Day Seven: September 23th
Books Read: Rose in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan, Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore
Pages Read: 496
Total Pages Read: 1842
Finished Books: 5
Finished Books: 5
Monday, September 24, 2018
#FallIntoBooks #Bookstore
Falling in Love Event: Author Aubrey Wynne, Sale & Giveaway
Dante’s Gift by Aubrey Wynne
Kathleen James has put her practical side away for once and looks forward to the perfect romantic evening: an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams—and an engagement ring. She is not prepared to hear that he wants to bring his grandmother back from Italy to live with him.
Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for six months. Nothing can go wrong—until his Nonna calls. Now he must interrupt the tenderest night of Katie’s life with the news that another woman will be under their roof.
When Antonia’s sister dies, she finds herself longing to be back in the states. A wartime bride from the ‘40s, she knows how precious love can be. Can her own story of an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts together at Christmas?
Get your copy for just 99 cents!
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Listen to a sample chapter of Dante's Gift
The scent of turkey met her at Dom’s front door. For a moment, apprehension swept through her at the thought of helping in the kitchen. Then a handsome man stood before her, and she couldn’t wipe the foolish smile off her face. Instead of saying something stupid, she held out the wine.
“In a holiday bag, no less,” Dom said, eyebrows raised. He stepped back to let her in, grabbed her hand, and spun her around to face him. “You look stunning.”
“I just thought that the burlap would give it extra protection if I dropped it, and they only seemed to have holiday wine bags in stock and—”
One finger covered her mouth. As his head slowly lowered, she could feel his breath on her face; heat raced through her core. By the time their lips touched, her legs had turned to jello; she clung to him for support.
Gently pushing her toward the wall, he pressed his length against her and whispered, “I need to make you mine, legally, before I lose all control. You have no idea the affect you have on me, do you?”
“I think that is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me,” she said breathless. “Kiss me like that again… please?”
“I’d be happy to oblige if you tell me that isn’t my grandmother standing in the doorway watching us.”
Katie looked over to see Antonia, a wide grin on her face, and quickly pushed on the hard chest that pinned her to the wall. She ran a hand through her hair as the blood rushed to her face.
“Oh Nico, such good Italian blood in you. And not even any mistletoe out yet.” Antonia wiped her hands on her apron and waved to the young couple. “Come now, we have work to do before we play.”
The two followed her in like reprimanded children who showed no remorse, holding hands and snickering. This is silly but it feels so good. Katie accepted the apron and as she pulled the straps behind her, strong hands covered hers.
“Let me,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m good at tying knots.”
Excerpt WWII romance:
The pilot with wheat-colored hair put his elbows on the counter and leaned toward her. “I could buy thirty loaves of bread at home for that much lettuce.”
“But you are not home, soldier. You are here, in Benevento, and a sticky bun is 100 lire.” She meant to be rude but his soft brown gaze made her heart race as if she’d just chased Dante across the field. His smile went to his eyes, adding crinkles to the corners, and made her own lips turn up. “The cost of supplies is very expensive these days, as you know.”
“So I’ve heard. Give me five,” he said with a wink. “Maybe I can sweet talk the captain into putting me back into a plane.”
“Save your money, Ken. Your ears obviously ain’t got any better in the last ten minutes,” he answered, rubber-necking over the counter. “Get a load of that landing gear.”
Dante growled again but this time showed sharp, white teeth. “I don’t think he likes you much, Bob.”
“Well I don’t care for him, neither. Give me two of those, and we’ll get out of your hair.”
The men paid for the rolls and walked outside. She headed into the kitchen when that quiet, deep voice stopped her. “I’d like to apologize for my friend. He’s not a bad Joe once you get to know him.”
“I don’t think I care to,” she said without turning around.
“It looks like I may be making regular trips through your town. Do you work here often?” His tone dripped like honey from a ladle and poured over her; she felt her body turn toward him even as her brain told her “no.”
“My family owns it. I am here every day.”
“So your father is Guido?” He had resumed his place at the counter, balanced on his elbows again, inviting her back without a word.
She found herself leaning on the counter from the other side. “How do you know my father?”
“The sign says Guido’s Café.”
She laughed. “Yes, it does. So you are no private eye, eh?”
