Friday, October 31, 2014

Deadly Holiday Reunion by Lenora Worth

Description
A CHILD'S LIFE WAS IN JEOPARDY

Texas Ranger Jake Cavanaugh will do anything to rescue his kidnapped daughter from the clutches of a killer. And that means turning to Ella Terrell—his high school sweetheart—for help. The former FBI agent is lucky to be alive after her own encounter with the vengeful madman. And now history seems to be repeating itself this holiday season. Ella needs time to sort through the past—yet time is a luxury they don't have. For the kidnapper is taunting them with misleading clues and a ticking clock. But Ella will bring Jake's child home at all costs—even at the risk of losing her heart and her life….
File Size: 381 KB
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (November 1, 2014)


My review: Deadly Holiday Reunion by Lenora Worth

4 STARS

Lots of suspense, lots of memories, action. Characters I liked and a clean read too. I really like love Inspired line of books by Harlequin.

Texas Ranger Jake Cavanaugh's daughter has been kidnapped. A widower. Before Jake was married he was in love with Ella Terrell now he has to go and ask her for help to save his daughter.

Ella Terrell is a former FBI agent. Now she caters on her family's ranch. 5 years ago she was taken hostage from a killer. She is the only one to escape. Twice she had Jake in her life and now he is back needing help to save his daughter.

Macey Cavanaugh has been taken right out of the car with her girl friend a witness.

Dead drop killer back active again? Ella knows she shot him but his body was never found. He would take girls for a week or so and than kill them. Only Ella escaped and Jake found her. Either he is back or a copy cat is taking girls again and wants Jake and Ella to follow the clues he has left for them.

I can understand Jake's feelings of dealing with their past. Trying to find his daughter and keeping Ella safe. He feels guilty for thinking of other things while his daughter is out their. Plus Jake wants to protect and has a hard time when Ella takes risks too.

I thought it makes for a good suspense mystery. I had no idea who the killer was till almost the reveal.

The setting for this book is East Texas

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Deadly Holiday Reunion.

The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab

Description

A heartwarming Christmas mystery and friendship story!

Every Christmas in the small town of Pine River, a tree appears in the town square--the Angel Tree. Some people tie wishes to the tree, while others make those wishes come true. Nobody's ever known where the tree comes from, but the mystery has always been part of the tradition's charm.

This year, however, four kids who have been helped--Lucy, Joe, Max, and Cami--are determined to solve the mystery and find out the true identity of the town's guardian angel, so that Pine River can finally thank the person who brought the Angel Tree to their town.

This is a heartwarming Christmas mystery, full of friendship, discovery, and loads of holiday cheer!
Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 890L (What's this?)

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545613787
ISBN-13: 978-0545613781

My review: The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab

5 STARS

I enjoyed this story. It is a true Christmas story, a mystery, community helping each other and fun to read. I like the characters, the setting and it is a touching story.

Every Christmas a big tree is put up on the town square. No one knows who is behind the tree. They call it the Angel Tree. The children or people who have a need or a Christmas wish write it down on paper and put it on the tree. Others see the wishes that they could give or help take it down. Some are simple others seem so big as impossible to receive their wish.

One boy wrote that he wanted to find a recipe his grandma talks about from Russia. One boy who's home burnt down a few weeks ago wishes for a house. A blind little girl who's seeing eye dog has cancer and her family can't afford treatment for him wishes for her dog to get well.

Four Children decide that they want to find out who is behind the Angel tree and give them a Christmas gift. They are determined to find out and find clues.

Lives are changed for the better. Lots of people are giving and receiving. It makes you think what can I do? What would I wish for?
The miracles don't wait for Christmas Eve but are answered when they can. This is a story that is uplifting.

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

My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carroll Giveaway $25 Amazon or Paypal






Title: My Name is Bryan

Author: Stacy Lynn Carroll

Published: September 14, 2014



Summary:

If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.
File Size: 1816 KB
Print Length: 265 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Pink Frog Press (September 14, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00NLHVQSO

Book Trailer:



Author Stacy Lynn Carroll

Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English. Go Aggies! She then finished her BA at the University of Utah (to be closer to her then boyfriend, now hubby) where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. It seemed like fate when Matt and Stacy married. She was a writer, and her father-in-law had a story that demanded to be written. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don.


My review: My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carroll

5 STARS

Wow this brought out so many emotions while reading last night. I went through a lot of tissues and memories too. I know a little first hand about being paralyzed. For me it was only the right side and I was able to learn how to walk, talk again. So I could really feel for Bryan and his family. I stand amazed at Bryan for the life he has lived and his example.

This story is fiction but it is based on the author's father-in-law Bryan Carrol. Bryan at age 18 on a Church youth activity of a river raft trip in 1979 he dived off a cliff and landed wrong and immediately could not move. Finally someone jumped in and brought him to surface. Help was far off. It took 18 hours before a helicopter could reach him.

I just planned to read for a couple of hours last night but I could not put the book down till 3:00 am. I cared and admired about
Bryan. I wanted to know what would happen next to him. Bryan has a good sense of humor and liked to play practical jokes.

If your having a hard time in your life you can look at Bryan's example and be inspired to keep fighting and going forward.

I am glad that I was able to read My Name is Bryan. Stacy has a way of writing that put you into the story and seeing what happened to Bryan. How he lived his life.

Oh I could so see how frustrating and hard it was to not be able to do anything when Matt turned off his wheelchair or squirted his face with a water bottle.

I was given this ebook to read so that I could honestly review My Name is Bryan and be part of it's blog tour.


Blog Tour Giveaway




$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 11/21/14




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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Thursday, October 30, 2014

Reese’s Cowboy Kiss by Kimberly Krey (Sweet Montana Bride #1)



Reese’s Cowboy Kiss by Kimberly Krey

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Length: 316 Pages

Content: I consider this to be “steamy clean”. There is some mild language, lots of kissing and a quickly fade to black closed door sex between a married couple.

Texan pageant winner, Reese Taylor, has a former classmate who wants her dead. Now she must leave her friends and family to enter a protection program on Emerson Ranch. A group of good-looking cowboys awaits her, but Reese has her eye on Blake Emerson, the one man too busy with the ranch to give her a chance. Blake Emerson has no time to go lookin’ for love. He’s got a ranch to run, positions to fill, and an ache in his heart from love gone wrong. So when he agrees to harbor a witness to help on the ranch, Blake assumes his first two problems are solved. But he never dreamed his new guest would be a woman. One he was destined to lose his heart to. With sparks burning hot and danger around the bend, one question lingers in his mind: Has he only added to his list of troubles, or has Blake just found the woman of his dreams?

