them off. One followed her and she got away by jumping off her horse and running away. Lylin was hurt, cold and wet when she found the barn. She did not know who to trust so she said her name was Lily.

Lily enjoyed her new friends she made while she could not go home and was hurt. It was nice not to be a Princess for a few days while the bridge was too wet to get home.

I enjoyed reading Missing Lily. It was full of drama, romance and danger set in a time when horses was still the transport of the day.
Lily really liked Rhys but knew he was engaged. She would write him letters but never send them.

The king has made arranged marriage for his other single daughter and is trying to find someone for Lylin too. You want things to work out for Lylin. She is a Princess that you can admire and like. While her sister Lorraina was hard to like.

I hated to put the book down but picked it back up as soon as I could. This is a charming fairy tale.

I would read another book by Annette K. Larsen in the future. I have enjoyed both Just Ella and now Missing Lily too.

I was given this book to read and agreed in return to give honest review of it.

Not yet read Just Ella?

It is on sale for $3.99 for the duration of the blog tour.

Grab your copy on Amazon

You can find my review of Just Ella 4 STARS
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-ella-by-annette-k-larsen-blog-tour.html

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/15/14

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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Tour Schedule

May 21st
I Am A Reader – Guest Post
My Book A Day – Review
Feed Your Fiction Addiction – Review
A Book Lover’s Retreat – Spotlight
Cherry Mischievous – Spotlight
Emma Michaels – Spotlight
Kelly P’s Blog – Spotlight
Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader – Spotlight
Victoria Simcox’s Blog – Spotlight

May 22nd
Extaordinaryreads – Review
Cuzinlogic – Interview
Mom Loves 2 Read – Review
Shelf Full of Books – Review
From the Bootheel Cotton Patch – Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Hannah L. Clark – Review

May 23rd
LOVE. WITHOUT YOU – Spotlight
The Muse Unleashed – Review
Book Lady’s Reviews – Review
trips down imagination road – Review
Sheila Deeth – Guest Post
Bound 4 Escape – Review
I Love to Read and Review Books :) – Review
readalot – Review
Joy in the Moments – Review
Sweeping Me – Spotlight

May 24th
Kimber Leigh Writes – Review
Not Everyone’s Mama – Review

May 25th
The Wonderings of One Person – Spotlight

May 26th
Room With Books – Review

May 27th
Romance With A Book – Spotlight
The Cover Contessa – Interview
Mel’s Shelves – Review
Confessions of a First Time Novelist – Review
StoreyBook Reviews – Review
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review

May 28th
Vonnie’s Reading Corner – Spotlight
Love. Pray. Read. – Review
Geo Librarian – Review
Sher A. Hart – Review
Maria Hoagland, LDS Author – Review & “High Five”

May 29th
Ebook Escapes – Review
The Stubby Pencil – Review
Mythical Books – Guest Post
books are love – Review
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight

May 30th
Seasons of Humility – Review
Getting Your Read On – Review
Sassy Book Lovers – Review
Books Are Sanity!!! – Review
Manic Mama of 2 – Review

June 1st
Desirable reads – Review
My Full Bookshelf Reviews – Review
My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews – Review

June 2nd
Chelsea’s Reading Adventures – Review
Kindle and Me – Review
Reader Girls – Spotlight
Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Guest Post
Brooke Blogs – Review

June 3rd
Bookworm Lisa – Review
Curling Up With A Good Book – Interview
BookHounds YA – Review & Interview
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight

June 4th
Min Reads and Reviews – Review
Literary Time Out – Review
Spellbindings – Review
Booklady’s Booknotes – Review

June 5th
Library of Clean Reads – Review
Bonnie Gets A Say – Review
My Devotional Thoughts – Review

June 6th
Tifferz And Her Sisterz Book Reviewz – Review
Amethyst Daydreams – Spotlight
Hope To Read – Review
A Writer’s Dream – Review

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Goddess Born Book Blast & $100 Amazon or Paypal Cash giveaway







goddess born coverGoddess Born




Pennsylvania, 1730




Selah Kilbrid keeps a dangerous secret: she has the power to heal.




A direct descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid, it’s Selah’s sacred duty to help those in need. But as the last of the Goddess Born living in the New World, she learned from an early age to keep her supernatural abilities hidden. The Quaker community of Hopewell has always been welcoming, but there’s no doubt they would see her hanged if her gift was revealed.




