Monday, November 27, 2017

Review & Giveaway: More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel


Heidi Reads... More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis

Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she’s looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that’s what she thinks.

First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad’s wedding. And if that isn’t bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she's suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for.

Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?


My Review

I love the voice of Charlee with her humor and sass! This is such a fun sequel to Trouble in Loveland, and I definitely recommend reading it first! (Although not necessary- the author does a good job weaving the backstory into the narrative) It's always a treat when the continuing story of great characters is available, and even better when that story lives up to the first book. There is plenty of drama from family and friends, which only adds to Charlee's load as she is finishing up psychology finals and papers for her degree. An unexpected surprise throws her for a loop and it's great to read her thoughts as she tries to wrap her head around the big changes in her future. I would have liked more relationship stuff with Ryan, but those scenes were brief and not the focus of the plot. Recommend to fans of contemporary romance!

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

Other Timeless Romance Singles:


Don't miss the first book in this series, Trouble in Loveland!



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

Charlee Jensen had what she considered the idyllic childhood growing up in a town named for that most prized emotion of all, Loveland, Colorado. At seventeen, her teenage crush, a man eight years older than her, marries and she naively thinks this is the worst thing that would ever happen to her. Then her parents divorce and her world crumbles. She finds herself being whisked away from her beloved home and estranged from her father.

Now eight years later, with two degrees that she never wanted in hand, and no job prospects, her father offers her a position with his CPA firm. With no other options available, Charlee accepts his offer and returns to the hometown she loved. While rebuilding her relationship with her father, she discovers that perhaps a romantic relationship is in the cards for her, with her old teenage crush, Ryan Carter, who just happens to still live next door and is now a partner in her father’s CPA firm.

Newly divorced and single dad, Ryan Carter, isn’t quite sure what to make of the girl next door, who’s all woman now. He finds himself having a hard time resisting this beautiful yet annoyingly charming woman, but their age difference and his complicated relationship with his ex-wife cause quite a bit of trouble for the couple. Ryan finds himself torn between keeping the peace with his ex-wife and mother of his child and his feelings for Charlee.

Can they successfully overcome their troubles in Loveland? Find out in this clean romance filled with sparks, humor, and of course, a little bit of trouble.


About the Author

Jennifer Peel is the award-winning bestselling author of the Dating by Design and Women of Merryton series, as well as several other contemporary romances. Though she lives and breathes writing, her first love is her family. She is the mother of three amazing kiddos and has recently added the title of mother-in-law, with the addition of two terrific sons-in-law.  She’s been married to her best friend and partner in crime for a lot longer than seems possible. Some of her favorite things are 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.

Website - Twitter - Facebook

RSVP for the Facebook chat
November 28th, 11:00 am MST (10 am Pacific)

https://www.facebook.com/events/359163201202688/


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Review & Giveaway: A Gift for Santa by Beth Carpenter


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

 Heidi Reads... A Gift for Santa by Beth Carpenter
A Gift for Santa
(Northern Lights #2)

by Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

It’s the season for giving…and starting over?

A reindeer farm without Santa wouldn’t be Christmas in Marissa Gray’s Alaskan hometown. Luckily Chris Allen’s there to pinch-hit, although for Marissa, seeing her ex-fiancĂ© again brings back memories of what might have been.

Ten years after their breakup, the feelings between the wildlife biologist and blue-eyed fisherman are stronger than ever. Only now there’s a foster kid in the mix, as well as the shocking crime that cost Marissa her job and her family’s security. She and Chris need to find their way to a meeting of minds and hearts to make this truly a season for second chances…


My Review

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

I loved the Alaskan setting in this book, especially at a reindeer farm! The author wrote with authority of the various aspects of Alaskan life and I loved the details that opened my eyes to the realities of living in snow... or without it when it's needed. Chris owns a snow plow business and with a snowless forecast he was struggling with making ends meet. It was great to read the story of Dana's brother and she and Sam from the first book in the series were incorporated into this story seamlessly. You don't need to read them in order, but I loved The Alaskan Catch so don't miss it!