My review: Reese’s Cowboy Kiss by Kimberly Krey (Sweet Montana Bride #1)

4 STARS

I liked Reese. She was coping with a tough change really well. I liked the other characters too.
The weak part of the story for me was weird guy at the beginning of the story. Reese witnessed a murder. She was sent from Texas to Montana to work on a ranch.

Blake was in charge of the ranch hands. He was surprised that the new hand that needed to hide out was a lady. He wondered what to do with her. He could not stop looking at her.

I thought it would be better if she did some other work than cooking a few nights a week personally.

The ranch hands really liked Reese and were willing to do things to get her attention. They were surprised to see her.

The romance of the book was good. Some long kisses and attraction to each other. I really liked the scenes of Reese and Blake opening up to each other.

Had some good humor, some action scenes and was romantic.

This was the first book in the series but the last one that was written. I have not read the other books but would like to. I would think it hard to write a series backwards.

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

Handcuffs & High Heels by J.M. Edwards Blog Tour review & Giveaway





Handcuffs & High Heels:
A Ruby Wisdom Mystery
1st in Series
Cozy Mystery
Self Published
File Size: 1435 KB
Print Length: 201 pages

ASIN: B00M8N1LJ6

Synopsis:

Meet Ruby Wisdom. Smart and sensible. Humorous and heroic. Tough and tender. As the only private investigator in tiny Wormwood, New York, Ruby handles a wide range of cases—everything from jewel heists and cheating husbands to stolen wedding gowns, kidnapped artwork and fraudulent heirs.



In HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS, Ruby is hired by the wife of a millionaire when the woman suspects her husband is having an affair. And he is—several of them. But when Ruby begins connecting the duplicitous dots, the deceitful spouse ends up in a much more difficult dilemma than being caught with his hands in Cookie’s jar. And that’s when the real investigation begins.



HANDCUFFS & HIGH HEELS is a cozy mystery loaded with humor, romance, memorable characters and a sleuth who knows her way around baked goods and sweet treats as well as crime scenes and tricky investigations.


About This Author

J.M. Edwards loves crime. But only when it’s fictional. A lifelong fan of mystery novels, police procedurals and thrillers, J.M. has worked as a copywriter, bartender, dog walker and newspaper reporter. When it comes to reading, she has a few favorites (Robert B. Parker, Sue Grafton, Dashiell Hammett, Robert B. Parker, Lee Child), but always enjoys learning about new authors to add to the TBR pile. In addition to writing the new Ruby Wisdom cozy mystery series, J.M. spends time gardening, traveling, spoiling a small herd of cats and dogs, doing volunteer work and taking the occasional nap.

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B00M8N1LJ6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22854772-handcuffs-high-heels?ac=1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/handcuffs-high-heels-a-ruby-wisdom-mystery?store=allproducts&keyword=handcuffs+%26+high+heels+a+ruby+wisdom+mystery

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/handcuffs-high-heels-a-ruby-wisdom-mystery

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id904358538


My review: Handcuffs & High Heels by J.M. Edwards

4 STARS

This is a light hearted cozy mystery. It was pretty good at keeping you guessing who the murder was. No one liked the victim, lots of suspects & money. Lots of humor, drama, & characters in the small town of Wormwood, New York.

It has a charming, wity, smart and divorced woman P.I. as the main character, Ruby Wisdom. She uses a lot of big words and sayings she is always having to explain to everyone. It makes it seem like everyone is stupid around Ruby. Ruby's ex-husband is the Sheriff.

Ruby is hired to find out if the husband is cheating with his accountant at the car dealer. The whole town knows he is cheating with a couple of ladies. The town is small so everyone knows everyone elses business. Ruby is always trying to keep her clients secrets and other sources too. But she is always seen talking to someone.

So I think all the explaining Ruby does about her words and sayings is too much by the end I was really getting annoyed with everyone else coming off dumb. Also I think it was a little bit much about the gossip around the small town. But overall I did enjoy Handcuffs & High Heels. I would read another book featuring Ruby.

I was given this ebook so I could give an honest review and be part of Handcuffs & High Heels blog tour.

Giveaway:

1 ebook of Handcuffs & High Heels

To win enter a comment below plus your name and email address so I can get a hold of the winner. One contest no one left their email address so no one won the book. Contest open for US only. Will last a week. Winner will be contacted by email and have two days to respond to email.
Contest starts 10/30 and ends 11/2

Tour Participants

October 21 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review

October 22 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview

October 23 – Lilac Reviews – Guest Post

October 24 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

October 25 – A Blue Million Books – Guest Post

October 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview

October 27 – Back Porchervations – Review

October 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review

October 29 – Michele Lynn Seigfried’s Blog – Guest Post

October 30 – readalot blog – Review

October 31 – Kelly P’s Blog – Guest Post

November 1 – dru’s book musings – Guest Post

November 2 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Blog tour Be Careful What You Witch For By Dawn Eastman & Giveaway





Be Careful What You Witch For
(A Family Fortune Mystery)
Genre: Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Berkley (July 1, 2014)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425264478
goodreads-badge-add-plus


Synopsis

Leaving a traumatic police career behind, Clyde Fortune has returned to her seemingly quiet hometown of Crystal Haven, Michigan. In spite of the psychic powers of its residents, there’s no telling what trouble is brewing in this burg…

The highlight of the fall festival in Crystal Haven is a bonfire with a witch’s cauldron resting over it. Clyde’s best friend Diana leads a ritual to divine the future, but it seems no one foresees that one of their own will drop dead—or that Diana will be a prime suspect.

Clyde already has her hands full with her eccentric family, runaway nephew, and burgeoning secret romance with a hunky homicide detective. But after another coven member is attacked, Clyde suspects there’s a witch hunt afoot and focuses her psychic and sleuthing skills to clear her friend’s name and catch a killer.


About This Author

Dawn Eastman is the national bestselling author of Pall in the Family, the first book in the Family Fortune Mystery Series. She lived in Michigan for many years in a house full of animals, unusual people, and laughter. She now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, daughter, and one extremely bossy small dog.

Author Links

www.DawnEastman.com

Twitter – @DawnAEastman

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DawnEastmanAuthor

Goodreads – under Dawn Eastman, the link is weird but here it is: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6544185.Dawn_Eastman




My review: Be Careful What You Witch For By Dawn Eastman

4 STARS

This is the third book of the series but first one I have read. Now I want to go back and read the first two books. I love the wacky characters, the dogs, You never knew what would happen next. There is a lot of humor and some witches and murder.

Clyde Fortune is a female. She has too live in her hometown for a year to keep the house and money she inherited. She is keeping it a secret that she is dating Mac a homicide detective. She is a psychic but does not want to be one. She has a big dog Baxter. Clyde was a policeman in another town when she decided to move back and quit being a cop.

