Christmas at Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers (Swift River Valley)

Celebrate the holidays with this magical Swift River Valley novella from New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers

When fashion designer Alexandra Rankin Hunt is asked to create the dresses for Olivia Frost's Christmas wedding in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, she jumps at the chance. She's certain she'll never get to design one for herself not with her history of falling for the wrong men. Ian Mabry, the sexy fighter pilot whose bravery reminded her of her beloved great-grandfather, was the worst yet.

To Alexandra's surprise, Ian is also at Carriage Hill, Olivia's picturesque country inn. And if anyone can charm his way into a wedding, it's him. Ian wants more than an invitation he's determined to find a way back into Alexandra's life.

Don't miss Echo Lake, the next novel in Carla Neggers' unforgettable Swift River Valley series.
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (December 1, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00L0XO1RO


My review: Christmas at Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers (Swift River Valley)

4 STARS

This is a novella. Alexandra Rankin Hunt designs wedding dresses. Alexandra lives in England. She got asked to make Olivia's wedding dress. Dylan is her cousin that her family new they had. Now she gets to be friends with the couple and comes to celebrate their wedding.

Alexandra has broken up with her boyfriend Ian Mabry. He is a RFA pilot like her great-grandfather. When she gets to Knights Bridge, Massachusetts for the wedding she is surprised to find Ian. Ian has decided that he wants her back.

This novella can stand alone it is better if you have read the previous stories. A lot of the storyline and characters we have met and know parts of the story. Secrets of the Lost Summer is where Dylan and Olivia met. How Dylan found out about his past and found family in England.

This is short and sweet romance. It compares Alexandra & Ian story to Dylan' mother & father who met before the war11.

I would have preferred more to the story. Though it was a good novella.

I was given this ebook to read by Netgalley and Harlequin to read. So I could in return give an honest review.

Blog tour: The Crystal Monkey by Patrick Nohrden

Little Min Li believes she lives in the world s greatest nation until the Red Guards terrorize her village. And when her father sells her crystal monkey to buy alcohol, Min Li loses much more than a beloved toy. As she grows up, Min Li must rediscover her hope and courage in order to achieve her greatest dreams. This true-life story will capture your heart!


About the author:

Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Patrick Nohrden left high school early in order to join the Army. After serving in various assignments throughout the U.S. and Europe, he returned to America and to school, earning a B.A. in English with Great Distinction from San Jose State University where he won two Phelan Literary Awards. Later, he obtained his law degree from the University of Akron and practiced law in Las Vegas, Nevada. Growing disillusioned with the law, after twelve years he gave up his law practice and moved to Northeast China where he taught conversational English at Bohai University. There, he fell in love with the Chinese people and has been an avid scholar of Chinese culture and history ever since, focusing his attention on modern educational systems and the era known as the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).

Returning to the United States, Patrick Nohrden obtained his teaching license and earned a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Secondary English from Sierra Nevada College and taught public school in Las Vegas for three years venturing overseas again. He taught British Literature and Speech in Kuwait for a year where he met his Chinese wife, Limin, his inspiration for the character Min Li in The Crystal Monkey. A year later they were married in China, and he spent the next two years teaching English Literature in a special Canadian Program in Zhengzhou and was named Teacher of the Year. Now living in Reno, Nevada, with Limin, Patrick Nohrden teaches English and publications for a local high school.

An expert in modern Chinese culture, Patrick Nohrden has published more than thirty articles on China, as well as numerous articles on the Middle East, Russia, and methods of teaching English.



My review: The Crystal Monkey by Patrick Nohrden

4 STARS

This is a fascinating story. I really have not read any books based on a little girl growing up in China. I did not want to put the story down. It was a good glimpse at what life was like.

It shows how hard and why students study so long and hard. What different festivals they celebrated. How the different uprising and changes made in political effected families. What happens if your family gets on the wrong side of the government and you became a black family.
How the teachers, doctors were taken and uneducated people than became the doctors and teachers.

Min Li is the main character in Crystal Monkey. She starts out very young. She is born in a peasant family with a older brother and two younger sisters. She becomes fascinated with a expensive crystal monkey in a little gift shop. The shop owner is retired and does not sell too much and he tells her if it does not sell he will leave it to her in his will.

There is only one book that they have to learn from in school and supposedly each house. That is a scary thought of no books.

The author is a American who lived in China for years teaching English and is married to a Limin who is Chinese and based his character on. His book in my eyes made sense of what life could have been like in China at that time.

Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Is what he based his book on those years and what was life like during that time.

I did not want the story to be over. I wanted to know more about Min Li's future.

I was given this ebook from Cedar Fort Publishing so I could give a honest review of it and take place on The Crystal Monkey book tour.

Blog Tour: Murder For A Rainy Day by Teresa Trent

Murder For A Rainy Day
by Teresa Trent
• Series: Pecan Bayou #6
• Cozy Mystery
Synopsis:


Ever see one of those ugly plastic life size animals and ask yourself why? In Pecan Bayou these animals are being stolen at an alarming rate. First Charlie Loper's plastic horse Ol' Bess is stolen, breaking off the fingers of Charlie's statue leaving him flipping off the entire state of Texas, and then the cow in front of the steak house gets pinched. Betsy Livingston, also known as the Happy Hinter is trying to get her mind off of being nine months pregnant in the heat of summer, so puts herself on the case. Instead of find the answer, she stumbles onto a murder as a hurricane approaches the town of Pecan Bayou. Enjoy the sixth installment in the Pecan Bayou Series complete with helpful hints and recipes in the back of the book, and all of the characters you've come to know and love.
Murder for a Rainy Day is FREE on Kindle today and again on December 4-5.

About This Author

Teresa Trent writes her Pecan Bayou Mystery Series from Houston, Texas. With a father in the army, her family moved often finally settling in Colorado. Living in Texas for the last 19 years she loves the people and even the weather. Murder for a Rainy Day includes a hurricane, and having endured Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Rita with her family, Teresa would much rather write about them than evacuate from them. Teresa includes Danny, a character with Down Syndrome in her Pecan Bayou family and in real life is the mother of an adult son with Down Syndrome/PDD. Creating the character of Danny and all of the other inhabitants of Pecan Bayou has been a joy for her. This book is the last one in the Pecan Bayou Series taking Betsy from single mom to mother of three. Teresa is now working on her next series that will take place in the Piney Woods of Texas.