When a prominent minister threatens to try her with witchcraft unless she becomes his wife, Selah has only one hope—that her betrothed, a distant cousin from Ireland, arrives as planned. Marrying Samuel would keep her secret safe, preserve her sacred bloodline, and protect her from being charged as a witch.




But when news of Samuel’s death reaches the Colonies, Selah is truly on her own. Terrified, she faces an impossible choice—forfeit her powers and marry the loathsome Nathan? Or find an imposter to pose as her husband and preserve her birthright?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble


2013 RWA Golden Heart© Finalist


2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semifinalist


 




ABNA Publisher Weekly Reviewer

Set in the colony of Pennsylvania in 1730, this riveting novel begins as 18-year-old Selah Kilbrid runs into Quaker minister Nathan Crowley, a man who “labor[ed] under the delusion that [Selah] would soon be his wife” despite the fact that she was betrothed to a man on his way to America from Ireland. Nathan tells Selah that if she refuses him, he will have her “charged as a witch” because of her ability to heal the sick. To avoid Nathan’s plan to marry her the following Sunday, she leaves for Philadelphia to wait for the arrival of her betrothed and marry him before returning home. In Philadelphia, she discovers that her betrothed has died at sea. She then purchases Henry, an indentured servant, and convinces him to pose as her husband and help protect her from Nathan. As the story continues, the reader learns of Selah’s family history and the powers she possesses; Selah is half human, half goddess. It's important that her secret stay safe, because if discovered, she could be killed. The characters are well developed and relatable; the reader empathizes with Selah and her plight. The fast-paced plot is exciting and keeps the reader guessing and in suspense. The end leaves room for a sequel, which, after such a tremendous beginning, would be anxiously awaited. A clear winner!




 




Kari EdgrenAuthor Kari Edgren




Kari Edgren did not dream of becoming a writer. Instead, she dreamed of everything else and was often made to stay inside during kindergarten recess to practice her letters. Despite doting parents and a decent school system, Ms. Edgren managed to make it through elementary school having completed only one book cover to cover – The Box Car Children, which she read approximately forty-seven times. Things improved during high school, but not until she read Gabrielle Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude in college, did she truly understand the power of a book.




Ms. Edgren aspires to be a Vulcan, a world-acclaimed opera singer, and two inches taller. She resides in the Pacific NW where she spends a great deal of time torturing her husband and children with strange food and random historical facts. Ms. Edgren hasn’t stopped dreaming, but has finally mastered her letters enough to put the stories on paper.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook


 




Goddess Born Tour

My review of Goddess Born will be May 29th

Tour Schedule


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Blast Giveaway




$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Wow! Someone will win a $100 Amazon or Paypal Cash. I could use it. How about you? Come enter for your chance to win!




Ends 6/15/14




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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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Forever Amish by Kate Lloyd (Legacy of Lancaster #3) Review

Description

It’s the Last Thing She Expects to Find Sally Bingham needs some time away to sort through the changes in her life and to rethink her upcoming marriage. Despite her ailing father’s hesitations, she takes off for a bed and breakfast in Lancaster County for a weekend away. But her best-laid plans leave her in a near collision with a bishop’s buggy and in the home of a mysterious Amish woman named Lizzie. Lizzie introduces her to a different perspective on life, a charming farmhand named Armin— and opens a Pandora’s box that will forever change Sally’s life. The latest book in the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, Forever Amish introduces us to a young woman about to uncover a shocking secret and find an invitation to a new way of living. This is a story of forgiveness, legacies, and the ties that bind through generations.
Series: Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (June 1, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0781408741
ISBN-13: 978-0781408745


My Review:Forever Amish by Kate Lloyd (Legacy of Lancaster #3)

4 STARS

I have enjoyed reading Legacy of Lancaster series. Forever Amish does not disappoint. It is full of secrets, drama, romance and Amish life style. I love the characters and would like to see more of them in the future.

I think it would be tough to live Amish after living English world. I would miss car, electricity, internet and sometimes phone.

