Friday, February 27, 2015

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey (Alaskan Courage #5)

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey's search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper's bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I came across this series and wondered why I had never read any of them.  This book was up on NetGalley and I snatched it up.  This is actually book five in the series but it can stand alone.  I knew I was missing out on some prior books because there were characters in this book that had relationships and obvious histories but that in no way detracted me from this story.  The only thing it did was make me want to go back and read the whole series from the beginning!

This book is full of adventure and suspense.  I loved the forward movement, the danger and the anticipation I felt while reading this book.  There was never a dull moment.  The Alaskan setting was interesting and COLD!!  I could never live in Alaska, but I really like reading books set there.

I enjoyed getting to know Kirra and Reef.  They have a good connection and I liked how they worked together find answers.  Reef is a protector and I liked that about him.  He was always out to help and defend Kirra which is always a sexy trait in my book.

This is a Christian fiction book.  There are Christian themes and elements to this book but I didn't find it overbearing.  The characters pray and look to God for help and direction.

My thanks to the publisher, Bethany House, for allowing me to read and review this title for them.


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

The Wife Maker by Karey White + Excerpt and $25 Giveaway!


Wife Maker

Charlotte has spent years as the husband maker, sending every guy she dates off to enjoy marital bliss with the next girl he dates. But things have now changed, and she's determined to use her husband-maker abilities one last time--on herself. And she finally knows exactly who she wants. Angus has loved Charlotte since they were teenagers, but he's tired of waiting for her to realize how good they could be. She's broken his heart one too many times, and it's time to move on with his life. Maybe a position halfway across the country will be just what he needs to get over her. But when Charlotte won't let him go without a fight, Angus has to decide if he's willing to let her in again or if she's too late.
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Finally.  Finally, finally, finally.  This whole series has left me SO anxious to get to the end because the entire time I am reading I just know whatever is happening isn't THE END.  It's not the right ending, the happily ever after!  I'm not a very patient girl, I guess.  I want the happily ever after endings when I'm reading a romance book.  I do not like waiting three books to get it.  See what I mean?  Impatient.  But finally it is here.  The last book in this trilogy.  I knew I would like this one best.

I'm glad Charlotte had to work hard on this final love quest.  I'm glad she had to do some proving and some groveling.  She needed to do that as a character after the first two books and what poor Angus went through.  I'm glad that part wasn't easy for her.  If it had been too easy it wouldn't have been worth it in the end.

Charlotte went through a lot of men and she did a lot of growing up along the way.  It was good to have this final book where Charlotte finally knows her own mind, rights some wrongs, seeks forgiveness, stands on her own two feet and finds out what love really is.

Enjoy the following excerpt!

My phone rang before six the next morning. Who would call that early on a Sunday? I rubbed my bleary eyes and looked at the screen. The number was unfamiliar and a strange configuration. I almost shut it off, but on a hunch, I answered the call.
“Charlotte, it’s Flynn.”
“Flynn? Is everything okay?”
“Aye. I think we should talk. Turn on your computer and call me.”
Ten minutes later, Flynn appeared on the screen of my laptop.
“What’s going on?”
“I think you should move to Kansas City.”
I laughed. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t laugh. I’m not jokin’.”
“I can’t move to Kansas City. My job’s here. My family’s here. And I don’t think Angus would even want me to.”
“Ah, he’d say he doesn’t want ya to, but I’d wager that what he wants and what he says he wants are two different things.”
I shook my head. “You’re crazy. This is what you wanted me to call you for at this hour of the morning?”
“Aye. And hear me out. I’ve been chewin’ on this all day.”
I was touched that he’d been trying to figure out a way to help me, but this idea was insane. “I’m listening.”
“You say you’ll wait for him to come back.” I nodded. “What about him? You might be willing to wait for ten years, but what about Angus? He’ll be meeting new people. He won’t be waiting around. If ya want to cook a chicken, ya have to put him in while the water’s boilin’.”
I snickered. “I don’t even know what that means, Flynn.”
“Sure ya do. If ya wait ‘til the water’s all cooled down, good luck cooking the bird. Right now the water’s boilin’.”
“No it’s not. He doesn’t want anything to do with me.”
“That’s ’cause the water’s boilin’. If it weren’t, he’d talk to ya all day long. He’s just tryin’ not to get burned.”
There was an absurd and comforting logic to what he was saying. “Keep going.”
“There’s not much more to say. Move to Kansas City.”
“That’s easier said than done, Flynn.”
“Tell me this. What needs more attention? The things in San Francisco? Or the thing in Kansas City?”
I didn’t answer him. I didn’t know what to say.
“Charlotte, give him a grand gesture. Show ’im he’s more important than the things you’ve left behind.”
“Wow. I should never have answered the phone this morning.”
We laughed. “Think about it. It might work.”
“It might not. And then I’ll be two thousand miles away from my family and I’ll have given up the best job in the world and . . . It’s all so scary.”
“But you’re brave. And if it doesn’t work out, you can go back.”
“I thought you were my friend.”
Flynn didn’t say anything right away. He just smiled. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft. “I am.”
Karey White

Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.



  25_Amazon_Paypal
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/22/15 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

  Wife Maker (1)

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Deja Date by Susan Hatler


She sent Chris Bradley off with a "Rock On Stud" farewell in Truth or Date. She tried to nab Noah Peterson in My Last Blind Date. Blonde bombshell. Office flirt. But things didn't go so well for her in Up to Date... Get ready for Melinda Morgan's story revealed in Déjà Date!!

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I love, love, love getting a new book for review from Susan Hatler and I love the Better Date Than Never series.  This is book nine in this series of short stories  where Melinda finally has her story told.  Yay!

The good thing about short stores is you can read them quickly and have a romantic indulgence in no time at all.  The bad thing about short stories is they are over so fast it leaves you wanting more.  That's how I felt about this book.  Over too fast.  I want more.  Oh, and I want a marshmallow fudge bar too.  (what?  Melinda drools over them the whole book and now I want one too!)  Romance and chocolate is a winning combination.  :)

I love Nate and I love Nate for Melinda.  This is a second chance at first love kind of book and it's clean with some happy kissing.  The perfect evening getaway.  


Monday, February 23, 2015

If You Believe by Mya O'Malley

Melody considers herself lucky that she has already found love once in a lifetime. Her love story, however, abruptly came to an end; all hope of finding love again disappeared the day she lost Jack.

Jack knows that Melody’s heart is big enough to give love a second chance, the challenge lies in helping her meet just the right man. Not sure if he’s an angel or a ghost, Jack finds himself searching for a man to make Melody feel alive once more. He had no idea how difficult it would be to face his conflicting emotions while finding this man. To top it off, he only has until Christmas Eve at midnight to help Melody fall in love.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

If I'm going to read a book about ghosts, this is the kind I prefer to read!  Nothing scary here, just Jack, coming back to the world after he's dead, formed into another person's body (I don't really know how that happened) and trying to find a husband for his now widowed wife.

Yeah, it sounds a bit weird, I know.  If felt a bit weird sometimes but overall this is a sweet book.  Jack has good intentions but he ends up bumbling things up quite a bit.  Melody is confused by "Jack" and his presence in her life.  She doesn't know it's Jack but he still has that familiarity about him.  She is drawn to him and she has a hard time with the mixed signals she gets from him.  It makes it even harder for her to let go and find the love that is right in front of her.

I think the moral of this story is that guys should never come back after dying and try to find new husbands for their wives.  It's not a good idea.  

This book was sweet and clean.  It was easy reading and a little cheesy, but good.  The ending will tug at your heartstrings.  

Oh, and I really like the cover.  :)




Saturday, February 21, 2015

Professional Boundaries by Jennifer Peel

At thirty two, Kelli Bryant is ready to take on the world, and Chandler Media, as the new Marketing Director, but her plans are derailed when her promotion is given to none other than Ian Greyson, Kelli’s old college flame, her one true love and the one man she hoped to never see again.

Between Kelli’s determination to remain on top and Ian’s strict new office policies, there’s no shortage of fireworks in the office. Their explosive relationship spills over into their personal lives as Kelli tries to keep Ian at arm’s length and Ian desperately tries to win her back (during off hours only, of course).

Professional Boundaries is a clean romance filled with fun and humor. It is a story of two professionals who just can't keep it professional.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Ooh, this book was so much fun.  It had so many of the things I love when reading a clean romance book.  There was humor, misunderstanding and fireworks.  Boy, were there fireworks!