Author Links:

Webpage: www.teresatrent.com

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

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5219581.Teresa_Trent

Twitter: @ttrent_cozymys https://twitter.com/ttrent_cozymys

My review: Murder For A Rainy Day by Teresa Trent

4 stars

This is the sixth book in the series. I have now read the last 3 of the series. Murder for a Rainy Day had some things that I knew were coming and other twists I did not see. It had some funny stuff, some recaps with dreams, some silly crimes and some murder. I was guessing right on the thief but did not get the murder right. If you have been reading this series you will want to read this one for sure. If your new to the series, this might give the secrets away for the past 5 books. It can stand alone but you might enjoy the dreams more.

Someone is stealing the fake animals of Pecan Bayou. Why anyone would want the animals or how they stole them is up for grabs.
Everyone wants to know if Betsy is in labor yet and what she is having. She is not telling anyone. There is also Hurricane heading towards them. Betsy is also 9 months pregnant.

Lots of drama going on in this book. You think things are heading to calm but them things happen again. You don't want to put it down. The dreams are a little slow part of the book for me. I can see the reason for all that in the end it all works.

I was given this ebook to read so I can give a honest review and be part of Murder For A Rainy Day blog tour.

Murder for a Rainy Day is FREE on Kindle today and again on December 4-5.


 Giveaway : There is a $25 Amazon gift card giveaway among all the tour participants.  You can find it here for now.http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/books-currently-on-tour/murder-rainy-day-teresa-trent/
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Tour Participants
November 24 – Back Porchervations – Review
November 25 – A Blue Million Books – Interview
November 26 – readalot – Review
November 27 – U.S. Thanksgiving
November 28 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review
November 29 – Brooke Blogs – Guest Post
November 30 – off
December 1 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Guest Post
December 2 – MysteriesEtc – Review
December 3 – deal sharing aunt – Interview
December 4 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review
December 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review

Dying To Get Published (Jennifer Marsh #1) by Judy Fitzwater

INTRODUCING JENNIFER MARSH

What does it take to get a book contract? That's the lament of every unpublished author--including aspiring murder-mystery novelist Jennifer Marsh.

After submitting eight diligently crafted manuscripts to every prominent publisher in New York, Jennifer has collected enough rejection letters to wallpaper a room. But that doesn't stop her from concocting one killer of a scheme for her next novel.

And suddenly Jennifer's lifelong love affair with crime fiction brings her face to face with real-life murder. . .

My review: Dying to Get Published by Judy Fitzwater

4 stars

This is the first book in the Jennifer Marsh series. It is actually the second I have read. So I knew who most of the characters were because I had read the seventh book first.
This is a light hearted cozy mystery. It shows how eager and desperate writers are to get their work published and noted.
 
Jennifer Marsh is a single writer who has 8 finished novels in her closet. She is tired of getting rejected. She gets a idea that if she commits a real murder with a alibi and lead the police right to her. Someone will want to publish her. So she starts plotting. She works part-time for a catering job.

A agent who is rude and hateful will be her target.  She really does not want to murder her but figures out if she can plan it all the way then she will be able to write her mysteries.

Of course things don't fall her way. I figured out part of who the killer was and why just not the name.

I wanted Jennifer to get her book published by the end of the book. I cared about her and her friends. I could not believe she was so desperate to even think of planning a murder.

I got the ebook free from Amazon.
 

Blog Tour: A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom by June McCrary Jacobs Review & Giveaway

 

                                                       

When her student, six-year-old Mary Noel, survives a car accident over Thanksgiving break, Amber and her new friend, Paul, are determined to cheer her up during the holidays. But Mary Noel’s most painful injury is the loss of her dog. The more withdrawn Mary Noel becomes, the more Amber and Paul need a miracle—a miracle that requires the entire community’s help.

"I wanted to portray a wholesome relationship between a man and woman with similar values where their friendship and common goals were the basis for developing a love relationship,” said McCrary Jacobs. “The community of Apple Blossom pulls together to help a family in need and is very successful in their efforts.”

“A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom” is available in bookstores and on Amazon.com, BooksAndThings.com, and BarnesAndNoble.com.

About the Author:

June McCrary Jacobs spent twenty years as a primary grade educator after graduating from California State University, Hayward, with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a multiple-subject teaching credential. Along with writing fiction, June is a freelance designer of sewing, quilting and crafting projects. “A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom” is June's debut novel, though not her first published work. Since 2007 June's original sewing, quilting and stitchery projects and articles have been published in national and international magazines including Stitch, Sew News, Sewing World, Simply Handmade, Sew Hip, Sewing Savvy, Crafts 'n Things and Create & Decorate. Two of her sewing designs for children will appear in the upcoming “101 One-Yard Little Wonders” book published by Storey Publishing. A Californian since age six, June currently resides in the San Joaquin Valley. Learn more about June's writing endeavors and view some of her original sewing projects by visiting her website at www.junemccraryjacobs.com.

 --My website and ‘Writing and Sewing’ blog can be found at:  http://www.junemccraryjacobs.com.  I write about books, book reviews, textile shows, museum exhibits, and sewing tips there with a new post each Wednesday. The first Wednesday of each month (and sometimes additional times throughout the month) I post free patterns and instructions for one of my original-design sewing or crafting projects for readers’ use and enjoyment.

--My Author’s Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/June-McCrary-Jacobs/153549754836128.  If you Like my Facebook page you’ll receive automatic notifications of new postings and the free projects, etc.

--My Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/June-McCrary-Jacobs/e/B00E7YV522

--My Goodreads Author Page:  http://www.goodreads.com/June-McCrary-Jacobs

--My Email Address is:  junemccraryjacobs@gmail.com

 

 

My review: A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom by June McCrary Jacobs

5 STARS

This is a good Christmas story. The reasons I gave it 5 STARS it touched me in so many ways. I cried some sad tears in the beginning, In part of the story I wanted to shout for joy. I even cried some happy tears. The characters to me were real.

I have read this story now twice and still it touched me the second time as much as the first.

The setting was a small community. That one brand new teacher made a difference and got the town to work together for one little girl and her very worried parents.

The drama starts right off and touches the heart strings from the first page. Amber learns one of her student Mary Noel was hit by a car. She will heal with broken bones but worst of all her puppy was with her and died. Mary Noel saw all the blood and injuries. She has closed down has not spoken since.

Before Amber can say anything to her students they all tell her about Mary Noel and her dog. Amber's class pull together for Mary Noel they make lots of cards for her hospital room and other things.

Just thinking about the story makes my eyes water again. It is so neat to see all the people pulling together to help where they can. They make a big difference by working together.

Paul works with Mary Noel's father. He helps keep the business going while Mr. Simmons stays at the hospital. They won't let Mary Noel leave until she opens emotionally.
Paul and Amber meet in the hospital and start working together and come up with a plan to help. As they are working they start to fall in love very vast.

