Saturday, August 30, 2014

The Healer's Touch by Lori Copeland

Description
Lori Copeland, beloved author of more than 100 books, brings a new adventure to life in her latest novel.

Lyric Bolton doesn’t ask for much—just friendship and acceptance from her rural Missouri community. But her family is regarded with suspicion and fear because of her mother’s sickness—a sickness of the mind that grows worse by the day. Lyric is resigned to a life of isolation and doesn’t see any way out…but that’s before Ian Cawley bolts into her life on a runaway stallion.

As she opens her heart to Ian, Lyric dares to imagine a different life. But what will happen when he discovers the secret she holds closest of all?

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736956530
ISBN-13: 978-0736956536

My review:The Healer's Touch by Lori Copeland

4 stars

The Healer's Touch is a good clean story that has a main character is spooklight that is seen in Missouri. I had never heard of it but it would probably freak me out after awhile. It does scare a lot of the people in this book.

The setting is 4 miles south of Joplin, Missouri 1887. Their are a lot of outlaws that live close by.

I like Lyric Bolton and her sister Lark. They live with their mother alone on a small farm. Their mother is sick and has fits. Because of their mom's sickness people are scared of them and will not go to their place and don't welcome the girls either.

One night the Bolton's barn door is broken and she finds a injured man inside that looks close to death. Lyric thinks he is a outlaw. She rides into town to talk to sheriff about the outlaw. The sheriff wants her to bring him in because he does not want to go to her place. He also plans to hang him the next day.

Ian Cawley does not remember who he is or anything. He knows that he hill hang when she takes him in. He saw the light and it scared him and his horse and his horse threw him into the barn that night. He has no id on him and his horse bolted.

Lark is 14 and she plans to marry a farmer close by who is 17 and wants nothing to do with her. She has a real close friend that is not afraid to come visit. She also loves to read.

Lyric plans to take her sister and leave the area after their mother dies so she can have a normal life with friends and church. Lark does not want to move. Lyric wants to take the bounty she will get off of Ian to go away.

I liked the story and am glad that Lyric finally got a friend. Has some funny scenes in it. Also talks about scriptures and prayers.

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

Thursday, August 28, 2014

The Fool and the Dragonox by Jacob Gowans: A Prequel to A Tale of Light and Shadow

Description
This is a prequel to A Tale of Light and Shadow.

In The Fool and the Dragonox, we meet Henry Vestin, his best friend Ruther, his sister, Maggie, and the love of his young life, Isabelle Oslan, as they begin an adventure in Atolas; a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships.
File Size: 233 KB
Print Length: 43 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (February 25, 2014)

My review: The Fool and the Dragonox by Jacob Gowans: A Prequel to A Tale of Light and Shadow

4 STARS

This is a short story that is a Prequel to A Tale of Light and Shadow. It does a good job of making these characters interesting that I want to see more of them. It has four young friends especially Henry is the central figure of the story.

Henry is learning how to be a carpenter from his father. He really likes Isabelle Oslan. Ruther is a good friend that keeps getting him into trouble. Maggie is Henry's sister.

Henry's father used to have Ruther as a apprentice and living with them but kicked him out. He does not want his children around Ruther anymore.

Isabelle's father does not want his daughter to be around Henry and Maggie anymore. He thinks he is too good for them.

Henry's mother used to teach them all and that was the education they all received and where they got to be friends.

This is a fantasy story with a Dragonox which is a big scary animal that is in their town for a few days that the friends sneak out to see it. I would want to see it too but not get so close to it. For a short story it has a lot of drama, action and young romance.
It is a clean read.

I am excited to read A Tale of Light and Shadow next.

This is a free book on Amazon right now. http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Dragonox-Prequel-Light-Shadow-ebook/dp/B00INFFIKG

I was given this ebook from Net Galley and Shadow Mountain in exchange for a honest review of it.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Abandon the Dark by Marta Perry (Watcher in the Dark #3)

Description

Facing the past can be deadly…

Twenty years ago, Lainey Colton spent one perfect summer in Deer Run with her beloved great-aunt Rebecca. Since then, the beautiful graphic designer has been a gypsy, calling no place home. Now Rebecca is gravely ill, so Lainey has returned to Deer Run to care for her…and to escape her mistakes.

Lawyer Jake Evans gave up a high-powered job to build a quieter life in the small Pennsylvania town. So when a beautiful stranger appears after twenty years gone, he naturally questions her motives. Still, he is drawn to Lainey. But no amount of attraction will matter if he can't keep her safe from a mysterious threat….
Series: Watcher in the Dark (Book 3)

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (June 24, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373778848
ISBN-13: 978-0373778843


My review: Abandon the Dark by Marta Perry (Watcher in the Dark #3)

4 Stars

This is a good ending to the series. Has good suspense, drama, characters that you want more of and romance.

Twenty years ago Lainey spent a summer with her Great Aunt Rebecca in her Amish home. She had two good friends that were always together that summer. Now a lawyer calls her to tell her that Rebecca had a stroke and is in the hospital. Lainey comes back to Deer Run for her Aunt.

Lainey Colton has lost her job and broke up with the man she was seeing and has other problems. She worked in advertising. She plans on staying at her Aunt's Amish home forgetting that it does not have electricity. Some one does not want her in Deer Run.

Jake Evans with Rebecca's lawyer. He needs Lainey to make some decisions if she wants to accept her Aunt's power of attorney if not he needs her to sign papers. Jake is single.

Rebecca is in a comma. She is a widow. It is unusual for the Amish to have a lawyer but Rebecca has a lot of property for a Amish. But does not have health insurance.

The story line that goes across all three books of the series. The three 10 years old that summer followed Aaron a Amish teen and Laura. They made up stories about them and Lainey even drew the pictures of all their sidekicks. Aaron was dead by the end of the summer most people thought it was suicide. When Rachel moved back home her and Meredith got comparing notes and proved it was murder in the first two books of the series. Their was even another murder and suicide. Now Lainey is back and making someone nervous.

Abandon the Dark ties everything really well together and it is good to see the three friends back together again and finding happiness.

This is a clean suspense story that takes place in the Amish community of Deer Run.

I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return agreed to give honest review of Abandon the Dark.

FOR LOVE AND COUNTRY bookblast and Giveaway $50 Amazon or Paypal Cash


For Love and Country sounds good. Come check it out and enter to win $50 Amazon or Paypal Cash. I know I can use either with the holidays coming up. I am excited to read For Love and Country by Elizabeth D Michaels. I plan to post my review on Sept 24, 2014.





Horstberg saga




For Love and CountryFor Love and Country




When A Man Is Torn Between Honoring His Country And The Woman He Loves, The Best Option Might Be To Choose Both.




 




When Maggie du Woernig willfully ignores her parents’ admonitions and entangles herself with Nik Koenig, she is certain he’s the only man who will make her happy. Blind to Nik’s real intentions, she throws herself recklessly into a situation that could not only destroy her life but compromise the safety of her country.




