Love in Bloom Spotlight, Sale, & Giveaway: Author Becky Monson

 

   

Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace by Becky Monson  

Speak Now is the latest hit from the author of the hit Spinster Series, Becky Monson. In this Readers’ Favorite Book Award Winner (Bronze Medal) novel, Bridgette Reynolds needs to stop a wedding, but can she do it? If there’s one thing that Bridgette Reynolds has learned recently, it’s that the perfect shoes, the perfect hair, and the perfect dress do not make for the perfect proposal. In fact, sometimes they make for the not-so-perfect breakup. Now, Bridgette must do everything in her power to win Adam back. She knows they are meant to be. And nothing will stand in her way—not her friends, not her grandmother, not even the fact that Adam is now engaged to Serene after a whirlwind romance. Focused on her plan to win Adam back, Bridgette isn’t expecting Ian—her college best friend, her love, her big regret—to come back into her life. They sink back into their comfortable friendship as if no time has passed at all, making Bridgette start to question her feelings for Adam. But Ian has a few secrets of his own . . . secrets that could shatter their friendship once and for all. Bridgette has to make some major decisions—should she speak now? Or forever hold her peace? 

 

   

After some channel surfing, and a vain attempt to catch up with The Young and the Restless (I couldn’t watch the Ian and Heather and Jessica drama—a bit too close to home), I decide to drag myself upstairs to Margie’s place where Gram and the girls are playing bridge. I need something to get my mind off everything. I doubt it will work, but it’s worth a try.
 

“Is Gram here?” I ask Margie when she answers the door.
 

“Sure is,” she says, opening the door wide. She ushers me in with a sweep of her hand.
 

I walk into Margie’s apartment, which is set up a lot like Gram’s. And just as old-fashioned as well. But, like Gram’s place, it has a homey feel to it. I will say that there are doilies. Lots of doilies.
 

“Look who’s here, ladies,” Margie says as we walk into the living room.
 

Gram and two other ladies, Evelyn and Barbara, all turn to see who it is. Once they see me they all start talking in unison. Saying hello and asking me question after question. I try to field each query, but they keep talking over each other.
 

“Well, Bridgette, what brings you here?” Gram asks, after the chatter has settled. She looks slightly concerned. She wasn’t expecting me. Likewise, I was not expecting to come up here, but here I am.
 

“I thought I would come and see what you ladies are doing.” I knew they were playing cards, so that was kind of a dumb comment. “And also to check up on Gram,” I say, pointing to the wine glass sitting to her left. That was not something I was expecting to find, but I’m glad I did.
 

She looks down at the glass and then back up at me, a sheepish just-been-caught look on her face.
 

“Oh, that’s mine,” Evelyn declares, and I roll my eyes. Evelyn isn’t even sitting next to Gram.
 

“Gram, you’ve got to be kidding. Does she drink every time she’s playing cards with you?” I ask, looking around the room.
 

“Not all the time,” Barbara pipes in. “Just . . . most of the time.”

   

 "Speak Now grabbed me from the beginning! This is the perfect escape/beach read - light and fun, amusing with some tearful moments." -Reviewing in Chaos 

"By the end of the book I felt like Bridgette was a real life friend of mine and I was actually sad when the book ended." -Divine Books Blog 

 "Can I give this book a 10? It was so fantastic!" -Taking Time for Mommy 

 

Author Becky Monson 

 

By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. An award-winning* author, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last… but it probably won’t.   

 

 

Giveaway Details Ends 5/16/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review & Giveaway: A Highlander’s Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Despite being the daughter of a duke, shy Elizabeth Barrington becomes a target for the cruel whisperings of the ton. She would rather stay at home with her sketchbook indefinitely than give them more to gossip about, but when a dashing new earl arrives, everything changes. His Scottish brogue and easy acceptance draw her in and she finds herself falling in love. Before she can act on her feelings, however, her father promises her to a man who hides his cruel behavior behind a mask of civility. With her future at stake, Elizabeth must make a choice—do her duty or choose a love that could cost her everything.

Alec Ramsay never expected to inherit an earldom or settle in England, but he leaves behind his life in the Scottish Highlands and comes to London. After meeting his new neighbor, the beautiful and soft-spoken Lady Elizabeth, Alec can’t wait to further their acquaintance. It doesn’t take long in her company, however, for Alec to see he’s in danger of losing his heart. But when long-held prejudices rear their ugly head, Alec is caught between doing what is right and his new role as an English gentleman. Has he finally found the love he’s waited his whole life for, only to lose her in the web of unfair judgments and proper English traditions?