This book is a clean read, It does feature church, prayer and Christmas eve midnight service. It all fits so well into the story.

I will look forward for more books from June McCrary Jacobs in the future. I really enjoyed her first novel.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Cedar Fort and to be part of its blog tour.

Giveaway: 1 ebook Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom

contest starts 11/24 and ends 11/29 US only. To enter leave a comment below with name & address.
Winner will be notified by email and have two days to respond to email or another winner will be chosen. Without email cant contact winner.

A Cowboy for Christmas by Lacy Williams

Redemption Ranch

After an accident leaves her injured, Daisy Richards stays secluded at her family's Wyoming ranch to avoid the town's gawking stares. Yet handsome cowboy newcomer Ricky White insists she can do anything she dreams—ride a horse, decorate a Christmas tree…even steal a man's heart.

Once a reckless cad, Ricky is to blame for what happened to Daisy. Now reformed, he wants to make amends by setting things right for his boss's beautiful daughter in time for the holidays. But Daisy doesn't know Ricky's responsible for her predicament. When the truth is revealed, will he lose the greatest gift he's ever received—her trust?

Wyoming Legacy: United by family, destined for love
Paperback, 288 pages

Expected publication: December 2nd 2014 by Love Inspired Harlequin
ISBN 0373282923 (ISBN13: 9780373282920)
.series Wyoming Legacy #5

My review: A Cowboy for Christmas by Lacy Williams

4 stars

I was drawn right into the story. I love the characters, the drama, setting and action. It was also a clean read.
I wanted Daisy to prosper and gain confidence in what she could do. It is frustrating when your life changes in an instant what you can do. Daisy struggle was real. Before the accident she had two arms and now just one. She does not want to be seen by anyone else. Feels like they would stare at her.

Ricky White realized what he had caused with his fight in the street. He has repented and wants to make amends somehow. He works for the Richards ranch. He sees what Daisy is struggling against and makes way for her to cope. His simple changes make things possible for Daisy to do.

Daisy and Ricky are alone on the ranch one Sunday and Ricky gets her to help him in the barn deliver puppy. Then Daisy's whole family comes back the next day and are all sick. They have to take care of everything.

It deals with forgiveness and making amends. I thought it was a good story that got it's message across in a real way. The way Daisy felt was true.

The setting is Northeast Wyoming, early December 1900 on a ranch.

A Cowboy for Christmas is a Wyoming Legacy book #5 I believe. I have enjoyed all the books in this series that I have read. I will read more from Lacy Williams again in the future.

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

Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner Blast & $50 Amazon or Paypal Giveaway.

I am looking forward to reading Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner. Check it out below. Make sure you enter the contest to win $50 Amazon Gift card or Paypal Cash. I am sure we could all use a little bit of money right now.







Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner




Molly Elliott's quiet life in Tallahassee, Florida, is disrupted when routine errands land her in the wrong place at the wrong time: the middle of a bank robbery. Accused and cleared of the crime, she flees both media attention and mysterious, threatening notes, to move across the country to Cranberry Cove, where she has inherited her Aunt Maggie's bed and breakfast on the Northern California coast. Her new beginning is peaceful - that is, until five guests show up at the inn for a weekend, each with a hidden agenda.




Mix together one blushing honeymoon couple, one flamboyant boutique owner, a deadpan traveling salesman, and a charmingly handsome novelist, and there’s more than scones cooking at Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. As true motives become apparent, will Molly's past come back to haunt her or will she finally be able to leave it behind?

Amazon

 




Author Deborah Garner




Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

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Book Blast Giveaway




$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 12/23/14




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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Sam's Christmas Wish by George Durrant

TITLE: Sam’s Christmas Wish

AUTHOR: George D. Durrant

Page Count: 29 pages
Genre: Christmas Picture Book
Format: Hardcover

RELEASE DATE: September 30, 2014
We don't need no charity," insists Big Sam Edwards. It's bad enough to have lost his job a few weeks before Christmas; the thought of "do-gooders" meddling in his business is more than he can bear. "I'll be watching if anybody comes around trying to leave anything at the door!" he warns.

But the mystery of a pile of gifts left anonymously, without any tracks in the snow, works a change in Sam's heart. The spirit of Christmas fills his home with joy.

Over the years, Sam becomes one of the most generous men in town. Yet his fondest wish goes unrealized: "I wish I could do something good and do it in secret so nobody would ever know."

And then one Christmas, he gets his chance—his secret act is even more gratifying than he ever could have imagined.

About the Author:
George Durrant was born and raised in American Fork, Utah. He’s believed in Santa Claus as a child and as a parent. George is a master storyteller and loves telling stories to his eight children, thirty-four grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

My review :Sam's Christmas Wish by George Durrant

5 STARS

This is a powerful 29 pages. It made me smile, cry and think of many of my Christmas memories on both sides. Love the power of Giving in secret and receiving too.

One Christmas Sam had lost his job but he did not want any charity. He stayed up late to catch anyone who was going to give his family any gifts. Than he fell asleep. Christmas had come and left stuff inside his house. His kids were excited. Sam was mad he called the sheriff.

Sam finally felt the Christmas spirit. He gave the rest of his life but always wanted to do in secret and not get caught.

This story touched me. That even rethinking about the story brings the tears again.

I think this would be a good book for the family to read. I think we all need to learn to give in secret maybe not as great a gift as Sam gave but whatever we can. All the giving and receiving of gifts in secret sure spread the joy of Christmas. May we all have Sam's Christmas Wish all year long.

I have to say the illustrations by Dan Burry are beautiful. I would hang almost any of them on my walls.

I was given this book to read so I could give an honest review and be a part of Sam's Christmas Wish by George Durrant

Her Holiday Family by Winnie Griggs (Texas Grooms (Love Inspired Historical))

THE CHRISTMAS CHILDREN

Reserved widow Eileen Pierce never considered herself the kind of woman who was cut out to be a mother. She wouldn't know what to do with one child, much less ten. But when handyman Simon Tucker is stranded in town with a group of young orphans at Christmastime, she discovers she can't just turn them away.

Simon knows there's more to Eileen than meets the eye. Though his easygoing demeanor immediately clashes with her buttoned-up propriety, Simon's kindness soon melts Eileen's stern facade. Simon and the children already upended Eileen's quiet, orderly life. Will they do the same to her guarded heart?

