Review: Austen in Austin by Susanne Dietze, Anita Mae Draper, Debra E. Marvin, Gina Welborn

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Discover four heroines in historical Austin, TX, as they find love--Jane Austen style.

If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn, based on Emma
A prideful matchmaker examines her own heart when her protégé falls for the wrong suitor.

Refinements by Anita Mae Draper, based on Sense and Sensibility
A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love . . . twice.

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, based on Pride and Prejudice A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams, but her prejudice may cost her true love . . . and her career.

Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin, based on Northanger Abbey A timid gothic dime-novel enthusiast tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cemetery and, even more shocking, why two equally charming suitors compete for her attentions.

My Review

I enjoy Austen retellings and stories based on her books. I don't consider myself an Austen "purist" because I like when the characters or plot are taken in much different directions than the original story. This is definitely a unique collection with the setting in 1800's Austin, Texas, and each novella based on a different book of Austen's. It was interesting to see how each author incorporated the classic storyline while making it new and interesting. I think some achieved more success at that than others. If I Loved You Less stayed pretty close to the original plot and dialogue of Emma, so much in fact that at times I felt like the characters were more British than Texan. Refinements and One Word From You were more creative with the plot and characters. Alarmingly Charming was my favorite since the writing flowed so well and had more depth and dimension than the other stories in the collection. Kathryn and Harmon's unexpected attraction has them in a dance of "should I/shouldn't I" until she helps bring peace to his family and makes her own decision about her future.

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

Enter the Cold Shot Sweepstakes!

In COLD SHOT, the first book of author Dani Pettrey’s brand new Chesapeake Valor series, park ranger Griffin McCray and forensic anthropologist Finley Scott uncover buried remains near the Civil War battleground of Little Round Top. There’s only one problem: the bones aren’t Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but when Finley discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper, the case connects them with FBI agent Declan Grey, and crime scene investigator Parker Mitchell, friends from a past Griffin’s tried to leave behind.

Soon the reunited friends realize they’ll need to confront the darkest days in their shared history if they–and those they care about–are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

To celebrate the launch of this exciting new series, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the COLD SHOT SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

This giveaway starts February 16, 2016 and ends March 7, 2016 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday, March 8, 2016, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.



GRAND PRIZE:

ROAD TRIP REUNION GETAWAY

In COLD SHOT, Griffin reunites with friends after they’ve drifted apart over the years. Do you have a friend you want to reconnect with? Here’s your chance to hit the road with them for a friend getaway!

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com, good for reservations at lodges across the Continental US, plus a $50 Darden restaurants gift card, and a Chesapeake Bay tote bag, to pack your road trip essentials.



SECOND PRIZE:

FINLEY’S FAVORITES PACK

Finley has a lifelong love of travel and exploration, something captured in her cozy home decor, right down to her steamer trunk coffee table. This prize gives you a chance to have a steamer trunk just like Finley’s, and a coffee table book from the Chesapeake Bay to go with it.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 value cedar wood steamer trunk and vivid Maryland coffee table photo book.






THIRD PRIZE:
TASTE OF MARYLAND KIT

COLD SHOT is sure to leave you with a craving for the mouth-watering snacks Griffin, Finley, and the rest of the crew enjoy in the story. If you wish you could sample Chesapeake’s one-of-a-kind local fare too, this prize is for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: The beautifully lithographed, $50 value Taste of Maryland Tin, including the Chesapeake Bay Cookbook and famed local treats such as Old Bay Seasoning, Maple Syrup, Maryland crab soup mix, specialty dip, and Goetze’s Caramel Creams.

How to Enter:

Go to: http://www.danipettrey.com/cold-shot-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 16 – March 7, 2016.

Review and Giveaway: Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

Be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom for a chance to win a copy of the book!

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

My Review

Talk about a nail-biter! I've been so excited to see what Dani Pettrey wrote after finishing her amazing Alaskan Courage series, and Cold Shot did not disappoint. The action begins swiftly and we get to know Griffin and Finley bit by bit as they are swept along in a dangerous investigation. Even though they haven't made each other's lives easier, I loved how the mutual admiration quickly turned to growing chemistry. They work well together and with the other members of the team each having their own set of skills, the plot moves forward at a steady clip. I appreciated that the characters turned to prayer in moments of anxiety, helplessness, and danger. The brief glimpses from the villain's perspective without revealing his identity ramps up the suspense and I couldn't put the book down! While the majority of the telling is from Griffin and Finley's points of view, we also see some from other members of the team, giving a great set up for the upcoming books in the series. I can't wait! Highly recommend, especially to fans of suspense with romance woven in.