My Review

What a sweet novella! I loved the instant connection between Elizabeth and Alec and how they made each other feel comfortable and able to be themselves. And that accent! It's so fun to be able "hear" his Scottish brogue in my head as I read. Elizabeth's stutter drains her confidence and prevents her from standing up to her parents, resulting in being stuck with a suitor that puts up a good front, but is a horrible person. His unkindness to Elizabeth provides the necessary conflict for Alec to come to her rescue, which endears him to her even more. Their affection grows swiftly and I loved their chemistry! There is a satisfying conclusion as they overcome the obstacles to their relationship and future happiness. A quick read, perfect for when I needed a happy ending fix at the tail end of a long day :)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Follow the Blog Tour:

April 23rd - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Heidi Reads

April 24th - LDS and Lovin’ It / The Bibliophile Files

April 25th - LDS Writer Mom / My Book a Day / Singing Librarian Books / Getting Your Read On

April 26th - Peggy Urry / Min Reads and Reviews

April 27th - Among the Reads / Joy in the Moments / Literary Time Out / Wishful Endings

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Until I Knew Myself by Tammy L. Gray

Book One in the Bentwood series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

RITA Award-winning author Tammy L. Gray delivers an unforgettable new series following five struggling friends in search of the true meaning of family through secrets, betrayal and the unexpected influence of an outsider…

Tyler Mitchell grew up an orphan, taken in by his best friend’s family when he was only sixteen. Even though ten years have passed, and he’s been given everything he should ever want—a loving home, an adoring girlfriend, a successful career, and lifelong friendships—Tyler has always felt a foreigner in his own life.

When a surprising phone call reveals the death of his biological grandfather, Tyler’s seemingly perfect life starts to unravel. The people he loves most in world have kept from him the greatest secret of all—knowledge of his father’s family.

Now hunting for more information about his past, Tyler discovers nothing is quite as it seems. And the definition of family is far more complicated than choosing between blood and loyalty.

My Review

When I started this book I felt like I just jumped in the deep end of the angst-filled drama of fractured relationships. The author did a great job of making it easy to quickly get to know the various personalities in the once tight-knit group of friends, but it took me longer to feel connected to them and invested in their high-strung emotions. It did come, surprisingly with the inclusion of Caroline, a newcomer to the town and family business. She was my favorite character by far, probably because of the peace and rest her presence and friendship gives Tyler from the chaos of his thoughts. It also changed the dynamic of the tone of the book which was becoming a bit dark for me, and the upswing re-energized my interest and her new perspective was refreshing.

The connection between Tyler and Journey is palpable and even though they spend the majority of the book on rocky ground, I loved the concern they continually felt for each other and interest in each other's welfare. They each had growing to do that happened independently, and painful as it was, they come together stronger than ever because of it. There is a strong message of the importance of friendship and family loyalty, especially for the families we build ourselves. By the end I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait to see where the stories of the friends will lead in the rest of the series.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Check out the next book in the Bentwood series . . .

Book Two

(coming July 2018)

Synopsis

Nine years to win her. Three years to love her. And one decision that destroyed it all.

April Duncan was raised with three clear truths: the family name is absolute, ambition and success rule over every emotion, and love always comes with strings attached. Image was everything in her carefully crafted world... until the mirror cracked.

Sean Taylor was April's best friend, the one man who taught her it was okay to let her guard down and to rely on someone. She trusted him. She loved him. Which made his deception the darkest kind of cruelty.

Now, nearly a year later, she’s ready to leave her failed engagement in the past and get back her life and her estranged family, even if it means dating a man solely for his connections. She’ll never again choose love over loyalty.

Sean has spent his entire life breaking barriers, facing challenges, and never giving up. Until one impossible choice destroyed his future and left him no option but to flee from the woman who annihilated his heart.

Now he’s back in Bentwood and determined to make her hear the truth and rebuild the trust he shattered. But April has become a mere shell of the woman who claimed his heart long ago.

Winning her back is more than just seizing a victory, because if he fails… the girl he’s loved for a lifetime will disappear forever.

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended that you begin with book one to get the full experience among this tight group of family and friends.

Review: Little Heroes: Courageous People Who Changed the World by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the intrepid efforts of Susan B. Anthony to the quiet courage of Rosa Parks, Little Heroes: Courageous People Who Changed the World is a young child's first introduction to the brave people who fought to make the world a better place. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of eight champions of freedom: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Malala Yousafzai, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. A quote from each individual is included on each spread along with colorful, delightful artwork.

My Review

This high-quality board book is adorable! I'm a sucker for illustrations, and this one is right up my alley. It spotlights four men and four women who have become historical icons. Because the focus of the book is on fighting for freedom, slavery and civil rights have the majority of emphasis with five out of the eight. Women's suffrage, peaceful protest, and female education are the other topics. William Wilberforce was the only lesser-known figure, and the others are all highly recognizable. I loved that each layout has a blurb about what the young person saw that needed to be changed, and then another short paragraph that tells what the person accomplished in order to make that change. I also appreciated that there is an inspirational quote from each person, and I felt that it brought the heroes to life with their real words. The content is very age-appropriate and while kept to simple terms, can be a starting point for important conversations between parent and child. The dynamic illustrations use pleasing color palettes, eye-catching compositions, and friendly faces for an overall positive vibe.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)