Loving the Book Publicity Announcement and Giveaway

We are sad to inform you that Jess is no longer with our team. Her husband recently graduated from the Police Academy and we are so happy for them. They have now moved and she is spending time focusing on her 3 kiddos, husband, and her new MaryKay business. We’re very excited to see her thrive.

However, we are excited to announce that we have a new team member! Welcome to Corinne Prost – our new Freelance writer. Her responsibilities will include writing fabulous articles about writing, reading, reviewing, and blogging. She’ll be putting together some great tips for all book lovers, and helping up as we build our blogger/review team.

To celebrate her joining us, we are doing a giveaway and showing her some support at the same time! In order to see some of her fantastic articles, sign up for our monthly newsletter. 

Also, our other team member, Katie, is opening up her own Facebook page. This will allow us a better reach with our events, and better access for you to join our events. Come support her by befriending her new page below. 

And, of course, just helping spread word about our services will also give you entries into our fabulous giveaway!

We love you all and we are grateful for your support!

Introducing our new team member

Corinne is a BA at Hillsdale College, and her declared major is American Studies with a projected minor in Journalism. Although these choices sound informed and thoughtful on Corinne's part, what really happened is that a really cool, successful senior did the same major and minor and went on to do really cool, successful things. So even though Corinne doesn't know what she will do with these life choices, she does know one thing: her dream is to become as great as the classical authors.

While growing up, Corinne battled a severe condition that afflicted her for many years: she could not see because her eyes were glued permanently to books. This caused her to be the girl at recess who hid in the shade to read from her pile of library books, and her occasional companion was the library lady. One day, Corinne finally found she could look up, and after the initial shock she realized that her college applications would need to say more than "loves to read". Her solution: to become involved in as many things as possible. 

As a result, Corinne came to the realization that she also enjoys creative writing, drawing or painting, traveling, playing tennis, and spending inappropriate amounts of time thinking about the money it would take to adopt all the unclaimed dogs at the animal shelter. In the near future, she hopes to spend less time thinking about those dogs and more time writing.

Come get to know a bit more about Corinne with her

Top Ten List

1. Books
2. Animals
3. Fashion & Fashion Scrapbooking
4. Lifetime & CW network
5. Music (anything from 12th century monastic chants to Taylor Swift, besides country)
6. Traveling & exploration
7. Sushi
8. Writing
9. Tennis
10. Crossfit

Join our party for loads of fun and even more chances to win some fabulous prizes!!!

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Review: The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

What is revealed when you draw back the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth?

Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.

Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.

With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been.

My Review

I first fell in love with the circus in literature when as a teenager I read the book "The Long Way Down" by Robb White about a runaway turned trapeze artist and the performers that become her family. The Ringmaster's Wife has the same sense of family, that in the midst of the enchanting and chaotic existence in the circus, relationships based on kindness and compassion are what really bring happiness and belonging. The pace of the book was somewhat slow for me, but I appreciated that since the author's words painted vivid pictures of the environments and experiences. The timeline also stretches over a couple decades, weaving back and forth as lives are intertwined and echoed, and facets of the past are revealed. I don't always relate well to older characters, but Mable is introduced to us when she was young, and she always felt that way to me throughout the later years of her story. Her compassion and wisdom learned from life are inspiring. My favorite quote from the book is spoken by Mable to Rose:

"This building up of what we want doesn't have to be a tearing down of who we are. It's the worst kind of extravagance to think we're above adversity. Isn't that what God calls of us, to acknowledge that we are moving with this undercurrent of something that is always at work around us? Something bigger than we could ever be as just one person?"