Kelli has her promotion locked up tight.  At least she thought she did until her old flame, Ian steals it from her.  Kelli is one very unhappy camper.  Not only did Ian burn her way back in college, he has burned her again by stealing her promotion.  Kelli is such a fun character.  She is witty and sassy at all the right times.  

Ian, I will admit, drove even me a little crazy with his hot/cold, not at work/work personalities.  It was a bit maddening.  But there is lots of chemistry between Kelli and Ian and it's sure fun when the sparks fly!

This is my kind of book.  I really love a good, clean romance that makes me smile.  This was the first book I've read by Jennifer Peel and I will definitely be reading more!  In fact, I have her latest book coming up for review March 2nd.  (I've actually read it, and I loved it too!  Tune in for my full review on that one.)  I love adding new authors to my favorite list!

I'm a fifth generation Colorado native who currently calls Alabama home. I'm the mother of three amazing children who have grown up way too fast. I enjoy the mountains, vacations at the beach, date night with my wonderful husband, late night talks with my kiddos, touring model homes, and pink bubblegum ice cream.

I grew up on the Western Slope in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors, but not camping--unless staying overnight at the Marriott counts. I met my husband while living in Denver and then several years later we traded the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the art and culture of Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoyed living near this world class city, despite the crazy cold winters, but new adventures awaited in Northern Alabama--just six hours away from Orange Beach, Alabama. These three magical places (the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Orange Beach) are the inspired locations used in several of my books.

Professional Boundaries buy link - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RF9J5UA


Twitter - @jpeel_author

Friday, February 20, 2015

Redeem This by Cami Checketts: Review, Excerpt and $25 + Book Giveaway!


Some men are beyond redemption. Alex is one of them.
After Alex Chakhota was blackmailed and manipulated into becoming a hit man to protect his sister, serving time as the FBI's assassin doesn't do much to ease his conscience. His next assignment brings him face to face with Brittany, a beautiful woman that believes he's more than the killer he's been made into. The road to redemption is long for someone with a blackened soul, and with lives hanging in the balance, Alex has a short deadline.

Detective Scott Bentley's days of law enforcement are behind him. When he's asked to host agents at his secluded ranch for an FBI sting operation, Scott cannot refuse. Ivy McMahon shows up with the team, and Scott gets more than he signed up for. Not only can she hack into the any computer system, she's found a way into Scott's heart. The trouble is that she's in protective custody and when the job ends, she'll disappear.

Is redemption possible for those whose lives are scarred by the past? With danger crowding close, not even love may have a chance to redeem before it's too late.

Don't miss the exciting sequel to Blog This by #1 Bestselling Inspirational author, Cami Checketts

Amazon * B&N * iTunes * Kobo * Goodreads

I cannot tell you how excited I was to read this book!  Cami Checketts is one of my favorite authors.  She knows how to write romantic suspense and I am always so drawn in by her books.  I usually steam roll right through them because I cannot put them down.  Redeem This grabbed me from the very beginning.  The suspense is there from the very first chapter.  There is a fantastic balance of suspense and character/relationship building.  I could not put this book down!

Alex.  Oy.  Here's a guy that will make your heart squeeze.  Honest.  He is seeking redemption.  Forgiveness.  Acceptance.  He's strong, handsome and yes, a bit dangerous.  I'm telling you, heart SQUEEZE.   

One of the other things I love about not only this book but all of Cami's books is that they are clean.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the no swearing/no sexual content.  

Redeem This is the sequel to Blog This.  If you haven't read Blog This yet, you really need to!  Not only is it a fantastic book, it must be read before reading Redeem This.  

If you haven't had a chance to read Blog This, it is $.99 until February 28th.

Enjoy the following excerpt from Redeem This!

