Dogwood Hills by Sherryl Woods

Description

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods tests the strength of the beloved O'Briens and proves that love and family can always triumph!

When former pro football quarterback Aidan Mitchell comes to Chesapeake Shores to take a high school coaching job, he's embraced by the town—e specially the O'Briens. But Aidan has a secret that could alter all their lives.

For wounded Liz March, who's trying for a fresh start after a devastating betrayal, taking a chance on Aidan may be more than she can handle. Her heart, however, refuses to listen to her head. But just when forever seems within reach, Aidan's secret threatens to change everything.

Does this tempting stranger who's made her feel alive have the power to convince her to look beyond the past and reach for the future?


My review: Dogwood Hills by Sherryl Woods

4 STARS

O'Briens are back. A lot of familiar characters are back. Plus new characters. Lots of fun, drama and secrets. O'briens are matchmaking again. Rich with characters that I liked.

Aidan Mitchell pro football quarterback has come to Chesapeake Shores to look into taking the high school coaching job. He has secrets that he is hiding. He meets Liz March first and one of her dogs.

Liz March is new to Chesapeake Shores too. She has opened a store that is full of pet supplies. Liz has secrets of her own that she is not telling anyone. She is a widow who is not planning on falling in love again. She wants to give one of her rescue dogs to Aidan.

The O'Briens want Aiden as the new coach. They also think Aidan and Liz would be a good couple. Aidan likes Liz but he is not planning to get married. He has lived in New York City so small town is a big change for him.

I sure enjoyed Dogwood Hills a lot more than other books in this series lately. The sense of humor, match making, the kids and all the drama of the secrets coming out. Did not put the book down till I was done.

The setting is Chesapeake Shores, VA. Small town life that is full of nosy O'Briens.

I like to visit the O'Briens and see what they are all up too now days. I would love more books in this series.

I was given this ebook to read and review from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Dogwood Hills.

Broken Bonds by Karen Harper (Cold Creek #3)

Description

www.KarenHarperAuthor.com

Haunted by the past…

Cold Creek is a place with a dark history, especially for the Lockwoods. Now adults, the three Lockwood sisters are still recovering from the events that led to the destruction of their family when they were children. Determined to move forward, Tess and Kate are making fresh starts, ready to put bad —even deadly —memories to rest and settle happily in the small but booming town. And they're hoping their older sister, Charlene, can do the same.

Char is back in town seeking comfort as she figures out her next move. A social worker used to difficult situations, she soon runs afoul of some locals who think she's sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. She's certain something sinister is being covered up, and when she witnesses Matt Rowan being run off the road, she knows she's right.

Working together, Matt and Char figure uncovering the truth will be dangerous, but living in Cold Creek won't be safe for any of them until its secrets are revealed.


My review: Broken Bonds by Karen Harper (Cold Creek #3)

4 STARS

Good suspense! Lots of drama, action, romance , strong characters and a clean read on top of Fracking background.

This is the #3 in Cold Creek series and it ends things in a good way. I like all 3 of the Lockwoods sisters. They are smart, make a difference, quick thinking. They don't wait around to be rescued.

Charlene is the middle child. She is a social worker. Trying to get kids that don't go to school full time to school. She goes up into the mountains and tries to work with the families to let their kids go more often.

Matt Rowan is on his way to visit the family of one of his workers he was close to that was killed. He is hit by a truck and is close to going off the cliff. Charlene sees and works to save him using jump ropes tied together. Matt has no idea who would want him dead.

Matt and Charlene bond very fast. After Matt takes her out to dinner and back home someone tries to shoot them with a arrow but they moved apart at right moment. They are not sure who the target was.

Char and her two sisters visit with their cousin Grace at their cult compound and figures that they were spied on. They want to get their cousin and family out of the cult.

Char never know where she is going to spend the night. She just rented a cabin and then the arrow was shot and no one wants her to stay by herself while she might be in danger.

I was not sure who was doing what till they revealed themselves.

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

Blog tour: ‘I Know My Savior Lives’by Kimiko Christensen Hammari

About the book:
Make Mondays the best night of the week! With a full year of easy family nights that correlate directly with the 2015 Primary theme, this book is the perfect solution for busy families everywhere. For each week you’ll find a complete lesson written for you, plus songs, scriptures, ideas for treats, and activity options for younger and older children.

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media; Act Csm Pa edition (November 11, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1462114717

ISBN-13: 978-1462114719

My review: I Know My Savior Lives

4 stars

This book and CD are for family home evening lessons for Mormons to draw the family closer together and closer to our Savior.
This book comes with a CD that has work sheets, goal challenge cards, games that are geared for young children or different ones for older children.  I did not have the cd so I can't rate that part except saying it sounds good all the different things on it.

The lessons are all planned out for you.  It gives you choices of a couple of songs, wither which games are for you to pick out for your family.  They are meant to go along with the Primary themes, so it is suggested teaching them in order.

I like the idea of the goals that each family members agree to do and work on that week.  (Personally my favorite is Keep your hardest rule of your family for the week) It is meant to reinforce the idea all week not just for 30 minutes on Mondays. I know I would greatly benefit if I did the goals weekly.

I like the fact that the lesson is all their for you. Even has it on the CD so if you wanted to cut out parts you don't have to cut book just print off from the CD.