 




Han Heinrich has resigned himself to working in the castle stables, mostly as an excuse to have contact each day with Maggie. His aspirations for a more fulfilling career seem fruitless, in spite of his father’s position as the duke’s highest advisor. But when Han learns about Maggie’s precarious situation, he is willing to sacrifice everything to protect the woman he loves, and to save the country he would die for. He only hopes that someday Maggie will forgive him.

Purchase your copy:


Amazon * Barnes & Noble


iTunes * Google Play * Kobo


 




Praise for The Horstberg Saga:




I completely enjoyed this book. The character development is fantastic. The author has a great sense of emotional storytelling that wraps you into the story as if you know,and can fully relate to the characters. This is the kind of story that touches the heart and the spirit. Well done. I look forward to the next chapter in the Horstberg Saga.

This book kept me so interested, I had a hard time putting it down. Suspense, love without smut, emotions that so relate to everyday life. This author touched on it all. Such in depth understanding of human emotions with the characters.

Firstly, I loved that this was a VOLUME! And what a great story to really sink my teeth into and get settled in with for more than just one sitting!

Well written and thoroughly satisfying.




 




ElizabethAuthor Elizabeth D. Michaels




Elizabeth D. Michaels began writing at the age of sixteen, immersing herself ever since in the lives created by her vivid imagination. Beyond her devotion to family and friends, writing has been her passion for nearly three decades. While she has more than fifty published novels under the name Anita Stansfield and is the recipient of many awards, she boldly declares The Horstberg Saga as the story she was born to write, with many volumes in the works. She is best known for her keen ability to explore the psychological depths of human nature, bringing her characters to life through the timeless struggles they face in the midst of exquisite dramas.

Website * Blog * Facebook







BookBlast Giveaway




$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 9/26/14




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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Thirty Two going on Spinster by Becky Monson Bookblast & Giveaway $50 Amazon or Paypal Cash

Thirty Two Going on Spinster by Becky Monson Bookblast. I liked Thirty Two Going on Spinster and will be reviewing it in September here. Come check it out and enter the Giveaway.





 




thirty twoThirty-Two Going on Spinster by Becky Monson

Julia Dorning is a spinster, or at least on the road to becoming one. She has no social life, hates her job, and lives in her parent’s basement with her cat, Charlie.


With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia’s mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie.


But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways?


Purchase your copy for just $2.99!!


Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo


 




Praise for Thirty-Two Going on... Spinster




 




"Oh my, oh my. I have just finished wiping the tears of laughter from my eyes. This is seriously funny."




~Julie Darley (Never judge a Book by its Movie)




"This was a refreshing change of pace for me to read. Some good clean romance was found in it’s pages and that is a rare find these days. It was some great chick-lit. I would not have thought this was Becky’s debut book, it was so well done."




~Liberty Ann (SnifferWalkBooks)




 




Becky MonsonAuthor Becky Monson




By day, Becky Monson is a mother of three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful time will last... But it probably won't. Becky runs a large book club on Facebook called "This Chick Reads".




 

Facebook * Website * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads * Blog


 









BookBlast Giveaway




$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 9/30/14




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.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

The Homecoming by Robyn Carr (Thunder Point #6)

Description

www.robyncarr.com

In a small town, reputation is everything. In her latest novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr explores the burden placed on a young man returning home to face his mistakes—the first step in claiming the life he was meant to live

At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been.

Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken. But now he's been presented with an opportunity to return home and show his father—and the people of Thunder Point—he's become a better, humbler version of his former self.

Winning over his father isn't the only challenge. Seth must also find a way to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend, Iris McKinley, to forgive him for breaking her heart. With his homecoming, will Seth be able to convince the town, his family and especially Iris that he's finally ready to be the man who will make them all proud?

My Review:The Homecoming by Robyn Carr (Thunder Point #6)

5 STARS

I love Thunder Point. The Homecoming did not disappoint. It was full of drama, romance, heavy issues and a community of characters.
I love the characters. There are always a main couple and a whole town of secondary characters that some are old friends and others are new characters.

Seth Sileski is back home. He is the new deputy that has taken Mac's place. He grew up in Thunder Point. Now he is home. He is single. Made some errors in his past. Wants to keep the town safe. He also wants to be friends again with Iris.

Iris is a guidance counselor at the high school. Seth and her were best friends till their senior year. She is still hurt from it.
She has no family left. She still lives next door to Seth's parents house.

Some of the issues that this book deals in is speeding and distracted driving how it took things away from two families. Abuse and other issues that effect teens.

I did not put the book down till I was finished reading. Robyn weaves stories that make you care about the people and makes you think about helping others, and reaching out to those around you. I am always sad to put the book down and say good by to new friends till her next book is out.

There is a couple of love scenes that I skipped over.

The setting for Thunder Point is a small coastal town in Oregon around Coos Bay area.

Good pacing of the story.

One scene in the book that I loved was at the medical clinic. When Seth needed stitches. Dr. Scott's kids were their telling Seth it would only hurt a little. They wanted to watch him get the stitches. They were so cute.

I would read more of Robyn Carr's books in the future.

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

It's in His Kiss by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor, #10)

Description


ONE KISS CAN LAST FOREVER
Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now's her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam's eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.

Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can't resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca's heart?
Series: Lucky Harbor

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (August 26, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455529524


My review: It's in His Kiss by Jill Shalvis

4 STARS

I love the characters in this book. They are so likeable faults an all. The writing is easy and just draws you into the story. You laugh with them and celebrate with them. Also want to eat popcorn with them.

Things I could do without the swearing and sex scenes.

Sam Brody is smart, helpful, grumpy ,sexy. He has problems with his father. He is in business with two good friends in Lucky Harbor Charters. He does not do commitments. He also does not sleep with the help.

Becca is new to Lucky Harbor. She is also lost finding her new apartment. She runs into Sam and he Points to warehouse around corner. She is a little shy at first. Talented has issues with her family.

Cole and Tanner own and work the business with Sam. They have Wright Sport boat take people out for whale watching, deep sea fishing or what ever. They also rent equipment and teach how to use it like snorkeling, paddleboards ect. Sam also builds boats.

Becca and Sam get close one night and then she applies for the shop the guys have opening. Sam tells her it is either the job or sleeping with him. Becca takes the job.

I would love to live in Lucky Harbor it is very inviting and fun to visit.

Small town of Lucky Harbor, WA is the setting. Most of the story happens close to the pier.

I enjoy coming back and reading more of Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor stories.

I was given this ebook to read and in return promised to give honest review of it.

Shattered Secrets by Karen Harper (Cold Creek #1)

Description

www.KarenHarperAuthor.com

Every town has its secrets…

Returning to Cold Creek, Ohio, is an act of courage for Tess Lockwood. Abducted and held captive as a young girl, she is unable to remember anything about the crime that destroyed her childhood and tore her family apart. Now a grown woman with a bright future, she is certain she has put the past behind her. But when she inherits the family home, Tess must confront the demons that still haunt her and the town of Cold Creek.