Alex thought Brittany would follow her daughter, but she stayed next to him. Her gaze was compassionate. “You’ve been through so many hard things.”
“Yeah.” He chuckled humorously but turned serious as he studied her. “So have you.”
“That’s the way life goes sometimes.”
“I wish I could protect you from it.” Alex couldn’t believe he’d said that, couldn’t believe he meant it. But he did. He would do anything to protect these two from being scared or hurt. He wished he dared reach for her hand.
Brittany inhaled sharply, then gave a soft laugh. “You aren’t what I imagined, Alex.”
Her saying his name about did him in. It came on a rush of breath from her lips. He imagined how it would feel to have her say it again, right after he’d kissed her. He shook his head. He needed to stop thinking.
“What did you imagine?” he muttered.
“Steven’s brought so many terrifying men to our house.” She shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself. “You’re not like them. There’s something in your eyes, something compassionate. That’s why I told you I trust you.”
Alex couldn’t allow this to continue. He wasn’t worthy of her good opinion. He couldn’t take the light that shone from her and douse it. He straightened and took a step toward her. “You don’t know me, Brittany.”
She didn’t cower. This small woman was brave, even after all she’d been through.
“I know you wouldn’t hurt me.” She looked to Savannah, still surveying horses, before focusing on him again.
“There are a lot of different ways to hurt someone.” Alex placed his palms against the rough wood of the stall, framing her. He took his time leaning toward her, wondering if she’d stop him, aching to touch her.  
Brittany tilted her chin. “I’m sure you’ve used them, but you’re not like that anymore.”

Praise for Blog This
"Cami Checketts is a genius! She writes about topics that aren't widely discussed, in and out of books, and she does such a brilliant job of crafting these things into wonderful stories that touch your heart and remain with you for days afterwards."
Myra, Reviewer, Pieces of Whimsy

Don't forget to enter below to win an audio copy of Dead Running and an ebook of Shadows in the Curtain

Thanks for stopping by!


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Thursday, February 19, 2015

The Healer by Gregg Luke + $35 and Book Giveaway

After successfully completing his first-year professorship, Welsh folklore expert Chris Pendragon has earned a vacation. At least that's what the young scholar tells himself—but deep down he feels an urgency to reassess his life, to find a sense of purpose. Hoping that perhaps a trip to Wales will provide the answers he seeks, Chris embarks on a journey of self-discovery. But he could never have anticipated the unimaginable adventure that awaits him ...

Shortly after his arrival in Wales, Chris is witness to a horrific accident with more far-reaching consequences than he could have dreamed. Following Chris's heroic rescue of one of the victims, an unexplainable phenomenon is revealed: bones that had been broken were made whole with Chris's touch. Still reeling form this discovery, Chris is approached by a wizened old man with an implausible answer: Chris has been chosen to be the bearer of the Dial, a healer of unparalleled power. But the calling is fraught with peril, and Chris soon discovers there are those who will stop at nothing to seize the power of the Dial. With the help of a beautiful, if skeptical, doctor, Chris must choose: go back to the life he was leading or embark on a thrilling new destiny.


This book is not anything like the other books I've read by Gregg Luke.  It wasn't what I was expecting at all.  I kept waiting for things to turn and go more like his other books but that just didn't happen.

How would I categorize this book?  I just don't know.  It's not a romance.  It's not necessarily a mystery although Chris is definitely trying to figure out the meaning of some information he has been given.  It's not really a religious book in the sense that it is preachy or full of doctrine but there are a ton of biblical references and connections to religion.  People pray and the theme of faith is big.  It's also not an action/adventure but there certainly is some of that in there too.

This book is set in Wales and there sure was a lot of talk about the food the characters were served!  Although they hardly ate it.  Which is just too bad, yes?  Most of the conversations between Chris and the locals ends in a question, does it not?  haha.  Yeah, that's about how the talk goes.  Especially with Father Llewellyn (who I really loved).  I would love to visit Wales some day.  I hear it's beautiful country.

Chris is an interesting character.  He is definitely smart as to history and book learning although maybe not so smart when it comes to dealing with spiritual or heart felt things.  I thought sometimes he was quite disrespectful but he did have a load of confusing things thrown at him all at once.  His vacation of self discovery turned into much more than he bargained for, that's for sure.