Sally Bingham has always wanted to visit the Amish. Her father and fiancé don't ever want to go. So after fight she decides to go in response to email invitation she received from Lizzy Zook. Her father really is not happy about her going. Her stay in the bed and breakfast is cancelled and she is invited to stay in a real Amish house.

Armin is living and working for the Amish farm instead of in his brother's empty house. He has not been baptized yet. He lived English lifestyle for years. Armin likes Sally.

The Zook family sometimes rents room to people who need a place to stay but won't take any money from Sally. They really want her to stay at least most of the family does. While Sally is arguing with her father on the phone Rhoda Zook asks to speak and reassures her father that they will take care of her but Sally's father hangs up on her.

Ed Bingham is really sick. He is a used cars salesman. He has raised Sally on his own. He won't talk to her about her mother at all and has other secrets he has been keeping.

Most of the book takes place in Lancaster county. In Amish community.

Lizzy Zook who emailed Sally and wanted to know more about her purebred dogs. Asks her to come because she needs her help. After Sally is their won't tell her why she wanted to come. Plus she is sneaking out at night.

I would read more books from Kate Lloyd in the future. I have read all three books in Legacy of Lancaster series. They have characters that I care about and are a clean read.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and in return asked to give honest review of it.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Single Dad Cowboy by Brenda Minton (Cooper Creek, #8)

Description


Her Forever Cowboy

Determined to start over, Harmony Cross returns to Dawson, Oklahoma. She needs time and space—not complications. Especially not in the form of the charming Dylan Cooper. But the handsome cowboy is not the man Harmony remembers. Now he's a single dad with two sweet and vulnerable children to take care of. Harmony never thought she'd see the day—not only is Dylan more kindhearted than she ever imagined, but she's falling for the last man she ever thought she'd love. Can this unlikely hero give her a perfect forever?

Cooper Creek: Home is where the heart is for this Oklahoma family
Series: Love Inspired LP\Cooper Creek

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired; Lrg edition (May 20, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 037381769X
ISBN-13: 978-0373817696



My Review: Single Dad Cowboy by Brenda Minton (Cooper Creek, #8)

4 STARS

I have liked this series. I believe this is the last book of it. Harmony and Dylan are both going through tough periods in their lives, they decide to help each other out. This is full of loving characters, tough trials, and choices they make.

Harmony Cross is staying at her family ranch house. She was in a bad wreck a year ago that left her with some health problems and addiction to pain killers. She is trying to stay clean and get stronger. Her friend died in that wreck and she stills feels guilty about it.

Dylan Cooper his good friend died and left him her kids to raise. Callie 4 and Cash 2. He can't believe he is a single father. He is worried he won't be good enough for them. After a year he has moved back home by his family. He does not want to be set up on blind dates.

Dylan and Harmony live next door right now and agree to help each other out. Maybe that will stop everyone trying to set them up for awhile.

I like how everyone is reaching out to try and help each other. Harmony gets the idea to buy a horse that is not getting enough feed. She thinks she can take care of the horse and help the ranch couple at the same time. Harmony starts out by keep helping where she can.

This deals with a lot of hard issues with compassion and makes the characters believable and real. It is a good story. The kids are so cute and are so needy of love. They give their love too.

Harmony is afraid that she will bring harm to Callie and Cash. She has not forgiven herself for her part in her friend's death.

This is a emotional book for me. It touched me in many ways. It is a clean read.

I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review by Netgalley and Harlequin.

Hannah's Courtship by Emma Miller (Hannah's Daughters #9)

Description

Second Chance At Love

Amish widow Hannah Yoder never intended to marry again. Yet when her friendship with veterinarian Albert Hartman begins to bloom into something more, Hannah wonders if perhaps she's finally ready for a new love. Albert waited his whole life to find the right woman, only to realize Hannah was there all along. But there's more than their friendship to consider. Albert is a Mennonite, born-and-bred, and Hannah cannot—will not—leave her Amish faith, not even for him. Does Albert have the courage to give up his modern life for Hannah…and will Hannah have the courage to let him?

Hannah's Daughters: Seeking love, family and faith in Amish country

Series: Love Inspired\Hannah's Daughters

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (May 20, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373878893
ISBN-13: 978-0373878895


My Review:Hannah's Courtship by Emma Miller (Hannah's Daughters #9)

4 STARS

Hannah's Courtship is book #9 in the series. I have only read a few books of this series but I have liked all of them that I have read. The Characters and their stories draws me in right away. They are good clean charming stories.