Marissa has a Type A personality, but laid-back Chris was the yin to her yang. They have a history fraught with angst over disagreements about children in their future and a broken engagement. They have both matured over the years though, and when Chris volunteers to take over playing Santa for her ailing uncle, they have ample opportunity to get reacquainted. I loved that Chris was so helpful and compassionate with Marissa's family and also Ryan, his neighbor's foster child. It really showed the way he was changing. He and Marissa have good chemistry and banter, it was fun to watch them grow closer together again.

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

Other Books in the Series

http://amzn.to/2A50cG1The Alaskan Catch
(Northern Lights #1)

by Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
August 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Where life's currents take you…

Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It's impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana's no closer to finding the answers she came here for.

Her brother's best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He's strong and kind—a six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He's also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana's past…


About the Author

Once upon a time ...

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.
Reindeer Prize Pack (US only), which includes:
  • Large handcrafted quilted reindeer tote bag
  • Signed Copy of The Alaskan Catch
  • Reindeer Cookie Cutters
  • Inflatable Reindeer Antler Ring-toss Game
$25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)

Ends December 6th





Sunday, November 26, 2017

Book Tour Grand Finale: Every Serengeti Sunrise by Rula Sinara

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Every Serengeti Sunrise
By Rula Sinara

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

I hope you enjoy this book (and series)! I’m currently working on book 6 and you can find out more about all of my books and sign up for my newsletter at www.RulaSinara.com. In fact, you can also find links to A Heartwarming Thanksgiving, a Harlequin Heartwarming collection of short Thanksgiving romances, including mine, The Sweetheart Tree, which is also connected to my ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series.

Wishing you all Peace & Love this holiday season and always,

– Rula

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Kamau left the screen door creaking to a close behind him and Haki caught a glimpse of his younger brother, Huru, sketching in the family room. At fifteen, an age when most kids wallowed in hormones and angst, Huru was as mellow as they came. Maybe he channeled it all into his artwork—there was no doubt he had a gift—but sometimes Haki had to wonder if names carried enough power to define a person, or if it was the emotional state of the mother at the time of naming and rearing the child that made all the difference. Huru had always had a carefree way about him. Free, just as his name meant in Swahili, or perhaps how their mother felt at his birth: married, happy and loved, unlike how she’d been when Haki was conceived in an act of violence. Haki meant justice. And there had never been a time when he didn’t find himself wanting it. Wanting those who caused pain and harm to be held accountable, wanting to be sure he’d always be the kind of honorable man Kamau was…and not like the criminal whose blood he shared.

Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! - Is Love Always Enough

Those of you who have read books in my ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series know that the series includes anti-poaching/anti-ivory themes. Every Serengeti Sunrise takes that conflict to a new level with the hero and heroine finding themselves on opposite sides of a humanitarian vs animal rights case in Kenya. Both Haki, a wildlife vet, and Maddie, a lawyer, have valid, compassionate grounds on which to fight for their causes...


"Every Serengeti Sunrise by Rula Sinara will make you smile, chuckle and – yes – shed a few tears. The characters become your friends, and the Serengeti setting feels like home. For those of us who will probably never venture across the world for the breathtaking experience of life among the giraffes and elephants and lions, we can live vicariously through Haki and Maddie and Pippa while we’re immersed in the pages of their story. Along the way, we also get a taste of important human rights and animal rights issues, as well as a reminder to be the person we were created to be – not someone living solely to meet everyone else’s expectations. A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging story in every way!"


“Do whatever you need to do. If it’s too much work, just cut my pant loop,” Maddie said.

He slipped his fingertips barely below the waistline of her pants and pressed his palm against her, so that the belt loop and jagged end of the piece of wood were against the back of his left hand. With his right, he broke off the shard in one quick move.

“All done. I’ve got you. Let go of the ladder.” He held her by the waist, set her feet on the ground, then immediately let go and took several steps back.

Kimber Li's Cowboy & Fairytale Book Reviews - Universal Truths: 5 Heartwarming Facts About Kenya & the Masai

One of the things I love about writing a multicultural series set in an exotic, off-the-grid locale is that it has given me the opportunity to show love and family values are universal. For many, world-wide travel, exploration and simply experiencing life outside the bubbles in which we live is only possible through books…and more often than not, it happens through a romance novel. So, with Every Serengeti Sunrise, book 4 of my ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series due out in December, I thought I’d share some heartwarming facts you’ll discover in the series.