I thought this book was interesting.  I enjoyed the journey from myth and legend to miracle.  I would really love to read more about Chris embracing his gift and using it to help others instead of coming to terms with it.  Maybe a "next" book?  I have a feeling Chris's story is only just beginning.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Rules of Rome $50 Book Blast + Excerpt

Rules of Rome
With Hitler’s forces firmly entrenched in Europe, countless heroes seek to end the madman’s reign. Bastien Ley is one of the best. Working in Italy for the Office of Strategic Services, he’s been tasked with sabotaging German convoys. When his team kills an officer headed for Rome, the man’s similarity to Bastien is undeniable, and seeing an opportunity to turn the tide of the war, Bastien makes a bold decision: he will assume the dead officer’s identity. He becomes Dietrich, an Iron Cross–wearing German officer—an ideal position from which to infiltrate the Nazi ranks in Rome. To help with his stressful assignment, his superiors send him a reinforcement in the form of the lovely Gracie Begni, an intelligent and eager radio operator with absolutely no undercover experience. With a gulf of resentment between them, these two agents must find a way to portray a couple in love. Soon their reluctant alliance becomes much more as Bastien and Gracie find themselves getting lost in their feelings for each other. But as they engage in battle against the deadliest foe the world has ever known, the pair quickly realizes their love may be doomed. As the Rome Gestapo threatens to destroy all they’ve worked for, will Bastien and Gracie survive their charade?

  Praise for The Rules in Rome
Readers who hunger for a great espionage thriller with an extra helping of romance will devour The Rules in Rome. A.L. Sowards is at the top of her craft with this terrific WWII suspense novel. It is definitely a book not to be missed! Gregg Luke, author of Bloodborne and Deadly Undertakings  

The Rules in Rome has it all. Romance, adventure, and epic themes illustrating the unconquerable human spirit. From the moment Gracie met Bastien, I knew I would love this book. He’s the perfect hero, Gracie is his match. I fell in love with these characters over and over again. Thank you, Sowards, for another fabulous read! Stephanie Fowers, author of the Twisted Tales Trilogy and Jane and Austen

Excerpt:

Gracie slammed a new clip into the P 38 pistol, pinching a bit of skin in the process. She shook her fingers, trying to fling the pain away. Captain Ley reached for her hand and examined it, then turned it over and studied her fingernails.
“You know, sometimes Gestapo guards like to rip out a prisoner’s fingernails during interrogation.” Ley released her hand. “It hasn’t happened to me yet, but I hear it’s quite painful.”
“I’m sure it is.” Gracie took the pistol in her right hand and aimed for the bull’s-eye on the target strapped to a tree. They’d been at their makeshift firing range for an hour. Ley had insisted she dismantle, reassemble, load, and fire half a dozen rifles, machine pistols, and light machine guns. He scrutinized each move she made as if hoping she’d mess up. She hadn’t hit the center of the target on each shot, but she was close enough that he hadn’t yet criticized her marksmanship.
“The Lord gave you two hands and two eyes, Miss Begni. Use all of them to aim your pistol.”
Gracie gripped the pistol with both hands and fired a few shots at the target.
“Of course,” Ley continued, “the Gestapo has been known to blind its prisoners.” He brushed a finger across her cheek, under her eye. “How would you like to go through the rest of your life blind, Gracie? Or should I start calling you Concetta?”
Gracie smacked his hand away. She didn’t like her new alias, and she didn’t like the confusion his fingers and lips both seemed to stir up whenever they came in contact with her skin. “I know what you’re trying to do, Captain Ley, and it won’t work. I have a healthy fear of the Gestapo—I’d be a fool not to. But despite that fear, I’m going to Italy. If you’d rather stay behind, so be it. You aren’t the only agent in Rome who needs me.”

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  Sowards
A.L. Sowards has always been fascinated by the 1940s, but she's grateful she didn't live back then. She doesn't think she could have written a novel on a typewriter, and no one would be able to read her handwriting if she wrote her books out longhand. She does, however, think they had the right idea when they rationed nylon and women went barelegged. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. She graduated from BYU and ended up staying in Utah, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and children or with her laptop. She does not own a typewriter. She does own several pairs of nylons.


  50_Amazon_Paypal  

  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/15/15 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

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Letters to My Future Husband by Lisa McKendrick


Sophie doesn’t know what kind of man she’s looking for, so her father suggests she write letters to her future husband—and come to know him in the process. But Sophie soon learns her letters aren’t the most reliable key to her heart.


So, the blurb makes it sound like this book is mostly about a girl and the letters she writes to her future husband.  It really isn't.  She writes in a journal when she is small and then she writes about her childhood crush.  That's all in the first chapter or two.  The journal doesn't even come back into play until the end of the book where Sophie goes back to the journal and adds a couple entries.  I wish the journal had played a bigger part in the book like the blurb suggests.  I didn't feel like Sophie came to know her future husband at all through journal entries.  It was almost like a before and after thought.