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

About the Author

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the brand new romantic suspense Chesapeake Valor series, as well as the well-loved Alaskan Courage series which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

• Website
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Extras

• Explore the Pinterest World for Cold Shot! I love getting a feel for what the author envisioned for the setting and characters.

• Tour Finley's neighborhood with Dani!
  

Entry-Form

Review & Giveaway: Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lani has lived in Hana, Hawaii for five years. She’s learned to surf, fish, dive, and manage her grandmother’s bed and breakfast. She’s also learned to take one day at a time the way it should be taken—relaxed and unrushed, savoring every moment. But, like a large wave on the brink of breaking, her life is about to crash out of control. A proposal of marriage, a conniving grandmother, a cryptic Asian woman, and a handsome guest, and suddenly everything calm begins to churn, everything clear becomes confused, and all that was normal segues into peculiar. As Lani struggles against the current to hold her ground, she realizes that she can either continue to fight and eventually lose, or take a take a leap of faith, hold her breath, and ride the wave wherever it takes her.
***This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series that features one recurring character—the match maker—but it is a STAND-ALONE novel.***

My Review

It took me a while to get into this book since I didn't quite get the main characters' motivations when it came to the way they had strung people along in relationships... but by the epilogue I was a wee bit teary so I have to say they grew on me :) Something I loved about Lani was that even though she was attracted to Easton, she called him on his crap and showed him how important it was to her to just be real. Easton is a charmer for sure, one of those guys you can't help but like. The thoughts and emotions of Lani and Easton felt realistic as they navigated the territory of friends with undeniable chemistry, who have agreed to be just friends, because to be more than friends would inevitably lead to heartbreak (or so they think). Their dilemma created plenty of romantic tension in a setting that is on my bucket list to visit- Maui, Hawaii! I loved the descriptions of the landscape, the hike off the beaten path, the surf session, and the culture.

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

Blog Tour Schedule

Author Rachael Anderson
A 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.

Website

   






Blog Tour $50 Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/29/16 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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Book Tour Grand Finale & Giveaway: A Family Like Hannah's by Carol Ross

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

A Family Like Hannah's

By Carol Ross

We hope you enjoyed coming along with us to an Alaskan ski resort and two strong characters who begin at odds, but may just find family and love in each other. If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Intro to the Book

A Family Like Hannah’s is my version of an Alaskan winter - and more specifically - a wintertime in Rankins. On each stop of the tour, I’ve tried to infuse some of this enduring and inspiring winter spirit Alaskans seem to so easily embrace. Hope you enjoy!

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Sweet, clean romance that will still have you reaching for your fan on occasion, A Family Like Hannah’s by Carol Ross takes you through a whole gamut of emotions. From anger and heartbreak to laughter and joy, you will ride the slopes along with a cast of compelling and truly likable characters."

I Am A Reader - Let’s (Really) Get to Know Hannah & Tate from A Family Like Hannah’s

Hannah James – professional skier, owner and manager of Snowy Sky Ski Resort...

Tate Addison – professional snowboarder, businessman, inventor, ski area consultant...

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"This was such a delightfully touching tale of possible romance and enduring love amongst life's challenges."

Getting Your Read On - Review

"This book was easy to read and hard to put down. I was drawn in and invested in this story. So good!"

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

" I love that this isn't just an easy, fluffy story, but had some real filling to go along with it, while maintaining a lighter feel--it wasn't heavy. What a perfect recipe for a great story!"

Colorimetry - Hey, Honey, Let’s Load up the RV and Take the Kids Skiing!

Sure, we saw some of those charming resorts and lodges. From the parking lot. Out the window of our old motorhome. I still can’t believe my dad braved winter weather and treacherous mountain roads in that beast. (Visualize one-step up from Cousin Eddie’s “RV” from Christmas Vacation.) It would only putt along at about 15 miles per hour up the hills, so he would frequently have to pull over and let cars pass. Yep, we were those people. As kids, most of these realities and hazards escaped us. We were just thrilled to be there. For me, there was (is) no place I’d rather spend a winter day than skiing up in the mountains.

underneath the covers - Is the Road to Love Paved with Embarrassing Moments?

Alaskans are pretty inventive with their wintertime endeavors. Luckily, the town of Rankins had already laid a solid foundation for some of the best “meets” between Hannah and Tate. Add a little humor, a lot of tension, some creative license, and I’m excited to bring you a few of my favorite moments from A Family Like Hannah’s...

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"This story takes you deep into a small town filled with kind people and history. . . . Tate and Hannah’s ideas for the resort don’t line up very well, so there is tension between them, but there’s also attraction … a lot of it!"

