Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway for Rachel Laine by Jennifer Peel!




  Rachel Laine   

Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton #3) by Jennifer Peel

Rachel Whitney’s life changed forever when Drew, the son of her twin sister, Sydney, was placed in her arms—and there he stayed. At twenty-two, she had no idea what she was doing, but in that moment, she knew that raising Drew was what she was meant to do with her life. ​ Fiercely independent, Rachel makes her own way managing her family's insurance agency. Decidedly against introducing any men into her life, or Drew’s, she protects her heart against all romantic entanglements. But what she didn’t count on was a letter from her sister that leads a famous secret to her door eight years after her sister’s death. A secret with the same eyes as her son’s. ​ Desperate not to get the courts involved, Rachel allows Drew’s previously unknown father, Andrew Turner, into their lives, and to her surprise, little by little into her heart. But for Rachel, taking that step could open her family to a firestorm of media attention that not even Merryton can protect them from. Is love worth the risk? Or will Andrew's fame and ambition ruin their chances?

amazon

Excerpt

Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely, but unnecessary, I texted. Maybe that wasn’t the politest, but really, he didn’t need to keep giving me flowers. Besides, no amount of flowers or compliments were going to make this okay for me. I set my phone down and took a deep breath. I went back to the unpleasant task of dealing with overdue accounts. It was the least favorite part of my job, and my head was already pounding. Thirty minutes later my cell phone rang. I answered it in resignation, but not before I lay my head down on my desk and put him on speaker. “Yes?” I grumbled. “If I didn’t know better, I would say you’re not happy to hear from me.” “So, maybe you’re smarter than I thought.” “Hey, I sent you flowers.” “I said thank you.” “But you didn’t call and thank me for them personally.” “Is that required?” “Maybe not required, but definitely warranted. I don’t think anyone has ever texted me a thank you when I’ve sent flowers, or told me they were unnecessary.” “Do you regularly send women flowers?” “Define regularly.” I could hear the laughter in his voice. “You know what? I don’t even want to know.” “That’s probably for the best.” “Great, now that we agree on something, thank you again. I should probably get back to work.” “I know you don’t have to go so soon. Tell me how your day is going.” If anyone could see me with my head on my desk, they wouldn’t have had to ask. “Well, let’s see. For starters, I’m living off caffeine since someone kept me up way too late. And to top it off, I have the unpleasant task of contacting people to let them know I will be canceling their policies unless they pay.” “Sounds like maybe I should come up there.” I popped up. “Why in the world would you think that?” “Well, that way I can make dinner and take care of Drew for you.” “Andrew, believe it or not, we’ve functioned just fine without you for a very long time. I’ve even spent my fair share of sleepless nights taking care of Drew, only to have to be up the whole next day, too.” “That’s why you’re amazing, but you don’t have to do it all alone now.” But what if I wanted to?

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Praise for the Book 

"You nailed it!!! These books keep getting better and better each time! I looovvved it!"

"How is it possible that you just keep getting better? I swear this one is my favorite."

"I literally got lost in Merryton again. It is one of my favorite places to visit."

Jennifer Peel headshotAbout the Author

Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.

 

 

 

Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/28/16 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

Monday, July 4, 2016

Review: Summer House Party (Timeless Regency Collection) by Regina Scott, Donna Hatch, Sarah M. Eden


Heidi Reads... Summer House Party (Timeless Regency Collection) by Regina Scott, Donna Hatch, Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Join three bestselling Regency Romance authors, Regina Scott, Donna Hatch, and Sarah M. Eden, for three new novellas in SUMMER HOUSE PARTY.

AN ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE by Regina Scott

Kitty Chapworth is nearly a spinster, and an orphan living on the charity of her uncle, with nothing to recommend her for the marriage mart. Her primary purpose is relegated to acting chaperone for her cousins until she can see them successfully married. Kitty remains focused on her duty even though she knows her future is bleak. When Quentin Adair returns from a long ten years working in Jamaica and proposes a wild charade to Kitty, she agrees, although the plan might reawaken her old feelings for Quentin. Can a reformed rake convince the perfect chaperone to overlook propriety for love?

A PERFECT MATCH by Donna Hatch

Genevieve attends a summer house party hosted by her best friend who can't wait to introduce her to a gentleman she wants to marry, Christian Amesbury. After meeting him, Genevieve determines Christian is perfect . . . for her. Torn between loyalty to her best friend and the yearnings of her heart, Genevieve must first escape the attention of a powerful lord who's obsessed with her and who tries to rob her of any hope for a happily ever after.