Rose finds herself embracing her new life in the circus, but still feels adrift and uncertain at times. The support she receives from her new family is invaluable and helps open her eyes to the importance of love. Colin is a complex hero, with several sides to him- competent manager, teasing friend, vulnerable and grieving. Even though their romance isn't at the forefront of the plot, the special moments between him and Rose are that much more poignant. There is a sense of anxiety as mysterious threats pose danger to Rose during a time when she feels most susceptible, and I didn't expect some of the twists that made her story touching. This is not a book to breeze though, but one to savor. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: The Butterfly Bride by Lacy Williams

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The prodigal son is back. Ever since the terrible mistake he made in high school—a mistake that cost his best friend his life—bullfighter Luke Starr has stayed far away from Pecan, Texas, and his family. But with his twin brothers gone on their respective honeymoons, Luke is forced to come back to town to watch over Gramma and the family ranch. And he can’t wait to leave again. Because being home hurts more than being stomped on by a bull—and it’s only a matter of time until he messes up all over again.

Special ed teacher Jess Sadler will do anything for her students—even abandon her comfort zone to convince a reluctant rodeo cowboy to give “horse lessons” to a student she can’t reach. But when feelings for Luke blindside Jess, she knows she’s in trouble. The man is counting down the minutes until he can leave Pecan. Will he take her heart with him when he goes?

Then a little boy goes missing on the family ranch, and Luke must confront the ghosts of his past or lose the future he never dreamed was possible.

My Review

There is instant attraction between Jess and Luke, but it is the compassion they show- even when it takes effort- that makes this story heartfelt. There is plenty of angst with Luke's overwhelming feelings of guilt that he faces being back home and interacting with the community he thinks blames and hates him. Dating Jess provides a bit of respite... until she tries to help him come to terms with his past. The horse lessons for her special charge gives them a connection he can't escape, and the miracle of progress they see in the child reinforces the importance of Jess's work and Luke's help. There is plenty of tension during the climax of hunting for the missing boy, but it is softened with Luke's healing experience and the decisions he makes for his future.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop!

Happy summer! I hope you're staying cool and having some good summertime fun! Some of my favorite memories of summer are playing with my sisters and cousins while beach camping in southern California. We loved boogie boarding and collecting shells, and we'd dig a hole big enough for us all to sit in while we played card games like Phase 10. What's your favorite summertime memory? 

Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below for a chance to win a print copy of Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay!

Synopsis

Lizzy and Jane never saw eye to eye. But when illness brings them together, they discover they may be more like Austen’s famous sisters after all.

Lizzy was only a teenager when her mother died of cancer. Shortly after, Lizzy fled from her home, her family, and her cherished nickname. After working tirelessly to hone her gift of creating magic in the kitchen, Elizabeth has climbed the culinary ladder to become the head chef of her own New York restaurant, Feast. But as her magic begins to elude her, Paul, Feast’s financial backer, brings in someone to share her responsibilities and her kitchen. So Elizabeth flees again.

In a desperate attempt to reconnect with her gift, Elizabeth returns home. But her plans are derailed when she learns that her estranged sister, Jane, is battling cancer. Elizabeth surprises everyone—including herself—when she decides to stay in Seattle and work to prepare healthy, sustaining meals for Jane as she undergoes chemotherapy. She also meets Nick and his winsome son, Matt, who, like Elizabeth, are trying to heal from the wounds of the past.

As she tends to Jane's needs, Elizabeth's powers begin to return to her, along with the family she left behind so long ago. Then Paul tries to entice her back to New York, and she is faced with a hard decision: stay and become Lizzy to her sister’s Jane, or return to New York and the life she worked so hard to create?

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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Road Trip Collection by Jolene Betty Perry, Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, Aubrey Mace, Ranee S. Clark

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

#1 Amazon Bestselling Romance Anthology in Clean Romance
Six new contemporary romance novellas from bestselling authors.

WHAT FALLING FEELS LIKE by Jolene Betty Perry
High school was years ago, and Kendell is ready to admit that Tyler, her best friend’s younger brother, has matured into a good-looking man. But the once-popular Kendell is recovering from a marriage-gone-wrong, and she regrets turning Tyler down for high school prom. On their road trip to deliver a refurbished camper, Kendell rediscovers all the reasons she liked Tyler, but it might be too late to rekindle their friendship.