You don't have to choose what lesson you want each week as it is there for you to use.  I know when I had good FHE lesson book we had regular FHE and the kids can help more with the lessons.

I like the lessons I read about.  Would love to have the book even just for me to do.

I Know My Savior Lives” blog tour schedule:
December 15: A Book a Day
December 16: Wishful Endings
December 17: Lisa is a Bookworm
December 18: Batch of Books
December 19: Brooklyn Berry Designs
December 20: Inklings and Notions
December 21:
December 22:
December 23: I Love to Read and Review Books
December 24:
December 25:
December 26:
December 27:
December 28:
December 29: Deal Sharing Aunt • Readalot • Mel’s Shelves
December 30: The Author’s Hideaway
December 31:

I was given this ebook to read so that I could write a honest review of it and be part of I Know My Savior Lives blog tour.

Three Days to Forever by Lauren Carr (A Mac Faraday Mystery Book 9)

                       Three Days to Forever by Lauren Carr (A Mac Faraday Mystery Book 9)

In this latest Mac Faraday Mystery from best-selling mystery author Lauren Carr, readers will embark on a rollercoaster adventure with old friends (including the Lovers in Crime team of Prosecutor Joshua Thornton and Homicide Detective Cameron Gates), but also meet new ones as Mac Faraday’s daughter Jessica Faraday and Joshua Thornton’s son Murphy Thornton join the team in the race to get the love birds to the altar!

With three days left to the year, Deep Creek Lake is hopping with holiday vacationers and wedding guests pouring into the Spencer Inn for Mac Faraday and Archie Monday’s huge wedding ceremony which is being touted as the social event of the year.

But droopy flowers and guests who failed to RSVP are the least of Mac’s and Archie’s problems when a professional hit squad hits Spencer Manor to send the groom, Joshua Thornton, Archie’s mother, and Gnarly running for their lives.

With time running out to the big day, Mac Faraday and Spencer’s small police force have to sort through the clues to figure out not only who has been targeted for assassination, but also who is determined to stop everything … FOREVER!  

File Size: 2690 KB

Print Length: 392 pages

Publisher: Acorn Book Services (February 10, 2015)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B00R2803RI

My review: Three Days to Forever by Lauren Carr (A Mac Faraday Mystery Book 9)

 

4 STARS

 

This has more of spy thriller mystery feel to it. Dealing with terrorists.  It is exciting, has humor, lots of action, drama , romance and  mystery.  I stayed up till 2:00 am to finish.  It is a fast paced story.

 

We get to see a different side to David, the military service.  Then 18 months later it is three days to Mac & Archie's wedding.  It is going to be a big social wedding.  Then a assassination team hits Mac's house, with his future Mother-in-law Agnes Douglas, Joshua Thornton and Gnarly of course.

On another front Mac gets threat from a husband of a murder suspect that he put behind bars.

 

Lot of characters that we have met before in Mac Faraday Mysteries and Lovers in Crime series.  Plus we actually get to meet Mac's two children. Lots of targets for murder.

Mac Faraday inherited 270 million dollars on the day of his divorce. From his birth mother.  He is a retired homicide detective.  Mac instead of being a rich playboy type,  Still helps out by working murder cases by local police department.  Mac also inherited Gnarly not your everyday dog.

Gnarly is a fun character.  A dog who got a dishonorable discharge from the Military.  He is a thief.
guard dog, I love Gnarly, he brings a lot of humor to the series.

I love this series of books from Lauren.  I laugh, like the mystery and don't put the book down till I have finished and I like to reread the stories too.

 I look forward to reading more stories from Lauren Carr.  I was given Three Days to Forever to read and in return agreed to give honest review.
 

Blog Tour :Spell for Sophia by Ariella Moon (Teen Wytche Saga #4)

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.





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.






My review: Spell for Sophia by Ariella Moon (Teen Wytche Saga #4)


4 STARS

Spell for Sophia has some new scarier bad guys, new characters, time travel, romance and some old characters are back. It is also a clean read, lots of drama, action, paranormal and spell book roll into a story you can't wait to see where it takes you next.

Sophia Perez-Hidalgo parents kidnapped her from foster care. She was excited to see them for breakfast and then things went way wrong. Now she is on the run from her parents and their drug dealer. It is not safe to go back. She lives in the bayou of Louisiana with a voodoo priestess teaching herself from Breaux school books.

Shiloh Breaux Martine now a college student in CA has come back on school break because he feels Sophia needs him. Same time his grand-mere dies and the drug dealers show up.

Ainslie finally knows Sophia is alive. She is determined to find her best friend. She meets up with Evie and her friends to see if they can find more clues from the spell book. She risks a lot to brave these kids who might know her history of breaking down.

The teens all have problems some bigger than others, all trying to fit in and cope with high school and life.

I have enjoyed reading all four books of the Teen Wytche Saga this week. I would read another book by Ariella Moon again.



Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/19/15
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



Tour Schedule
December 17th
I Am A Reader – Spotlight
Enter Here Canada – Spotlight
Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader – Spotlight
Hope To Read – Spotlight
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Spotlight
December 18th
We Do Write – Excerpt
Realm of the Sapphired Dragon – Review
Addicted Readers – Spotlight
Gustosa Giveaways – Spotlight
December 19th
Once Upon a YA Book – Spotlight
Community Bookstop – Review
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Bookish Events – Spotlight
December 20th
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Spotlight
Mythical Books – Interview
December 22nd
Beck Valley Books – Spotlight
Coffee Books & Art - Spotlight
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight
Bound 4 Escape – Review
BookHounds YA – Interview
December 23rd
readalot – Review
Curling Up With A Good Book – Tens List
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight
Kelly P’s Blog – Spotlight
January 14th
Lisa’s Research & Reviews – Review
Word to Dreams – Spotlight
A Book Lover’s Retreat – Spotlight
Cassandra Lost in Books – Review
January 15th
Angelia Almos Author – Spotlight
From the Bootheel Cotton Patch – Spotlight
The Book Lovers’ Lounge – Review
Making it Happen – Review

Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner (Cozy Mystery Tour

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?






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.

My review: Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner

3 1/2 STARS

This story has twists and turns that left me dizzy.  You don't know who to trust and like. Lots of drama, mystery and cranberries make a story you don't want to put down.

Molly was at the bank as usual to make a deposit was just in time for a bank robbery. She was even arrested for it & then let go. Now she lives across the country and owns a Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. She is single.

She has five guests one week and they are all keeping secrets from her and each other.  People still think she has the money from the bank robbery. All the guests are so different from each other. There is the newlyweds , a older widow, the handsome playboy author, the loner.

Molly makes a lot of different dishes made with cranberries and the recipes are in the back of the book. Sure makes you hungry with all the different food discussed in the book.

The setting for the book is Cranberry Bluff, CA a small town on the coast.

The pacing was fast.  Not to sure I like the ending but I will look again when its not so early in the 2:00 am

I was given Cranberry Bluff to read so I could give an honest review of it and be part of it's blog tour.
 

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/19/15

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



Blog Tour Schedule
December 16th
I Am A Reader – Spotlight
Enter Here Canada – Spotlight
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Spotlight
A Writer’s Dream – Spotlight
Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review
December 17th
Simple Wyrdings – Review
Ogitchida Kwe’s Book Blog – Spotlight
Babs Book Bistro – Spotlight
LibriAmoriMiei – Review
December 18th
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Gustosa Giveaways – Spotlight
Community Bookstop – Review
Coffee Books & Art – Spotlight
December 19th
Jane Reads – Spotlight
Mythical Books – Spotlight
December 22nd
Jackie’s Book Shinanigans – Review
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight
BookHounds – Interview
December 23rd
readalot – Review
Bunny’s Review – Review
Taking Time for Mommy Books and Movies – Spotlight
January 13th
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
Room With Books – Spotlight
Brooke Blogs – Review
Kelly P’s Blog – Spotlight
January 14th
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
Author June McCrary Jacobs – Review
StoreyBook Reviews – Review
Vonnie’s Reading Corner – Review
January 15th
Mel’s Shelves – Review
Of Thoughts & Words – Review
A Book Lover’s Retreat – Spotlight
Lisa’s Research & Reviews – Review

Blog tour: ‘The Ready Resource for Relief Society 2015′ by Trina Boice

About the book:
Preparing for Relief Society has never been easier with this invaluable book. For each week, you’ll find a lesson summary, quotes from General Authorities, hymns that match the topic, and a beautiful handout you can copy for each sister. With all the prep work done, you can focus on personalizing your lessons to fit the needs of your dear sisters.
Format: Paperback

Release Date: 2014-11-11

ISBN/UPC: 9781462114481

Pages: 160

 

 

 

About the author:
Trina Boice grew up in California, but currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She worked as a Legislative Assistant for a Congressman in Washington D.C., and was given the “Points of Light” Award and Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her domestic and international community service. She wrote a column called “The Boice Box” for a newspaper in Georgia, where she lived for 15 years. She taught Spanish at a private high school and ran an appraisal business with her husband for 20 years. She currently writes for several web sites and is the Entertainment News Editor for Bella Online. Trina was selected by KPBS in San Diego to be a political correspondent during the last presidential election.

 

My review: The Ready Resource for Relief Society 2015′ by Trina Boice

 

4 STARS

 

This book is properly named. There are lots of resources given in this book. Each lesson has choices for you to make. For example will have 4 or 5 song titles that go with the lesson.  Same with object lessons you can choose from. Has a variety of pictures and videos that go with each lesson. So each lesson plan can be taught a different ways.  You are given some great choices right there and takes some of the work done.

 

I love the object lessons.  I can remember some object lessons from long ago the best.

 

I love the idea of handouts are ready if you want to make them.  They are made to fit half of a page.

 

One other thing that would help me are the challenges to take the lesson home and work with it for the week.

 

She also includes other great websites that might help you.

 

Luckily I don't have to teach this year.  But this is a resource that I would like to have at my finger tips if I was teaching Relief Society this year.

 

Trina wants us to learn the lessons in our lives so that we grow closer to our Heavenly Father and be more like him each week.

 

I was given this ebook to read so that I could give a honest review and join The Ready Resource for Relief Society 2015 Blog Tour.