Hannah has eight daughters. The youngest Susanna has down syndrome. All her daughters are almost married except Susanna. Hannah has been a widow for many years. She teaches school at the Amish school. Hannah is Amish.

Albert Hartman is a veterinarian. He is a single 55 year old man. Albert is a Mennonite. He was a friend to Hannah's husband.
He rescues Susanna and King David late one night. Albert's father just died two months ago. He now has a lot of time on his hand. He decides he needs a new hobby with Hannah's help.

Susanna works with a Amish library. She likes King David and wants to be courted and married like her older sisters. She is 21 but has a much younger mind. Hasn't been disobedient till now.

David King is a newer resident in their Amish church. He has down syndrome too. Susanna calls him King David.
He lives with his parents too. He too wants to court Susanna.

Hannah has tried to tell Susanna that she can't get married like her sisters.

Albert wants to court Hannah when he realizes how much her friendship has meant to him. But they are of a different religion. Hannah won't leave her church. If she does her daughters would have to shun her.

Setting is a Amish community farm country.

It is a good clean read. Lots of drama, fast read. Did not want to put it down.

I would like to catch up and read the books in this series I have missed. I would look for more books by Emma Miller in the future.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review by Netgalley.

Shattered by Alice Sharpe

Description

ALL HE'D WANTED WAS A REUNION WITH A FRIEND. WHAT HE GOT WAS A NATIONWIDE CONSPIRACY AND A JOB PROTECTING ONE GORGEOUS STRANGER.

Deputy sheriff Nate Matthews doesn't know what to think when he arrives in Nevada and discovers his friend murdered. He is sure about the beautiful woman pointing a rifle at him. Sarah Donovan is a liar, she may have murdered her father…and she stirs something inside him he can't possibly explain.

But before they can solve one murder, Nate and Sarah find themselves dodging bullets. Being on the run brings new emotions into focus. After a night of passion in a snowbound cabin, they start closing in on the truth—someone means to strike terror in America's heart….
Series: Harlequin LP Intrigue\The Rescuers (Book 1501)

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Lrg edition (May 20, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373748221
ISBN-13: 978-0373748228


My Review: Shattered by Alice Sharpe

4 STARS

The suspense keeps you guessing till Alice wants you to know. Lots of drama, action, mystery and even a treasure hunt. Their is a love scene that I skipped over. Some violence.

I liked Nate Matthews. He is a good guy hero all the way. He does not know what he wants right now.

Sarah Donovan character you are not sure what she is hiding. She is a strong character, with a mystery about her.

Nate is meeting two friends in Nevada. He is delayed getting their but his friends are even later. The weather is bad but he decides to drive to his friend's ranch and he finds a dead body. Soon someone is trying to kill him he has no idea why or who it is. Is it someone after Sarah and whatever she is up too? Or is it whoever killed her father?

I did figure out one clue before Nate and Sarah did.

I did not put the book down till I had to. Their was non-stop action, drama that kept me wanting to know more. I want to read the next book in the series Stranded.

I will read more books by Alice Sharpe in the future.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley and Harlequin.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Good, Clean, Murder (The Plain Jane Mysteries #1) by Traci Tyne Hilton

Living on her own for her first time, Bible school student Jane cleans houses to make ends meet. But being independent brings big trials, like falling for a handsome professor, dealing with an obnoxious roommate, and then there's the dead bodies...

Who knew being housekeeper to wealthy owners of a Roly Burger franchise would mean sweeping up clues to their death, while ministering to the needs of their heirs?

This is one big mess that Jane is intent on cleaning up before things get even worse.
File Size: 878 KB
Print Length: 383 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Proverbs 31 House LLC; 1 edition (January 6, 2014)



My Review:Good, Clean, Murder (The Plain Jane Mysteries #1) by Traci Tyne Hilton

4 STARS

I tried this series because it was free on Amazon. I really liked it. The characters I liked. The plot was good. Clean read. Had some faith and lots of prayer.

Jane the main character is in her last semester of school. She cleans houses to pay her way. She lives in a tiny apartment with a roommate who is not so nice. She wants to go on a mission out of the country so she has been going to a little church school.