Diana is a witch and is in charge of the fall festival. They have a witch ceremony for part of it out in the woods. When things start going wrong and someone ends up dead. Her best friend is Clyde.

Crystal Haven, Michigan is the setting. It is known for being a town of psychics.

One scene I laughed at was a pan caught on fire and before you know it everyone is covered with foam and sliding around when the fire department comes to Clyde's house. It is a pretty funny scene.

I cared about these characters and want to know what happens next in their lives. While Clyde and her friends are trying to investigate what happened and other suspects. Life happens around them and makes them real that you celebrate with them, laugh with them.

I stayed up till 1:00 am to finish reading Be Careful What You Witch For.

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


Giveaway: 1 book Be Careful What You Witch For by Dawn Eastman

Open to US addresses only. Comment below with name & email address. Contest runs 10/29 to 10/31 Midnight.
The winner will have 24 hours to respond to email or another winner will be drawn.

Tour Participants – Mini Tour

October 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Spotlight

October 24 – Michele Lynn Seigfried's Blog – Review

October 25 – Kelly P's Blog – Interview

October 26 – off

October 27 – Griperang's Bookmarks – Review

October 28 – Mystery Playground – Interview

October 29 – readalot blog - Review

October 30 – Girl Lost In a Book - Review


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

The Maverick of Copper Creek by R.C. Ryan (Copper Creek Cowboys #1)

Description

"Found love, lost treasure and ever-present danger. R.C. Ryan delivers it all with page-turning romance." ---NORA ROBERTS, New York Times bestselling author.

A COPPER CREEK COWBOYS NOVEL

First love always burns hotter . . .

Ash MacKenzie broke his share of hearts when he left Copper Creek all those years ago and struck out on his own. Tall, tough, and proud. That's how Brenna always remembered him, and from the looks of things, he hasn't changed much. Once, she thought he could save her-whisk her away from her rough childhood home and start fresh together. Now she knows better . . .

Ash isn't planning to stick around town long. As soon as he uncovers the truth about his father's death and makes sure the family ranch is safe, he'll be back out on his own. And then he runs into Brenna Crane. It broke his heart to leave her once-a herd of stampeding horses couldn't make him do it again. But Brenna has made a new life for herself, one that doesn't include him. Now he just has to convince her to give their first love a second chance.
Series: Copper Creek Cowboys

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever (September 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 145557225X
ISBN-13: 978-1455572250
.
My review:The Maverick of Copper Creek by R.C. Ryan (Copper Creek Cowboys #1)

4 stars

The Maverick of Copper Creek was entertaining. It had a family of characters that I loved and would enjoy seeing more of them. It was full of drama, action, mystery and romance. It had a few love scenes that I skipped over. It also has lots of food that made me hungry.

Ash MacKenzie left home ten years ago because of a fight with his father. Now he has come back for his father's funeral. He left behind his best friend Brenna Crane. He has his own ranch in WyomingB now.

Brenna Crane is engaged now to someone else. Brenna works her ranch and is a artist. She had a tough childhood.

The day that Ash comes back to Copper Creek first person he sees is Brenna and someone tries to run them over. No one knows who is trying to kill them and who is the target.

With Bear MacKenzie's murder and will comes surprises for the MacKenzie family. Bear was a tough father to his two sons. He has a big Montana ranch. He left behind Willow his widow. Ash oldest son. Whit youngest. Griff surprise. Mad his father who is in a wheelchair. Myrna his long time housekeeper and cook. Brady his forman. I hope Griff and Whitt get their own book. I would love to see these characters again.

I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). In return I agreed to give honest review of The Maverick of Copper Creek.


He's So Fine by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor #11)

Description

For Olivia Bentley, Lucky Harbor is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It's the place where folks are friendly to strangers-and nobody knows her real name. Olivia does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone . . . until she sees a man drowning. Suddenly she's rushing into the surf, getting up close and personal with the hottest guy she's ever laid hands on.

Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to "save" him. In fact, he'd like to spend a lot more time skin-to-skin with Olivia. He's just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole's heart, or will it be the end of Olivia's days in little Lucky Harbor?
Series: Lucky Harbor (Book 11)

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (September 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455529494


My review: He's So Fine by Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor #11)

4 STARS

Love the characters, love the humor, the friends, Lucky Harbor town. It made me smile, laugh and not put the book down. I admit that I read two Lucky Harbor books today and don't want to wait for the next one.

Hate the swearing and love scenes I skipped over.

Lucky Harbor, WA is the setting for this book. It is a small town on the ocean.

Cole Donovan is charter boat captain. He and his two best friends are in business together. He is single.

Olivia Bentley has lived in Lucky Harbor for a year. She is hiding a big secret from everyone. She owns her own business a second hand shop. She lives in a warehouse apartment across from Lucky charter boats.

The opening chapter makes you laugh a lot. It draws you into the story fast and keeps you the whole way till the end.

I love how Olivia takes one day a week and closes her shop to teach and play dress up and acting with the children.
Pink and Kendra are two little girls that have been in a few Lucky Harbor books. They take part even though Kendra still hardly talks. I want them to get a story with their father.

I do like Jill Shalvis sense of humor and her writing. I will keep reading and laughing as I read her charming characters of Lucky Harbor.

I was given this ebook to read and in exchange agreed to give honest review. Received book from Net Galley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing)



Crossfire Christmas by Julie Miller (The Precinct)

An injured undercover agent must keep an innocent nurse from getting caught in the crossfire in the latest installment of The Precinct

With his life bleeding out from bullet wounds and a car crash, Charles Nash's best option is to kidnap the innocent nurse who stops to help him. At gunpoint, the jaded DEA undercover agent offers Teresa Rodriguez a desperate deal: if she keeps him alive long enough to find out who's blown his cover and set him up to die, she'll be home for Christmas.

As the two go on the run from an unknown killer, the Good Samaritan gives Nash a bad case of unprofessional desire. He's drawn to the sexy little spitfire for her bravery, boldness and attitude. But how can he count on kissing her under the mistletoe when so many enemies are working to ensure they don't make it to the holidays?
Series: Harlequin Intrigue\The Precinct (Book 1530)

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (October 21, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 037369797X
ISBN-13: 978-0373697977


My review:Crossfire Christmas by Julie Miller (The Precinct)

4 STARS

Crossfire Christmas is full of suspense, action, romance, and some characters that have been in previous books. It also has a couple of love scenes that I skimmed over.