 

The Ready Resource for Relief Society” blog tour schedule:December 15:
December 16:
December 17:
December 18:
December 19:
December 20:
December 21: Wishful Endings
December 22: Readalot • I Love to Read and Review Books
December 23:
December 24:
December 25:
December 26: Lisa is a Bookworm
December 27:
December 28:
December 29:
December 30: Mel’s Shelves
December 31:

The Job by Janet Evanovich, Goldberg Lee (A Fox and O'Hare Novel)

Description

He’s a charming con man and she’s a dedicated FBI agent, and they’re about to drive each other crazy . . . again!

The FBI had one demand when they secretly teamed up Special Agent Kate O’Hare with charming con man Nicolas Fox—bring down the world’s most-wanted and untouchable felons. This time it’s the brutal leader of a global drug-smuggling empire. The FBI doesn’t know what their target looks like, where he is, or how to find him, but Nick Fox has a few tricks up his sleeve to roust this particular Knipschildt chocolate–loving drug lord.

From the streets of Nashville to the back alleys of Lisbon, from the rooftops of Istanbul to the middle of the Thames, Nick and Kate chase their mark. When they find themselves pitted against a psychopathic bodyguard and a Portuguese enforcer who gets advice from a pickled head, they decide it’s time to enlist some special talent—talent like a machete-wielding Somali pirate, a self-absorbed actor, an Oscar-winning special effects artist, and Kate’s father Jake, a retired Special Forces operative. Together they could help make this Fox and O’Hare’s biggest win yet . . . if they survive.



My review: The Job by Janet Evanovich, Goldberg Lee

4 stars

This is a fun series.  There are cons to capture bad guys with Nick Fox a thief con artist and FBI Agent Kate O'Hare working together.  Most of all authorities don't know that Nick is working for the
FBI.
Kate is the only person to catch Nick before and everyone but a few think she is still chasing him.

Someone is setting up Nick as a thief for new jobs. It is ruining his deal.  Kate believes him but her boss is wondering about him so she is chasing the thefts all across the world.

There are cons, drama, fun characters, chases , destruction and humor it makes for a exciting story.
You never know who to trust or what will happen next. It is a clean read too.

Kate is a strong character she is smart, single FBI Agent.  Her father is one of the people who know that she and Nick are working together.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley

Blog tour: An Uncommon Blue by R.C. Hancock

About the book:

In a society where the color of a person’s palm determines their social class, Bruno goes from favored to fugitive when he kills a Royal Guard to save a boy’s life. If he wants to survive, Bruno has to learn to accept the lower colors. A thrilling blend of fantasy and adventure perfect for readers everywhere.
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Sweetwater Books (December 9, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462114881
ISBN-13: 978-1462114887







About the author:

RC (Really Cool) Hancock began his writing career with a story about a dead cat which his second grade teacher thought was brilliant. Convincing others of his literary genius has taken longer than expected, but along the road he has acquired a lovely wife, four entertaining ankle-biters (who, thankfully, look more like their mother), and a degree from BYU in Recreational Management & Youth Leadership (which means he’s really good at having fun.) An Uncommon Blue is his first novel.

My review: Uncommon Blue by R.C. Hancock

4 STARS

Uncommon Blue was a nice surprising fresh look at judging looks. It is a fantasy YA story. It had characters that I liked. I like what Bruno became. This has a lot of action, violence. It is a pretty clean read.
Bruno was a star rugby player. He is also from the Blue class which is the higher class. His father is a surgeon. He is a good looking guy that the girls like.

Bruno finds out a kid Baptiste is looking for him when he finds him he is tricked to shaking hands which makes their colors merge. Which for a blue is terrible. for the green it is a higher status. A royal guard comes and he is going to kill the kid.
Baptiste was tricked into doing it. Bruno tries to save Baptiste and the guard ends up dead. Bruno is on the run.

Bruno has his eyes opened to what the other colors mean for the different people. He meets different colors and see what they go through. He tries to help.

I guessed where the ending of the book would go. I want to read the next book in the series if their is one.

These people have fire that comes through their hands. Blue pure is the best class. except for white that the missing King will have.
Than blue mixed, green and the poor class is red or orange. Each level has different jobs, education levels quality of food, medical or even police protection.

It is a fast paced adventure. Bruno keeps getting into trouble because he wants to help others. He does not want to die either.

The setting is a city that is guarded. You can't go to different color areas higher without a escort.

I was given this ebook Uncommon Blue to read so I can give a honest review and be part of its blog tour.

An Uncommon Blue” blog tour schedule:

December 10: Wishful Endings • GeoLibrarian • Laura Walker
December 11: I Love to Read and Review Books • Bloggin’ ’bout Books • This Great Perhapsless
December 12: Mel’s Shelves • My Book a Day • Literary Timeout
December 13: Reading for Sanity
December 14: I Want to be the Pig of Happiness
December 15: The Phantom Paragrapher • Author Tracker • The Art of Infiltration
December 16: Fire and Ice
December 17: Deal Sharing Aunt • Book Club Sisters • Crossroad Reviews
December 18: Mom Loves 2 Read
December 19: Bookworm Lisa
December 20: Readalot
December 21: Read For Your Future
December 22: Katie’s Clean Book Collection • Jorie Loves a Story
December 23: Author Jodi Woody

Blog Tour: Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson $25 Amazon or Paypal Cash giveaway

 








Around the Edges Meets Refined (Meet Your Match #2) by Rachael Anderson

For Noah Mackie, life is finally back on track. He has a great support system, a promised promotion is on its way, and he’s finally getting the hang of this single father thing. But when the job falls through and his neighbor’s matchmaking efforts become more aggressive, Noah is in for yet another unwanted detour. With his career and two spirited daughters to worry about, he doesn’t have time for dating—especially not someone like Cassie Ellis, his girls’ beautiful and sophisticated dance instructor, who is about as open and approachable as a brick wall.
Rough around the Edges Meets Refined is about two people who think they know exactly what they want but who have no idea what they really need. It’s about learning that people aren’t always what they seem and that sometimes life’s detours take you exactly where you need to go.