Gabe McCord has always blamed himself for what happened to Tess. He had been a teenager when she was snatched from the group of children he was responsible for watching. Now Gabe has taken on the role of sheriff and hopes to shed new light on the cold case, especially given his growing feelings for Tess.

Tess isn't ready to recall what happened to her, and she has no intention of digging up any details that might remind her of the truth. But when another child in the town goes missing, she's certain it's related to her return to Cold Creek. Together, Tess and Gabe will have to work to unlock their painful memories in order to save another child and heal their damaged souls, for good….
Series: Cold Creek (Book 1)

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (August 26, 2014)


My Review: Shattered Secrets by Karen Harper

4 STARS

Shattered Secrets is a hard book to put down. You want Tess to get her memories back and help find the missing children. Boy is this full of drama, suspense, a little scary and tense. At least I felt the tension. It is a clean story but deals with real emotional issues. Child kidnapping, and drugs.

Teresa Lockwood was kidnapped when she was a child. She was gone for eight months before she was found and has no memories of what happened to her. She is single. She has come back to her home town to sale her house she owns now twenty years later. She goes by Tess now.

Gabe McCord blamed himself for Teresa's kidnapping. He was watching her that day. Now he is Sheriff of Cold Creek, OH. He wants to find out what happened to the other children that were kidnapped after Tess. He hopes he can get help from Tess.

Tess comes home to sale her house so she can buy a preschool in Michigan where she now lives. She is going through a lot to be back in town. Right after she gets back another child is taken. There have been others kidnapped after her and they were never found.

Also her cousin Lee and his family that had been renting her home have joined a commune near by. Tess is not allowed to visit as she would like.

Tess was taken from the corn fields right behind her house. They are tall and almost ready to harvest and freak her out. Someone is trying to scare her to leave.

Tess starts out scared and week. But as she struggles with the past and trying to remember she is getting stronger and braver. The more she learns about what happened to her it helps her to understand.

This is the first book in the Cold Creek trilogy. Forbidden Ground will be Kate's story. Broken Bonds is Char's story. I want to read both of those books now. I hope they come out soon.

The town librarian is always trying to get kids to read. She hates ereaders and people getting books from the air. She said it a few times as I was reading on my kindle fire. Having gotten it from the air. I felt guilty. I hardly go to the library anymore. I have three ereaders that I use all the time.

I was given this ebook to read for the purpose of giving a honest review of it from Net Galley and Harlequin

Harbor Island by Carla Neggers (Sharpe & Donovan, #4)

Description

In this vivid and suspenseful addition to her widely acclaimed Sharpe & Donovan series, New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers takes readers on a heart-stopping journey from Boston to Ireland to the rocky coast of Maine

Emma Sharpe, granddaughter of world-renowned art detective Wendell Sharpe, is a handpicked member of a small Boston-based FBI team. For the past decade Emma and her grandfather have been trailing an elusive serial art thief. The first heist was in Ireland, where an ancient Celtic cross was stolen. Now the Sharpes receive a replica of the cross after every new theft—reminding them of their continued failure to capture their prey.

When Emma receives a message that leads her to the body of a woman on a small island in Boston Harbor, she finds the victim holding a small, cross-inscribed stone—one she recognizes all too well. Emma's fiancé, FBI deep-cover agent Colin Donovan, is troubled that she's gone off to the island alone, especially given the deadly turn the thief has taken. But as they dig deeper they are certain there is more to this murder than meets the eye.

As the danger escalates, Emma and Colin must also face do-or-die questions about their relationship. While there's no doubt they are in love, can they give their hearts and souls to their work and have anything left for each other? There's one thing Emma and Colin definitely agree on: before they can focus on their future, they must outwit one of the smartest, most ruthless killers they've ever encountered.
Series: Sharpe & Donovan Novels

Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (August 26, 2014)


My review: Harbor Island by Carla Neggers (Sharpe & Donovan, #4)

4 STARS

I like the Sharpe & Dovovan series of books. This has a lot of the same characters and a few more new ones. It has a lot of different strings that they pull together to solve the different crimes. Lots of mystery, little action, lots of relationships and some love scenes.

The setting of this book takes place all over from Ireland, England, Boston and Maine. From country to big cities.

Colin Donovan a FBI Agent often goes deep undercover.

Emma Sharpe has a varied career from Nun to working in family art recovery firm to FBI Agent.

Emma and Colin are now working together and love each other they don't know what the future will bring. Emma gets a phone call to meet on a small island in Boston Harbor. She finds a connection to the art thief they are chasing and her contact murdered.

Emma's Grandfather has been chasing this art thief for over 10 years. He now lives in Ireland and has a branch of his company out of Maine where Emma's brother is working.

Sometimes it is hard to go from one string of the plot to another. It ties everything in by the end of the story. This is one series that would be best to read in order. You can read them alone but better together. So far I have read them all but Rockport #.05. I do want to go read it sometime though.

I like how Carla Neggers tells stories. I plan to read more from her in the future.

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

Mercy by B.J. Daniels (Beartooth, Montana #5)

Description
The hunt for a killer leads to a battle between justice and desire

For U.S. marshal Rourke Kincaid, there's the law…and then there's his law. When the two don't agree, he always trusts his instincts. A killing spree has gripped the Northwest, showing a strange connection that only he sees, and now the old rules of justice no longer apply. Forced to turn rogue, he goes deep undercover to track his mysterious female suspect to a quiet, unassuming café in the wild, isolated mountains of Beartooth, Montana.

But encountering Callie Westfield complicates his mission in ways he never expected. As suspicious as she seems, her fragile beauty and sexy charm get to Rourke. Then the gory crimes begin anew. With his heart suddenly at war with his instincts, he has only two options. Either turn Callie over to the law, or put everything—including his badge and his life—on the line to protect her.
Series: Hqn

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (August 26, 2014)


My review: Mercy by B.J. Daniels (Beartooth, Montana #5)

4 STARS

I like the Beartooth Montana series, but the one story line that runs through the series always leave me wanting answers. The new story was good. I guessed a little bit of the twists but not all. I like Rourke and Callie and wanted things to work out for them. Lots of suspense, crazy stuff going on, action and romance.

U.S. Marshal Rourke Kincaid was on two week suspension to think about his job. He came to his ex-partner Laura to get her opinion.
When he is on a case he does not give up. He is all business. He is single.

Callie Westfield has major secrets in her life. She is a waitress in Beartooth Montana. She does not date or tell anyone her background.

Laura used to be a homicide detective in Seattle. Rourke was her partner. She misses being a cop. Laura can see that Rourke is drawn to Callie's picture. She is worried that Rourke could be throwing his career away by not giving up the cold case. She is working as a profiler for now. She loves Rourke but he has no idea.

Rourke found in a case file Callie's picture at three different crime scene pictures. He believes she is the key to a serial killer. He hires a P.I. to find out about her and locate her. He found her in Beartooth, Montana.