Charles Nash is a undercover DEA agent who has blown his cover. He was supposed to meet a young agent who had his go bag. They were ambushed and Charlie has been shot, other agent dead, a few bad guys too. He needs help but can't go to cops or hospital. Plus he is in strange city.

Teresa Rodriguez a nurse sees a truck that had slid off the road and was still running. She is the youngest of the Rodriguez and still babied. Teresa is taken by Charles by gunpoint and threats to her place. He wants her to sew him up and clean wound.

Charlie figures a mole has been in his office in Texas. He has lost three agents and now was set up too. He needs to find the mole and protect Teresa too.

I was not sure who the mole was. There were a few suspects that I thought might be it. I liked Teresa. She was smart, brave, feisty and wants to help others. I loved Laila. She was so cute.

The love scenes were easy to skip over and were short.

The setting is Kansa city. The police building is the one who had the tornado hit it in a previous book of Julie's

I like how Julie writes. I have read a few of her books and enjoy them. I will read more of her works in the future.

I was given this ebook by Net Galley and Harlequin. In exchange I agreed to write honest review of it.

'Tis The Season by Robyn Carr Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions

Description
www.RobynCarr.com

Together for the first time in one volume, two classic holiday stories—plus a bonus novella!—from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

'Tis the season for family, friendship and the thrill of a holiday romance…

Under the Christmas Tree

With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions

Holiday kisses don't end with Christmas—there's still the New Year's Eve party at Jack's Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.

So join us in Virgin River this year, where Robyn Carr's trademark humor, warmth and sincerity will have you celebrating the festive season in your favorite mountain town
Series: Virgin River

Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (October 28, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778316645
ISBN-13: 978-0778316640


My review: 'Tis The Season by Robyn Carr Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions (Virgin River #8 & 12)

4 stars

This has three stories in it. Two of them are Virgin River stories #8 & 12. I had read one of the stories but the other two were new to me. I enjoyed them. Made me have warm feelings for Christmas and Christmas puppies. They have warm hearted characters.
I love the community of Virgin Rivers. Did not like the love scenes.

The first story is Under the Christmas Tree

Annie McKenzie stopped in Virgin River too look at the Christmas Tree. Jack was on ladder working on the tree with Christopher is watching him while two year old David disappeared. He came out from under the tree with a very cold puppy. David called it "Boppie"
Someone dropped a box of puppies early under the tree. They were too young to not be without their mom.

Annie took charge and was ordering everyone in the bar. Even gave breath to one dog. There were 8 puppies. She convinced Jack and town to help with the puppies. She would come every day after work to help.

Doc. Nate Jensen came and agreed with her how to try and take care of them. Nate was really interested in Annie.

I loved this story. How so many volunteered to help with the puppies. How Chris wanted the puppy named Comet. He did not know which one was called that was though.

Midnight Confessions

Nate's niece Sunny Archer was staying with him on New Years Eve. She is depressed because of bad breakup last year. She does not want to go with Nate & Annie to Jack's Bar for New Years Eve party.

Drew Foley is spending some time at his families cabin and decides to at least get a beer on New Years Eve and finds a party. Drew is a intern. He sees Annie and tries to talk to her.

I really like Drew and his warm tender heart. He knows what to say to help Annie.

Backward Glance

John and Leigh dated 5 years ago. But no one knew that. Leigh's Aunt wants her back in town so tells Leigh she is having heart problems and want to see her and her twins before she dies.

Leigh is super smart but gets distracted by everyday stuff. She is mother of 4 year old twins.

John has a business being a handyman. He was married and divorced since he last saw Leigh but he has not forgotten her.

Jess and her widow friends planned to bring Leigh home and throw her and John together this summer working on her backyard and planning a big party that she hopes will turn into a wedding.

If your a fan of Robyn Carr and have not read these books I recommend them to you. If your new to Robyn Carr you will find fun warm community of characters that you will want to keep reading about.

Under the Christmas tree was my favorite story. I could do without the sex scenes which I skipped over. Did enjoy all three stories.

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

Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan (O'Neil Brothers #3)


Description

"Uplifting, sexy and warm, Sarah Morgan's O'Neil Brothers series is perfection."—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

This winter, ex-skiing champion, reformed heartbreaker and single dad Tyler O'Neil has only one mission—making sure his daughter, Jess, has the best Christmas ever. The fact that his best friend, Brenna, is also temporarily moving into his chalet at the overbooked Snow Crystal resort is a delicious distraction he's simply going to have to ignore. Theirs is the one relationship he's never ruined, and he's not about to start now.

Ski pro Brenna Daniels knows all about the perils of unrequited love—she's been in love with Tyler for years. But living with him is absolute torture… How can she concentrate on being his friend when he's sleeping in the room next door? Then when Tyler kisses Brenna, suddenly the relationship she's always dreamed of feels so close she could almost touch it. Could this be the Christmas her dreams of a happy-ever-after finally come true?
Series: Hqn

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (October 28, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373778988
ISBN-13: 978-0373778980


My review: Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan (O'Neil Brothers #3)

4 STARS

This is the third book in the O'Neil brothers but the first I have read. I am going to have too read the other two books. I love the characters, how they are all so close to each other. It draws you into their lives and you want to know more about them. Loved the ending.

Their are a few love scenes that I did skip over, but easy to do.

The setting for this book is in Vermont at a ski resort and small town.

Tyler O'Neil is best friends with Brenna Daniels. He has had his 13 year old daughter live with him a year now. He was a World skier before his accident one race.

Brenna Daniels has worked for the O'Neils as a ski pro. She has been in love with Tyler for ever, but he has no idea. They were always together from their youth skiing and on the mountain. She does not want to ruin her relationship to Tyler.

One issue of the book is about bullying in school. How it effects last years.

It makes you want to go out skiing. I don't even ski! Once was enough.

I will read more from Sarah Morgan in the future. In fact I want to get the other two O'Neil books.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of Maybe This Christmas.

The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak (Whiskey Creek #7)

Description

www.BrendaNovak.com

Just call her Christmas Eve…

Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn't have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that's what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem…confining.

Eve's worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. There's no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband—until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve's definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve's happily ever after—just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she's counting on the best Christmas of her life!
Series: Whiskey Creek Novels

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (October 28, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778316394
ISBN-13: 978-0778316398


My review: The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak (Whiskey Creek #7)

4 STARS

I like Whiskey Creek stories. Their is a big group of high school friends that still meet for coffee every Friday for those in Whiskey Creek. Their group is growing bigger with each person that gets married.

Eve Harmon seems most of her friends have gotten married lately. She has wanted to get married and have a family. So when things came up and she was alone for her 35th birthday she went to the local bar and got drunk. She wakes up and their is guy in her bed. She is not sure she remembers his name.