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






My review: Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson

4 STARS

I liked it!  Both lead characters have been through death of their mate.  But they had very different marriages. Noah had a happy marriage and has two cute girls.  Cassie had a bad one.  Neither one is looking to try it again.  I have been their.

Noah has been laid off because construction jobs have not been had.  He is a single father with lots of help from his Sister and good neighbors. I really want to know does the vacuum really work on pony tails.

We met Noah's sister, his two adorable daughters Kajsa & Adelynn , & neighbors in Prejudice Meets Pride (Meet Your Match, #1) and I can't wait till I can read the next book in the series.

Cassie has been isolated from her family for two years. She had a unhappy marriage. She is teaching Irish dancing and working part time. I like her family.

Kajsa  and  Adelynn get given four months of dance lessons from Cassie as a birthday gifts.  Adelynn loves dancing. Kajsa tries but she loves horses.  I really like both girls.

This is a clean read, I loved reading it. I wanted to see more of their lives.  Maybe I will have to go back and  read Prejudice Meets Pride again.
I was given this ebook to read from the author so I could give honest review of it and be part of Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined blog tour.

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway
Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/19/15
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 readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Tour Schedule
December 15th
I Am A Reader – Guest Post
Getting Your Read On – Review
Love. Pray. Read. – Review
Julie Coulter Bellon – Review
literary Time Out – Review
Good & Clean Reads – Review
Bunny’s Review – Review
Babs Book Bistro – Review
Cuzinlogic – Spotlight
Gustosa Giveaways – Spotlight
Manga Maniac Cafe – Spotlight
Mythical Books – Spotlight
December 16th
The Bookmark Blog – Review
Books Are Sanity!!! – Review
Canda’s InkBlast – Review
Walking on Bookshelves – Review
StoreyBook Reviews – Review
The NerdHerd Reads – Review
Cherry Mischievous – Spotlight
Claudia Burgoa Author – Spotlight
Romantic Chanteuse – Spotlight
Susan Heim on Writing – Spotlight
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight
Tianna Holley – Spotlight
December 17th
LDS and Lovin’ it – Review
A Casual Reader’s Blog – Review
SWAMPBRAT – Review
Rebecca Talley – Review
A Writer’s Dream – Review
Clean Romance Reviews – Spotlight
Kelly’s Lucky You – Spotlight
Oh My Books! – Spotlight
December 18th
little light design collective – Review
Bookish – Review
Every Free Chance Books – Review
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
Ranee the wRiter – Review
Enter Here Canada – Spotlight
Kelly P’s Blog – Spotlight
Sarah Aisling – Spotlight
December 19th
My Book A Day – Review
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
Lisa’s Research & Reviews – Review
readalot – Review
My Creatively Random Life – Review
LeahSay’s Views – Spotlight
FLY HIGH! – Spotlight
December 20th
Paulette’s Papers – Spotlight
Books, Books, The Magical Fruit – Spotlight
Victoria Simcox’s Blog – Spotlight
Bibliophile Mystery – Spotlight
December 22nd
Wordpaintings Unlimited – Review
Mel’s Shelves – Review
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – Review
Tifferz & Her Sisterz Book Reviewz – Review
Curling Up With A Good Book – Review
LOVE. WITHOUT YOU – Spotlight
December 26th
Her Book Thoughts – Review
Kindle and Me – Review
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
December 29th
Just Thinking – Review
Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review
January 2nd
CBY Book Club – Spotlight
Rockin’ Book Reviews – Spotlight
Lori’s Reading Corner – Spotlight
Aubrey Wynne: Historical Romance – Spotlight
January 6th
Shelf Full of Books – Review
Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog – Spotlight
January 7th
Min Reads and Reviews – Review
Bookworm Lisa – Review
Bookish Events – Spotlight
January 9th
I Love to Read and Review Books – Review
What’s Beyond Forks? – Review
Beck Valley Books – Spotlight
January 13th
booknerd – Review
A Touch of Book Madness – Review
Wishful Endings – Review
January 14th
A Book Lover’s Retreat – Review
Once Upon a Twilight – Review
Bound 2 Escape – Spotlight
January 15th
Taking Time for Mommy Books and Movies – Review
Bonnie Gets A Say – Review
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – Spotlight
Coffee Books & Art – Spotlight
January 16th
Wall-to-wall books – Review
Stacy Claflin, Author – Review 