Rourke has just got to town and is already recognized by the Sheriff. He tells him he is working on his own. Rourke is attracted to Callie.

There is lots of secrets in the story and we find out most of the answers but still want to know the rest of the answers.

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

Monday, August 25, 2014

INCA’S DEATH CAVE An Archaeological Mystery Thriller by Bradford G. Wheler

Description
Adventure, archaeology, technology, and mystery mix to form a breathtaking action-packed tale.

What happened to a band of Inca rebels who journeyed north in Peru to seek the fabled cave of the true gods – and escape the disease and destruction brought by Spanish conquistadors? They were never heard from again. Did they just melt back into their villages or was something more sinister involved? What trace or treasure did they leave behind?

The ingenious plot of this thriller is full of twists and turns, excitement and adventure, archaeology and technology. Readers will meet fascinating characters they’ll never forget: a high-tech billionaire, a quick-witted professor, his beautiful young student, and her still-tough grandfather, a retired Marine gunny sergeant.

Cornell University professor Robert Johnson and his star PhD student are hired by a billionaire entrepreneur to solve a 500-year-old archaeology mystery in northern Peru. But first, they will have to survive corporate skullduggery and drug-lord thuggery. And why, 6,700 miles away in Vatican City, is the old guard so upset? What dark secrets could centuries-old manuscripts hold?

This assiduously researched, fast-paced novel brings the Incas and their ancestors to life against the backdrop of the Peruvian Andes.
File Size: 12777 KB
Print Length: 386 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: BookCollaborative.com (August 11, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00MN075Q2


My review: INCA’S DEATH CAVE An Archaeological Mystery Thriller by Bradford G. Wheler

4 STARS

I liked this smart action, mystery thriller. Some of what I learned was over my head, some I loved learning and makes me want to go to Peru. Yes some parts were hard to get through the facts, science of the book. The search for the cave and the action part of the book I really enjoyed and wanted them to find the information.

I loved the characters, they are such a mix. You Have Robert Johnson that is a Professor and will lead a team. I like him he is funny, smart. His student is Abbey who started college at 15. She is smart, calm and has hidden talents you don't expect for this 22 year old. You have a billionaire that is smart, backs up his people, likeable and gets the job done. I can't get the scene with two of the team dancing and singing Ding Dong the witch is dead out of my mind. You want these characters to keep learning and seeing the things they come up with to do the job.

The main setting for the book is Peru. They are on a ranch owned by the billionaire owns with labs underground and lots of toys lie drones, computers, planes even golf carts what ever they need to be safe and get the job done. I would have loved flying over sites in a blimp or plane.

This is one smart book and makes for a good story of what is out their to learn about the past and what might be the future of some computer programs. I would love to see more of these characters in the future.

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

Fetch by Adam Glendon Sidwell Giveaway $25 Amazon or Paypal Cash & review







Book Summary:

A story for anyone who s ever been loved by a dog or given one a home.

At least nine sunsets away, there is a place where dogs can do what they want. But they are not all the same, and when a special one has the courage to fly, he finds something unexpected beyond the tenth horizon.
Hardcover: 46 pages
Publisher: Future House Publishing (May 15, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0989125319
ISBN-13: 978-0989125314
Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches


Praise for the book:

“If you need & want a book for younger children that does not involve zombies, monsters, or overdone “superhero’s”, and just want a good old fashioned great story, perfect illustrations, and a captivating experience, then “Fetch” should be ordered quickly.”—Carol Anne Merrill Miller

“Simple, yet engaging, storyline appeals to readers of all ages and the illustrations glue your eyes to pages!” –Doodles

“The art work enchanted, enthralled, and grabbed me in ways paintings can and often do.” –Kindle Customer



My review: Fetch by Adam Glendon Sidwell

4 STARS

Fetch is a cute story about dogs where they come from. The pictures are bright and eye catching. The one scene of the town has so much detail in the picture it is fun to pick at it a little at a time.
It is a short read that kids will want you to read them it again and again. Especially if you have a dog or want one.

I never new the true story of where dogs came from.

I was given this ebook to read and look at the pictures so I could honestly review it.


Author bio:

In between books, Adam Glendon Sidwell uses the power of computers to make monsters, robots and zombies come to life for blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Pacific Rim, Transformers and Tron. After spending countless hours in front of a keyboard meticulously adjusting tentacles, calibrating hydraulics, and brushing monkey fur, he is delighted at the prospect of modifying his creations with the flick of a few deftly placed adjectives. He really enjoyed writing 81,854 less words in his new picture book FETCH than he wrote in his first EVERTASTER novel, and hopes that you will like the ones he picked. Besides, FETCH has pictures.

Adam has also been rightfully accused of writing the upcoming novel CHUM.


Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 9/13/14

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

August 20th
I Am A Reader – Review
Domestic Chanteuse – Review
Let Me Be Fictional – Review
Enter Here Canada – Review
Jenn’s Book Reviews & Giveaways – Review
Kelly P’s Blog – Spotlight

August 21st
Cover2CoverBlog – Review
I Love to Read and Review Books :) – Tens List
A Leisure Moment – Review
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
Bound 4 Escape – Review

August 22nd
Jinky is Reading – Review
BookHounds YA – Review
It’s my Life – Review
Beck Valley Books – Spotlight
Too-Clever – Spotlight
Oh My Books! – Review

August 23rd
Bookworm Lisa – Review
Books Direct – Review

August 24th
Cuzinlogic – Review

August 25th
readalot blog – Review
Queen of the Clan – Review
Book Readers – Review
Mythical Books – Spotlight
Sweeping Me – Spotlight

August 26th
Desafio In The City – Spotlight
Mother Daughter Book Reviews – Spotlight
Pretty Opinionated – Review
Coffee Books & Art – Spotlight

August 27th
Mel’s Shelves – Review
A Gluten Free Journey – Review
A Book Lover’s Retreat – Review
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
The World of ContestPatti – Spotlight

August 28th
Bonnie Gets A Say – Review
deal sharing aunt – Review
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Gustosa Giveaways – Spotlight

August 29th
My Book A Day – Review
Maureen’s Musings – Review
Our-Wolves-Den – Review
The Reading Room: Cozy, Romance, Mysteries And More With Reviews – Review

Friday, August 22, 2014

Blog tour: Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele






Willow Springs
by

Carolyn Steele





About the book:

Discover true love on the Utah frontier! Crissa Engleson is searching for a new life in the town of Willow Springs when she attracts the unwanted attention of a miner—and falls in love with a handsome Express rider. Laugh and cry with Crissa as she escapes her past to find love and helps the townspeople along the way.
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (August 12, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114571
ISBN-13: 978-1462114573


About the author:

Born and raised in Utah, Carolyn Steele was introduced to western novels at a very young age by her grandfather, the son of a gold miner. She has been writing technical and marketing communications for most of her adult life. Her nonfiction articles have appeared in numerous national magazines. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Utah. Married and living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Carolyn loves researching obscure history then weaving it into stories. She also enjoys family dinners with her children and grandchildren, photography, travel, golf, reading, and all forms of needlework.