Having said that, there were some good moments to this book.  I really enjoyed Sophie's trip to Italy and her initial meeting with Peter.  I think that was probably my favorite part of the book.  Well, the "rock" scene was pretty good too.  Sorry, I'm not giving that scene away.  You'll have to read the book to know about that one.  It was amusing though.

I wouldn't say that I found all the characters believable, but this is a work of fiction.  Sophie's boyfriend is ridiculous and is really made to look that way.  It made me doubt Sophie's intelligence.  Why would anyone date someone so ridiculous?  And Sophie's mother?  I just didn't get her.  

This is an LDS fiction book with references to religious things specific to the LDS faith.  It's not overbearing or anything but this is probably not a book people outside the LDS faith would enjoy.



Saturday, February 14, 2015

The Wife Maker $50 Book Blast

Wife Maker

Charlotte has spent years as the husband maker, sending every guy she dates off to enjoy marital bliss with the next girl he dates. But things have now changed, and she's determined to use her husband-maker abilities one last time--on herself. And she finally knows exactly who she wants. Angus has loved Charlotte since they were teenagers, but he's tired of waiting for her to realize how good they could be. She's broken his heart one too many times, and it's time to move on with his life. Maybe a position halfway across the country will be just what he needs to get over her. But when Charlotte won't let him go without a fight, Angus has to decide if he's willing to let her in again or if she's too late.
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Karey White
Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.


  50_Amazon_Paypal 
   $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/13/15 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

 Wife Maker (1)

Friday, February 13, 2015

Music Review of Madilyn Paige


This stunning self-titled debut EP features a set of tunes notable for their raw emotion and beautiful soundscapes. Madilyn wrote or co-wrote every song on the album, drawn from her own struggles as a teenager and her heartfelt expressions of the joy she finds in life. The first track, "Irreplaceable," begins with aching introspection and soars to an assurance of self-worth; the following track, "Foolish Game," was written right after Madilyn left the TV show The Voice and gives insight into the inevitability of discouragement in life and the realization that you can rise above the games that people play. An epic movie score string section combines with powerful rhythms on "Undercover," a breathtaking song about overcoming sadness and seeking the light all around you. The final track, "Little Things," playfully reminds us that the little things in life are the source of true joy.


Every now and then I get to review music which I love almost as much as I love books.  :)  I was excited to sign on to review this CD.  Even though I don't watch The Voice where Madilyn had her debut, I know a little bit about her journey.  My teenage girls were able to hear Madilyn speak at a gathering for teenagers.  She also performed Irreplaceable for them.  My daughters came home so impressed so when I saw the opportunity to review Madilyn's new CD, I jumped on it!

I popped this CD in my car as I was running around one day.  I listened to it a couple times through and I really enjoyed it.  The messages are all positive and it has a good vibe.  When I got home I brought the CD in with me and set it on the counter.  My daughter saw it when she got home from school and asked if she could listen to it.  I never saw that CD again, but I've heard it almost every day since, playing in the basement.  My girls love this CD.  The CD has 7 tracks with six different songs and one remix.

Unexpected Bonus:  My daughters and I got tickets (thank you Deseret Book!!!) to Madilyn's first concert!  We had such a good time!  Taking my girls to that concert made me the best mom ever.  At least for one night.  :)

So, here is the video for Madilyn's first track, "Irreplaceable".  It has an awesome message for teenagers and adults alike.  It's one of my favorite songs.  I think every teenager should listen to this song.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dosLdLCAED8



Wednesday, February 11, 2015

The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards + $25 and Book Giveaway!


With Hitler's forces firmly entrenched in Europe, countless heroes seek to end the madman's reign. Bastien Ley is one of the best. Working in Italy for the Office of Strategic Services, he's been tasked with sabotaging German convoys. When his team kills an officer headed for Rome, the man's similarity to Bastien is undeniable, and seeing an opportunity to turn the tide of the war, Bastien makes a bold decision: he will assume the dead officer's identity. He become Dietrich, an Iron Cross-wearing German officer—an ideal position from which to infiltrate the Nazi ranks in Rome. Bastien's assignment becomes extremely stressful, and his superiors send him a reinforcement in the form of the lovely Gracie Begni, an intelligent, eager, and completely inexperienced radio operator.