"Overall the book has some very heart felt emotions and can be an emotional roller coaster as we read the story of Maddi, Haki, and Pippa. Three childhood friends. . . . This was the hardest part of the book for me. I don't do triangles well. Other than that I enjoyed the read. "

Backing Books - Review

"It is not everyday that a novel set in Kenya pops up in my review feed. Most American authors stick to the US of A, or else some of the more "romantic" countries of Europe. So it was a joy to find something that was a little more unique. And since I had read an anthropological study in college that dealt with Kenya and the tribal laibons, I was excited to see where the author took this story. . . . To begin with, Sinara did a great job of depicting Kenyan culture. . . . I think that if I had read the rest of the series beforehand, that I would have enjoyed the romance in this one much more. "


Keep your enemies closer. That was essentially manipulation. The word had such a negative connotation, but what if it harmed none? Mosi got what he wanted by tapping into a human’s emotions with one harmless look. Nature was full of lessons, wasn’t it? And Jack was right. Spending time with Maddie meant having the chance to sway her. He needed to find the old Maddie, the girl who’d once dreamed of visiting Kenya and going on safari, and had had that dream come true in spades…then abandoned it. He needed to find the Maddie who used to love tagging along with the keepers and begging them to let her bottle-feed the baby elephants. He needed to save her from that high-achieving, put-together, lawyerly facade.

Wishful Endings - Review

"EVERY SERENGETI SUNRISE is a story of protection, compassion, loss, and love. Set mostly in the Kenya Savannah among a battle between people and wildlife and the families who have invested time to save and protect, comes the story of three close friends who are trying to find their path to love. At moments it's deeply heartbreaking, some moments are full of family and laughter, while others are endearing sweet. Those who enjoy heartwarming stories and who have enjoyed this series so far will find much to love here."


"Every Serengeti Sunrise, a clean romance in Harlequin’s Heartwarming line, will certainly appeal to romance fans, but this story is so much more. I’m not naturally drawn to Kenya as a setting and love triangles don’t really appeal, but I wanted to read this story because the author had been recommended – and I was blown away. Rich characterization, breathtaking setting, and poignant storyline all combined into a compelling, epic read that captured me emotionally from page one and never let go. The writing of Rula Sinara is impressive and I love her gentle warmth and humor."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

They passed the thorny gateway and came to a clearing lined with small huts.

“You were here recently? Because of the same incident I’m investigating? Why didn’t you say so? No wonder you weren’t checking any maps.”

“Makes me a good guide, doesn’t it?”

She was trying to establish a boundary between the two of them. He could feel the wall going up.

I Am A Reader - The Love Triangle

Have you ever been in a situation where you were dating or even engaged to someone you’d been with for so long that family and friends had come to expect you to get married? Perhaps you or your love interest had also fallen under the comforting spell of routine…and maybe you truly cared for them…and had mistaken it for true love...

Becky on Books - Review

"This is only my second read from it, but I am loving this series! The unique setting and wealth of well-developed characters in the From Kenya, with Love series make these books so much fun to read–and Maddie and Haki’s story is not an exception. . . . you’ve got one heck of a heart-wrenching story. There were times when I thought that a HEA would be impossible, but Ms. Sinara brought everyone through to a satisfying–though a little teary–conclusion."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Every Serengeti Sunrise
(From Kenya, With Love #4)
Rula Sinara
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Elephants, Africa’s wild savannah and three best friends…

When attorney Maddie Corallis returns to Kenya to fight a humanitarian vs animal rights case, the last thing she expects is for her childhood friend, wildlife veterinarian Haki Odaba, to be the very man she’s up against. Loyal and protective, Haki would never turn his back on the elephants he’s devoted to saving, any more than Maddie could abandon the native tribes she’s come to protect. An impossible battle…but nothing compared to the fight they face when old feelings surface and the soul-deep connection they’ve always shared threatens the worst kind of betrayal...that of their dearest friend Pippa. The one Haki is expected to marry.