While she is cleaning one of her clients house she finds Bob still in bed and she can't find a pulse so she calls 911. She needs one more class to graduate but the class she signed up for was cancelled. The new one has a young teacher. Who is flirting with her.
For a while everything goes wrong for Jane.

Jane wants to help Bob's grieving family. She went to school with his kids. She is also suspicious about the deaths and wants to find out who might want them dead.

I want to read more Plain Jane Mysteries in the future. It was a cute story. I want to find out what happens next to Jane.

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson $25 Amazon or Paypal Giveaway





Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.


Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn’t afraid to show him that he doesn’t. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating


My Review: Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

4 STARS

I enjoyed reading Prejudice Meets Pride. It was a quick romance story. The two little girls were so cute.
I liked the other characters too. This is a clean read.

Emma Makie is single and she has moved into her great Aunt's house in Colorado Springs with her two nieces.
Emma does not like to take charity or help. She is full of pride. She also does not see how turning her life inside out to help take care of her nieces is helping and giving to her family. Emma does not have a job and has credit cards. She does have a house that has not been lived in for a year. Emma is a talented artist. She hopes she can get a teaching art at a local school. I would love to have the girls room when she got it done.

Kajsa is six and a half. Adelynn is fourteen months younger. They are good friends and miss their dad.

Kevin lives next door. He is a children's dentist. He likes order but is willing to help when he can. Kevin's idea of helping and Emma's idea of not taking help crash into each other.

This is a charming read. As Kevin, Emma, Kajsa and Adelynn get to know each other better. They draw closer and closer.

Noah is the girl's father. He was a Mr. Mom while his wife finished school and became a lawyer. Then she died. Noah found a construction job away from home that had long hours.

Becky and her daughter Sam welcomed Emma and the girls into the neighborhood. Sam volunteered to baby sit the girls when Emma needed her to.

Their are going to be two other books in this series that I can't wait to read and see what happens next.

The setting for the book is Colorado Springs neighborhood.
I liked all the giggling in this story.

I was given this book to read for purpose of giving honest review of it and being part of its blog tour.




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Saturday, May 17, 2014

The Magician's Doll by M.L. Roble

Description
"They are stronger. They are coming. They will arrive!"

Life would be so much better for twelve-year-old Natalie if she and her mother weren’t different: other kids wouldn’t pick on her, she wouldn’t have to get into fights, she might even have friends.

But Natalie has abilities that set her apart, and despite her very best efforts to have a normal life, her developing “gift” has a way of upending them all.

Then one day a big top circus rolls into town bringing with it Beausoleil the Magician, his daughter Louisa, and his mysterious doll. Strange things are afoot with Beausoleil’s arrival, and in his wake, an eerie storm is approaching. Soon Natalie discovers there is more to her world and the people around her than she knew, and that being different is just the tip of the iceberg...

The Magician’s Doll sparks readers’ imaginations with a tale of magical discoveries, profound friendships, a fight against evil, and the growth that comes with facing your fears and accepting who you are.
Pub Date Jan 10 2013
File Size: 480 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0988421313
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00AZSCK1E


My Review: The Magician's Doll by M.L. Roble

4 STARS

In my mind the doll is so much better than the cover picture. I liked some of the twists and turns the book took me. I guessed a few of them but so many were a surprise to me. The Magician's Doll takes you on a fun, dramatic, adventure. With a paranormal side to it and the fun of a circus visit. There are characters that you fall for and others you hate. There are bullies, heroes, protective characters and evil characters.

Natalie is one of the main characters. She is a twelve year old girl whose mom embarrasses her. She is feeling different from others and she does not want to be. She fights changes. Her mom has raised her by herself.

Phillip is her friend. His father has disappeared. He wants to find him badly. His mom has her own shop selling her clothing that she makes.

Natalie and Phillip's mothers are keeping secrets from them. They try and figure out the secrets.

The circus comes to town and Natalie and Phillip are excited to visit and see all that they can see. During the magic show they both rush up to the stage to volunteer to help the magician where he brings a doll to life. During there time on stage something happens to Natalie and she ends up passing out. Things really start to change from there.

You don't want to put the book down. What is happening to Natalie? What secrets are their parents hiding? How do they know the Magician? Who are they hiding from? There are many questions and they unfold a little at a time. It is a fascinating ride.