With a gulf of resentment between them, these two agents must find a way to portray a couple in love. Soon their reluctant alliance becomes much more as Bastien and Gracie find themselves getting lost in their feeling for each other. But as they engage in battle against the deadliest foe the world has ever known, the pair quickly realizes their love may be doomed. As the Rome Gestapo threatens to destroy all they've worked for, will Bastien and Gracie survive their charade?


Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, especially when it is done right.  I love getting a bit of a history lesson without it actually feeling like a history lesson.  This book is set during WWII in Rome, Italy.  I have read a lot of books set during WWII but I cannot remember any in Rome, Italy.  It was interesting and heartbreaking.  War is awful.

Because I know some of the travesties WWII brought, I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through this book, just waiting for those awful things to happen.  There was so much anticipation on my part.  Gracie is a character I really enjoyed.  She is brave but she is also frightened sometimes.  She has courage as well as a tender heart.

Bastien will grow on you.  He comes off cold and distant but that is his training and his desire to keep safe and successful in his mission.  I enjoyed getting to know him gradually with Gracie.

Pretending to be in love is a dangerous game.  It was a good one for this book, though.  I was happy to get to the HEA ending.  I could finally breathe again.  :)

This book has references to the "Mormon" religion, but there isn't anything preachy or overbearing in it.  There is no swearing or sexual situations.  There is some violence.

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Monday, February 9, 2015

On Tour with How I Fall/How I Fly by Anne Eliot + Excerpt and a $25 Giveaway!


How I fly 
  How I Fall by Anne Eliot *WHAT IF YOU HAD AN IMPOSSIBLE CRUSH?* Impossible because she’s Ellen Foster. The beautiful, smart, and possibly fragile photography-girl. You’re Cam Campbell. The guy who plays football 24/7 with no life. But what if during junior year, you decide to finally try for her phone number—until this glitter-crazed new girl ruins your plan. Worse, the girl is Irish, awkward, and insists you and Ellen should become best friends—with her! Only, you don’t want to be friends with a human tornado, and you think Ellen might need to stay a crush. This is because after one interaction you’ve discovered Ellen Foster really is fragile. Your problems and secrets are too big for anyone to understand. *WHAT IF YOU COULDN’T RESIST?* But what if the three of you wind up assigned to a group photography project, where rumors are already circling about the new girl being ridiculous? You know she’s nice but very alone, so you convince your crush to help protect the new girl. Suddenly, working on the project makes hanging out, texting, talking—and even high school—seem fun and completely normal when it’s anything but normal. *WHAT IF YOU KISS?* What if you kiss Ellen Foster and it’s perfect enough to make you believe in things you shouldn’t. You tell her secrets and share your dreams. You make the kinds of promises and create plans to be together that might be impossible to keep when you’re only sixteen and your parents control your entire future, but... WHAT IF YOU HURT HER?  


HOw I fall
How I Fly by Anne Eliot *WHAT IF IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON...?* Over six months after an accident that broke her legs as well as removed her boyfriend from her life—because Cam Campbell left town and dumped her—high school senior, Ellen Foster, wants to move past her broken heart. She’s off to attend a summer photography workshop at a real university along with her best friends. Ellen’s determined to find a new love—or at least a summer boyfriend. In the dorm, she meets Harrison Shaw. He’s a handsome photography student, a charmer who likes her, and a perfect way to forget her past. *WHAT IF IT ALL GOES PERFECTLY...?* Ellen thinks she has everything she wants. Her summer program couldn’t be better. She’s half in love with Harrison Shaw, and she’s going after her next scholarship. But when she kisses Harrison, she can only remember how Cam Campbell used kiss her better, sweeter, and how he used to make her feel like she could fly… *WHAT IF SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT...?* When Cam shows up at the university it’s a shock, especially to Ellen’s new boyfriend. Cam’s distant, different and very afraid to hurt Ellen again. He asks Ellen if they could be friends despite the past and how they’ve both changed and Ellen agrees. But after all they’ve been through, can Cam and Ellen ever be just friends? *WHAT IF...?*


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For this review, I read both How I Fall and How I Fly.  This is a two part book series and you really cannot read the second without reading the first.  You would be hopelessly lost and missing out on way too much.  