THE PAUPERS’ HOUSE PARTY by Sarah M. Eden

It’s a rare event that Edward Downy and his brother are invited to a house party by a member of the ton. But when they arrive, Edward quickly realizes this house party is different than any other. All invited guests are quite destitute, fallen members of Society barely hanging onto their homes. The hosts of the house party, the Warricks, then make a stunning announcement—they intend to gift all their properties to one fortunate guest. As the guests race to impress the Warricks, Edward finds a fast friend in Agatha Holmwood, who shares his same aversion to the horrible expectations. But their growing fondness for each other only makes the game more painful.

My Review

Sigh! A wonderful Regency escape awaits you with these three novellas with a similar setting but wide variety of plots.

An Engagement of Convenience was a story of reunited unrequited love... but this time Quentin falls for the young lady on her way to spinsterhood. I loved that Kitty kept her head on her shoulders and didn't naively take the easy way out. She genuinely cares for Quentin and his welfare, but is more hesitant in giving her heart a second time when he didn't value it the first time he held it.

A Perfect Match is a prequel to Donna Hatch's full length novel A Perfect Secret. Because I knew what trauma Genvieve's future holds, I read this story with more trepidation, which I think robbed me of some enjoyment. She and Christian continuously held themselves back from each other for various reasons, but in the end they recognize and accept that they are meant for each other.

The Pauper's House Party was my favorite of the group for the unique plot and vibrant characters. It's difficult for Edward and Agatha to be in desperate circumstances and have this golden carrot dangled in front of them at the cost of their dignity, but for the sake of their families' future. Their solidarity quickly turns to attraction and hope, even when the future doesn't seem to allow for them to be together. They both have hard choices to make, but their honor and compassion take priority, even when it leads to happily ever after for someone else...

(Thank you to Ebooks for Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: I Love You Just Because by Donna Keith, illustrated by Allison Edgson


Heidi Reads... I Love You Just Because by Donna Keith, illustrated by Allison Edgson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

The third book in this adorable series, I Love You Just Because is the perfect way to show kids that their parents love them just because.

With sales of nearly 75,000 copies for the first two I Love You . . . books, this third addition uses sweet, playful art to depict family dynamics that are grounded in unconditional love.

Through adorable, cuddly art and fun rhyming text, I Love You Just Because will help little ones understand their parents' love for them and that it doesn't have to be earned. With playful artwork and the same friendly bear family you already know and love from Donna Keith's first two books—I Love You All the Same and I Love You Even When—the sweet story of this book will touch you and your family and will remind you that family members love each other...just because.
Parents will gravitate toward the felt need and fun messaging of this book as it seeks to help them explain to their little ones that they are truly loved just because.


My Review

I absolutely love this book series! The illustrations are whimsical, with a subtle painterly quality. The different bears are just too cute!!! Even better, the messages they portray are wonderful for children of all ages as well as parents. As a family who has adopted our children, I'm always on the lookout for books that are enriching and supportive of the adoption experience. These particular books are especially meaningful for families with children that have differences from each other- physical or personality-oriented, so they work for both adoptive and traditional families.

I Love You Just Because reassures children that they are unconditionally loved and valued for who they are as a person. The addition of Biblical scripture references reinforce God's love as well, and make the book an easy resource for including young children in scripture study. There are several examples of how the young bears feel different from his/her siblings, but is always accepted by each other and the grown bears- both parents and grandparents (who are so fun!). The sturdy cardboard pages are perfect for toddlers and the 8" x 8" size is large enough to enjoy the pictures without being overly big. I highly recommend this book and its predecessors for all families with young ones!

(Thank you to BookLook Bloggers  for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Spotlight, Excerpt, & Giveaway: Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean



Chasing Fireflies  

Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean  

My sisters think I’m crazy. But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love. She told me to search far and wide for him. I haven’t stopped looking ever since. When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence. It’s destiny.  

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream. Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?  