ANTIQUES ROAD TRIP by Sarah M. Eden
Kelsey is living out her dream for the weekend as she participates in a reality show contest by living on a 19th century film set. The contestant who wins the show receives a trip to England and $100k, more than enough to get her through grad school. When she meets Devon, who was coerced by his sister to participate, friendship blossoms. When things go wrong for Kelsey, Devon is there to help, and she soon realizes that winning the contest isn’t what she most desires.

WOULDN’T IT BE NICE by Ranee` S. Clark
When Jacqueline's boyfriend Colin drops out of their long-planned road trip with friends to put his job first—again—it's the final nail in the coffin of their dying relationship. But then Hudson, her best friend’s brother, takes Colin's spot for the road trip, and Jacqueline’s disappointment in her ex takes a back seat to the chance for reestablishing the close ties she once had with Hudson. When their friendship detours into romance, it forces Jacqueline to question her reasons for breaking up with Colin and her future with Hudson.

HEAD OVER HEELS by Annette Lyon
Tristan is proud to be an entrepreneur, running a popular singles’ lifestyle blog. So when she gets an offer to cover a singles convention in Las Vegas, she needs to find a way to get there from another freelance job in Salt Lake without breaking into her personal savings. Her friend sets her up with a co-worker who happens to be driving that way, and Tristan is more than surprised to come face-to-face with a man she has a lot in common with, not to mention seems to click with right away. The two decide to play a prank on Tristan’s friend, and pretend that they are smitten with each other, but soon, the lines between pretend and reality start to fade.

TWO DOZEN ROSES by Heather B. Moore
Dayna reluctantly takes time out of her busy work life to drive her mother up the Pacific Coast Highway from California to her brother’s home in Oregon. Strangely enough, they keep running into two brothers who are traveling the same route in honor of their sister’s memory. The older brother Garrett is a merciless flirt, but the younger brother Roman is who captures Dayna’s attention. Soon she realizes that the brothers are extremely competitive, and she’s just become their next target.

TRY, TRY AGAIN by Aubrey Mace
Sarah’s secret crush on Justin takes a sudden turn when he breaks up with his girlfriend and declares that he’s interested in Sarah. She believes he’s just on the rebound, and they slowly drift apart. Six months later, Sarah still can’t stop thinking about what might have been. She ropes her friend into taking a road trip to visit Justin, hoping for a second chance. When Justin sees her, he wants answers, and Sarah has to decide if she’s brave enough to finally tell him the truth.

My Review

I love that the stories in this collection are so very different from each other, even with the same theme! The premises are creative, the details are fun, and the romance is sweet as always. I love taking road trips, especially with my husband since he prefers driving and I can read my books :) These stories capture the feeling of adventure and escape that hitting the road has in store. The most light-hearted of the bunch and my personal favorite is 'Head Over Heels" with the classic road trip element of singing 80's ballads at the top of your lungs, a Tom Hiddleston look-alike, and the out-of-nowhere romance that ensues (what a fun first kiss!). The other novellas offer a bit more relationship drama/angst, and Sarah Eden's regency reality show takes the term road trip to a whole new level with horse drawn carriages. Highly recommend- a great summer read!

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

Review: Once Upon a Cowboy by Lacy Williams

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A princess on-the-run finds sanctuary where she least expects it... After nearly dying in an assassination attempt, Princess Alessandra of Glorvaird escapes to a place no one would ever think to look for her: small town Oklahoma and a ranch staffed by a herd of wooly, uncouth cowboys. One cowboy in particular gets under her skin, until she sees his softer side. She knows this interlude can't last forever, but that doesn't stop her from wishing it might... Former Navy SEAL Gideon Hale might've rescued the princess from freezing to death, but the soldier doesn't trust easily-or at all-especially when his gut tells him Alessandra is keeping secrets. But as Alessandra begins to fit into his life, he discovers another side to the princess-one that he can't help but like. When Alessandra's enemies close in, Gideon must fight to save the woman who has become so much more than a princess... "Once Upon a Cowboy" is a contemporary western retelling of the Snow White fairytale and Book 1 in the Cowboy Fairytales series. Other books include: Cowboy Charming and The Toad Prince.