Denying their feelings is torture, but giving in is not an option. Not with the suffering it would cause. Besides, Maddie left Kenya once and she’ll be leaving again soon. An ocean, a case and a friend between them. Maybe love can’t always find a way…or can it?


Other Books in the Series


About the Author


National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she'll ever admit to. Rula's writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush, on Twitter, on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.


Tour Giveaway


Prize Pack #1: (one winner, U.S. residents only)
- A set of three, 15X15 in cotton canvas ‘From Kenya, With Love’ tote bags
- A handmade wooden ‘Believe’ star ornament
- A set of 3 plush wild animal TY Teeny Tys (great stocking stuffers!)
- An autographed copy of A Heartwarming Christmas Craft & Cookbook
- An autographed copy of After the Silence
- An autographed copy of Through the Storm
- Every Serengeti Sunrise bookmark

Prize Pack #2: (one winner, open to U.S. and International residents)
Amazon Kindle (gifted) copies of The Promise of Rain and After the Silence (Winner may substitute a different backlist book by Rula Sinara, if one of the above titles is already owned. No other substitutions apply.)

Ends November 29th





Thursday, November 23, 2017

Link-up: Free / Bargain Books



Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Leels Loves Books
Tuesday
Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Between the Coverz | Bookalicious Traveladdict
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Heidi Reads...
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance |
Colorimetry | Futures
Saturday
3 Partners in Shopping | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings 
Sunday

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author
For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author
For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 
For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, in case any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here


Come back and check out the new selection every week!


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Every Serengeti Sunrise by Rula Sinara


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Every Serengeti Sunrise
(From Kenya, With Love #4)
Rula Sinara
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Elephants, Africa’s wild savannah and three best friends…

When attorney Maddie Corallis returns to Kenya to fight a humanitarian vs animal rights case, the last thing she expects is for her childhood friend, wildlife veterinarian Haki Odaba, to be the very man she’s up against. Loyal and protective, Haki would never turn his back on the elephants he’s devoted to saving, any more than Maddie could abandon the native tribes she’s come to protect. An impossible battle…but nothing compared to the fight they face when old feelings surface and the soul-deep connection they’ve always shared threatens the worst kind of betrayal...that of their dearest friend Pippa. The one Haki is expected to marry.

Denying their feelings is torture, but giving in is not an option. Not with the suffering it would cause. Besides, Maddie left Kenya once and she’ll be leaving again soon. An ocean, a case and a friend between them. Maybe love can’t always find a way…or can it?