Texas Grooms: In search of their brides…
File Size: 435 KB
Print Length: 284 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0373829833
Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals (October 1, 2013)


My review: Her Holiday Family by Winnie Griggs

5 stars

I was surprised about how much I liked Eileen Pierce. If you have read any books in the Texas Groom series you will want to read this one.
Eileen Pierce for the last two years as been keeping by herself since her husband died and his crimes came to light. I understand and enjoyed learning more about her.

Simon Tucker was escorting 10 children and their guardian Miss Georgina Fredrick. They were moving from the city to a western city to a bigger house. When Georgina had a stroke and they were taken off the train in Turnabout, Texas. The kids are not related but they have become a family and Simon plans to keep them together.

Simon is hoping that Gigi will get better and they will be able to travel to their new house. He asks the people of Turnabout for help. The people say they can feed them and Eileen gets asked to house them since she has the room in her house. Simon also volunteer to help Eileen with any repairs while they stay their.

Eileen is full of rules. She has no experience with children. It is good to see her open up to the children and Simon.

Miss Dovie Jacobs is a boarder who lives with Eileen. She is wonderful with the children. She can not leave too far from her room but knows children.

The setting for the book is Turnabout, Texas November 1896

I love the children. That would be hard to take care of 10 children all of once. Simon has only known the children for the most of about a week. Except his niece and nephew who lost their mother three months ago.

Lots of drama, relationships and caring people of Turnabout. Also clean read.

I was given Her Holiday Family to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of Her Holiday Family.

Blog tour: ‘Walking with the Women of the New Testament’ by Heather Farrell art by Mandy Jane Williams

Mary. Elisabeth. Martha. Lydia.
Some we know by name. Some we know only by their legacy of faith.

The scriptures tell us of the many men who figured prominently in the Savior's life. Alongside the Apostles were also numerous valiant and virtuous women who worked and worshipped, petitioned and prayed. Discover their stories in this unique and uplifting book. Inside you'll find:

-Historical background information on the more than seventy women mentioned in the New Testament

-Beautiful artwork depicting the lives and values of these women of faith

-Charts and study tools to help you learn more

-Stunning photography that will take you back to the early days of the Savior's Church

Filled with stories that will inspire you in your own efforts to follow the Savior, this unique book is sure to become a treasure in your home for years to come.
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media (November 11, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114210
ISBN-13: 978-1462114214

About the author:

Heather Farrell’s love for the scriptures began young, when at the age of 11 she hid a flashlight under her pillow so she could read the Old Testament late at night. Her love for the women in scriptures began when, her oldest son was born around Christmas time and she felt a kinship with Mary, the mother of Jesus. As she began to research Mary she realized that there were hundreds of women in the scriptures, but very little had been written about them. Excited by all the women she discovered, she began sharing what she learned on her popular blog, Women in the Scriptures (womeninthescriptures.com). Primarily self-taught in the scriptures, Heather is a testament to the truth that becoming a scholar of the gospel is not beyond anyone’s reach, it just takes a inquisitive mind and the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Heather grew up in Idaho but currently lives in Boone, Iowa with her husband, four children, two sheep, a goat and a flock of chickens.


My review: Walking with the Women of the New Testament’ by Heather Farrell

5 STARS

First of all this book is the best quality of books I have seen in along time. The cover is beautiful. The art work is beautiful and graceful. The paper is quality. With so many cheap books out there this is not one of those. I was definitely impressed even before I started to read it.

This is a book to savor. I did not want to rush it. each woman had a picture. Each has the scripture. Not everyone had her own name like Paul's sister, widow with two mites. each is looked at with detail, things from history or Jewish traditions or what was going on at the time. It is fascinating to read. each page has so much information on it.

This is a book I would love to have out on a coffee table if I had one. It is a book that can be read every day and find something to learn about these women and their examples that I did not know and want to.

Mary has the most pages about her most have one or two pages. My favorite keeps changing when I read another woman's story.
We see the teaching, the healing, by Jesus through these women. We see those that are following him and learning from him.

This is a book that is impressive, beautiful in every way. The art done by Mandy Jane Williams is so good I would love to have them all up on the walls. They make the women so peaceful, graceful, loved and beautiful. They make me want to know more about these special ladies.

I was given this book so that I could give a honest review of it and be part of Walking with the Women of the New Testament blog tour.

Walking with the Women of the New Testament” blog tour schedule:

November 16: My Book Addiction and More
November 17: Techie Chic
November 18: Creative Itch • Real Intent
November 19: The Little Blog of Awesome
November 20: Readalot
November 21: Pearls of Great Worth
November 22: Birth Faith • Chicken Scratch n’ Sniff • Lisa Marie Johnson
November 23: Team Hoopes
November 24: Mel’s Shelves
November 25: The Small Seed • The View From My Window • Remembering Women
November 26: Literary Timeout
November 27: Cranial Hiccups • Eternal Principles Simplified
November 28: A Casual Reader’s Blog
November 29: The Secret Life of Michelle
November 30: Poodle Writes • Our Busy Homeschool • Still Parenting • Neylan McBaine
Birds of Ashmae • Well-Behaved Mormon Woman • The Exponent • Bless This Mess Please
A Lively Hope • Segullah

Spell Struck by Ariella Moon (Teen Wytche Saga #2)

What if the one person who saw through your lies and loved you, harbored a secret that could cost you everything?

When goth outcast Salem Miller casts a love spell on Halloween night, she asks for a boy who is handsome, magical, and artistic. She doesn’t count on Fate sending Aidan Cooper.

As a child, Aidan thought he was being rescued, not abducted. Now fifteen and homeless, he realizes he was taken because of his Gypsy blood. His kidnappers believe he’ll lead them to the Grey Grimoire, a valuable gypsy spell book. Madness. The book doesn’t even exist.

Or does it?

Salem is charged with fixing a half-destroyed spell book, her last hope for saving her sister. Amy attempted suicide and the meds aren’t helping. Maybe a powerful Get Well Spell will cure her.

Aidan’s kidnappers will kill to attain the Grey Grimoire. But if he destroys it, Salem will hate him. Either way, he loses. Again.


My review: Spell Struck by Ariella Moon (Teen Wytche Saga #2)

4 STARS

Spell Struck is the second book in the Teen Wytche series. Most of the characters are back from Spell Check plus a lot of new ones.
The characters drew me into the story so much I admit to crying in a few places both happy and sad tears. There is plenty of drama, real problems like teen suicide, I like how Salem worried about her sister read the warnings signs of teen depression.

This book starts right after the last one finished pretty much. It is Salem who is one of the central characters. Salem meets a new boy in school who fits the love spell she wrote. Her older sister Amy has problems and Salem's whole family is worried about her.