My Review

I enjoyed this novella about a modern day princess. The author did a great job portraying her desperation to escape, her fear of danger, and trauma from the recent violence. Gideon is a pretty tough nut to crack, but when he falls, he falls hard. Allie's pleasure in cooking for the cowboys and working in the kitchen endears her to all the men working on the ranch, and soon they can't imagine life without her. The fact that her stay is just temporary creates a strong tension, while the suspense from the danger she's in keeps the story quickly moving forward. Looking forward to reading more in the series!

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

Review: Between the Lines by Annette Lyon

Between the Lines is only 99 cents! This sweet novella is worth every penny ;)

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Jane Martin is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find a friend across the miles. But the program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected.

Unbeknownst to her, Thomas Allred from town becomes her writing friend. Thomas has always known quiet Jane—or thought he did—but reading her letters addressed to his secret persona opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. Meanwhile, Jane has no idea that the romantic letters she receives are penned by Thomas—or that he’s falling in love with her in person.

My Review

I love this sweet story! Thomas starts out just trying to be the solution to the problem of matching everyone up with a pen pal, and it's great how he is able to come to know the thoughtful and vibrant personality of the shyest girl in town. Of course, then he has another problem- how to get her to fall in love with his real self, rather than his pen pal persona. The spirit of hopefulness and discovery makes this a story to remember and one I enjoy re-reading when I'm in the mood for a quick feel-good tale!

Between the Lines was originally published in the Timeless Romance Anthology: Love Letters Collection.

(I purchased this novella as part of the original collection; this is my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Kai met Avery only once--in the moment he died saving her life. Now when he's not using his new healing powers to help people, he watches helplessly as Avery's life is unraveled by his death. To help her, he risks everything by breaking the rules, dangerously blurring the barriers between life and death.

My Review

Wow. Just, wow. Beyond the Rising Tide has everything I love in a YA novel- strong emotions, vulnerable characters, and a creative setting. The paranormal aspects of Kai's existence outside of mortality are fascinating and well-depicted. They don't dominate the story but provide support for an imaginative plot. Avery's grief and depression are easy to relate to, and her struggles are compounded by a thoughtless ex-boyfriend and bipolar mother. I appreciated the levels of complexity in the dynamics of Avery's relationships with her family. As more was revealed I was drawn deeper into the story and really felt for everyone involved. Kai's determination to help Avery, even without much of a game plan, made me admire his faith that he can make a difference. Even though the timeline of their relationship is brief, the development of their friendship and focus on being there for each other gives their stronger feelings a foundation of trust and support. While Avery's healing process is beautiful, it was the moments where Kai's recognition of his new feelings of peace and being loved pierced his heart that I was brought to tears. There is an overall sense of desperation as there doesn't seem to be any way for them to be together, but of course I always hold out hope for a happy ending ;) I loved this amazing journey and highly recommend it!

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

About the Author

Sarah Beard is the author of YA novels Porcelain Keys and Beyond the Rising Tide. She earned a degree in communications from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing from VCFA. When she's not writing, she referees wrestling matches between her three boys and listens to audiobooks while folding self-replicating piles of laundry. She is a breast cancer survivor, a baker of sweets, a seeker of good love stories, a composer of melancholy music, and a traveler who wishes her travel budget was much bigger. She lives with her husband and children in the shadow of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

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Book Blast for Fresh Starts by Kimberly Krey with $100 giveaway!