My review: Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele

5 STARS

Willow Springs is a western romance. It is exciting, full of drama, action, romance, and rich characters. You won't want to put the book down. You are never sure what is going to happen next.

Crissa Engleson has had some hard knocks in her young life. It only gets more exciting the more you read.
She has landed in Willow Springs, UT all by herself. She is on the run from her past. She has two men who want her. Crissa gets a job in the inn. Crissa makes good friends all the way. She is a from Sweden.

Drake Adams is a pony express rider. His father is a big mine owner.

Garth Wight is a miner. He is also a mean drunk.

Molly Henderson is a widow and mother of Will and Amy. She owns and runs the inn. I like Will and Amy.

Willow Springs does briefly mention Mormon church. Does not preach. It does deal with abuse of husbands and fathers, rape. Does not get into anything graphic. It is a clean read.

It is also full of nuggets of history, about, mining, crossing the west, and medicines. It adds to the richness of the story.

I wanted Crissa and Drake to end together but every time I thought would end up well for them something else would happen. Their are so many twists and turns in the story.

I was given this ebook to read for the purpose of giving a honest review and being part of Willow Springs blog tour.

EXCERPT:

From the author: In this excerpt, the reader is introduced to the town of Willow Springs, the lead character—Crissa Engelson, and the notorious group of gold miners who will be in the middle of a major conflict as the story unfolds.

=====

“Would you look’a there,” Myrtle Thompson said, nodding toward the door as a young man raced past on horseback.

“That’s not!” Ethel gasped.

“Oh, yes it is,” Agnes chimed in. “That’s the Bateman boy.” Agnes clucked her tongue. “And with his wife still in confinement.”

“He’s up to no good, I tell you,” Doris said. “It’s shameful.”

Ruth and Mary bobbed their heads in agreement. “Indeed. Shameful.”

Cringing at the cackles coming from the dining room, Crissa peered through the kitchen doors to where the Thompson sisters dominated the near corner of the room. That table was their table—on the last Thursday of every month, anyway. There wasn’t anything special about this table except that it sat in the corner between the kitchen and the stairway and had a direct view to the front door on the opposite wall. Any comings and goings, and eatings for that matter, were thoroughly scrutinized by the ladies of this table. The unused bar was also within their line of sight, and gentlemen of proper upbringing made sure not to duck behind the bar to refill their flasks if “the sisters” were present.

“Wicked gossips,” Marida whispered. Her simple English was laced with a thick Italian accent. “They usually gone by now. Must be waiting for miners come in.”

For Crissa’s two weeks in Willow Springs, Henders Inn had been mostly quiet, save for the few bachelor shopkeepers who took their meals here. The stagecoach had come in earlier in the evening, depositing four guests for an overnight stay. In the middle of trying to situate the travelers, the Thompson sisters had arrived for their monthly gossip fest, and to give Crissa a collective looking over. The potatoes weren’t quite as fluffy as usual, it seemed. The corn bread was too gritty, the meat loaf drier than they had remembered it—even the green beans were stringy until Molly informed the sisters that Marida had done all of the cooking, same as usual.

It didn’t seem to matter that Crissa smiled extra friendly or spoke extra politely. She was met with frowns and turned up noses from “the sisters’ table.”

“Don’a you worry,” Marida tried to reassure Crissa. “They see you not after their husbands, they like you fine.”

Husbands. Crissa had to suppress a shudder at the thought. If I had wanted a husband, I would have stayed in Boston. The last thing she wanted was to get involved with any of the men in the town. Indeed, Crissa considered Willow Springs to be the nearest thing to her idea of purgatory. It was dry and desolate—nothing like the bustling city of Boston or the rich farmland of Uppsala. She certainly did not plan to stay here long.

“Miners?” Crissa asked. “Why will the miners be coming?”

“Is payday. They come for dinner on way to Ely.” Marida gave Crissa an exaggerated wink. “Are sporting women in Ely.”

“How many will be coming?” The thought of more strange faces to watch made Crissa edgy.

“Depends on if miners more hungry or more . . .” Marida winked again.

Gasping at Marida’s boldness, Crissa turned back to study the guests in the dining room. “We do not have many tables left tonight.”

“No worry,” Marida informed her. “When miners come, many these people will leave.”

“Why? Do they not like the miners?”

Laying her finger alongside her nose, Marida gave Crissa a sidelong glance. “Today payday at mine. You watch out for them. They no gentlemen.”

“But, Marida, surely—”

“You listen. You watch out.”


Willow Springs” blog tour schedule:

August 17: Katie’s Clean Book Collection • Anna del C.
August 18: I Love to Read and Review Books • Lisa is a Bookworm • A Book a Day
August 19: Tressa’s Wishful Endings • LDS and Lovin’ It
August 20: Christina Dymock • Fire and Ice
August 21: Literary Time Out • Cindy Bennett
August 22: Utah Mom’s Life • Thoughts in Progress
August 23: Readalot • To Be a Person
August 24: WV Stitcher • Jorie Loves a Story
August 25: Mel’s Shelves • emmyMOM
August 26: The View From My Window • I am a Reader • Jinky is Reading
August 27: Seasons of Humility
August 28: Getting Your Read On
August 29: Deal Sharing Aunt
August 30: Donna Steele
August 31: Live to Read





The Secret Bliss of Calliope Ipswich by Marcia Lynn McClure $50 Amazon Gift card or Paypal cash Giveaway




HTML





secret blissThe Secret Bliss of Calliope Ipswich by Marcia Lynn McClure




“Oh! Do link arms with me, Calliope,” Blanche whispered, her brown eyes widening with apprehension. She took Calliope’s arm, tightly linking it with her own. “The old Mulholland house still gives me the willies every time I walk past it. I hate to think on what might have gone on inside. It’s truly terrifyin’!”

“Oh, don’t be silly, Blanche,” Calliope said, feigning calm. “Poor Prudence’s lunacy…it’s sad. And besides, her fiendish acts were not committed inside the house. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just…it’s just a sad, empty building.” Calliope Ipswich felt the hypocrite, however, as an uncomfortable shiver of residual dread and unease shuttered down her spine,




More than six months had passed since the All Hollow’s Eve when the dangerous state of Prudence Mulholland’s fracturing mind had been revealed to the townsfolk of Meadowlark Lake. And now, each time Calliope thought of poor Prudence and her family, not only did her heart ache for their family’s unhappy lot but a chill of lingering horror rippled through her being.

In truth, at times Calliope wondered if it had all been simply a bad dream—a nightmare. But it hadn’t. It really had happened—all of it.




 




marciaAuthor Marcia Lynn McClure




Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”




Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.




I read book 1 The Bewitching of Amoretta Ipswich by Marcia Lynn McClure and rated it 4 STARS. You can find my review http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-bewitching-of-amoretta-ipswich.html. You can also find my review of this book The Secret Bliss of Calliope Ipswich by Marcia Lynn McClure on Sept. 13, 2014 on this blog.
 