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand. Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird. The memory silences them. The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy. I will find Paul . . . I will.

amazon  

Praise for Chasing Fireflies  

It was like Taylor Dean left a trail of chocolate chips leading to a plate of delicious cookies at the end. Yummy! I had to eat every single one and now I’m full and feasting on the satisfaction of a well written story. -Author Charissa Stastny

Taylor Dean is such a creative and skilled author that she has the ability to make the unusual and the unthinkable seem real. -Lisa, Goodreads Reviewer

As always I lose myself in Taylor’s books, experiencing rather than reading the story, from that first glance and butterflies in my belly, to the inevitable heartache, to the amazingly captivating events that lead us to the blissful happily ever after. -Mylissa's Reviews and Book Thoughts

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Excerpt  

Am I chasing a dream? Just like the fireflies my sisters and I tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. The fireflies always eluded us, flying within inches of our eager fingertips, their incandescent lights teasing us with the promise of magic. Just like the elusive fireflies, will my dream of the mysterious Paul always be just short of fulfillment? Am I clutching at the tenuous threads of enchantment? Is my desire to find Paul just a silly fantasy? Maybe it’s high time I accept the foolishness of my dreams. Maybe it’s time I live in reality and stop dabbling in the realms of the supernatural. Then I remember the Red Bird and my confidence bolsters. My vivid memories of Miss Pearl remind me that she hadn’t felt like a lady who would lead me astray. It’s real. It’s all real. Please let it be real.

 Red Bird  

taylor deanAbout the Author

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.









Blast Giveaway Details $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/21/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Friday, July 1, 2016

Review: Gladly Beyond by Nichole Van


Heidi Reads... Gladly Beyond by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

An ancient curse, fractured at the birth of three brothers.
Two strangers helplessly drawn to each other.
A love story two hundred years in the making.


Claire Raythorn arrives in Florence, Italy, shattered, alone, and anxious to rebuild her life--preferably one without men. But she soon finds herself hunted and haunted-- literally--when a mysterious stalker dressed like Mr. Darcy from BBC central casting appears in her photos. And only her photos. Who is this man? And what does his ghostly presence mean?

Dante D'Angelo simply wants to safeguard his brothers, despite the family curse that hounds his vision. But then Claire Raythorn walks into his life, untouched somehow by his curse. Soon, everything Dante thought he knew about himself starts to unravel, dragging Claire down with him.

Set against the lush backdrop of Florence, Italy--both past and present--Claire and Dante fight for a future together. But, first, they must uncover their shared past . . .


My Review

Epic, fascinating, enthralling, imaginative! The dynamic between Claire and Dante was surprisingly powerful as they work side by side, competing for a lucrative job offer, and share secrets as their past lives intertwine with the present. I normally don't care for time travel stories, but found this book to be an exception, primarily because the past was observed rather than actively participated in. The concept of reincarnation is front and center and was creatively explored through the "gifts" of Dante and his brothers. The romantic tension is strong since Claire has walls up around her battered heart but Dante is determined to win her trust. A threatening stalker ramps up the suspense as Claire and Dante roam the city searching for answers from the past to solve the art mystery they were hired to investigate as well as their potent shared connection. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author, especially the upcoming books in this series from the other brothers' points of view.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: Would a Worm Go on a Walk? by Hannah C. Hall, illustrated by Bill Bolton


Enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post for a chance to win a copy of the book!


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

“Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street? / Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had two worm-sized feet?”

So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God created all things very good. He gave all the animals, and children, too, wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.

My Review

This is a cute, silly, and thoughtful picture book with fun rhymes and a good message. My 9 year old enjoyed reading it and my 2 year old especially found lots of joy in the illustrations of creatures trying things out of the norm. After each funny scenario presented of "would this animal do this?", the author explained the reality of what that animal would or wouldn't do in a few rhyming phrases. I liked when it showed why the animal was special, but I found the one for the worm inaccurate, saying it doesn't like to exercise, when really an earthworm (the one pictured) spends it's whole day digging through dirt and fertilizing gardens. The book wraps up by relating that God made the uniqueness of each animal and He made children to be special too. Overall a cute concept and one that encourages teaching moments.


(Thank you to FlyBy Promotions for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)


About the Author

Hannah C. Hall is the author of best-selling children’s books, including God Bless You and Good Night and God Bless Our Christmas, as well as an award-winning blog, HannahCHall.com. Hannah lives in Prairie Grove, AK with her husband, Josh, a worship pastor, and their four children.




 

Thursday, June 30, 2016

$1.99 E-books by Amazing Authors!!!

(Be sure to double check the sale price before ordering)