The Orphan of Torundi by J.L. McCreedy

The Orphan of Torundi by J.L. McCreedy
Clean YA Suspense/Romance
205 Pages

To find the truth, she must first uncover the lie ….
Orphaned as an infant, Sam is raised by a pharmaceutical research mission in the rain forests of Torundi. She wields a mean machete, makes soap from candlenuts and is a fairly astute amateur entomologist. You know, the normal stuff. But a month before her seventeenth birthday, she is exiled to an American boarding school in Malaysia.
Armed with little more than her unusual upbringing and church-lady clothes, Sam must contend with her new existence as the world’s most socially unprepared high school senior. Well that’s just fine. Because she is determined to solve the mystery behind her banishment and return home tout de suite.
But when she discovers the unthinkable – that her banishment is tied to an enigmatic corporation with illicit designs on Torundi – she realizes the real mystery she must uncover is … why? Soon, Sam is caught in a whirlwind of intrigue, danger and greed. As she chases this thread of truth to its end, she unravels a plot that threatens her beloved Torundi, her trust in the boy she has grown to love and her own existence.
Blending espionage elements akin to The Bourne Identity with those high-school-awkward-moments (hey, it could happen), THE ORPHAN OF TORUNDI is a quirky, cross-cultural tale of adventure, suspense and romance.

My review:The Orphan of Torundi by J.L. McCreedy

4 stars

I wanted more.  It was a good read. At times I could tell where the book was going and other time I was surprised. I liked the suspense of the story.  I liked the characters. The settings. Lot of action, exciting scenery and some romance.  It is a book that you don't want to put down.  Also a clean YA novel.

Sam is from Torundi. A small island country.  She was raised in a mission.  Her mother died and she has no idea who her father is. But her eyes are light not like all the islanders.

Sam was made to leave the island and go to a boarding school her senior year.  She is not sure why she was rushed away from her home.  Sam gets into some trouble at school and their is always a guy who seems to rescue her.

Gabe is a man of mystery.  Sometimes I like him others I am not to sure about him. He is a lab assistant at the boarding school.  He has lots of secrets.

I hope there will be another book.  I want to see more of these characters. 

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

Blog tour: ‘Pierced by Love’ by Laura L. Walker

Pierced by Love


by

Laura L. Walker

About the book:

Noelle Jensen doesn’t want to like Pierce Logan. After her boyfriend breaks up with her for her sister, Noelle is done with love. Plus Pierce Logan has commitment issues because of his parents’ divorce and a strained relationship with his dad. But as Pierce and Noelle inadvertently help each other to open up their hearts, they also rediscover the importance of family and love.
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Sweetwater Books (December 9, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1462115217
ISBN-13: 978-1462115211


About the author:

Laura Walker grew up in southern Arizona. She met her husband, Rob, at Northern Arizona University where she earned her bachelor degree in Elementary Education. She and Rob are raising their six children. Her hobbies include water aerobics and sewing. At the end of the day, Laura loves to curl up with a good book or write one of her own. Pierced by Love is her first published novel.


My review:Pierced by Love’ by Laura L. Walker


4 STARS

Boy did I feel a lot while reading Pierced by Love. I was so mad at the characters. Really liked Pierce and was rooting for him.
It would have taken me a lot longer to forgive my sister if I had one. This is full of drama, relationships, forgiveness. Plus it is a clean read. It is a LDS Novel. But is for anyone.

Noelle Jensen is thinking that Chase was getting ready to ask her to marry him. Instead he breaks up with her and gets engaged to her sister. They were sneaking around on her. Blaming Noelle. I was mad at Chase I would not want him to marry one of my daughters especially fast.

Noelle feels really bad. She wants to get over the hurt but it takes time. She feels everyone was keeping secrets from her.

Pierce Logan used to be her home teacher. He lives in the apartment next door. He knows what it feels like to be feeling at odds with your family. He becomes a better friend to her. Pierce never dates one girl for very long. After his parents divorce he is afraid to get close.

Pierce likes Noelle and by being her friend starts to fall for her before she is ready. He is a good friend to her and invites her to go home with him on spring break with his family there.

I would like to read more from Laura L Walker in the future.

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

Noelle helps Pierce cope with his family and gets along with them.

Pierced by Love” blog tour schedule:

December 13: Katie’s Clean Book Collection • Deal Sharing Aunt • A Creative Addiction
December 14: Read For Your Future • A Casual Reader’s Blog
December 15: I Love to Read and Review Books • Reader Girls Blog • Emmy Mom
Wishful Endings • Is This REALLY My Life? • Inklings and Notions
December 16: Getting Your Read On • The Stubby Pencil
December 17: Chicklit Club • The Phantom Paragrapher
December 18: Readalot • Live to Read
December 19: Place of Reeds
December 20: Kindle and Me
December 21: Jorie Loves a Story
December 22: Christina Dymock • Nancy Lorenz
December 23: Bookworm Lisa
December 24: Crossroad Reviews
December 25:
December 26: Mel’s Shelves • My Book a Day
December 27: I am a Reader • The Things I Love Most

Blog tour: ‘Sugar-Free Mom’ by Brenda Bennett

About the book:

Sugar-free no longer equals taste-free! Popular food blogger Brenda Bennett uses natural sweeteners like honey and coconut sugar to create delicious and wholesome recipes that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, such as French Toast Sticks, Crock Pot Pulled Pork, and Chocolate Fudge Tart. You and your family will finally enjoy all the foods you love- without the guilt.