Social Media Website Social Media Blog Social Media Facebook Social Media Twitter Social Media Goodreads






BookBlast Giveaway




$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 9/16/14




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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One Dirty Bowl: Fast Baking, Faster Cleanup. by Christina Dymock




Quick desserts and even quicker clean up mean more time with your family and friends, and less time in the kitchen. With One Dirty Bowl, whip up show-stopping desserts like Hazelnut Puffs, Peanut Butter Truffle Bars, and White Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcakes, all while dirtying just one bowl. Grab your bowl and get ready to bake!
Paperback: 136 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.; Spi edition (June 10, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114016
ISBN-13: 978-1462114016


About the author:

Christina Dymock graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Public Relations. She has been published in Woman’s World Magazine and several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and she is the author of 101 Things to do With Popcorn. She resides in Central Utah with her husband and four children. You can follow their cooking adventures at teachingyoungchefs.blogspot.com.
My Blog: http://christinadymock.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristinadymock

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/One-Dirty-Bowl-Desserts-Cleanup/dp/1462114016/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407005274&sr=8-1&keywords=one+dirty+bowl


My review: One Dirty Bowl: Fast Baking, Faster Cleanup. by Christina Dymock

4 STARS

I read this cookbook at the worst time my power was out all day and I was hungry. These
recipes look good. I bookmarked a couple that I want to try soon as I get ingredients.
Mint fudge looks yummy and one I could do.
I want to also make a jelly cake. I forgot the secrets of how to make one. These look good. All right most of the recipes I would love to eat. Too bad samples don't come with the book.

I have not done a lot of baking the last few years and when I do I take the easy way not the homemade. So I want to get back to cooking more. Especially like the idea of not using all my bowls. I hate doing dishes.

I was given this ebook to read so I could honestly review it.


August 6: Seasons of a Humility
August 7: Deal Sharing Aunt
August 8: Saving For My Family
August 9: Cindy Bennett
August 10: Eat Cake for Dinner
August 11: Choose Your Own Path
August 12: Kimberley Griffiths Little
August 13: Little Light Design Collective
August 14: My Book a Day
August 15: Bookworm Lisa
August 16: For What it’s Worth • So Simply Sara
August 17: Thoughts in Progress
August 18: Wishful Endings • Emmy Mom
August 19: Danyelle Ferguson
August 20: My Life One Story at a Time • A Casual Reader’s Blog • Min Reads and Reviews
August 21: A.L. Sowards • The View From My Window • LDS Women’s Book Review
August 22: Readalot • Confessions of Me: One Crazy Mom • Nothing But Love



Thursday, August 21, 2014

The Utah Code Breaker (Tanner Zane #2) by Denver Acey

At a newly finished, top-secret data center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Tanner Stone (Zane) investigates a mystery. Working as a cyber-spy for the National Security Agency, Tanner unlocks digital secrets as they travel across the Internet. But Tanner's recent discovery of an ingenious computer virus created by the Chinese government is beyond anything that he has seen at his covert job or in his former life as a computer hacker. When Tanner realizes the Chinese computer virus will wipe out the financial data for every person in the United States, he implements a dangerous and daunting strategy to prevent the virus from executing.
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (February 28, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1481808230
ISBN-13: 978-1481808231


My review: The Utah Code Breaker (Tanner Zane #2) by Denver Acey

5 STARS

This is the second book I have read this summer by Denver Acey. I did not want to put it down till I was through. It takes place two years about after The Quantum Breach ends. It is exciting, modern story with a real understanding about computers and what is going on around in the world. It has lots of agencies working together as Tanner figures out what is going on.

Tanner Stone has had his name changed by FBI. He now works for NSA and lives in Utah. He has married Megan and she is eight months pregnant. He is very smart and works in top secret building.

Tanner was supposed to be with his co-worker flying to Washington D.C. to meet Secret Service about top secret information they have discovered but because of medical issues did not make the flight. It was shot down right after take off. (It will make flying out of SLC now scary for me)

Tanner now has to meet the two secret Service Agents at work. Show them what he has found and why they are concerned about it. He can't show them how he found out information.

FBI Agents he reaches out to his friends that gave him different name to local agents handling the crash.

This is fast paced action that you feel their tension and the race to figure out why and who and be able to stop things from getting worse for the US. How did they find out so fast about what they are discovering. Is their a mole in one of the agencies?

I have enjoyed reading both books by Denver Acey and I would buy more books from him in the future but I have already checked and have to wait for more.

I bought this book on Amazon the day after I read The Quantum Breach by Denver Acey.


Blog tour: ‘Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale’ by Rebecca H. Jamison








About the book:

Which is the key to love—passion or sensibility? Sensible Elly and romantic Maren are sisters trying to hold their family together in the wake of their father’s bankruptcy and death. As each unexpectedly encounters the madness and misadventures of love, will they ever find the true happiness they dream of? This modern reimagination of the Jane Austen favorite will capture your heart all over again.
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (August 12, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114563
ISBN-13: 978-1462114566

About the author:

Rebecca H. Jamison has lived on a live volcano, excavated the bones of a prehistoric mammal, and won first prize at a rigged chili cook-off. She wrote novels just for fun until she made a New Year’s resolution in 2011 to submit a manuscript to publishers. Her first two published works are Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale and Emma: A Latter-day Tale. Rebecca grew up in Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, where she earned a BA and MA in English. In between college and graduate school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Her job titles have included special education teacher’s aide, technical writer, English teacher, and stay-at-home mom. Rebecca enjoys running, dancing, reading, and watching detective shows. She lives with her husband and children in Utah. You can learn more about her at www.rebeccahjamison.com.


My review: Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

4 STARS

I enjoyed reading Sense and sensibility: A Latter-day Tale. I can't compare it to Jane Austen' novel because I have never read it.
This is a clean romance. It tells the tale of three sisters and their mother after their father's death. They lost both their father and his business in the same week and then their house.

I found I could relate in some ways to both Elly and Maren. I liked them both. Sometimes I was inpatient with them. I liked Colton right off the bat. Other male characters I had some issues with at different times.

Elly worked with her father writing computer code for his company. She has been trying to get a job but no one is hiring her. She meets a nice guy Ethan and he gets her a job with his company. Her ex-fiancé Jake and his wife Candy own the company. He also quit his job and started up a company and taking their clients.

Maren has mourned her father and it has turned to depression. She lays in bed all day. Does not get dressed or comb her hair. She is a artist. Has not painted since her father died.

Grace has autism. She loves musicals.

Ethan works for his sister Candy and her Husband Jake. He is a nice guy, helpful but just a co-worker.

Colton owns a dairy farm. He has a store on his farm selling milk and ice cream.

Wyatt is a fun guy. He rides motorcycle. He works for his Aunt.

Elly and Maren both have good points and bad points. I want Maren to feel better. I thought they handled the issue of depression pretty well.

I laughed and cried reading this romance. To me I really cared for the characters. They all had a bunch of trials to get through and it does seem like they come all at once sometimes.