Aidan 15 wants to go to school. He is homeless and the couple that took him in are not nice. Kali a older teen who lives with them tries to help Aidan where she can. Aidan is a artist that works with wood. He has a lot of secrets.

Salem has the Grimoire. It is in bad shape and smells of brimstone. She wants to heal or fix it and hopes there is a spell to heal her sister Amy.

The reason Aidan and his kidnappers are in town is because they think the Gypsy spell book is here. They think Aidan will be the key to finding it. Aidan & Kali don't believe that it really exists. They don't want them to find it if it does. They are living in a foreclosed home. Without water, electricity and heat. Makes you glad for your home.

The setting is outside of San Fransico, CA is a community. In modern times. A lot of the book centers on there schooling.

It is a book that I did not want to put down. I want to know what happens next to these characters lives. I really did enjoy the ending of this book. I know that are a lot of them back in the second half of the third book.

I was given this ebook to read by the author so I could give it a honest review of Spell Struck.

Spell for Sophia Book Blast $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Teen Wytche Saga is a fun drama of teens. With heroes and enemies that make you choose sides. Check it out. My review of Spell Check
is below in the next post. It is 4 STARS.









Spell for Sophia




Sophia Perez-Hidalgo’s survival depends upon her mastering magic and the supernatural before her lawless parents and their vengeful boss catch up to her. How far must she flee to escape them forever? Sophia runs until she’s out of stolen money, then…Fate delivers her into the arms of Louisiana teen Shiloh Breaux Martine, and his grand-mère, a voodoo priestess living deep in the bayou.




Breaux knows Sophia is trouble — but he’ll travel through time, battle zombies, and risk his bright future to protect her. While Ainslie, best friend extraordinaire, will jeopardize her sanity to find and aid Sophia. When friendship, magic, and love are not enough, Sophia will have to save herself. But first, she must believe she’s worth saving.

Sometimes the worst scars are the ones you cannot see.




 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * Kobo

 




Book Trailer:






 







 




The Teen Wytche Saga by Ariella Moon




Think magic will solve your problems?




Bring you love? Cure you? Protect you? Help you find someone who is lost?




Think again.




Magic tests friendships. It hisses, chirps, stinks up the room, backfires, and explodes. Magic forces you to make tough decisions. Shatter limitations. Discover your true self. When you use magic, expect results in the ultimate triple-un—unpredictable, uncontrollable, and so undeniable.




And you thought navigating high school was tough.




 

Watch for the upcoming blog tour hosted by I Am A Reader

Blog Tour Schedule

Author Ariella Moon




Ariella Moon is the author of the Teen Wytche Saga, a sweet Young Adult paranormal series. Ariella writes about magic, friendship, high school, secrets, and love in Spell Check, Spell Struck, and Spell Fire from Astraea Press.




Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students who mistook her for a leaning post, marred her youth. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. Ariella is a Reiki Master, author, and shaman. She lives a nearly normal life with her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and an enormous dragon.







 









 




 




 




 




Book Blast Giveaway




$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 12/23/14




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

Review : Spell Check:by Ariella Moon Book 1 (Teen Wytche Saga)

Two girls, one guy, and a spell book — what could possibly go wrong?

5 Reasons Evie O’Reilly hopes magic isn’t real:

1. Evie’s best friend Parvani Hyde-Smith plans to cast a binding love spell on Jordan, Evie’s secret crush.
2. Parvani begs Evie to help her cast the spell.
3. Everything goes wrong when Parvani’s harmless-looking Teen Wytche paperback morphs into a brimstone-hissing grimoire.
4. Desperate to stop Parvani, Evie must risk hex hives and even befriend Salem, the school goth.
5. If magic is real, and Evie can’t stop Parvani, then she’ll lose Jordan. The wrongful magic will do more than break Evie’s heart. It will destroy them all.

Ever since Evie’s dad died in Afghanistan, fear, guilt, and self-doubt ruin her life. Can Evie get her mojo back in time to check this spell?
File Size: 476 KB
Print Length: 205 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1478365048
Publisher: Astraea Press (January 23, 2012)

Ariella Moon is the author of the Teen Wytche Saga, a sweet Young Adult paranormal series. Ariella writes about magic, friendship, high school, secrets, and love in Spell Check, Spell Struck, and Spell Fire from Astraea Press.




Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students who mistook her for a leaning post, marred her youth. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. Ariella is a Reiki Master, author, and shaman. She lives a nearly normal life with her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and an enormous dragon.

My review: Spell Check: Book 1 (Teen Wytche Saga)

4 STARS

Spell Check is a YA, paranormal story with high school as a background setting. It is full of drama, romance and friendships. The characters seem like real teens. I like Evie. they are dealing with real issues and some that are not real. It is also a clean fast read.

Evie O'Reilly is the central character. Her father died over in Afghanistan. He was a photographer. Evie is too but since her dad died she has not picked up a camera. She has panic attacks. Evie's best friend is Parvani. She likes Jordan they have been close since they were 5 years old.

Parvani Hyde-Smith has a major crush on Jordan she wants Evie to buy a spellbook. She want to cast a love spell on Jordan.

Jordan's family and Evie's have been friends. Jordan is a athlete & skate boarder. He and Evie have not been close the last couple of years. He tries to reach out to her.

Salem is a goth. She helps Evie and warns her to never too a love spell with a person in mind.

Evie has problems at school with bullies, two classes not including yearbook. She also has friends who help her and does really well in her other classes.

This has a range of emotional scenes. It has some cute ones too. I am so glad I am not in high school. I can't wait to start the next book in the series.

I was given this ebook to read by the author and in return I agreed to give honest review of Spell Check.

Frame Change by by T’Gracie and Joe Reese Blog Tour Giveaway & review

Frame Change

by

by T’Gracie and Joe Reese

Frame Change:
A Nina Bannister Mystery (The Nina Bannister Mysteries Book 5)
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press
File Size: 528 KB
Print Length: 233 pages
ASIN: B00NDAAWIO

Synopsis:

Nina Bannister loves to paint, and she thinks her hobby is painless enough. But she is wrong. Her love of doing seascapes leads to a friendship with a young ex docent from The Chicago Art Museum–and to their entry into the murky and dangerous world of international art smuggling.

Can she save her young friend, who has been kidnapped to the mountains of southern Austria? Can she determine the identity and motives of the mysterious Red Claw? Can she see the real painting that is hidden beneath the false one?

Her success in these matters–indeed her very survival–depend on her ability to perform a last ditch Frame Change!

About These Authors

Pam (T’Gracie) Britton Reese is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. She has published books about autism with LinguiSystems. She enjoys teaching and research, but is never happier than when plotting (with her husband) a new murder, or coming up with ways that Nina Bannister can solve it.