This is a story that anyone can enjoy. I would say it is aimed at middle school readers. It is a clean read

I was given this ebook to read and in return I agreed to give honest review of it from Net Galley.

It is a fast paced book. A lot of the book takes place at the circus as it comes to their small town.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron (Ennara #1)

Description

Eleven year-old Ennara Gaern has a serious grudge against the dragon on her right hand. Born with a mask that foretold her magical powers, she was immediately inked with the fiendish, fire-breathing tattoo that forces her to study boring texts, cover her hand continuously, and worst of all, keeps her from visiting the beautiful capital city, Dordonne. But her quiet life changes when one night she is attacked by a shadowy demon. Tork, an old friend and wizard, is enlisted to help. But when he arrives, he informs Ennara’s parents that she is her world’s only hope of finding the legendary Sword of Gisilfrid, which is needed to destroy the curse that is creating the demons. Ennara and the wizard begin a perilous journey to the Sunken City, pitting them against dangerous oceans and pirates intent on claiming Ennara’s magic as their own. With only her friends at her side, including the intelligent, aquatic cat Smoos, Ennara must defeat monsters guarding the sword and servants of the Fallen Druid. When her world is covered in darkness, will she know how to dispel the curse?
Series: Ennara

Paperback: 174 pages
Publisher: Stardance Publishing; 1 edition (June 24, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615831346
ISBN-13: 978-0615831343


My Review:Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron (Ennara #1)

4 STARS

This is a fantasy novel with wizards, monsters, evil and a bunch of children that save there people. It is full of drama, danger, action, magic, adventure and brave friends that save each other on a quest. It is a clean story.

The characters are loveable. You want the main ones succeed and you want to cheer for them along the way.

Ennara Gaern is a eleven year old girl who was born with a gift. She has been trained in the principle of magic but never done it. It is said that one day she will be powerful. She is a farm girl.

Kithe the only other child her age in their village. His father runs the local inn. He sees her ride off with a stranger and rides to her rescue.

Tork a wizard he is asked to help save the village from the shadow demons and he thinks the only way is to travel to the sunken city to find a special sword. He says the only chance he has if Ennara leaves her family and goes with him.

The main transportation is horses. It is a time when magic is in the land in a few people. Most are taken and trained away from their home. Ennara's parents were able to bribe the midwife to keep her at home. She has never left her village before.

The story is aimed at children but adults can enjoy it too. At least I did.

I would read and look forward to the next book in the series Ennara and the Book of Shadows (Ennara, #2).

I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give a honest review of the book by Net Galley.

Inquisitor by R.J. Blain Book Blast $50 Amazon or Paypal giveaway










HTML




inquisitor cover




Inquisitor by R.J. Blain




When Allison is asked to play Cinderella-turned-Fiancee at a Halloween ball, the last thing she expected was to be accused of murder on the same night. She has to find the killer and quick, or she'll be put to death for the crimes she didn't commit. To make matters worse, the victims are all werewolves.

On the short list of potential victims, Allison has to act fast, or the killer will have one more body to add to his little black book of corpses.

There's only one problem: One of the deaths has struck too close to home, and Allison's desire for self-preservation may very well transform into a quest for vengeance...

Amazon


 




Excerpt




Caroline was either the best actress I’d ever seen, or she was really dead. I crouched next to her, torn between touching her neck to feel for a pulse and running away before the sweet scent of a fresh kill overwhelmed my restraint.




A clock chimed ten. The power of the full moon slammed into me, tugging at my heart, and tightening my chest. The need to embrace my inner beast and become one with the night quickened my breath.




Scents flooded my nose. Strong perfumes mingled with cologne, and the sweat of hot, living bodies stirred my hunger. I licked my lips, and for one brief moment, imagined the salty sweetness of fresh blood on my tongue.




There was another hunter in the room with me, and they taunted me with their kill. Their prey was either dead or left to die. It was a challenge to the scavengers, to the hunters, and a warning to the prey.




“What do you think?” Mark’s mother asked.




“I think she’s an amazing actress,” I replied, careful to keep my tone light. I rose to my feet. If I grew a tail, I could only hope my gown would hide it long enough for me to slip from the party and find a place to gain control over myself.