The ending with Maren I feel they skipped over some parts at the end. I liked the end results for both Maren and Elly but do wish for more of their story.

I will be looking for more books by Rebecca H. Jamison

I was given this ebook to read so that I could give a honest review of it and be part of its blog tour.

Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale” blog tour schedule:

August 3: Katie’s Clean Book Collection • Christina Dymock
August 4: I Love to Read and Review Books • A Book a Day
Our Adoption Story • emmyMOM
August 5: Tressa’s Wishful Endings • Lisa is a Bookworm
August 6: June McCrary Jacobs
August 7: LDS and Lovin’ It • Getting Your Read On
August 8: Kindle Light Reading
August 9: Blooming With Books
August 10: Misty Moncur • Little Book Corner
August 11: Literary Time Out
August 12: Literary R&R • Carrie Ann Lahain
August 13: Mel’s Shelves • Heidi Reads
August 14: My Devotional Thoughts
August 15: Cinnamon Cindy’s Book Blog
August 16: Reading for Sanity • Kindle and Me
August 17: Hardcover Feedback
August 18: The Stubby Pencil • Jorie Loves a Story
August 19: The Author’s Hideaway
August 20: Begin to Craft • Inklings and Notions
August 21: Readalot • Kathryn Cooper Writes
August 22: The Phantom Paragrapher • A Casual Reader’s Blog
August 23: The Things I Love Most

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

How Much Do You Love Me? by Paul Mark Tag





About the book:

Lovers James and Keiko marry quickly before James goes to World War II and Keiko to an internment camp. Sixty years later their daughter Kazuko, born in the camps, uncovers a secret that could overwhelm the family. Discover the very definition of human love and self-sacrifice in this saga of war, mystery, and romance.


EXCERPT:

From the author: What follows is the actual Prologue to my book. During the various editing phases of “How Much Do You Love Me?” there were discussions as to whether this Prologue was necessary. Strictly speaking, it is not. However, the editor’s eventual decision was to leave it in, that it set up one of the primary characters and gave a taste to the reader of what was to come.


Japanese Internment Camp at Tule Lake, California

Saturday, July 25, 1942

Her name that summer was Keiko Armstrong, but it hadn’t been for long. Some five months earlier, back in Bellevue, Washington, her name had been Keiko Tanaka. Keiko figured that she was probably the only Nikkei at the Tule Lake War Location Center with an Anglo surname.

Keiko’s family had arrived at Tule Lake in northern California one week earlier. They missed their home in Bellevue, where paranoia and mistrust had taken hold following the bombing of Pearl Harbor the previous December. Anyone who looked Japanese was suspected of being an enemy agent of the Japanese emperor, Hirohito. Executive Order 9066, signed by President Roosevelt, had devastated their lives. On February 19, 1942, this legislation dictated that all Japanese who lived along the coast in the western states, 120,000 strong, be shipped away from the Pacific where everyone feared the Japanese military would invade. Even Nisei, those second-generation Japanese Americans born in the United States—and thus legal citizens—could not escape the Juggernaut.

Keiko and her Japanese family had traveled to Tule Lake by way of Pinedale to the south, near Fresno, California, because the camp at Tule Lake was not yet finished when they departed Bellevue on May 20. For the most part, Japanese families from Bellevue had traveled together. They had arrived first at what were called Assembly Centers. Pinedale was one of fifteen such temporary locations.

The journeys to Pinedale and then Tule Lake had been especially unpleasant. They had traveled by train and only at night because other trains had priority during daytime. The hot days found their cars motionless on sidetracks. To make matters worse, the trains were old and smoky, dropping soot everywhere. The first part of their journey—925 miles from Bellevue to Pinedale—had taken four long days and nights.

Keiko and her family arrived at Tule Lake to discover a huge facility, designed to house internees in row after row of barracks. Cheaply built, each barrack consisted of four apartments. Keiko, her parents, two sisters, and brother had to make do with only one of these, a space measuring sixteen by twenty feet. A single bare bulb provided light, and a coal stove represented their source of heat.

Keiko hated the place, particularly the dark nights. Wind and dust made its way through cracks in the walls and floors. When she awoke that first morning after their two-month journey from Bellevue, she found her bedding black with dust. Their family, and everyone else in the compound, spent days scrounging for anything to stuff cracks in the floors and walls.

Because no one knew how long the war would last or what the government had planned for them in the interim, everyone was scared. Keiko missed her old life and especially her husband who had gone off to war. Worst of all, she worried for her baby who would arrive by January.

About the author:

Paul Mark Tag graduated with multiple degrees in meteorology from Pennsylvania State University and worked for the Naval Research Laboratory as a research scientist for over thirty years before retiring to write fiction. For years prior to retirement, and the following year exclusively, he honed his skills writing short stories. These have been published in StoryBytes, Potpourri, Green’s Magazine, and The Storyteller, as well as The Errant Ricochet: Max Raeburn’s Legacy.In 2005, he self-published his first thriller, Category 5,which took advantage of his knowledge of meteorology and weather modification, followed by Prophecy and White Thaw: The Helheim Conspiracy. With his historical novel How Much Do You Love Me? he has switched genres. He lives with his wife, Becky, in Monterey, California.

My review: How Much Do You Love Me? by Paul Mark Tag

5 STARS

Might want tissues handy. I really cared for these characters. I shed lots of tears from joy to mourning, and felt terrible that our Country did that to our citizens. It was a emotional time, and dangerous time of WW2. Lots of drama.

The plot is about one family Tanaka. It follows what happens to them after Pearl Harbor. It was unheard of a mixed raced marriage. Because of Keiko and James marriage things go a little easier on the Tanaka at least to the property and things left behind.

The story jumps from present to back in the past a lot. As Kazuko Armstrong tries to find out what happened to her family. They did not talk a lot about the war. It draws you into wanting to know more about them.

It is not a easy story to read when you realize that stories like this was happening to a lot of real people.

Akemi Tanaka she has 4 children not a citizen

Isamu Tanaka He is a truck farmer not a citizen Father

Keiko marries James Armstrong. She is a twin to Misaki

Misaki twin the twins are super close to each other.

Masao only son

Shizuka the baby of the family

Harrison Armstrong Father to James, Benjamin, and Wally He is a lawyer.
Barbara Armstrong Mother
James Armstrong in love with Keiko. Joins the Navy

I liked knowing about the past so we don't make the same mistake again hopefully. It is a powerful tale of love of family.

I was given this ebook to read so I could give a honest review of it and be part of it's blog tour.