Joe Reese is a novelist, playwright, storyteller, and college teacher. He has published seven novels, several plays, and a number of stories and articles. He and his wife, Pam have three children: Kate, Matthew and Sam.
•reeseswrite.com
•Twitter: Nina Bannister@NinaBFurl
•Facebook: Nina Bannister



My review: Frame Change by by T’Gracie and Joe Reese

4 STARS

This is book 5 of Nina Bannister Mystery and the only one I have read. I feel that it can stand alone really well. I would like to read the other 4 books now. I was happy about how it all came together and surprised me. The suspense was good. I enjoyed the plot.
That everyone started to think because her paintings were selling that she must be a good artist. So they jumped on the band wagon.

Nina Bannister is learning to paint. She is a retired school teacher and Principal. Her friend Carol has become close to her. Nina has a lot of friends.

Carol was a teacher than worked for The Chicago Art Museum and now she has turned to smuggling art to help her sick father. Carol feels really close to Nina. They are having fun dreaming up a trip to Europe.

You are drawn into Carol and Nina's lives and you want to see them solve their problems and see how far Nina's paintings will go.

You can see how easy it is when you need money to start making wrong choices and then you get deeper and deeper into trouble.

There is a rich man who is buying stolen art and having it smuggled to one of his homes. There is a mystery person or group that is trying to find the stolen paintings from the Jews by Germans in WWII and steal it back to return to rightful owners. The couriers are disappearing.

The setting for most of the book happens in Bay St. Lucy, Mississippi

I like the sense of humor in the book too. I laughed a few times.

I was given this ebook to read so I could give a honest review and be apart of Frame Change blog tour.

Giveaway: Ebook Frame Change by T’Gracie and Joe Reese

Contest starts 11/19/2014 and ends 11/26/2014 US only. Leave a comment below with name and email address. I have had winners in the past who have not left their email address and I could not get ahold of them. I will send a email to winner and they have two days to respond or a new winner will be picked.


Tour Participants

November 17 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Giveaway

November 18 – Brooke Blogs – Guest Post

November 19 – readalot – Review, Giveaway

November 20 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

November 21 – Community Bookstop – Review, Giveaway

November 21 – Christa Reads and Writes

November 22 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Interview

November 23 – Tea and A Book – Review, Giveaway

November 24 – Kelly P’s Blog – Guest Post

November 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview

November 26 – Omnimystery News – Interview

November 27 – Thanksgiving

November 28 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review, Giveaway

November 29 – dru’s book musings – Guest Post, Giveaway

November 30 – Mystery Playground – Interview, Giveaway

Light The Stars (Cowboys of Cold Creek #1) by RaeAnne Thayne

Wade Dalton was having a very bad day.

His five-year-old had accidentally set the kitchen on fire. His daughter was surly, as usual. The baby hadn't been fed yet. And his mother--aka "The Childminder"--had eloped...with a scam artist. Could it get any worse?

Turned out it could. Because the annoyingly beautiful daughter of said scam artist was now at the door, batting her doe eyes at him and proposing that she be his temporary nanny while awaiting the newlyweds' return. Could he trust her to be under his roof? Could he trust "himself" with her under his roof?
File Size: 420 KB
Print Length: 256 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases (March 15, 2013)
(first published April 1st 2006)

My review:Light The Stars (Cowboys of Cold Creek #1) by RaeAnne Thayne

4 stars

I like how you can find older stories in a series now in ebook. I just wish there was a way to tell if book is an older one. I knew this was off by the first book in a long series. Goodreads also had date first published. I know most is not the author's fault.

I like reading RaeAnne Thayne's books I have only been reading her works the past couple of years. Light the Star is her first book in Cowboys of Cold Creek series. It has charming little kids, lots of family life. I like the characters and would like to read more in the future about them. Some drama, some romance and a story I did not want to put down. I wanted more. It is also a clean read.

Wade Dalton is a widower with three kids and running a ranch. His mom has been watching his kids for the past two years but she ran off in the night to elope. He never knew she was dating. This is his birthday and a busy week on the ranch.
Wade has a daughter Nat in elementary school and two boys too young to go. Cody is two. He has two brothers.

Caroline Montgomery is a life coach. She travels all night to try and stop her father con artist from marring one of her clients. While at the door to ranch talking to Wade she smells smoke. Tanner a preschooler has started a kitchen fire. Tanner is a handful to raise. Caroline offers to stay and tend the baby while Wade takes Tanner to the clinic.

I really enjoyed watching life on the ranch. Wade is a hard worker and hardly spends time with his children. Which a lot of single parents that have to work do. I was lucky in that I was home raising my two.

I bought the ebook on Amazon.

Cold Case in Cherokee Crossing by Rita Herron

Description
A decades-old cold case is testing everything one Texas Ranger thought he knew about obtaining justice…

A lot of men on death row profess their innocence. Those men are mostly just scared of dying. Jaxon Ward understands that, but as a Texas Ranger he needs to uphold the law. Yet the story Avery Tierney tells him… He's convinced her brother is awaiting execution while the real killer remains at large.

Searching for the murderer opens old wounds for Avery, and now she has to face a past so traumatic she blocked it out. A past not so dissimilar to Jax's. Before long, the only comfort they find is in each other's arms. Avery's lost everything once before. And now, if she loses Jaxon, she fears she'll never recover.
Series: Harlequin LP Intrigue (Book 1535)

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Large Print edition (November 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373748566
ISBN-13: 978-0373748563
My review: Cold Case in Cherokee Crossing by Rita Herron

4 STARS

Cold Case in Cherokee Crossing deals with some tough issues. Like, sex abuse to minors, physical abuse, verbal abuse, problems in foster care, drug abuse, death row. Is is full of drama, mystery danger and a countdown to death.

Avery Tierney has kept quiet about what happened to her when she was 9 years old. She was repeatedly abused by her foster father. Her big brother tried to protect her. She is the daughter of a murder. Her brother killed her foster father in front of her, but most of night is blocked out.

Avery goes to visit her brother for the first time a week before he is to die on death row. Avery finds out he confessed because he thought she committed the murder. Avery is going to try and save him.

Jaxon Ward is a Texas ranger. He is supposed to make sure nothing goes wrong with the case.

Avery and Jaxon meet in the prison and the more Jaxon learns the more he thinks things look fishy. So he starts to investigate because he also believes Hanks story.

Hank at 14 kept trying to save his sister from rape. He kept getting beat up and tied up for it.
He picked up a knife and stabbed and stabbed his foster father and showed no remorse for it.