Or complete the change and go on a rampage.




Another minute passed in silence. I shook my head. “This would be why I’m not a police officer.”




The Wicked Witch of the West giggled. I shivered at the sound. “I see. Very well, Cinderella. Shall we mingle with the other guests and learn about this terrible, terrible deed?”




“I thought this was when Mark was supposed to come rescue me from a fate worse than death,” I muttered.




Oops. So much for keeping civil. I guess it was inevitable. Bodies brought out the worst in me. Especially when the body wasn’t one of my making. To make matters worse, I couldn’t exactly raise the alarm.




If I did, I’d reveal to those who knew the truth about werewolves and witches that I wasn’t just some human girl after a wealthy boy. Then the Inquisition would find silver old enough to kill me or reduce me to ashes to make certain they purged the world of one more rogue werewolf.




“Why can’t you be wealthy?” Mrs. Livingston lamented.




The old woman’s question caught me by surprise. Had she heard me? Did she think it an amusing quip?




Was it possible the woman actually liked me? Confused at the question, I answered honestly. “Ma’am, who says I’m not? I’m your son’s accountant. Do you really think he’d trust someone who didn’t have access to at least some money with his money?” I glared at the old woman. At least the brewing fight between us distracted me from Caroline’s body a little. “Don’t forget I know exactly how much he makes a year, where he transfers his funds, who owes him how much, and whom he owes. I know how much he’s paid in taxes, and I know how much I saved him last tax season.”




The witch’s mouth dropped open. “Just what—”




“I paid more in taxes than he did last year. I’ll let you do the math. Unless, of course, he learned how to count from you.” I pivoted on a heel and stalked my way towards the refreshment stand.




 




BlainAuthor RJ Blain

RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.

When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband. She also has a tendency to play MMOs and other computer games.

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.

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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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Uncovering Cobbogoth





Uncovering Cobbogoth

by Hannah L. Clark


Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle's murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister. Readers of all ages will be captivated by this tale of mythical beings, elemental magic, and the secrets of a lost city.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (May 13, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114261
ISBN-13: 978-1462114269

Meet the Author:

Hannah L. Clark lives with her kinzura and their kynd in Utah. She has always known she would be a storyteller. In 2006 she graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in English, and immediately began writing Cobbogoth.

Hannah loves running, mythology, laughing, soulful bluegrass music, and growing things. Like Norah, she is slightly inclined to believe that trees have souls.



My Review: Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark

5 STARS

This is a fantasy adventure. Most of the story takes place in Boston. Their is another world of Cobbogoth that is very detailed. As they reveal little by little about it. and their race of people and talents that are more. There is lots of drama, action, betrayal, romance, sacrifice, and a whole new world. It is a clean YA story.

The characters are revealed little by little. You are never sure who to trust. Or who is on the right side of a major battle of good and destruction.

Norah Lukens is the main character. She has been away to school for her senior year. Her life has changed and is trying to figure out what is going on. She wakes up on a bus with no memory of leaving school. Her hair is a mess, a strange bracelet is on her wrist. When she gets home she finds her Uncle murdered.

James is a firefighter. He lives down the street from Norah and her Uncle. Last year they got close while is gram was dying. He has not called or written Norah since his gram died. He brings Norah to stay with him after her Uncle's murder.

There are a lot of characters, and myths told in this book. There are so many secrets that are revealed a little at a time.
I don't want to ruin the secrets.

Norah has to face a lot of her fears, as she tries to figure out what is going on. She agrees to help finish her Uncle's work even though it will be dangerous.

The pace of the book is fast and action packed. I did not want to put the book down till I had too.

The description of Cobbogoth sounds really special, beautiful. Lots of details to make it seem real. It is a place I would like to see.

This is the first book of a planned 7 book series. I will want to read the next book for sure.

I was given this ebook to read and agreed to give honest review and be part of its book blog tour.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Missing Lily Book Blast $50 Amazon and Paypal Giveaway


 




missing lily




Missing Lily

“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.




He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.




Lylin was not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.




 

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Author Annette K. Larsen

I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.


I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.




I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.


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Missing Lily Tour


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Not yet read Just Ella?


It is on sale for $3.99 for the duration of the blog tour.


Grab your copy on Amazon.


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Book Blast Giveaway




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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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