How Much Do You Love Me?” blog tour schedule:

August 10: Katie’s Clean Book Collection • Jorie Loves a Story
August 11: I Love to Read and Review Books • A Book a Day • emmyMOM
August 12: Tressa’s Wishful Endings • LDS and Lovin’ It
August 13: Cristina Dymock
August 14: Lisa is a Bookworm
August 15: Deal Sharing Aunt
August 16: Jinky is Reading
August 17: Literary R&R
August 18: Mel’s Shelves
August 19: Read For Your Future
August 20: Readalot
August 21: Brooklyn Berry Designs • Getting Your Read On
August 22: Hardcover Feedback
August 23: The Stubby Pencil
August 24: Every Free Chance Book Reviews
August 25: My Book Addiction and More
August 26:
August 27: A Casual Reader’s Blog
August 28: Alice Soon
August 29: Why Not? Because I Said So! • LDS Women’s Book Review
August 30: Inklings and Notions

Falling for Leigh by Jennifer Snow (A Brookhollow Story)

Description

Can she be his cure for writer's block?

For New York novelist Logan Walters, falling for the girl next door was more than a cliché. It was a calamity! If Leigh Norris hadn't been so attractive, and hadn't been hammering relentlessly while he was trying to write, Logan would never have ascended her rickety ladder in a misguided mix of gallantry and frustration. And he wouldn't have a broken wrist—or a guilty new assistant who can't type. Clearly, his escape to the Brookhollow B and B was not going to be the quiet, idyllic retreat he needed to finish his overdue manuscript. But it was fast becoming much more interesting than expected….
File Size: 381 KB
Print Length: 172 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (September 1, 2014)


My review: Falling for Leigh by Jennifer Snow

4 STARS

Good story. At first look Logan Walters does not sound like a guy you would like. Then you saw his other side.

Logan Walters is a writer with writers block. He came to a small town to try and get his book done. He is frustrated with maybe loose his daughter. He had joint custody but his ex has moved his daughter to Hollywood. He ends up breaking his hand by helping Leigh Norris.

Leigh Norris is divorced. She owns a daycare out of her house. She wants to adopt a baby since she can't have children. She feels guilty for knocking Logan off her ladder. So she is helping him type his notes after her day care is closed.

I liked the small town feeling of the book. Logan was made to feel like he could belong there fast. He had some fans in town. Leigh had never heard of him before. I loved the town. This is the first book in this series that I have read.

I cared for these characters, I laughed and cried with them. I would read more about Brookhollow and see these characters again.

This is a fast emotional clean romance. I did not put the book down till I had finished.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. I agreed to give honest review about the book.

Maverick for Hire by Leanne Banks (Montana Mavericks: 20 Years in the Saddle #3)

Description

A MAVERICK MAKEOVER

RUST CREEK RAMBLINGS

Nick Pritchett, that hunky blond carpenter from Thunder Canyon, has been doing his share to put the town back together after the Great Flood. He's great with a hammer and popular with the ladies. Maybe a bit too popular, if you ask his best bud, Cecelia Clifton!

Cecelia's come to town looking for L.O.V.E., but according to Nick, she's been going about it all wrong. He's convinced he can help Cecelia meet her match if she follows his instructions to a T. Trouble is, the only man he finds good enough for his childhood pal is…himself! Dear reader, I always knew romance was brewing underneath their outward bickering. The question is, can Nick convince sexy Cecelia 2.0 that he's the best man for her?
Series: Harlequin Special Edition\Montana Mavericks: Rust Creek Cowboys (Book 2353)

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Special edition (August 19, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373658354
ISBN-13: 978-0373658350


My review: Maverick for Hire by Leanne Banks (Montana Mavericks: 20 Years in the Saddle #3)

3 STARS

Cecelia's is a good character. She is a contractor. Ceclia's wants to find a husband but she is almost ready to leave Rust Creek.
She is kind and does a lot to help others. She is also a good baker.

Nick Pritchett is a busy carpenter. Cecelia's has been Nick's friend since young. He does not want her to leave Rust Creek so he wants to help her find a guy. He teaches her how to grab a guy's attention.

It is fun to see Nick teaching Cecelia how to wear red lipstick and be more eye catching. He does a good job and it makes him look at her differently. Maybe we all need to wear red lipstick.

I like the secondary characters too. You want them to be happy together.

There is a few love scenes that I skipped over.

The setting is Rust Creek, Montana. It is still recovering from the flood last year. It is a small ranch town.

I was given this ebook to read so I can give a honest review of it. Received book from Net Galley and Harlequin.

Maverick Sheriff by Delores Fossen (Sweetwater Ranch)

Description
Delores Fossen kicks off her new series, Sweetwater Ranch, with a Texas lawman, a beautiful district attorney…and the child they'll risk everything to protect

Saving a little boy's life reopens painful wounds for Texas sheriff Cooper McKinnon. This could be his son, whose loss has haunted him for two years. But Cooper has a formidable adversary in Jessa Wells. She's the adoptive mother—and she'll do anything to hold on to Liam.

It's cruel justice that the man who shares Liam's rare blood type has an unsolved murder in his own family. And the danger's far from over. Fighting her desire for Cooper, Jessa has no choice but to join forces with the maverick cowboy. Jessa knows working together is their best shot at keeping the child safe. But it's the possibility of a future alone that breaks Jessa's heart.
Series: Harlequin Intrigue\Sweetwater Ranch (Book 1515)

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (August 19, 2014)

My review: Maverick Sheriff by Delores Fossen (Sweetwater Ranch)

4 STARS

Maverick Sheriff is first book in Sweetwater Ranch. It has a big story that is set up probably to carry on the series. It introduces a whole bunch of characters and a lot of them are in different law enforce agencies. I like the ones that we have seen so far.

Sheriff Cooper McKinnon is a widower. He lost his wife two years ago in a flood. His six week baby's body was never found. Cooper and his son have rare blood type. All of a sudden he thinks his son is alive and adopted by district attorney.

Jessa Wells district attorney and mother to Liam. She wants to charge Cooper with obstruction and try his mother for murder. She was in a car wreck. Liam needs blood transfusion.

Colt McKinnon is a deputy of Cooper's and his brother.

Tucker McKinnon he is a Texas Ranger and Cooper's brother.

Jewell left her sons twenty-three years ago with their father Roy and took her twin daughters with her. Now she is wanted for murder of her lover Whitt from years ago. Jewell actually owns the ranch that they have lived on and worked. She wants her daughters to stay on in the guest house with her step son she adopted.

Rosalie McKinnon is a nurse she had her baby kidnapped six months ago. She has not been to the ranch since she was six years old.

Rayanne is Rosalie's fraternal twin. She is a deputy of small town two counties away.

Seth Calder FBI Agent is Jewell's stepson

Seth, Rayanne, and Rosalie came with their mom and are going to prove she did not commit the murder years ago.

Two gunman are at the hospital they are trying to kidnap Liam. They have a hostage. Who is trying to take Liam.

There is lots of drama, mystery, action, romance, one sex scene and suspense. You are not sure who kidnapped and put Liam up for illegal adoption two years ago? Or is murdering to cover it up. I did not want to put the book down till I was finished.

The setting for this book is Texas and the Sweetwater ranch.

I want to read the rest of the stories and find out what really happened twenty-three years ago.

I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review of Maverick Sheriff. I received the ebook from Net Galley and Harlequin.