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Front Table Books (December 9, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1462114490

ISBN-13: 978-1462114498

About the author:

Brenda Bennett’s passion for cooking began at the age of 5 kneeling on a chair by her grandmother’s side helping roll homemade gnocchi’s on a flour covered butcher block table. Her love affair with cooking was a mere hobby while teaching as a special educator and earning a Masters Degree in Education. After the birth of her second child, she had to give up sugar.  With sear determination and a deep desire to still enjoy chocolate, her love affair with food embarked on a new journey learning to develop recipes free of refined sugars and flours. After discovering peanut ,tree nut and soy allergies in 2 of her 3 children making homemade healthier versions of the treats they loved became a necessity. She transitioned to the position of homeschooling mom of 3, recipe developer, food writer, photographer and blogger. She focuses on wholesome delicious food free of processed flours and sugars to feed her family  and share with friends and fans on www.sugarfreemom.com. She lives in RI with her husband, 3 children and their dog, Ruby. When she isn’t cooking, blogging or writing she can be found at spin class, camping, volunteering  in cub scouts, or in the position of transportation engineer shuttling her children to karate, dance, boy scouts, soccer or softball.

 

 

My review: Sugar-Free Mom’ by Brenda Bennett

 

4 stars

 

I liked how at the beginning Brenda tells really personal stuff about herself and why she eats sugar-free and white flour for herself. Also tells how different likes and allergies of her family makes it easy to add different flavors to all a lot of her recipes.

 

Also in the front of Sugar-Free Mom she tells what she uses for different recipes and why.  What she found works for different needs. If I had this cookbook I would be using those pages all the time.  She also lets you know what recipes are diabetic and why. That is one thing I need to learn better.

 

The pictures are a good.  Makes me hungry.  The banana bread is one I want to try or blueberry scones.

She uses flax seed flower, coconut crystals, pumpkin seeds, chi seeds, but suggests if you are not gluten free you can use whole wheat flour.  She gives lots of tips how to personalize the recipes.

 

The cauliflower tatter tots looks good. I like how she adds fruits and vegetables to make recipes more healthy.

I would love to have this cookbook. It would make a good present for someone trying to eat better and cut down on the sugars in their diets.

 

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

 

Sugar-Free Mom” blog tour schedule:

December 15: Little Light Design Collective
December 16: The Things I Love Most • My Whole Food LifeMy Book Addiction and More
December 17: Readalot
December 18: Healthy. Delicious. • A Cedar Spoon
December 19: Thoughts in Progress • Babs Book Bistro
December 20: Jen’s Journey
December 21: The Realistic Nutrionist • Eat Good 4 Life
December 22: Wishful Endings
December 23: Vegan in the Freezer • The Author’s Hideaway
December 24: Mom Loves 2 Read • Jorie Loves a Story
December 25: Team Hoopes
December 26: Healthy Seasonal Recipes
December 27:
December 28: Erin Brighton
December 29: Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Gut Instinct by Barb Han (The Campbells of Creek Bend #2)

Description

Reunited …by a murderer

FBI agent Luke Campbell has never been more determined to catch the serial killer who's eluded him for two years. Because this time the monster is after Julie, the ex he walked out on when he returned from Iraq, emotionally scarred and burdened by a secret. Now Luke will do anything —even risk his life —to protect Julie and regain her trust.

But it's a tense race against time. Defying FBI rules, Luke keeps Julie by his side throughout a harrowing chase. Once they're finally at a safe house, it's clear to him that the passion they once shared hasn't cooled. Can Luke redeem himself and keep evil away from the woman he refuses to let go of again?

My review:Gut Instinct by Barb Han (The Campbells of Creek Bend #2)

4 STARS

Good suspense! Lots of good police work. Some good humor, couple of love scenes, violence of serial killer. Deals with some tough subjects, serial killer, divorced couple, PTSD. Good plot. Lots of drama, action , emotional situations. Things seem to calm down and than something else happens.

FBI Agent Luke Campbell has been working a serial killer case when the next victim is witness and his ex-wife. Luke will do anything to save Julie.

Julie Campbell walked in on a serial killer. She did not see him. Now he is going to kill her his notes say. The FBI sent her ex-husband to take her statement. She still loves him.

Can Luke stop the killer before he comes for Julie.

Luke came back from war with PSTD. He walked out on Julie he could not handle it. Now back with Julie in his life his PTSD is rearing its head again. Luke is afraid to leave Julie alone in a safe house and takes her with him to find the killer.

This can and does stand alone. But it would be nice to read the whole series together..

The setting is Texas.

I did not put the book down till I finished reading it. Fast good read.

I was given this ebook from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give Gut Instinct a honest review.

Her Cowboy Hero by Carolyne Aarsen

Description

Second-Chance Cowboy

Montana rodeo star Tanner Fortier is a good man. A man Keira Bannister never stopped loving. But when he shows up at Refuge Ranch looking to have his late brother's saddle repaired in time for the championships, he's the last person Keira wants to see. For years, she's kept hidden the real reason for breaking their engagement —and Tanner's heart. But now, with him at the ranch, she's tempted to reveal the truth— one that could destroy him. But she knows that to have a future with the man of her dreams, she has to settle the past…

Refuge Ranch: Where a Montana family comes home to love.
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 1, 2015)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00LZCTFFS


My review: Her Cowboy Hero by Carolyne Aarsen

4 STARS

Tanner Fortier is a character who is a hero to admire. He has spent the past year for his step-brother to honor him. I like Keira Bannister too. She is full of secrets. They used to be engaged six years ago. Now Tanner and Keira are both staying at her family ranch for a few weeks. Along with Tanner's step-mother and Keira's parents.