He whistled then. “You’d make Betty Grable green with envy when you smile. It makes those blue eyes sparkle like a fresh-cut diamond. You should do that more often.”
Her eyes lowered, embarrassed at the compliment and the image of the American pinup girl in a bathing suit. “You should go catch up with your friends.”
“My name is Ken Lawrence,” he said and held out his hand.
“Antonia Capriotti,” she replied and took his hand. A tingle shot down her center and curled her toes. “It is nice to meet you.”
Winner of the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, and Heart of Excellence,
Rone finalist for audio
Reviewers Top Pick by Books and Benches
"The ultimate Hallmark Channel romance, this is an excellent read for a bad day or a lazy afternoon." - InD'Tale Magazine
"Truly romantic... a book that you will not be able to put down." - Books Are Love
"Dante's Gift is a wonderfully poignant holiday romantic tale that intertwines two love stories..." - Jersey Girl Book Review
Author Aubrey Wynne
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her
husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.
Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won
Readers Choice Awards. Dante's Gift and Paper Love received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.
In addition to her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will release two more Regency
romances in 2018. The Wicked Earls’ Club will release again in 2019. Wynne’s medieval
fantasy series launched in 2017 with Rolf's Quest, winner of the NTRWA Great Expectations and Maggie finalist.
Giveaway Details
Ends 10/12/18
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.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
#TackleYourTBR Update: Day Six
Day Six: September 22th
Pages Read: 184
Total Pages Read: 1346
Finished Books: 3
Finished Books: 3
Wrote reviews for The Cost of Betrayal by Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason, and The Daily Question For You and Your Child
Review: The Cost of Betrayal by Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
In Dee Henderson's novella "Betrayal," Janelle Roberts is freed--thanks to people she doesn't know--after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.
In Dani Pettrey's "Deadly Isle," Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims?
In Lynette Eason's "Code of Ethics," trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him.
My Review
Wow! Each of these stories is amazing, yet so different from each other. I enjoyed them all equally and felt they complemented each other so well. The first story "Betrayal" from Dee Henderson is so fascinating, I loved seeing the process of a cold case break wide open at the hands of a couple of FBI agents who were in the right time at the right place. I thought it was interesting how it switched perspectives to show a broader view of the story. I appreciated that the conclusion was so realistic and didn't take the conventional approach that I expected.
"Deadly Isle" by Dani Pettrey was intense and had great romantic tension! The pace was swift yet the characters felt fully developed as they work to investigate and solve the mystery so tragically close to home. Teni and Callen have a history and the memories that surfaced while they helped each other during the raging storm brought a sense of belonging and relief.
"Code of Ethics" by Lynette Eason also had a fast pace and the sense of working against the clock. I liked that Ruthie was comfortable with law enforcement and their procedures because of her family, even though she is a doctor. There are twists and turns as she and Isaac dodge the killers while searching for the evidence that will prove his suspicions correct. I loved the attraction and bits of romance that were slipped in as Ruthie and Isaac got to know each other while also depending on each other for their lives.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Review & Sweepstakes: The Daily Question for You and Your Child: A Three-Year Spiritual Journal #PRHpartner
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
A fun, thought-provoking 365-question guided journal and keepsake that sparks daily interaction with your child to create a memory book capturing your child's life, personality, and faith journey.
This interactive prompted journal allows a parent to create a keepsake of three years of their child's life. By answering each of the 365 questions together on the same date each year, readers will get a unique and precious picture into their child's feelings, development, and personality. Some of the questions focus on spirituality and the child's heart, while some are meant to capture their creativity, spirit, and sense of humor. All questions spark conversations and memories that span well beyond the pages of this book.
My Review
What a fun idea to ask your child the same question but with one year spanning each of the responses! And to have a full year of questions to ask- this is a priceless resource for bonding and really getting to know the creative mind of your child. I loved the array of themes for the questions, and can't wait to get started with my daughters. While some questions seem geared towards older kids, with a little explanation or adaptation they would work for younger kids as well. The majority are perfect for all ages. The quality of the book is great, it's a nice hardback with a slot for putting a family photo in the cover, and the pages are a good weight. This is an awesome activity keepsake that would make a thoughtful gift!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
SWEEPSTAKES
The Daily Question for You and Your Child Sweepstakes!