Jared does not want to tell her his name and he says that one night is all it can be. That their is not a future for them. He is on the run.

It gets around that she brought a guy home from the bar by Noel telling everyone that she dropped the two off at her house.

Eve and Jared come face to face sooner they expected. They can not stay away from each other. So agree to three weeks together and that's all.

Eve's friends keep getting in her way because they care and notice that Brent is hiding a lot.

Their is lot of drama, small town life, danger, and a lot of sex scenes. I could do without the love scenes and did skim over them. I like to see all the familiar friends and see their story lines continue.

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

Forbidden Ground by Karen Harper (Cold Creek #2)

Description

www.KarenHarperAuthor.com

Let the dead stay dead…

Despite a traumatic childhood in Cold Creek, Ohio, the Lockwood sisters have reunited there for the wedding of youngest sister Tess to the town's sheriff. Maid of honor Kate Lockwood is determined to break through best man Grant Mason's defences. An anthropologist, Kate makes her living studying the dead. She is particularly interested in the prehistoric Adena civilization that once called the area home. A large burial mound sits on Mason family land, and Kate wants permission to excavate. But Grant refuses and tells Kate to stay away from the mound.

Kate respects Grant's desire to honor his grandfather's belief that the dead should not be disturbed. However, the more she researches the more it becomes clear that Grant is hiding something. When one of Grant's friends is killed—and the sheriff is away on his honeymoon—the couple joins forces to assist the deputy in the investigation.

When Kate comes under attack she is certain it is connected to the burial mound. Grant seems concerned for Kate's safety, but despite their explosive attraction she can't help but be suspicious of his motives. Can Kate trust the man she's come to love, or will the wrong decision be her final act?
Series: Cold Creek (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (October 28, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 077831670X
ISBN-13: 978-0778316701

My Review: Forbidden Ground by Karen Harper

4 STARS

I liked the suspense of Forbidden Ground. It had me guessing all over the place. I like the information about the mounds of Adena. I have not heard of them before. It would be interesting to learn about them. I like Kate and Grant characters. I like that it was a pretty clean story.
Did have some violence, romance, history, cult, and changes in paper mills.

Their was one line in the story that I did not like about Mormons when talking about cults group. I don't think it influenced my opinion but could have.

Grant and three of his childhood friends have a secret they swore to never tell or show anyone. They never even told their good friend Cabee because his dad was the sheriff and now he is one.

Kate has come back to town for her sister's wedding. She also hopes to get permission from Grant to excavate his mound in his yard. It had never been opened.

Also never realized that some trees are worth so much money. For $70,000 I would be tempted to sale a tree. Someone is targeting trees going on private property cutting them down and selling them. Grant's tree was special to him. Bird eye Maple.

Forbidden Ground was a complicated and interesting novel. I want to read the next book in the series.

The setting was a small town in Ohio up in the mountains.

I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Harlquin. I promised to write a honest review with my opinions.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Snow Angel Cove by Raeanne Thayne

Description


New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne welcomes you to Haven Point, a small town full of big surprises that are both merry and bright

Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward's Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she's stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she's not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!

Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza's hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he's willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever
Series: Hqn

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (October 28, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373779070

My review: Snow Angel Cove by Raeanne Thayne

5 STARS

I hope this is going to be a new community series. They could go in so many ways building back the town up. I love Raeanne Thayne
book covers they look like art I would love in my house.

Eliza Hayward is having a really bad day. Her new home and job goes up in flames than she gets run over. Sometimes are trials are blessings too. Eliza is a widow with a darling little girl who is almost 6.

Aidan Caine is the last of his siblings that is single. He is rich, smart and hard worker. He has bought a bunch of property and a big house. He invites his whole family up for Christmas. He gets into town and loses control of his car and runs into Eliza. He brings Eliza and her little girl home with him and ends up giving her a job for a few weeks.

Maddie Hayward has had a lot of health problems. She is cute caring little girl with a best friend Bob a horse. Only she can see him. She takes right to Aidan and loves his horses. You just want to spoil her.

The setting for this book is small town Haven Point, Idaho in the Redemption mountains.

Last summer Aidan bought a guest lodge on a lake, and have of the town. He got the old guest lodge up to date, but has not even thought of what he wants to do with the rest of the property. He has not been himself for a while. The town is not to happy that he has not said or done anything yet.

Lots of drama, lots of medical issues, lots of Christmas, and lots of family. This is a clean good story. I want to read more about Haven Point and see what happens next.

There was two parts of the story that I guessed would happen in the story way before it did. But that did not ruin the story at all.

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

Sweet and Clean Rpmance blog tour Giveawat $25 Amazon or Paypal & Something Blue by Paige Timothy




And Something Blue by Paige Timothy (Main Street Merchants #1)

Bridal consultant Laurie Fletcher spends her days helping others prepare for the most special day of their lives. Will true love ever come her way, or is she doomed to watch others get their happily ever after?


For Love And Money by Paige Timothy (Main Street Merchants #2)

Cynical Morgan has just about decided that no one could possibly fall in love with her – all the good guys want perfect girls, and she’s anything but perfect. But then along comes the guy who falls head-over-heels in love with her just as she is and helps her find the bright side of life again.


Hearts in Harmony by Raine Gillespie (Love Notes #1)

Elahna Nezario gave up her musical dreams to help run the Queen of Hearts, her mother’s chocolate shop, after her sister’s sudden death. After an unfortunate run-in with Elahna’s childhood crush, owner of the Dolce Theater, not only do her dreams surge back to life, but so does her heart.


Waltzing on Wheels by Raine Gillespie (Love Notes #2)

Meredith Aaron lost all hope for love after a car accident put her in a wheelchair. Who would want her, broken as she is? After her brother tells her to save a dance for him at his wedding, she decides to somehow learn how to dance on the only legs she has left—her wheels.


My review: And Something Blue by Paige Timothy

4 STARS

This was heavy on characters that I want to know more about. It is a sweet romance that leaves you with a smile and want to read more books like And Something Blue. It is full of drama, romance and good friends.

Laurie Fletcher is a strong minded, kind, smart, funny and caring. She also has strong opinions. Laurie works as a bridal consultant.
She is single. The more I see her back story reinforces how much I like her character.

Laurie finds herself attracted to the brother of one of the brides coming into pick a wedding dress.

Logan is a lawyer who keeps on getting off on the wrong foot with Laurie.

Brennan works at the jewelry store two stores down from the bridal store. He really likes Laurie and works with Cara one of her roommates.

I ended up wincing with Laurie, cheering her on and just had a good time reading her story.
I want to read more of this series of books from Paige Timothy.