This is full of drama, forgiveness and getting over guilty feelings. It also a clean read. Does mention God, prayer and a scripture.
Plus second chances at romance.

Tanner is a mechanic, rancher and rodeo rider. He has gone back to rodeo and he has dedicated the past year riding with his brother's saddle and wants to win the rodeo finals in a few weeks, but he needs to heal and get the saddle repaired.

Keira has returned home and taken over her fathers business making saddles, and other leather goods. She does not want to work on Tanner's saddle.

I wanted everything to work out for Tanner and Keira. I also want to know more about Keira's brother and sister.

The setting for this is a Montana ranch in November with a heavy snow storm.
I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Harlequin. I promised to give a honest review of Her Cowboy hero in return.

Spell Fire By Ariella Moon (The Teen Wytche Saga #3)

Spell Fire, The Teen Wytche Saga #3

By Ariella Moon



Summary

New school. New friends. New reputation. High school sophomore Ainslie Avalon-Bennett works hard to hide her Crazy Girl past. But as long as her best friend’s disappearance remains unsolved, she can’t shake the depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder that once landed her in a mental ward.



Ainslie’s tenuous control over her life shatters when her warring parents ditch her at Christmas. While they take a cruise to “work things out,” Ainslie must spend the holiday in Palm Springs with her aunt and uncle, owners of a struggling Mystery School and occult store. Plunged into the world of fire fortunes, dragons, entity eaters, and an ailing spell book, Ainslie is well beyond her comfort zone. Then she meets a boy who spikes her pulse and calms her OCD. But will she lose him once he discovers her past? Or will his deadly secret, hidden in plain view, be their undoing?

Author Ariella Moon

Ariella Moon writes about magic, friendship, secrets, and love in her Young Adult novels, Spell Check, Spell Struck, and Spell Fire, Books 1, 2, & 3 in The Teen Wytche Saga. 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 Ariella’s teen years. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. An author and shaman, she now lives a nearly normal life with her extraordinary daughter, shamelessly spoiled dog, and an enormous dragon.





My review: Spell Fire By Ariella Moon (The Teen Wytche Saga #3)

4 STARS

Spell Fire is the third book in The Teen Wytche Saga. It almost seems like a whole different series for most of the book. All new characters except for a chapter or two later in the book. Different high school setting and then it goes to Arizona
for the rest of story. It also has more of a new age, fantasy angle to the book.

Spell Fire has a new main Character of Ainslie. Ainslie has had a break down when her best friend disappeared from her foster home. She still has trouble but better. She gets depressed, obsessive compulsive disorder. She is way smart. She is likable and different.

Ainslie gets sent to her Aunt and Uncle in Arizona for three weeks. They own a Mystery School and occult store. She finds herself in a world of fire fortunes, dragons, demons and she runs into a damaged spell book. She finds some help along the way too.

I could not wait to find what Ainslie would run into next. She also meets two boys through the store who have different talents.

The new age stuff, was a little out there for me to understand and believe in. But it made a good story

Though I liked the fire fortunes part. I liked the ending of the book. Also laughed at Ainslie's Christmas presents from her new friends. I also liked how Ainslie's smarts helped her Aunt and Uncle with marketing ideas. It is also a clean read.

I can't wait till I read the next book in the series. I will have read all four of the books this week.

I was given this ebook to read by it's author so that I could give Spell Fire a honest review of it.

The Cinderella Theorem (The Lily Sparrow Chronicles Book 1) by Kristee Ravan

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2014 | Age Level: 10 - 18 | Grade Level: 5 - 12

Fairy tales are naturally non-mathematical. That is a fact, and fifteen-year-old Lily Sparrow loves factual, mathematical logic. So when her mother confesses that Lily’s deceased father is (a) not dead, (b) coming to dinner, and (c) the ruler of a fairy tale kingdom accessible through the upstairs bathtub, Lily clings to her math to help her make sense of this new double life (1 life in the real world + 1 secret life in the fairy tale world = a double life).

Even though it’s not mathematical, Lily finds herself being pulled into a mystery involving an unhappy Cinderella, a greasy sycophant called Levi, and a slew of vanishing fairy tale characters. Racing against the clock, with a sound mathematical plan, can Lily save her fairy tale friends before they vanish forever?

File Size: 992 KB

Print Length: 369 pages

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B00IY03L4U

My review: The Cinderella Theorem (The Lily Sparrow Chronicles Book 1) by Kristee Ravan

4 STARS

This is a entertaining fairy tale that is different.  Math loving Lily finds out that her dead father she never knew is really alive and lives in a different world.  You get there through the door in her bathtub.

It is fun with math and fairy tale stories.  I like the characters.  I liked the topics of how important happily ever after is. That things might make a person happy for a moment.  The math is a little bit much for me, but I did not have to do any so it was okay.

Lily has to look at herself and her ideas of what normal is and that her mother had lied to her all her life. Lily is fifteen years old. She wants to take lots of math classes but is not allowed.  She loves math textbooks and  books on math.

I would read another Lily Sparrow Chronicles in the future.

I was given a free ebook The Cinderella Theorem so I could give it a honest review.