   

Fresh Starts by Kimberly Krey

Bree has had her fair share of difficulties. The loss of her parents, a not-so-recent divorce, and the disruption of her life caused by a stalker now who’s serving jail time. When the determined criminal finishes his sentence, Bree is sent into hiding. And while she’s doing all she can to steer clear of this frightening piece of her past, an old acquaintance enters the scene, determined to be part of her future.

 

 Praise for Fresh Starts

"Fascinating characters, heartwarming and steamy romance, and chilling suspense make for one incredible read!” Reviewer, Ruth Josse

 “…all that you hope for in a gentle tug and pull of fearing the past and daring to hope for a better future. Kimberly Krey is masterful at helping us feel Bree's experience... Fresh Starts will keep you reading page after page until the heart stopping culmination.” Author Christene Houston

“...believable and intriguing. And as always...steamy and clean!” Jamie Lynn
 

Excerpt

Say something, an inner voice pled. “Thanks for bringing up my things,” she blurted. Greyson gave her a subtle nod and made for the stairs. He got to the landing, took two more steps, and then paused to look up at her where she stood in the doorway, paralyzed. “Bree?” Tingling warmth gushed through her chest at the sound of her name in his deep, raspy voice. “Mmm?” His eyes locked on hers, and Bree was certain – by the look on his face, the very air about him – that if Greyson Law wanted to own the world and everyone in it, he could. He lifted his chin, squaring his face with hers. “I’m going to see that you’re safe.”      

Author Kimberly Krey 

Kimberly Krey specializes in writing "romance that's clean without losing the steam!" She's a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry. She discovered her love for writing in college when given a creative writing assignment. She still remembers sitting in the lamplight's glow, crafting words to depict the vision in her head. That assignment sparked a passion within her. It took years to return to that passion, but now that she has, she counts it among her greatest blessings. Krey is author of the top-selling Sweet Montana Bride series, as well as its companion series, Second Chances.  

Website * Facebook * Twitter

   

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/30/16 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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Review & Giveaway: Willowkeep by Julie Daines

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Kingston upon Hull. When a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward.

Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.

Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.

My Review

I've been on a Regency kick lately and Willowkeep totally satisfied as another great reading experience. It really stood out with the main character Charlotte being raised in a fishing village as a commoner, and the author did an excellent job portraying the difference in her upbringing, especially through her speech and expressions. Another unique aspect of the story is her care for her younger sister who has developmental disabilities. Her loyalty and compassion shine through her protectiveness of Susie. Henry's easy acceptance of both girls, but especially Susie, make him a trusted friend of Charlotte's and a source of comfort and strength in her new home and world where society can be difficult and judgemental. Charlotte's thoughts about Anne Boleyn brought a historical perspective to the story which was fascinating, usually any references to the history of the time in similar books are limited to the Napoleonic War or the current royal family. For Charlotte to feel a connection to a historical figure from before her time was fascinating. I loved Charlotte's journey from a life of physical harshness and desperation to a more emotionally and mentally trying environment. Henry identifies her as anomalous, but in a more positive way than her aunt; he finds her to be exceptional while others see her as irregular. Even with his own set of personal problems, his dedication to Charlotte and Susie's well-being is endearing and I couldn't help but wish for a happy ending for them both. I highly recommend Willowkeep to fans of Julie Klassen and Sarah  E. Ladd.

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

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June 13th 
My Book a Day
 Min Reads and Reviews 
Sweetly Made (Just For You)
LDS Writer Mom

June 14th
Getting Your Read On
LDS and Lovin' It
Bonnie Gets a Say

June 15th
Rockin' Book Reviews
Wishful Endings
Heidi Reads...

June 16th
Fire and Ice Reads
Bookworm Lisa
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Singing Librarian Books
Kindle and Me

June 17th
Books are Sanity
The Things I Love Most
Mel's Shelves
A Transparent Mom
Literary Time Out

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