These are YA book.  The characters are juniors in high school.  For the most part, they act and talk like teenagers.  The teenage high school drama is all there, in full force.  But there were moments when the characters acted and spoke much older than the 16-17 year olds that they are.  Especially in the second book.  

I couldn't help but be drawn in by these characters.  They were all so well defined.  By the end of the books, I really felt like I knew them.  They were familiar to me and I was attached to them.  

There is a lot of internal dialogue going on in these book.  We "hear" both Ellen's and Cam's thoughts.  Ellen has a lot of very amusing thoughts and they made me smile.  But sometimes I felt like it was a little much.  Every single thought was spelled out for me, leaving nothing to my own imagination.  I always knew exactly what Ellen and Cam were both thinking.  Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I didn't.

I love the circle of friendship the four main characters build.  They look out for each other and they help each other.  Each in their own way.  It was good to see.

I love the photography aspect to these books.  This was a fun way for not only the characters to connect to each other, but for me to connect with them.  It played a huge part in the plot of these books.  I also feel like I learned a little something about Cerebral Palsy that will hopefully make me more empathetic and kind.

My biggest complaint about these books would be the swearing (there is quite a bit of it), followed by the sexual innuendo which increased substantially in the second book.  For those reasons, I will not be handing these books off to my teenage daughter which is unfortunate because aside from those things, I really did enjoy these books.  They are engaging and emotional.  The first love, second chance at first love was so, so sweet.

Enjoy the following excerpt!

I pause at the corner down from the bus stop so I can regain some control. Both legs—the good one and the bad—are quaking dangerously. I’m also breathing like I’ve run a marathon in thick maple syrup instead of simply walking five blocks, but who cares? I’ve just navigated sidewalks covered with snow and ice with no crutches and no cane for the first time in my life. And I did not fall. Not once!

I check my phone to record the time and what I see has me almost gasping out loud.

*Crowd roars. She waves. She bows. She’s got ten minutes to burn!*

Because I have mild Cerebral Palsy, my physical therapist, Nash, would normally get half of the credit here. But it was my idea to pull double workouts all summer and fall. This victory is all mine, but either way, I can’t wait to give him a report. He’s going to be so proud. This will prove to him there is light at the end of my tunnel. The guy is so gloom and doom. He’s always thinking about my future and making predictions based on statistics, while I’m trying to convince him that I can write my own statistics.

Today, I will get to be the one who’s right!

Breath caught up, I straighten my messenger bag and face the bus stop ready for anything and anyone this day might try to throw at me! But two steps into walking the last half block, the calf of my bad leg spikes a surprise cramp.

“Please…no,” I mutter, jerking to a stop as white-lightning fires up my entire leg. The pain’s so harsh I could swear it’s stopped my heart. Scanning for anything that can save me from a public wobble-wobble-Ellen-falls-down event, I veer off the sidewalk and head for the cars parked on the street. Luckily, I’ve locked my hand onto a car mirror just as the knee on my bad leg buckles completely. For insurance, I lean most of my upper body weight on the dripping car hood, happy that my lumpy, hand-me-down jacket is at least waterproof. Only then do I pull in a slow steady breath and test—and beg—and pray—for my still trembling good leg to be okay.

It holds steady, but since I’m not allowed any guarantees with how my body behaves, I keep a death grip on the car any way I can. At least my sudden move has turned me away from the kids down at the stop. If I’m lucky, no one will have seen how I almost just hit the pavement. Even better, while I work out the kinks in my calf, I’ll be able to pretend that I’m simply admiring the snow and taking pictures of random stuff with my iPhone like I always do.

“Come on. Please. Come on.” I twist my bad ankle in a slow circle while more shards of pain pull my calf even tighter. Elation has disappeared, replaced by lead-heavy frustration.

   Anne Eliot
Anne Eliot is the author of the, How I Fall/How I Fly two book series, and bestselling, young adult teen issue romances, Almost and Unmaking Hunter Kennedy. She loves writing about teens who live outside the ordinary and she's devoted to stories about teens who live outside the ordinary but who also get to find sweet first kisses and first loves. Anne resides in Colorado with a very patient husband, two teens of her own whom she adores (an some teens near and far thanks to hosting many exchange students) who are all growing up too fast.  


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$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/25/15 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
How I fly (1)