Someone wants Avery to let the case go and threatens her if she keeps asking questions. Avery won't stop. She feels guilty because she testified against her brother. She never told anyone about the abuse except therapist. She feels she should have kept in touch with her brother before this time.

Jaxon risks a lot to find out the truth and be able to prove it before Hank runs out of time.
Good story keeps you into the story. See what one evil man can do to ruin lots of kids lives.

The setting is Texas small town.

I was given this ebook to read from Net galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest opinion.

The Christmas Ranch by Raeanne Thayne

Description
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hope Nichols has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, except her hometown of Pine Gulch. So, when she hears that her family's property, Christmas Ranch, is set to be shut down forever, a determined Hope heads home. She refuses to let the Grinch steal her holiday —this will be the most memorable ranch Christmas ever! And, thanks to hunky former navy SEAL Rafe Santiago and his adorable nephew, she might just pull off that miracle.

Rafe is undeniably drawn to Hope and her passion for rebuilding her family home. But he knows more about Hope's tragic past than even she herself could imagine. And though she doesn't know it, she owes him her life. And all he wants in return is for her to spend it with him
Series: The Cowboys of Cold Creek

Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (November 25, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373838069
ISBN-13: 978-0373838066
…
My review: The Christmas Ranch by Raeanne Thayne

5 STARS

I was sad to see the end. I wanted to spend more time at Christmas Ranch. The characters were real. I want to read more Sparkle books. Really magical. This is fun clean Christmas story.

Hope Nichols decides to come home from teaching school abroad. She finds Christmas Ranch is closed for good and wants to reopen it with only a short time to get things fixed up and ready.
Her sisters do not want too.

Faith has two children. She lost her husband just months ago and has enough just to keep the ranch going with help.

Celeste is a librarian who has wrote a children's book just for her niece and nephew.

Aunt Mary Nichols helped raise the three girls in their teen years after they lost both parents. She has slowed down a lot now though.

Rafe Santiago has come to the small town of Pine Gulch to take care of his nephew after his sister is in jail. Rafe retired from being a Seal. He is going to take his nephew back to California after his sister is sentenced. Rafe feels guilty about the mission in his past when he first met the Nichols sisters. He wants to help Hope fix up the ranch while he is in town.

Christmas Ranch has reindeer petting zoo, Christmas lights scenes, tow rope for sledding, Santa Claus. It has been a tradition for years.

It leaves you feeling good when your reading The Christmas Ranch. I want to read the next two books now not wanting to wait.

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

A Rancher for Christmas by Brenda Minton

A Family for Christmas

Raised on the run, free-spirited Breezy Hernandez has never stayed in one place too long. But now that she has joint custody of her late brother's twin daughters, she's determined to give them a stable home. Even if it means cooperating with the twins' bossy uncle. Texas rancher Jake Martin learned the hard way that women can't be trusted. But as he and Breezy care for the orphaned girls, Jake begins to open his heart. Is Breezy ready to put down roots in Martin's Crossing, or will she run from the one thing she's always wanted: a family?

Martin's Crossing: In this small Texas town, every heart finds a home
Series: Love Inspired\Martin's Crossing

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (November 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373879261
ISBN-13: 978-0373879267

My review: A Rancher for Christmas by Brenda Minton (Martin's Crossing)

4 stars

This is a charming story that has both sad and happy times. It has you thinking what does Christmas mean to you? What makes a family? Has drama, a little mystery or two. A small town that I would like to get to know the characters of it. Lots of relationships with other characters. It also talks about prayer, church & nativity in a way that is just part of the characters lives.

I liked that Breezy was able to protect herself. That she was also willing to reach out to others. Breezy really had no one to take care of her the right way. She was always on the move as a child. Now she just found out she had a brother and he died before she could come visit him. He left her co-guardian of her twin nieces.

Jake Martin and his twin sister helped at age 12 to take care of his younger brothers and sister. Now his twin and his best friend have died and left him to take care of the twins. Jake has trouble trusting that women won't leave him. He wants what is best for Rose & violet.

Rose & violet just lost their parents two weeks ago. They are toddlers who don't understand. They also lost their grandparents this past year.
They are cute and a handful.

Martin's Crossing, Texas is a small town that is the new series Brenda Minton is spinning off her Cooper's series.

I want to come visit Martin's Crossing and see what happens next.

I was given this ebook to read by Netgalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of A Rancher for Christmas.

The Christmas Wedding Ring by Susan Mallery (Triple Trouble)

Description

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a classic story of destiny, desire and a little holiday magic!

In her youth, Molly Anderson couldn't help crushing on gorgeous bad boy Dylan Black—even though he only had eyes for her older sister. When things didn't work out between them, he said goodbye to Molly as well, vowing they'd have a great adventure when she grew up. Years later, dumped by her fiancé just before Christmas, she's finally ready to take Dylan up on his promise.

A guarded Dylan always had a weakness for Molly, and when she waltzes back into his life—grown-up and gorgeous—he's stunned. So why not whisk her away for some no-strings-attached fun?

Laughter-filled days and late-night kisses are changing Molly's life, for good. The only gift she truly wants now is Dylan's love, but when he discovers the secret she's been keeping, she may lose him again…this time forever.

My review: The Christmas Wedding Ring by Susan Mallery (Triple Trouble)

3 STARS

This is a reissue from 1998. I had not read it before so was glad to see it. I don't know anything about the series Triple Trouble. I liked most of the story. Towards the end their was a lot of love scenes.

I like the character Molly Anderson. She has had a really bad week. So she wants to runaway but not sure where. Molly has just been dumped by her fiancé right be for Christmas. She also has some other bad things happen to her. While packing she finds a wedding ring that was given her by her sister's old boyfriend Dylan Black. Dylan promised her a adventure when she grew up. Molly had a big crush on him then.

Dylan Black has some tough decisions about his company. He keeps going in circles about what to do. So when he sees Molly again he decides to take off and together have an adventure. No physical, no regrets time to help them both make some decisions and have a break they need too.

Of course while they are together they start getting closer and opening up about their problems and grow close to each other but they don't share their feelings. There laughter is helping Molly cope with the stresses in her life. Molly was never close to any of her family growing up. When her sister left the house they started to rely on each other better.

The setting is California

I liked there journey together. I really like what they chose in the end to do.

I was given this ebook of the Christmas Wedding Ring by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review.