One (1) Grand Prize Winner(s) will receive the following:
SWEEPSTAKES
The Daily Question for You and Your Child Sweepstakes!
Don’t have the journal yet? Here’s a few questions you can choose from!
- Name someone who makes you smile, and explain why.
- When do you like to pray?
- One a five-year mission to colonize Mars, you can bring two things from your room. What are they?
- Why do you like your friends?
- Would you rather have the ability to fly or have a pet dinosaur?
- What age feels really old to you?
- Are you afraid of bugs, or do you think they’re cool?
HOW TO ENTER:
- Posting a video of your child going through 1-2 questions from the book The Daily Question for You and Your Child on @WaterBrookMultnomah’s Facebook Page as required in the applicable Sweepstakes announcement using the hashtag #DailyQuestionSweepstakes; or
- Posting a video to your Twitter account of your child going through 1-2 questions from the book The Daily Question for You and Your Child as required in the applicable Sweepstakes announcement using the hashtag #DailyQuestionSweepstakes; or
- Posting a video to your Instagram account of your child going through 1-2 questions from the book The Daily Question for You and Your Child as required in the applicable Sweepstakes announcement using the hashtag #DailyQuestionSweepstakes.
Video posts must be no longer than one minute.
PRIZE PACK:
One (1) Grand Prize Winner(s) will receive the following:
- One (1) copy of The Daily Question;
- One (1) copy of 30 Days to Peace;
- One (1) copy of 30 Days to Joy;
- One (1) copy of Eat at Home Tonight by Tiffany King; and
- One (1) copy of The Daily Question for You and Your Child.
Winner will be chosen at random. See official rules here.
#TackleYourTBR Update: Day Five
Day Five: September 21th
Pages Read: 32
Total Pages Read: 1346
Finished Books: 2
Finished Books: 2
Participated in the Initials Challenge at Tressa's Wishful Endings with a post on Instagram
Wrote the review for Creating Your Forever Family: How to Incorporate Family Proclamation Principles in Your Home by Rachel A. Sullivan
$100 GIVEAWAY from Clean Wholesome Romance!
An amazing group of authors has joined together to bring you one great prize!
Just think how many books you could buy with $100! Or maybe you need a new Kindle! Or maybe you want to try Kindle Unlimited! So many possibilities!!
Please show these amazing authors some love! Visit their sites. Sign up for their newsletters. Download their books. Review their books. Follow them on Social Media. There are so many ways you can support them!
Giveaway Sponsors
Now it's time for the giveaway!
One winner will be awarded $100 in Paypal Cash or a $100 Amazon Gift Code!
Winning entry will be verified! Make sure you actually subscribe and confirm your entries so you don't get disqualified.
If you already subscribe to an author's newsletter you can, of course, claim the entry!
Giveaway Details
$100 Amazon Gift Code or $100 in Paypal Cash
Ends 10/28/18
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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter, Amazon, Paypal or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader/Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
#FallIntoBooks #TearJerker
I absolutely loved the first book in the series, Yesterday's Promise, and fell in love with the two main characters. They have quite a bit of hardships and struggles in this second book, and emotions were flying high! Since I felt such a connection to Collin and Katie I was definitely moved to tears as I read the twists and turns their journey took.
Synopsis
Scottish Highlands, 1700s:
Barely
two weeks have passed since Laird Collin MacDonald first darkened
Katherine Mercer’s doorstep and married her. Marriage has hardly been
what she expected, given their grueling and adventurous days of travel
to the Scottish Highlands. Along with the discovery that Collin’s twin
Ian would like to see her dead, Katie must now face her own clan, whose
chief wants to kill Collin and take her to wife himself. All because
Katie possesses the Campbell gift of sight, passed down through
centuries of her ancestors.
With
little more than faith in her grandfather’s vision and her unique bond
with Collin to guide her, Katie steps bravely into an unknown future,
where the glimpses afforded her may bring more danger than direction.
When the misuse of her gift takes Collin from her side, she is left
alone and vulnerable. Help arrives in the most unexpected form as Ian
MacDonald makes good on his threat to attack the Campbells and Katie
learns that the bond between brothers and love knows no bounds.
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