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

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/20/14

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


Because of Love by Shauna Brown






About the book:

For Christmas, all Phoebe Brown wants is to give her daughters new shoes to replace their heavy leather boots. But because they have very little money, her husband refuses to pay for them. Inspired by true events, this Christmas story shows how the power of love can change even the most begrudging heart.
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Sweetwater Books (October 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462115160
ISBN-13: 978-1462115167



About the author:

Graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in speech and drama, communication, has provided Shauna V. Brown with many opportunities to use her talents. She has written and directed original plays and presentations for church and community. She has shared her musical talents, numberous scripts and presentations with pioneer trek groups for the past eighteen years. Shauna has equally enjoyed being a guest speaker and presenter at BYU Education Week, women’s conferences, firesides and community presentations. Shauna and her husband, Rick, are blessed with six children and fourteen grandchildren. For the past twenty-two years, Shauna has written an original Christmas story as a gift to neighbors and friends.

My review: Because of Love by Shauna Brown

5 Stars

This is a short Christmas story. It has everything to make you feel for the characters and for Christmas. It starts out with a little girl in tears because the other children are picking on her. The mother Phoebe Brown feels for her daughters. She wants to make things different for them. She works, sacrifice and prays for the changes she wants.

Phoebe gives a good example for almost any change we want in our lives. Her family also tries to work hard for what they want.
Byron because of something in his past wants better for his wife and daughters. So he buys the most sturdy ugly boots he can to protect them the best he can. He is a stubborn caring father.

This book is filled with love. Except for teasing kids. This family has so much love for each other it shines. It leaves you feeling good. It is nice to read a book that is clean and positive.

I was given this ebook to read by Cedar Fort so I could give a honest review of it in return and be part of its blog tour.
Because of Love” blog tour schedule:

October 17: Getting Your Read On
October 18:
October 19: Kindle and Me
October 20: Wishful Endings
October 21:
October 22: I Love to Read and Review Books
October 23: Mel’s Shelves
October 24: Mom Loves 2 Read
October 25:
October 26: Thoughts in Progress • Jorie Loves a Story
October 27: Katie’s Clean Book Collection • Readalot
October 28:
October 29:
October 30:
October 31:

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Gator Bait by Jana DeLeon (Miss Fortune #5)

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jana DeLeon, the fifth book in the hilarious Miss Fortune series.

Things are starting to look up for Fortune Redding. Even though her life was at stake, the CIA assassin had balked at taking on a new identity in Sinful, Louisiana. But instead of hating it like she’d thought she would, Fortune now has friends she cares about and just finished up an incredible first date with the sexiest deputy in the state. Sure, there’s been a murder or two that she’s gotten mixed up in since she arrived in town, but she’s hoping all of that is behind her.

But when someone almost kills Deputy Carter LeBlanc, Fortune tosses her dreams of peace and quiet into the muddy bayou and shifts back into being the deadly trained professional that she is. With the help of Ida Belle and Gertie, Fortune launches a manhunt, intending to find a killer before he tries again.
File Size: 3074 KB
Print Length: 208 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Jana DeLeon (October 23, 2014)

My review: Gator Bait by Jana DeLeon (Miss Fortune #5)

5 STARS

I should rate it 5 Depends. I laughed so hard reading this story many times. Just on the silly, trouble that Gertie gets into makes this book. The book is full of laughter, action, and drama.
One of the scenes I laughed the hardest was when Fortune is breaking into the deputy's house with his pit bull in the backyard named Tiny. Feds were in a car waiting for Sheriff with warrant. When Fortune is trying to sneak out. Tiny gets loose and chases her than chases Gertie, Sheriff, mule collides. Mule with Sheriff ends up on top of Feds. car and Tiny trapping them all. Gertie lost part of homecoming dress from decades ago and she is showing her camo underwear. Just picturing scene makes me laugh again.

Fortune is a CIA Assassin hiding out in small town of Sinful, Louisiana. She is pretending to be a beauty queen librarian. Which is her opposite. I really like Fortune

There are a lot of characters in this book that you don't expect to run into. Like Gertie and Ida Two seniors who have mad skills they hide. Fortune is making friends and enemies in this town.

I really want to read more Miss Fortune stories. I also want to see her tell Deputy Carter the truth about her.

I will read more from Jana Deleon in the future. I hope she writes faster. I don't want to wait till next spring for next adventure.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction by Amy Metz







Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction
Paperback: 252 pages
Publisher: Blue Publications; 2 edition (September 7, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-0989714020
E-Book File Size: 563 KB
ASIN: B00NE1H8FW
goodreads-badge-add-plus



When Tess Tremaine starts a new life in the colorful town of Goose Pimple Junction, curiosity leads her to look into a seventy-five-year-old murder. Suddenly she’s learning the foreign language of southern speak, resisting her attraction to local celebrity Jackson Wright, and dealing with more mayhem than she can handle.

A bank robbery, murder, and family tragedy from the 1930s are pieces of the mystery that Tess attempts to solve. As she gets close to the truth, she encounters danger, mystery, a lot of southern charm, and a new temptation for which she’s not sure she’s ready.


About This Author

Amy Metz is a former first grade teacher and the mother of two grown sons. When not actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Facebook or Pinterest, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky.



Author Links

Website: http://amymetz.com
Blog: http://abluemillionbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyMetz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoramymetz
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6436458.Amy_Metz
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vIbieSgVjk


My review: Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction by Amy Metz

4 STARS

I thought the book worked well jumping back to the 1930s to now. It is heavy on the southern sayings, but they get translated so Tess knows what everyone means too. I did figure out who the boss was way before they revealed it.

Tess Tremaine is divorced and moved to a small southern town called Goose Pimple Junction. She bought a old house with a past. She plans to write a romance book.

Jackson Wright is a local writer who has had a bunch of books sold. He offers to help Tess out by reading some of her work. He is divorced. He flirts a lot with Tess.

Someone keeps breaking into her house, stalking her. The Police Chief John Ed Price does not take Tess's problems seriously.

Jackson and Tess decide that maybe the bank robbery and the murder back in the 30s might be why all these attacks are about. So they decide to find out more about the past.

I kept waiting for Tess's boss at the book store to find out that she had written a children's book.

I would read more books with Jackson and Tess characters in the future.

I was given this ebook to read for the purpose of giving a honest review of and be part of Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction blog tour.

Friday, October 24, 2014

If You've Got it, Haunt it by Rose Pressey (A Haunted Vintage Mystery #1)

Description

“Delightful, intriguing.” —Carolyn Hart

Cookie Chanel has a passion for fashion—and a murder mystery to solve!