Blog tour: ‘Christmas Desserts: Sweets of the Season’ by Laura Powell

About the book:

Sweeten up your holidays with Christmas Desserts! With this delicious collection of 20 seasonal recipes, you’ll enjoy treats like Gingerbread Cheesecake Squares, Chewy Popcorn Balls, Eggnog Cookies, and more! Not only does this affordable, full-color pamphlet make the perfect gift for neighbors, coworkers, and friends, but these festively flavored recipes will soon become family favorites.
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1032 KB
Print Length: 55 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (7 September 2014)

My review: Blog tour: ‘Christmas Desserts: Sweets of the Season’ by Laura Powell

4 STARS

I am reading the pdf file on my computer at 11:30 pm and the recipes look and sound so good I want to eat them. Do not have ingredients on hand to make any tonight. So sad.

Love the pictures! Cover is beautiful.

I really want to try the fudge recipes. The popcorn balls and maybe the red velvet brownies. The popcorn balls remind me of a Christmas treat
that my grandmother made. She would use bunt pan and shape came out like a wreath instead of balls. Of course she did not have microwave popcorn.

The only things I did not like was that I would need to take my computer into Kitchen, but really is that there are only 20 recipes in this book. Also I don't think eating these would help my diabetes.

These recipes look easy to make and would be good to take to any Christmas parties you go to. Lots of smells and tastes of holidays with peppermint and eggnog flavorings

I was given this ebook to read so I could give an honest review of Christmas Desserts Sweets of the seasons and be part of it's blog tour.

Ring on Her Finger by Lisa Swinton

What happened in Vegas should stay there, not follow Amanda home wedded to the man who broke her heart.

After celebrating college graduation with her friends in Las Vegas, Amanda St. Claire wakes up with a terrible hangover and a ring on her finger. Her day gets worse when she finds out she’s married to rich playboy Blake Worthington – the guy she has loathed the past four years. Amanda convinces Blake to legally terminate the marriage and they both return home like nothing ever happened. That is, until Blake shows up on her doorstep and Amanda has to come clean with her family.

Together for better or worse while the legalities are cleared, Amanda reluctantly plays along, but then the unthinkable happens – she finds herself falling in love with Blake. Can they overcome the past? Or will it end their future before it even starts?
File Size: 1124 KB
Print Length: 317 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1500879231


My review: Ring on Her Finger by Lisa Swinton

4 STARS

I liked ring on her Finger. I liked certain characters over others. I really liked Blake the groom. Amanda's family the best.
This was fun to read. I loved how well the fundraiser went and wished their was a little more of that.

Amanda St. Claire woke up in a hotel room with a hangover. She was not alone in bed. Blake Worthington was asleep. She was wearing a wedding ring and there was a tiara along with a wedding dress. She just graduated from college. She plans to spend the summer at home and then go to Africa to teach how to help babies being born to live.

Blake Worthington's family was rich. He knew what he was doing the night before when they were planning the wedding. Amanda wants to end the marriage. When he tells his family what happened in Vegas he was kicked out until he took care of it. Means paying for the divorce. Blake shows up at Amanda's with only the cash in his pocket.

My thought process was why not sell the jewelry to pay for legal fees. There would not be a story then.
Blake was wrong to marry Amanda when she was not sober. He was trying to make up for that. He was working hard to win her. He sure got injured a lot. Amanda was very set in her ways.

I liked how the St. Claire's welcomed him into their home. They cared about Blake fast. Just was a good example.

I really liked the ending of the story.

This is a clean romance story.

I was given this ebook to read so I could give an honest review of Ring on her Finger.

Return to Chelsey Falls Book Blast & Giveaway $50 Amazon or Paypal cash

Return to Chelsey Falls

After the death of his mother, fourteen year old, Wyatt Barnes was sent to live with his grandparents in Chelsey Falls, Washington. That summer was filled with new friends and new adventures until his life was turned upside down for a second time.
Almost ten years later, an offer to teach at the high school in Chelsey Falls, brings Wyatt back to the small town. Is he getting a second chance to make amends with Alexa, the young woman that had befriended him?
Meanwhile, Wyatt’s sudden reappearance in town sends Alexa’s life into a tailspin. Alexa can’t help but wonder if Wyatt has finally found the peace he so desperately needed. Although apprehensive about opening old wounds, Alexa knows she can’t avoid Wyatt forever. Could what started out as a crush so long ago become more than that now? Or is it just too late?
Return to Chelsey Falls is a heartwarming story of second chances and forgiveness.

Excerpt:

“Need any help, Lexa?”

“It’s A-lexa,” she said, dragging out the A at the beginning of her name. She threw her backpack over her shoulder, gathered her lunch and started for the junior high.

“Yeah, but I think I’ll call you Lexa.” I hurried to her side and flashed her a smile.

She shook her head, another tiny smile flickering across her face. She was cute when she was irritated.

I followed her to her locker, leaning against the one next to hers. I hadn’t made any friends yet and Lexa intrigued me. She slammed her locker shut.

“Did you need something?”

There was that irritated look again.

Lexa and I had History together after lunch. “I wanted to make sure you made it to class okay.” I thought I saw another smile as she started down the hall without answering.

“This is so nice,” I shouted into the busy hall. “Just you and me walking to class together.” She snorted, quickly covering her mouth, but not before I saw a speck of spit fly through the air.

“Real funny, Wyatt.” She laughed and her face turned bright red. I wasn’t sure if she was embarrassed by the flying spit or by the fact that she actually knew my name.

“You know my name? Have we met?”

“Maybe you haven’t noticed, but every day Mr. Kline has to say, ‘Wyatt, wake up!’”

I liked her even more. She had spunk. I laughed as we arrived at the classroom, but my laughter was cut short. I’d forgotten something. I had my soccer ball in my hands and no backpack.

“Hey, can I borrow a pencil?” I hoped she didn’t think I was a big dork, standing there with just my soccer ball.

Praise for the Book:

Alisa says: Good read! I enjoyed the story and the characters. The author’s description and character development allowed the reader to get into the story easily and quickly. A fabulous clean, good story about following your heart and not giving up.

Lauren says: The best part of the story for me were the characters and their development. I kept thinking it was going to be predictable but it had enough surprises and twists to feel refreshing and creative.

SStew says: Great read! I loved getting the story from two different perspectives and how it went back and forth from present to past. If you like this genre it is a great book from a first time author. I’ll look forward to her future releases.

Author Marianne Gowers

Marianne Gowers was born in Seattle, Washington where she grew up with nine brothers and sisters. She has dreamed of writing for many years, and has finally made it a reality. She spends her days writing and editing and then editing some more. She loves bringing to life the many characters in her imagination. She enjoys writing LDS Women’s fiction, providing funny and inspiring stories, which she hopes will be appealing even to those outside her faith.

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/14

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.

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