Becky on Books - Review

"A Family Like Hannah’s is a sweet, feel-good romance. . . . This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. It worked well as a standalone. . ."

deal sharing aunt - Interview

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

My ideas always come from my characters. I start by creating a person in my mind. I give them a personality first, including family situation, a job, hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes, and even little quirks. Then I try to drop them right into some kind of action. I add a line or two of dialogue, and I’m off and running. I do love to research my settings also, and often interesting scene ideas will arise from that.

Heidi Reads... - Review

"The characters in this book are vibrant and easy to visualize. . . . I loved the setting of winter in Alaska, especially at a ski resort since I've only been snowboarding twice."

Zerina Blossom's Books - Love, Snow, and Hot Cocoa

When I started writing this story, Hannah’s character was already sitting right beside me - telling me what she wanted to do, what she wanted to say – and what she likes. And Hannah likes hot chocolate...

Wishful Endings - Baby, it's (Really, Really) Cold Outside

Spending the last couple years doing research and just learning fun things in general about this state, I thought it would be fun to show how an Alaskan winter really stacks up.

A Family Like Hannah's

(Seasons of Alaska #4)
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Starting over is serious business

With her professional skiing career cut short by an accident, Hannah James is putting all her energy into transforming Snowy Sky Resort into something special. There's only one obstacle. Famous pro-snowboarder-turned-consultant Tate Addison has his own ideas about taking the Rankins, Alaska, lodge to the next level. But Hannah won't compromise her dreams. She gets that Tate is trying to create a stable home for his orphaned six-year-old nephew—a boy Hannah already adores. And if she isn't careful, she could also fall for the boy's too-attractive uncle. Is she risking heartbreak? Or do she and Tate really want the same things out of life?

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - Kobo

The Other Books in the Series

Carol Ross is the author of three books for the Seasons of Alaska series for the Harlequin Heartwarming line. She lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. For a complete list of her books, giveaways, and other fun stuff stop by and visit her new website: carolrossauthor.com.

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of A Family Like Hannah's (open internationally)
Rankins' Alaska Prize Pack: signed copy of A Family Like Hannah’s, an infinity scarf, gray fluffy mittens, a tin of Starbucks hot chocolate, a coffee mug, and a sterling silver snowflake necklace. (US only)

Copy of A Family Like Hannah's (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 26th

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Review & Giveaway: A Family Like Hannah's by Carol Ross

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Starting over is serious business

With her professional skiing career cut short by an accident, Hannah James is putting all her energy into transforming Snowy Sky Resort into something special. There's only one obstacle. Famous pro-snowboarder-turned-consultant Tate Addison has his own ideas about taking the Rankins, Alaska lodge to the next level. But Hannah won't compromise her dreams. She gets that Tate is trying to create a stable home for his orphaned six-year-old nephew—a boy Hannah already adores. And if she isn't careful, she could also fall for the boy's too-attractive uncle. Is she risking heartbreak? Or do she and Tate really want the same things out of life?

My Review

The characters in this book are vibrant and easy to visualize. Hannah is a mix of tough and independent with fun and vulnerable. Tate is confident on the outside but anxious with his new role in life as guardian to his nephew, so the misconceptions and miscommunications between he and Hannah are taken personally by both. I loved the setting of winter in Alaska, especially at a ski resort since I've only been snowboarding twice. We see glimpses into the boardroom where decisions are being made and power is being thrown around. It's definitely a world that is foreign to me. There is some angst when secrets are revealed but it's outweighed by plenty of heart as the couple find a way to compromise and reconcile with the unexpected.

(Thank you to Prism Book Tours for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

A Family Like Hannah's

(Seasons of Alaska #4)
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - Kobo

The Other Books in the Series

Carol Ross is the author of three books for the Seasons of Alaska series for the Harlequin Heartwarming line. She lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. For a complete list of her books, giveaways, and other fun stuff stop by and visit her new website: carolrossauthor.com.

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

Tour Schedule

February 14th: Launch

February 15th: Reading Is My SuperPower & I Am A Reader

February 16th: Rockin' Book Reviews & Getting Your Read On

February 17th: Katie's Clean Book Collection & underneath the covers

February 18th: Thoughts of a Blonde, Becky on Books, & deal sharing aunt

February 19th: Heidi Reads... & Zerina Blossom's Books

February 21st: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of A Family Like Hannah's (open internationally)
Rankins' Alaska Prize Pack: signed copy of A Family Like Hannah’s, an infinity scarf, gray fluffy mittens, a tin of Starbucks hot chocolate, a coffee mug, and a sterling silver snowflake necklace. (US only)

Copy of A Family Like Hannah's (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 26th

a Rafflecopter giveaway