Cookie Chanel has opened her own vintage clothing boutique, It’s Vintage, Y’All, in the charming town of Sugar Creek, Georgia. Always on the lookout for stylish second-hand steals, she attends the estate sale of deceased socialite Charlotte Meadows. But she gets a lot more than she bargained for when Charlotte’s ghost appears before her—offering fashion advice and begging Cookie to find out who murdered her.


As the persistent poltergeist tags along and a possibly psychic pussycat moves into the shop, Cookie sorts through racks of suspects to see who may be hiding some skeletons in the closet. Do a clothing store owner and a disembodied socialite have a ghost of a chance of collaring a killer—or will Cookie’s life be the next one hanging by a thread?
Series: A Haunted Vintage Mystery

Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington (December 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617732494
ISBN-13: 978-1617732492


Don’t miss Cookie Chanel’s Fashion Tips


“Rose Pressey’s books are fun!” —Janet Evanovich


My review: If You've Got it, Haunt it by Rose Pressey (A Haunted Vintage Mystery #1)

4 STARS

This has good suspense, fun clothing, a ghost, full of humor and a cat that can spell. It makes for a good story. It is also a clean read. I did not want to put the story down.

Cookie Chanel went to estate sale looking for vintage clothes for her shop and ends up with a ghost. Cookie loves vintage clothes so she opened her own shop.

Charlotte Meadows was murdered. She does not know by whom. She has to stay close by Cookie. She wants Cookie to find her killer.

Sugar Creek, Georgia is the setting for A Haunted Vintage Mystery.

Cookie also found a stray cat that likes to spell and pick out tarot cards. She warns Cookie that danger is close by.

Cookie also has a best friend who owns a shop next door. She claims she is a tarot card reader. She can't see the ghost but she believes that Charlotte is around.

Cookie finds the next body. She becomes a suspect because she was seen talking to the PI. the day before his murder. The detective knows that Cookie is not telling all she knows. He is new to town too.

I would love to read more from Rose Pressey in the future.

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

Drone Games by Joel Narlock









About the book:

It’s domestic terrorism as you’ve never seen it before. An al-Qaeda cell uses cutting-edge drone technology to circumvent post-9/11 airport security measures. Within eight hours, two planes crash. The President faces an unthinkable decision: ground all planes—and the economy—or keep flying and risk more deaths. Based on real-life technology, Drone Games is a fascinating fictional account of terrorism’s future.
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Sweetwater Books (October 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114873
ISBN-13: 978-1462114870
Genres: Action & Adventure Fiction, Military Fiction



About the author:

Joel Narlock was born in La Crosse, WI and grew up hunting, fishing and raising a beautiful family. He’s experienced in corporate finance and small business management. He plays guitar and has performed in various local venues. He wrote his first novel about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in 2003. He and his wife, Terri have two wonderful adult children and two wonderful grandchildren. He lives in Key West and took first place in Key West’s 2013 Mystery Fest Short Story Contest. He and his wife are active members of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club. He enjoys an annual Canadian fishing trip with family and friends.


My review: Drone Games by Joel Narlock


4 STARS

Wow what a scary ride. It sets up a very realistic book in my mind. I hope Riley is wrong. I thought it did a good job explaining why we are such a big target for extremists. Why the airlines are so important for the economy. What Drones are and what they could do in the future.

The last half of the book I did not want to put the book down. The ending left me with a song going through my head. Sure left me with thinking a little different about that song.

The story for part of the book was told by the terrorists. Their plan was complex and showed how they think out of the box.

The plot is they come up with an idea to use drones in a way that takes down two airplanes within 8 hours of each other and it shuts down till they figure out what is causing the planes to crash.

The science they use is out their. It can be a scary thought of how easy it is to kill people if you want too and don't care if you live or die.

The setting for the most part is the United States.

I was given this ebook to read so I could give an honest review and be part of its blog tour of Drone Games by Joel Narlock.



EXCERPT:

From the author: While millions of Americans go about their daily lives, halfway around the world al-Qaeda hatches a deadly new terror plot. The target: US commercial aviation. It’s unthinkable in its devastation. It’s brilliantly easy in its execution. And it’s capable of bypassing all the security measures the United States has implemented in the decade since 9/11.

=====

“We must change the way we think, Ali,” Al-Aran said. “Our targets must be economic. Bin Laden knew this, and now Zawahiri has also reached that conclusion.” He leaned forward. “Look at the attacks in Boston and Kenya. What do we gain if a soldier with a backpack manages to break through the defenses in a US airport? A few hundred dead and perhaps one aircraft. The Americans will grieve, their president will predictably speak of healing, and then they will assess and bolster their front-end security. A completely shortsighted victory. But when multiple aircraft begin to mysteriously explode in flight, the Americans will have no choice but to close their skies and their airports. The financial impacts, even for a few days, will be fantastic. Imagine five days, or ten. What if we could clip the wings of seven thousand passenger planes indefinitely?”

The two men contemplated that for a moment—the legs of a major transportation sector broken. The economy of the United States brought to its knees once again by al-Qaeda.

“We have always known that America’s airlines are a golden target and worthy of sacrifice, but there are others. I have a soldier poised in London, a courier who has devised a completely foolproof and undetectable way to carry fifteen kilograms of dried meat—meat that is infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy—from Heathrow to Miami, on a passenger aircraft, no less. His team will mix it with common feed pellets and then harmlessly sightsee across America, visiting cattle feedlots, pastures, and even family farms. Or perhaps he could use drones? Within a month, the raw fear generated by hundreds of confirmed outbreaks of mad cow disease will devastate the US beef industry.”

Naimi turned back to his newspaper. This was precisely what Zawahiri had been advocating in recent jihadi blogs produced by their media wing, as-Sahab: to bleed America’s economy as punishment for the continuous war on Islam and Muslims.

“When would the first aircraft fall?”

“In nineteen days,” Al-Aran answered. “Monday, May 18. Akil has selected a morning departure. I need only your approval.”

There was an extended silence, as if everyone in the café had knowledge of the conversation and was waiting for the pronouncement.

“The earth, water, and fire operations must wait,” Naimi calmly ordered. “You may attack America’s airlines.”