Excerpt

They passed the thorny gateway and came to a clearing lined with small huts.
“You were here recently? Because of the same incident I’m investigating? Why didn’t you say so? No wonder you weren’t checking any maps.”
“Makes me a good guide, doesn’t it?”
She was trying to establish a boundary between the two of them. He could feel the wall going up.
“I suppose. It also means you’re a step ahead of me and you were lying by omission. There wasn’t a killing here, though, was there? Not from the information I got, at least.” She flipped through her notes to check.
“No, there wasn’t. I was in the area and the KWS vet was held up on an emergency. When incidents are first reported, it’s not always clear if an injured animal will be found. One in need of emergency veterinary care or possibly one that’s dead. If the cause of death isn’t immediately apparent then a necropsy is needed. Sometimes there’s no mark on them because they’ve been poisoned. And sometimes, they’re not even found near the site. One of the men from the village might go and hunt it down after the fact, so we have to check the entire area.”
“I see. So the authorities’ only concern is for the elephants?”
“I didn’t say that, but, yes, that’s a major concern.”
“What about those children playing over there? What if they got injured in a stampede or went hungry because of crop-related income loss?”
Haki dug his heels into the hard ground and braced his hands on his waist.
“We don’t want anyone hurt. Do you think such cases aren’t reported or cared about? Be reasonable, Maddie. You know me. I’m not an extremist. It’s about balancing humanity and nature. But man is not in danger of extinction here. We cannot condone the hunting of elephants, be it for a warrior’s rite of passage or for retaliation, and especially not for ivory. Do you really think that in any elephant death, the ivory is left to waste? One incident is all it takes to perpetuate the cycle. There are dangerous, conniving men out there—poachers who’ll do anything for a sale, including bribery, blackmail and threats. And desperation equals motivation. Unfortunately, a farmer desperate enough, financially, will be motivated to work for poachers. They might even use crop destruction as a defense. We have to have consequences in place that are strong enough to serve as counter- motivation. Punishments that will make anyone think twice.”
Something shifted in Maddie’s face. Something as piercing as the eyes of a lioness who’d spotted her prey and knew exactly what she needed to do to feed her cubs.
“The Masai and other tribes have a unique culture and way of life that has been under constant threat. You want balance? Look at the maps that NWG plotted out showing how much land they’ve lost. Every time a reserve or national park is formed or some private company manages to get their hands on land that shouldn’t be touched, the living boundaries for the native peoples shrinks. These were nomads forced into farming. Balance means you can’t protect and provide for elephants and not do so for the people native to the same land. Punishments are not always the answer, Haki.”
“You’re the lawyer. Your entire career is centered on punishment.”
Defense law. I’m defending the rights of these people.”
“Is man the only one with rights on this earth?”
Maddie sucked in an audible breath and curled her lips. He’d hit a nerve.
“You see those inkajijik?” Maddie asked. She pointed toward the rows of huts built of walls plastered with mud, cow dung and urine and topped with a dried grass roof held up by a meshwork of twigs and leleshwa wood poles. “People being forced to change their way of life or forced onto designated areas of land is an injustice that happens all over the world. It’s been happening for centuries, yet now you want to punish them for being forced into a corner and trying to survive?”
“How far back do you want to go? I believe the elephants and other native wildlife were here first. And now they, too, are restricted to protected areas—otherwise, people hunt them to extinction. The tribes have adapted. The elephants…well, one can’t adapt to getting slaughtered. They can’t adapt once they don’t exist anymore. For them, there’s only one solution. To punish the killing,” Haki said.
Maddie rubbed the back of her neck, then pushed her silver bangles up her forearm.
“I don’t want anyone suffering on either side. That’s why your bill needs to be stopped, but I suppose getting through to you will be like trying to claw my way through that thorny enkang barrier. I’m here to speak with and for the Masai. I’m not here to argue with you about the importance of human life.”
“You left Kenya. You left your family and friends behind, but I stayed. I stayed to help care for family and have dedicated my life to helping both the wildlife and people here. So don’t go lecturing me on who’s important.”
    She’d abandoned him. He had been heartbroken and dejected that year. Everyone blamed it on his age and hormones and no doubt those factors made everything seem like the end of the world. But the main reason was Maddie. That kind of blow was hard to forget for a teenage boy. He pinched the bridge of his nose. That was all in the past. He was over it. Over her. It was just that being around her was bringing back old memories.
    Maybe driving her out here hadn’t been such a good idea after all. He should have stuck with his initial plan and kept his distance from the start. He wasn’t sure there was any of the old Maddie left in her.


Other Books in the Series


About the Author


National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she'll ever admit to. Rula's writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush, on Twitter, on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.


Tour Schedule

November 13th: Launch Colorimetry
November 21st: Wishful Endings
November 22nd: Heidi Reads... & I Am A Reader
November 23rd: underneath the covers
November 24th: Becky on Books
November 25th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


Prize Pack #1: (one winner, U.S. residents only)
- A set of three, 15X15 in cotton canvas ‘From Kenya, With Love’ tote bags
- A handmade wooden ‘Believe’ star ornament
- A set of 3 plush wild animal TY Teeny Tys (great stocking stuffers!)
- An autographed copy of A Heartwarming Christmas Craft & Cookbook
- An autographed copy of After the Silence
- An autographed copy of Through the Storm
- Every Serengeti Sunrise bookmark

Prize Pack #2: (one winner, open to U.S. and International residents)
Amazon Kindle (gifted) copies of The Promise of Rain and After the Silence (Winner may substitute a different backlist book by Rula Sinara, if one of the above titles is already owned. No other substitutions apply.)

Ends November 29th