Drone Games” blog tour schedule:

October 13: Jorie Loves a Story
October 14: My Devotional Thoughts
October 15: Deal Sharing Aunt
October 16: Read For Your Future
October 17: Mel’s Shelves
October 18:
October 19:
October 20: Coffee for the Brain • Emmy Mom
October 21: Dorine White
October 22:
October 23:
October 24: Readalot
October 25: Inklings and Notions
October 26: Forbidden Reviews
October 27: I Love to Read and Review Books
October 28: Blooming with Books • The Author’s Hideaway • Andi’s Book Reviews

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Spell Check by Julie Wright review


A skeleton is rattling its way out of the closet marked “FAMILY SECRET! KEEP OUT!”
Allyson Peterson believes that being hanged by the Salem High Witches is the absolute worst thing that can happen. But when her powers, wrested from the trolls of ancient Sweden, manifest themselves, she realizes that a prank hanging by vindictive cheerleaders is the least of her worries.
Ally accidentally sends her parents to the jungle to fight anacondas, turns her brother into a mute, and curses the entire cheerleading team with an illness that has no cure, proving that her spells need a little checking. Her Swedish grandmother shows up to help her through the worst part of all—surviving the Troll Trials and saving the guy of her dreams from a vengeance that has festered through-out generations.
The power is in her, if she can just get the magic right.
Paperback: 218 pages
Publisher: Heart Stone Press; 1 edition (June 10, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1941849008
ISBN-13: 978-1941849002


My review: Spell Check by Julie Wright

4 STARS

Spell Check is full of drama, action, teenage drama, magic gone wild, humor and characters that you like. Also it is a clean read. it grabs your attention right off.
It is almost Halloween and Ally has agreed to help the cheerleaders film a skit. She is going to be hanged as a witch. When Ally is hanging from a tree things go wrong fast. Ally starts wishing bad things to happen to them. It comes true.

Ally has just turned 16. Her parents are divorced for two years now. They still fight when ever they get together. So when Ally realizes her wishes are coming true. She tries to wish her parents to stop fighting with each other and get back together. They then disappear.

How many times do you say you wish something to happen when your mad or frustrated? Ally says it a lot but her wishes are coming true. She tells her brother she wished he would stop talking and he goes mute. She really did not want that to happen.

Her grandmother from Sweden comes to help Ally to find her parents and undo the trouble she caused from her wishes. She also needs to be prepared to be tested by the Troll King on Halloween. Time is running out.

I did not put the book down last night till I had finished the book.

The suspense of what was happening to Ally and why was good. Ally's crush and first date was cute. The action when she ended up rescuing her parents from the Amazon was good and funny. It was fun to read.

I would say that any age could enjoy this story. Probably start in middle school.

I was given Spell Check to read by Author so I could honestly review it.

Blog tour: ‘Stars, Stockings, and Shepherds’ by Shersta Chabot




Stars, Stockings, and Shepherds: Discover the Meaning of Christmas Symbols

by Shersta Chabot


Do you know the symbolism behind evergreens, sheep, or the color red? This adorably illustrated picture book teaches the meanings behind 24 Christmastime objects and is the perfect gift for any children, parents, or grandparents on your list. Make your family’s holiday season one to remember with this inspiring reminder of the gospel roots behind our treasured Christmas traditions.
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media (October 14, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114628
ISBN-13: 978-1462114627


About the author:

Shersta Chabot grew up in Utah, the oldest in a family of eleven children. After working for several years in both corporate and small business accounting, she returned to her first love—English literature—and completed her Bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University while working as Acquisitions Editor for a local trade publishing company. Currently, she lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her three children, where she has taken on the dual challenges of graduate student and teacher of writing at Arizona State University. Shersta is the author of The Symbols of Christmas.


My review: Stars, Stockings, and Shepherds’ by Shersta Chabot Illustrated by Corey Egbert

4 STARS

I need this book to remember what each thing we traditionally decorate means. This is a short 32 page children's book that tells us what stars, Christmas tree reminds us why we use these symbols to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. A lot of time we are so rushed at Christmas we forget what we are celebrating.

Some of the answers I knew and some I had no idea why we use them like reindeer fir example.

I like the bright cheery pictures in the book that Corey Egbert drew.

This is one Christmas book to add to read each year maybe even before we decorate to remind us that it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

I was given this book to read so I could honestly review it and be part of Stars, Stockings and Shepherds blog tour.



Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram Review

rIt’s been almost a year since eighteen-year-old Ella Rodriguez was in a car accident that left her crippled, scarred, and without a mother. After a very difficult recovery, she’s been uprooted across the country and forced into the custody of a father that abandoned her when she was a young child. If Ella wants to escape her father’s home and her awful new stepfamily, she must convince her doctors that she’s capable, both physically and emotionally, of living on her own. The problem is, she’s not ready yet. The only way she can think of to start healing is by reconnecting with the one person left in the world who’s ever meant anything to her—her anonymous Internet best friend, Cinder.

Hollywood sensation Brian Oliver has a reputation for being trouble. There’s major buzz around his performance in his upcoming film The Druid Prince, but his management team says he won’t make the transition from teen heartthrob to serious A-list actor unless he can prove he’s left his wild days behind and become a mature adult. In order to douse the flames on Brian’s bad-boy reputation, his management stages a fake engagement for him to his co-star Kaylee. Brian isn’t thrilled with the arrangement—or his fake fiancĂ©e—but decides he’ll suffer through it if it means he’ll get an Oscar nomination. Then a surprise email from an old Internet friend changes everything.(
File Size: 993 KB
Print Length: 275 pages
Publisher: Bluefields (October 1, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00MRLYO7K

My review:Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram

5 STARS

Tissues needed! Boy did I feel lots of emotions reading this book. I loved it. Cinder & Ella is a way different twist on Cinderella. Loved the ending! Though I would of have read more of their story.
Ella goes through so much. Oh you keep hoping things will get better for her. She is tough fighter. I loved her character. She was raised by her mother since she was 12 years old.
Her best friend is someone she has never met before Cinder. She has known him from her blog.

Brian or Cinder has lots going for him. He is a actor, good looking, staring in his favorite book series movies. His best friend is Ella but she does not know he is an actor. He is fake engaged to his co-star for publicity.

This book I did not put down unless it was to reach for more tissue until I had to. It is full of drama, relationships, hardships, romance , mean girls and bullies and facing life struggles. It is a clean read. It is a book you want to talk about it.

Ella has moved from Boston to Hollywood to Live with her father & his new family. She meets them for the first time when she moves in. She has two step-sisters a year younger beautiful spoiled princess. She is made to go to a private school her senior year to do over.
Ella struggles just to walk and now she faces struggles with scars all over her body and mind.

The book is told from two perspectives mostly Ella's but also Cinder's story. I was totally rooting for them to meet. How they did was perfect. The ending I wanted to shout and cheer for Ella too.

This is the first book that I believe I have read by Kelly Oram but I want to read more books from her in the future. Though I don't want to shed so many tears both good and sad ones.

The target I would say for this book is a fan of Cinderella and YA, romance readers.

I was given this ebook to read from ebooks for review so I could honestly give Cinder & Ella a review.